Great Snipe (4/4)

Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) (353, 16)

By Thho46 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26628597Photo ©

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NOT PROVEN (cont.)

0). 1881 Suffolk Butley, killed, October.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'One killed at Butley in Oct., 1881.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1881 Sussex Coghurst Estate, near Hastings, seen, late October.

(T. Parkin, Zoologist 1881: 492; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Thomas Parkin of Halton, Hastings (1881) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. V. p. 492, says: 'Mr. C. J. Ebden, of Coghurst Hall, near Hastings, informs me that towards the latter end of October he flushed a Great Snipe, Gallinago major, in a stubble-field on the Coghurst Hall estate.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 223; Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 228).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1881 Suffolk River Stour, Melford, shot, 18th November.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'One, very large and heavy, shot by the Stour at Melford by Sir W. Parker, Nov., 18, 1881; not preserved (Sir W. Parker in litt.).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1881 Sussex Horsham, shot, undated.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Borrer (1891: 223) says: 'Mr. Child, of Slinfold, has kindly informed me that he saw a Great Snipe flushed in a barley field, and shot by Mr. William Lintott, of Horsham, about ten years ago.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1881 Yorkshire Near Campton, two, shot, undated.

(J. Stamper, Field 5th Feb., 1881: 159).

[KAN].

History J. Stamper of Highfield House, Oswaldkirk (1881) in The Field of 5th Feb., Vol. LVII. p. 159, says: 'Two of these birds were shot by Mr. R. Goodwin, near Campton, a village near Gilling, Yorkshire. They were both in capital condition, and almost as large as a Woodcock. The Solitary Snipe is very rare about here. I have shot ordinary snipes ever since I could handle a gun, but have never killed one of the larger Solitary sort, nor have I heard of anyone else killing one in this neighbourhood before.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1881-82 or 1883-84 North-east Scotland Between Fraserburgh and Lonmay, Aberdeenshire, shot, undated.

(Field 1882; "Ardaros" Field 25th Nov., 1922: 784).

[KAN].

History "Ardaros" (1922) in The Field of 25th Nov., Vol. CXL. p. 784, says: 'Col. L. E. S. Parry may be interested to know that I shot a Great or Solitary Snipe between Fraserburgh and Lonmay in Aberdeenshire, either in the year 1881-2 or 1883-4, of which a note appeared in The Field at the time.'

Comment Anonymous records were considered worthless by naturalists. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1882 Borders Ellemford, Berwickshire, seen, undated.

(Muirhead, 1895).

[KAN].

History Muirhead (1895 (2): 240) says: 'Mr. George Low told me in November 1882 that his brother, the Hon. Lord Low, saw a Great Snipe on Ellemford ground a few years previously.'

Comment Third-hand report! It would be unwise to accept sight records from this era without identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1882 Highland Orbost, Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, fifteen, seen, seven shot, autumn.

(H. A. Macpherson, Zoologist 1883: 360).

[Harvie-Brown & Macpherson, 1904].

History H. A. Macpherson (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 360, says: 'Apropos of Snipe, I may say that Dr. Maclean, Orbost, saw fifteen Solitary Snipe in Skye in the autumn of 1882, and shot seven of them on Orbost ground. Though familiar with the bird he had not previously seen it in Skye.'

Harvie-Brown & Macpherson (1904: 295) placing the record in square brackets, say: 'Dr. Maclean, of Orbost, kindly informed me that he saw fifteen in Sky in the autumn of 1882, and that he shot seven of them on Orbost ground (Zool. 1883, p. 360). Dr. Maclean was quite satisfied as to their identity, and told me he knew the species well. Sportsmen, however, do confuse large specimens of the Common Snipe with the Solitary, and I retain it with some doubt in the present list on Dr. Maclean's authority.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1882 Dorset Christchurch, Hampshire, obtained, early November.

(T. J. Mann, Field 11th Nov., 1882: 692; Clark, 2022).

[KAN].

History T. J. Mann (1882) in The Field of 11th Nov., Vol. LX. p. 692, says: 'An average specimen of this bird was obtained at Christchurch, Hants., a few days since, and proved on dissection to be a female. The breast-bone could not be preserved, being too much damaged by shot. I feel convinced many lovers of birds would find a new field of pleasure in the preservation of the sterna of every specimen coming to them in the flesh, the contrast being most singular in proportion to the power of flight.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1883 Yorkshire Langton, near Malton, 3rd September.

(F. B. Norcliffe, Field 15th Sept., 1883: 394).

[KAN].

History F. B. Norcliffe of Langton Hall, Malton (1883) in The Field of 15th Sept., Vol. LXII. p. 394, says: 'On Sept. 3 I was crossing a field of clover seeds at Langton, near Malton, when a setter pointed and flushed a Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major). It settled again, about sixty yards off, flying quite steadily, and very unlike a Snipe's ordinary rate of progression. I walked it up and got it, and the keeper, believing it to be a young Woodcock, unfortunately drew its legs. It is now in the hands of Mr. E. Allen, bird stuffer, at York. I fancy it has become a rare bird nowadays.'

[...It is observable that the period of its autumn migration commences earlier than that of the Common Snipe, most of the specimens reported being met with by Partridge shooters in September (often quite early in the month), and in much drier situations than those usually selected by the Common Snipe. - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1883 Yorkshire Kilnsea, shot, 20th September.

("Merganser" Field 22nd Dec., 1883: 863).

[KAN].

History "Merganser" (1883) in The Field of 22nd Dec., Vol. LXII. p. 863, says: 'While shooting in the neighbourhood of Kilnsey on Sept. 20, I bagged a Solitary Snipe, which weighed exactly 8oz. On the same day I killed two ordinary snipe, which weighed 5oz. and 4oz. respectively. The rest of my bag consisted of two grouse and two teal. My bag of snipe would probably have been more respectable if a heavy storm of wind and rain had not come on about two o'clock, which rendered shooting difficult. Many snipe breed in the neighbourhood of Kilnsey, but they nearly all migrate about the end of September.'

[It is remarkable that the Solitary Snipe always arrive earlier than the Common Snipe, and are generally found in drier situations. - Ed.]

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to naturalists. Not acceptable.

0). 1883 Northumberland Near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, shot, September.

(H. T. Archer, Field 6th Oct., 1883: 490).

[Bolam, 1912].

History H. T. Archer of Newcastle (1883) in The Field of 6th Oct., Vol. LXII. p. 490, says: 'A specimen of the Great Snipe was shot near here in September. On reference to the authorities, I see that all the Great Snipes shot in Northumberland have been killed during the month of September.'

Not in the list of accepted county records (Bolam 1912).

0). 1883 Norfolk Near Cley-next-the-Sea, shot, 1st October.

(W. Sumpter, Field 13th Oct., 1883: 523).

[KAN].

History W. Sumpter of Cley-next-the-Sea (1883) in The Field of 13th Oct., Vol. LXII. p. 523, says: 'Though a sportsman of more than thirty years' experience in various districts, I have never before had the fortune to shoot the three different species of snipe on one beat. On Oct. 1, walking through some turnips, bordering some marshy land, partially inundated in consequence of the late heavy rainfall in this locality, I flushed and shot a fine Jack Snipe, a Common or Full Snipe, and a small Solitary Snipe weighing 6¾ oz. This occurrence strikes me as singular and may be worth recording.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1883 Norfolk Snettisham, shot, early October.

("A Subscriber" Field 20th Oct., 1883: 533).

[KAN].

History "A Subscriber" (1883) in The Field of 20th Oct., Vol. LXII. p. 533, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe, 7 oz. bumping weight (one might say 7½ oz.), was shot on the marshes at Snettisham during the first week of October. This place lies on the Great Eastern line, between Lynn and Hunstanton. The bird is now in the hands of Mr. R. Clark, taxidermist, of that place, for preservation.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to naturalists. Not acceptable.

0). 1883 Northamptonshire Near Barnwell, two, seen, 16th November.

(Lilford, Zoologist 1884: 451; Lilford, 1895).

[Taylor MS., 1959].

History Lord Lilford of Oundle (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series. Vol. VIII. p. 451, says "Two birds seen by the Hon. Thomas Fitzwilliam, an experienced snipe-shooter, on Nov. 16th, were reported by him to us as undoubtedly specimens of the Great or Solitary Snipe, Scolopax major. Mr. Fitzwilliam was out with his hounds, and flushed these birds close to him, from a field of newly-sown wheat near Barnwell. This is a very late appearance for this species in this neighbourhood, in which it is at all seasons an uncommon bird.'

Lord Lilford (1895 (2): 51) says: 'The Hon. Thos. W. Fitzwilliam, in a letter dated Nov. 17th, 1883, wrote: - "I am quite certain that I saw two Great Snipes yesterday, one got up under my horse's nose in the ploughed field, wheat now coming up, which lies between the two bottom Kingsthorpe spinnies (near Barnwell), the other some way further on. I never saw any Snipe half as big before, and as I have done a great deal of snipe-shooting I am sure I am not mistaken. The flight of these birds did not seem to be as quick as that of the Common Snipe".'

Comment Rather late date. Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1883 Nottinghamshire Near Southwell, killed, undated.

(Whitaker, 1907).

[KAN].

History Whitaker (1907: 264) says: 'Rev. W. Becher killed one near Southwell, in 1883.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1884 Essex Takeley, shot, undated.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

[KAN].

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Pettitt has preserved specimens shot respectively at Takeley about 1884.'

Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: one at Takeley about 1884.'

Comment Pettitt preserved the 1888 Essex December record which I believe was misidentified, so, I have not much faith in this record either. Not acceptable.

0). 1884 Northumberland Farne Islands, seen, 31st August.

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 6: 62).

[Bolam, 1912].

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1885) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1884, 6th report, p. 62, say: 'Farn, Aug. 31st, 5 a.m., calm, one to W.'

Comment Not in the list of accepted county records (Bolam 1912). Not acceptable.

0). 1884 Yorkshire Scampston, shot, 18th September.

(W. H. St. Quintin, Naturalist 46: 77; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History W. H. St. Quintin of Scampston (1920) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 77, says: 'I have a note that I shot a Solitary Snipe here on the 18th September, 1884, in a young wood of Scot's fir and larch, recently planted, on extremely sandy, dry soil.' Accepted locally (Chislett (1952: 236; Mather 1986).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Published 36 years later. Not acceptable.

0). 1884 Somerset Near Bridgwater, shot, 24th September.

(H. Smith Spark, Field 11th Oct., 1884: 499).

[KAN].

History H. Smith Spark of Pawlett, Bridgwater (1884) in The Field of 11th Oct., Vol. LXIV. p. 499, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to know that a fine specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major) was shot here on the 24th ult.'

[The Solitary Snipe is not a common bird in Somersetshire, but has been obtained there occasionally in autumn. In all probability it has been overlooked from its general resemblance to the common species. - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Clyde Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, pair, shot, 16th May.

(W. Evans, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 9: 184; W. Evans, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 11: 542-543; McWilliam, 1936).

[KAN].

History W. Evans (1886) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. IX. p. 184, says: 'On 16th May last (1885) a pair of Great Snipes, male and female, were shot on rough pasture at Clydebank, on the north side of the river, about four miles below Glasgow.

They were preserved by Mr. D. Morrison, taxidermist, Glasgow, who was also present when they were killed; and the one now exhibited, the male, shortly afterwards came into the hands of Mr. Small, George Street, Edinburgh. It has since become the property of the Earl of Haddington, to whom I am indebted for the privilege of exhibiting it to the Society...In England it occurs with tolerable regularity, but in Scotland the occurrences are so few and uncertain that, for the present at any rate, we would scarcely be justified in classing it as other than an irregular visitor on spring and autumn migration, though it is highly probable that the bird is not infrequently shot by sportsmen who do not discriminate between it and the common species - its larger size exciting little or no surprise in view of the great variation known to exist in this respect among individuals of our native snipe.

An examination of the records of the occurrence of the Great Snipe in our islands shows that it has been observed far oftener in autumn than in spring; and, indeed, the chief interest attaching to the two specimens which form the subject of this note, is that they are believed to be the first which have been obtained in Scotland in the latter season of the year.

The fact that they were a pair, male and female, and that they occurred at a time when all our native birds were in the midst of the duties of incubation, might not unnaturally lead to the supposition that they would have nested with us had they been allowed to remain unmolested, but when we bear in mind that it is one of the last birds to arrive on its breeding grounds in the north of Europe - only passing Gibraltar in the latter part of April, and not reaching Scandinavia before the middle or end of May, or even till the first week of June in the Arctic Circle - there can be little doubt that they were merely resting on their northern journey.

Reports of the occurrence of the Great Snipe in Scotland, which now and again reach our ears, cannot, in the absence of the usual evidence, be as a rule founded upon; and I think I am within the mark in saying that there are not more than seven or eight authentic specimens hitherto on record. Among them is one which was obtained at Torhousemuir, Wigtownshire, on the 5th of September 1874, and exhibited at a meeting of this Society by the late Dr. J. A. Smith on 17th November following. The species appears to have occurred rather oftener on the east than on the west side of the country, but I am not aware of any record of its occurrence in the Lothians, though it has been obtained two or three times in Fifeshire, once in Roxburghshire, and once in Berwickshire; in which county the Earl of Haddington states one was shot by his father at Mellerstain in the autumn of 1865, and another seen by himself about the same time near Earlston, as recorded in Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland.'

William Evans of Edinburgh (1885-86) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XI. pp. 542-543, adds: 'At the meeting of the Club at Hawick on 15th September 1886, Mr. William Evans exhibited on behalf of Dr. Thos. Anderson, Ettrick Shaws, Selkirk, a fine example of the Great Snipe, which had been shot the previous day in a rough meadow on the farm of Ramseycleugh, parish of Teviothead, Roxburghshire...On the return journey in spring they are apparently much rarer, two obtained at Clydebank, near Glasgow, on 16th May 1885, being as far as is known the only specimens that have been killed in Scotland at that season of the year (vide Proceedings Royal Physical Society, Vol. IX. p.184).

Comment Two together would be most unusual and in spring on the west coast. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Northumberland Longstone Lighthouse, Farne Islands, seen, 15th September.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 7: 50).

[Bolam, 1912].

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1886) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1885, 7th report, p. 50, say: 'Double Snipe. Gallinago major. - Longstone L.H., September 15th, one.'

Comment Not in the list of accepted county records (Bolam 1912). Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Meirionnydd Dolgellau, killed, September.

(W. E. Beckwith, Field 2nd Jan., 1886: 31).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History W. E. Beckwith of Wellington (1886) in The Field of 2nd Jan., Vol. LXVII. p. 31, under 'Notes on Shropshire Birds', says: 'A Great Snipe has not occurred during the last thirty years, and it appears to have always been a very rare visitant. Nor does it seem more common in North Wales; one, however, was killed near Dolgelly [sic] last September.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1885 Bedfordshire Newnham Farm, Bedford, male, shot, 3rd October.

(Steele-Elliott, 1901; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

[KAN].

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 152) says: 'On 3rd October, 1885, an old male was shot in the same locality [Newnham Farm].'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Cornwall Wendron, shot, 6th October.

(E. Scudamore Angove, Field 10th Oct., 1885: 533).

[KAN].

History E. Scudamore Angove of Ivy House, Camborne (1885) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. LXVI. p. 533, says: 'When shooting in Wendron, Cornwall, on Oct. 6, I killed a Great or Solitary Snipe. It weighed 7 oz. I have sent it to Mr. Vingoe, of Penzance, to preserve.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Co. Durham Burnledge-in-Weardale, shot, early October.

("J.E.R." Field 10th Oct., 1885: 533; Temperley, 1951; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

[KAN].

History "J.E.R." (1885) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. LXVI. p. 533, says: 'Last week my keeper, on our moor at Burnledge-in-Weardale, shot a specimen of the Great Snipe. It weighed 8 oz. two days after it had been killed. I heard of another having been shot in the county about a fortnight ago.'

Comment Anonymous records were considered inadmissable by naturalists. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Yorkshire Near Barnsley, shot, 30th December.

(T. Lister, Field 6th Feb., 1885: 172).

[KAN].

History Thomas Lister of Barnsley (1886) in The Field of 6th Feb., Vol. LXVII. p. 172, under 'Birds observed near Barnsley in 1885', says: 'Dec. 30, a Great Snipe was shot by Mr. H. Garland.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1886 Ceredigion Llanddewi Hip Mountain, adult male, shot, 9th September.

(J. W. Bund, Field 18th Sep., 1886: 441; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 8: 113).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History J. W. Bund (1886) in The Field of 18th Sep., Vol. LXVIII. p. 441, says: 'When shooting today on the Llanddewihip Mountain, a pointer stood by the side of the watercourse made by the heavy storm of Sept. 9. On going up to the place I flushed and shot a Solitary Snipe. The bird was a male in full adult plumage, and weighed 8½ oz. The bird is scarce in the district. I have only met with it twice in some twelve years experience.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1887) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886, 8th report, p. 113, say: 'September 9th, Cardiganshire, an adult male shot on Llanddewihip Mountain.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1886 Devon Brayton Mere, Dartmoor, shot, 25th September.

(W. Vicary, Field 23rd Oct., 1886: 609; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 8: 113; Pidsley, 1891).

[KAN].

History William Vicary of Newton Abbot (1886) in The Field of 23rd Oct., Vol. LXVIII. p. 609, says: 'On Sept. 25 I shot a Solitary Snipe on Baytor Mere, which is situated on the southern fringe of Dartmoor. The bird weighed 9 oz., and it was in good plumage and condition. I cannot hear of any other specimen having been killed in this district for many years. The bird is being preserved.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1887) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886, 8th report, p. 113, say: '[September] 25th, Baytor Mere, Devon, one shot.'

Pidsley (1891: 141) says: '...at Brayton Mere in September 1886.'

Comment The internet does not shed any light on the localities offered. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1886 Herefordshire Rotherwas, seen, undated.

(Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

[KAN].

History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 44) state Horne (1889) recorded one seen in 1886 at Rotherwas.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Devon Dartmoor, shot, 15th September.

(H. C. Adams, Field 1st Oct., 1887: 537).

[KAN].

History H. C. Adams of Exmouth (1887) in The Field of 1st Oct., Vol. LXX. p. 537, says: 'On Sept. 15 my brother and I were shooting on Dartmoor, and killed a Solitary Snipe in good condition. The bird was weighed, and was reported to be 12½ oz. This is a good deal in excess of the weight given both by Morris and Yarrell, viz., the male 7 oz. to 9 oz. And the female is said to be larger, so that probably the victim in this case was a female. We only saw three Common Snipes that day, two of which went home with us.'

[If no mistake has been made in the weight, the bird must have been an unusually heavy one. - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Devon Bishop Nympton, shot, 19th September.

(R. S. Crosse, Field 29th Oct., 1887: 679).

[KAN].

History Reginald S. Crosse of South Molton (1887) in The Field of 29th Oct., Vol. LXX. p. 679, says: 'On Sept. 19, a specimen of the Solitary Snipe was killed by a friend of mine on Parsonage Moors, Bishop's Nympton, and another was seen about a quarter of a mile distant from the one which was shot. I believe this to have been the only one shot in this neighbourhood, and it may interest your readers to know it.'

[On Sept. 15 a Solitary Snipe was shot on Dartmoor, as reported in The Field of Oct. 1.... - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Norfolk Buckenham, two, seen, September.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1888: 282).

[KAN].

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 282, says: 'Several examples of the Solitary Snipe, Gallinago major, were killed or observed during September....A pair of these birds were repeatedly seen and flushed from a particular corner of a marsh at Buckenham for several days in succession, but rose out of gunshot, and so escaped.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Herefordshire Rotherwas, seen, undated.

(Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

[KAN].

History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 44) state Horne (1889) recorded one seen in 1887 at Rotherwas.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Leicestershire & Rutland Near Ashwell, Rutland, seen, undated.

(Browne, 1889; Haines, 1907; Fray et al., 2009).

[KAN].

History Browne (1889: 152) says: 'Rutland. Masters informs me...He also states that he saw one several times, in 1887, by the side of the canal near Ashwell.'

Haines (1907: 144) says: 'Five instances: viz., Ashwell Canal, seen several times by C. Masters.'

Comment His 1877 record does not inspire. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1888 Dorset Worgret Farm, undated.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

[KAN].

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 90, 2nd ed.) says: 'One at Worgret Farm (Mr. H. Garland).'

Comment Although he publishes it between the 1880 and 1885 records, it lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known if it was seen by a competent authority. Seen or shot? Not acceptable.

0). 1888 Argyll Rhinns Lighthouse, Islay, 27th November.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; Elliott, 1989).

[Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; ap Rheinallt et al., 2007].

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 175) recording the record in square brackets, say: 'Mr. Peter Anderson, Lighthouse-keeper, who has kept the most careful records daily of the birds at Rhinns of Islay, records one Great Snipe on the 27th November 1888, with the remark, "the Great Snipe is very rarely seen here".'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1888 Essex Paglesham, shot, about 30th December.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929).

[KAN]

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Pettitt has preserved specimens shot respectively...at Paglesham about Dec., 30th, 1888 (weight 6½ oz.).' Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: one at Paglesham on 30th December 1888.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0) 1888 Essex Lawford Marshes, seen, undated.

(W. B. Nichols, Journal of the Suffolk Institute 16: 223).

[Wood, 2007].

History W. B. Nichols (1918) in the Journal of the Suffolk Institute, Vol. XVI. p. 223, says: 'A rare migrant in Autumn and Spring. I saw one on the Lawford marshes in 1888, which rose close to me just as I had killed a Common Snipe. It flew heavily and pitched again not a hundred yards away but across a stream. When I managed to find my way round to the spot where it had dropped, I could not put it up again. In 1881, I shot a snipe at Lawford which weighed 7 ozs., which may have been a Great Snipe, but, unfortunately, this was before the time when I began to notice distinction between the species of Snipe.' Not accepted locally (Wood 2007).

0). 1888-91 Sussex Near Rye, two, obtained, undated.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN]

History Borrer (1891: 223) says: 'Mr. P. Sorrell, Old Humphrey's Avenue, Hastings, tells me that he has in his collection two examples killed at Rye.' Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) says: 'Borrer's two Rye examples, given sine dates, were, there are good grounds for guessing, procured between 1888 and 1891 (cf. 3rd Supp. (1897), Nat. Hist. Hastings, p. 5).'

Comment Lacks precise dates for scientific records. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1889 Cheshire & Wirral River Gowey, Barrowmore, shot, winter.

(Dobie, 1893).

[Coward & Oldham, 1900; Coward, 1910].

History Dobie (1893: 336) says: 'Another was shot in the meadows by the Gowey, near Barrymore [sic], in the winter of 1889 [G.L.S.].'

Coward & Oldham (1900: 211) say: 'The Great Snipe is said to have occurred in Cheshire on several occasions; but as large examples of the Common Snipe are often mistaken for it, and as no evidence of identity is adduced in any instance, some of the records must be regarded with caution....Three others are recorded by Dr. Dobie: ...a third in the meadows of the Gowy [sic] at Barrowmore, in the winter of 1889.'

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1890s Cambridgeshire Whittlesey, obtained, undated, now at Saffron Walden Museum.

(Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

[KAN].

History Lack (1934) states that one in the Saffron Walden Museum was obtained at Whittlesea.

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Persons involved. Not acceptable.

0). 1890s Ayrshire Pinmore, obtained, undated.

(Richmond Paton & Pike, 1929).

[KAN].

History Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) say: 'At Pinmore House there is a stuffed specimen without full data; but it is known that it was shot at Pinmore at the end of the nineteenth century.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0) 1890s Essex Tiptree Heath, shot, undated.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929).

[KAN].

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. E. A. Fitch informs me of one in the possession of, and shot by, Mr. F. Cocks on Tiptree Heath. It weighed 10¾ oz.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1890 Shetland Scalloway, Mainland, picked up dead, early March.

(Shetland Times 15th Mar., 1890; Evans & Buckley, 1899; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 164) say: 'In a letter to the Shetland Times of March 15th, 1890, J. G. Laurenson says: 'I am of opinion that the Great Snipe visits Shetland in considerable numbers during the autumn. Last week I had one of these birds brought to me by a woman who found it dead on the south Scalloway road. At first I mistook it for a Common Snipe, but its weight (6 oz.) attracted my attention, and on counting the tail feathers there were sixteen, while the Common Snipe only has fourteen: it measured 10½ inches.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1890 Cornwall Otterham, shot, September.

("F.C." Field 13th Sept., 1890: 404).

[KAN].

History "F.C." (1890) in The Field of 13th Sept., Vol. LXXVI. p. 404, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to hear that a Solitary Snipe (weight 7½ oz., length 12½ in., Gallinago major) was shot in the parish of Otterham, Cornwall, last week. Is it unusual to find the bird in Cornwall?'

[The Great or Solitary Snipe is considered rare in the west of England, but several instances of its occurrence in the county will be found mentioned in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall. - Ed.]

Comment Anonymous articles were unacceptable to naturalists. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1891 Clyde Elvanfoot, Lanarkshire, shot, 5th September.

(G. Lingford, Field 19th Sept., 1891: 465).

[KAN].

History George Lingford of The Lodge, Elvanfoot (1891) in The Field of 19th Sept., Vol. LXXVIII. p. 465, says: 'A Solitary Snipe was shot here on the 5th inst., weighing 9 oz. Perhaps some of your readers can inform me whether any others of this species have been killed this year, and in what counties.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1891 County unknown No locality, September.

(J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1895: 223).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History J. H. Salter (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 223, says: 'Capt. G. W. Cosens has an example which was obtained in September, 1891.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Lacks adequate details of locality, but was in Wales. Not acceptable.

0). 1891 Shetland Spiggie, Mainland, at least two, seen, late September.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899; Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 164-165) say: 'In 1891 Harvie-Brown received from his friend, Captain Macfarlane, who was then residing near Dunrossness, a letter, in which he mentioned that a flight of Snipe came to the marshes about Spiggie at the latter end of September, amongst which a number of very heavy [i.e. large ?] birds were noticed. Unfortunately, the Captain was at that time physically unfit for working the marshes, so that no specimens were obtained; but, from what Harvie-Brown heard subsequently, he considers that there can be little doubt that the heavy birds were Great Snipe, and that it would have been possible to have killed two or three couples of them, or even more.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1892 Warwickshire Bracebridge, Sutton Park, killed, January.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947).

[KAN].

History Tomes (1904 (1): 204) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'It is also mentioned by Mr. Steele Elliott as having appeared at Sutton Coldfield in January, 1892, and November, 1894.' Norris (1947: 62) says: 'One killed in January, 1892, at Bracebridge, Sutton Park.'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1892 North-east Scotland Edintore, Keith, Banffshire, shot, 10th September.

(G. D'Arcy Clark, Field 24th Sept., 1892: 473).

[KAN].

History G. D'Arcy Clark from Edintore, Keith, Banffshire (1892) in The Field of 24th Sept., Vol. LXXX. p. 473, says: 'While shooting here on the 10th inst. we killed a specimen of the Double or Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major). The bird was flushed and killed in a marshy field in which were one or two of the ordinary full snipe. It was quite as large as a Woodcock, but, unfortunately, I neglected to have it weighed before sending it to Mr. Hutchinson, the taxidermist, at Derby, to stuff. As I believe the occurrence to be rare, it may perhaps be of interest to report it.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1892 Yorkshire Near Bedale, killed, 4th October.

(Bell, Field 15th Oct., 1892: 795).

[KAN].

History Major Bell of Aiskew, Bedale (1892) in The Field of 15th Oct., Vol. LXXX. p. 795, says: 'While shooting near Bedale on Oct. 4, I killed a Great, or Solitary Snipe which weighed 8 oz. I should have had it preserved, but as it was rather hard hit, I made up my mind to have it cooked. It was very fat, and of excellent flavour.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1893 Avon No locality, undated.

(H. E. Rose, Avon Bird Report 2000: 172).

[KAN].

History H. E. Rose (2000) in the Avon Bird Report, p. 172, under 'The Avon List, 2000', says: 'Three records: before 1893.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1893 Cheshire & Wirral Chester, shot, undated.

(Dobie, 1893).

[Coward & Oldham, 1900].

History Coward & Oldham (1900: 211) say: 'The Great Snipe is said to have occurred in Cheshire on several occasions; but as large examples of the Common Snipe are often mistaken for it, and as no evidence of identity is adduced in any instance, some of the records must be regarded with caution....Three others are recorded by Dr. Dobie: ...one shot by the late E. C. Walker on the site of the Chester railway station.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1893 Cheshire & Wirral Stanlow Point, Ince, shot, undated.

(Dobie, 1893).

[Coward & Oldham, 1900].

History Coward & Oldham (1900: 211) say: 'The Great Snipe is said to have occurred in Cheshire on several occasions; but as large examples of the Common Snipe are often mistaken for it, and as no evidence of identity is adduced in any instance, some of the records must be regarded with caution....Three others are recorded by Dr. Dobie: ...one shot...another by the late Captain Park Yates's keeper at Stanlow Point, Ince.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1893 Derbyshire Near Derby, two, shot, undated.

(Whitlock, 1893; Frost & Shaw, 2013).

[KAN].

History Whitlock (1893: 204) says: 'Mr. J. Whitaker, of Rainworth, has two Derbyshire specimens of the Great Snipe in his collection. I have not been able to ascertain the date on which they were killed, but they must be rather old specimens, as they were purchased already set up, by the late Mr. Cook, of Derby, from a neighbouring farmer, who shot them. Cook has been dead in the teens of years. At his sale they were purchased by B. Rose, of Nottingham, who in turn sold them to Mr. Whitaker.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1893 Hertfordshire Near Royston, shot, 30th August.

("Rambler" Naturalists Journal 2: 15, 36, 53, 71; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

[KAN].

History Sage (1959) says: 'One shot near Royston on 30th August 1893 was recorded by "Rambler" in 1893.'

Comment Anonymous records were considered worthless by naturalists. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1893 Breconshire Mynydd Eppynt, first-year, shot, undated.

(Phillips, 1899; Massey, 1976; Peers & Shrubb, 1990).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Phillips (1899: 93) says: 'About six years ago I flushed what appeared to me a very large Snipe on a bog on the Eppynt Hills. It made no noise on rising, and on my missing it, flew steadily and slowly for about one hundred yards, when it pitched again. I killed it on flushing it the second time, and found it to be the Great Snipe, a bird of the year.'

Massey (1976: 33) says: 'One shot on the Eppynt in about 1893 (E. C. Phillips).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). Pre 1894 Northumberland Newton, near Corbridge, shot, undated, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Howse, 1899).

[KAN].

History Howse (1899: 76) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says: 'Case 37. No. 2 (right). Shot at Newton near Corbridge, by James Harvey, Esq. Presented by Miss Harvey. May 23rd, 1894.'

Comment Lack a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1894 Clyde Near Loch Thom, Renfrewshire, seen, 29th May.

(J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271).

[KAN].

History 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: ...Dr. Johnstone Macfie saw one on 29th May 1894, near Loch Thom, about which, notwithstanding the season, he says there is no doubt.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of a difficult species. Spring records are rare, even more so in the west. Not acceptable.

0). 1894 Norfolk Reedham, shot, 15th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1895: 101).

[KAN].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 101, says: 'October 15th. A Great Snipe was shot at Reedham (G. Smith).'

Comment George Smith was a dealer in birds and therefore untrustworthy. Not acceptable.

0). 1894 Warwickshire Bracebridge, Sutton Park, killed, November.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947).

[KAN].

History Tomes (1904 (1): 204) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'It is also mentioned by Mr. Steele Elliott as having appeared at Sutton Coldfield in January, 1892, and November, 1894.'

Norris (1947: 62) says: 'One killed in November, 1894, at Bracebridge, Sutton Park.'

Comment Tomes and Steele Elliott recorded one for January and this is also a late date. Probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1895 Warwickshire Near Tamworth, undated.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947).

[KAN].

History Tomes (1904 (1): 204) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'According to Mr. Chase the Great Snipe has once occurred near Tamworth.'

Norris (1947: 62) says: 'One prior to 1895 near Tamworth.'

Comment Throwaway remark! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1895 Orkney No locality, shot, February.

(J. Sinclair, Field 16th Mar., 1895: 356).

[KAN].

History James Sinclair (1895) in The Field of 16th Mar., Vol. LXXXV. p. 356, says: 'It may perhaps interest your natural history readers to know that a specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major) was shot in the Orkney Islands in February last. The bird was in good condition, and in excellent plumage.'

[The Great, Solitary, or Double Snipe (Gallinago major) is, by all accounts, a rare bird in Orkney. We turn to the latest authority on the subject, Messrs. Buckley and Harvie Brown's Vertebrate Fauna of the Orkney Islands, published by Douglas, Edinburgh, 1891, and find on page 212 the statement that there are few authentic instances of its occurrence to record since the publication of Baikie and Heddle's Hist. Nat. Orcadensis in 1848. A resident in Orkney (Mr. Cowan) had seen one only in forty years. Mr. Calder shot one in Shapinsay in September, 1863. Mr. Moodie Heddle shot two or three in Hoy; and Mr. Watt shot one at the pools of Mire in 1864 or 1865 - the only one he ever saw. - Ed.]

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1895 Sussex Pevensey, seen, October.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) says: '1895, October. - Dr. H. Nicholls (in litt.) was positive of one in Pevensey Level.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1895 Leicestershire & Rutland Wing, killed, undated.

(Haines, 1907; Fray et al., 2009).

[KAN].

History Haines (1907: 144) says: 'Five instances: viz., Wing, seen in 1895 by the late Mr. Cooper, of Ayston, according to whose account it was afterwards shot.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1896 Co. Durham Romaldkirk, shot, 30th September.

(T. Helmer, jun., Field 17th Oct., 1896: 641; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

[KAN].

History T. Helmer, jun., (1896) in The Field of 17th Oct., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 641, says: 'On Sept. 30 I shot a Solitary Snipe on the moor above Romaldkirk, Teesdale, Yorkshire. It weighed exactly 8 oz. Is the visit of these birds to this part of the country a rare occurrence?'

[The Solitary Snipe is a regular visitor to England in autumn, though, of course, never so numerous as the Common Snipe. It generally arrives earlier, and is found in drier situations. - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1896 Lincolnshire River Glen, near Spalding, seen, September.

(T. J. H. Brogden, Naturalist 26: 28).

[Lorand & Atkin, 1989].

History T. J. H. Brogden of Spalding (1900) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXVI. p. 28, says: 'Great Snipe. Seldom seen now. One was seen on the River Glen in September 1896.'

Comment It would be unwise to accept sight records of this then difficult species without identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1896 Lincolnshire Cowbit Wash, shot, undated.

(T. J. H. Brogden, Naturalist 26: 28).

[KAN].

History T. J. H. Brogden of Spalding (1900) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXVI. p. 28, says: 'Great Snipe. Seldom seen now. I shot one about three years ago on Cowbit Wash, where years ago it was at least an annual visitor.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, killed, 8th February.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1898: 108; Pashley, 1925).

[KAN].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1898) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. II. p. 108, says: 'February 8th. Solitary Snipe shot near Cley (Pashley); an unusual date.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1897. February 9th. A Great Snipe, weight 6.75 ox., very small bird. Mr. Gurney tells me that he has no record of one being taken so early.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds' he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: February 9th 1897 (an extraordinary date).'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk, but it gives no confidence in his ability of this species. Gurney had no faith in it. February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Essex/Greater London Near Waltham Abbey, shot, 27th February.

(E. J. Wills, Essex Naturalist 10: 235; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'Mr. E. J. Wills states that he shot one on a marsh near Waltham Abbey on 27th February 1897.'

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Staffordshire Wolf Edge, seen, 21st August.

(Smith, 1939).

[KAN].

History Smith (1939: 118) says: 'In the north of the county a Great Snipe was killed near the top (c. 1600 ft.) of Wolf Edge, behind Flash, and on August 21st, 1897, one was seen in exactly the same place (B. R. S. Pemberton).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Hampshire Mottisfont, two, one shot, late September.

(Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

[A. G. Knox, Ibis 135: 320-325].

History Clark & Eyre (1993) list this record (of one individual) as one of the three acceptable records for Hampshire.

A. G. Knox (1993) in The Ibis, Vol. CXXXV. pp. 320-325, proved that Richard Meinertzhagen was unreliable, consequently, I find this record unacceptable.

0). 1898 Cornwall Near Helston, immature, shot, 10th October.

(C. J. Pike, Field 29th Oct., 1898: 732).

[KAN].

History C. J. Pike (1898) in The Field of 29th Oct., Vol. XCII. p. 732, says: 'On Oct. 10 I shot a Solitary Snipe near Helston. It was a young bird in rather poor condition, and weighed just over 5¾ oz.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1898 Fife Morton Lochs, shot, 28th October.

(J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 145; Smout, 1986).

[KAN].

History J. Grierson (1962) in Scottish Birds, Vol. II. p. 145, says: 'One which weighed over 5½ ozs. shot at Morton Lochs on 28th October, 1898.'

Comment Possibly a genuine record, but withour identification details or specimen, not acceptable.

0). 1898 Cambridgeshire No locality, obtained, October.

(Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

[KAN].

History Lack (1934: 104) says: 'A specimen obtained in the county in October, 1898, was received by William Farren.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise location. Not acceptable.

0). 1898 Gloucestershire Near Cheltenham, shot, 28th November.

(Mellersh, 1902).

[Swaine, 1982].

History Mellersh (1902) says: 'Six shot near Cheltenham and Gloucester. The last two Sept. 1897 and 28 Nov. 1898.'

Swaine (1982) adds: 'Mellersh mentions several from the last century, but without evidence of identification.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1898 Montgomeryshire Near Marton Pool, shot, December.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Montgomery. Shot on the hills above Marton Pool just inside the Montgomery boundary in December 1898 (Williams, keeper, Leighton estate).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1899 Shropshire Near Wenlock, shot, 3rd April.

(Smith et al., 2019).

[KAN].

History Smith et al. (2019) state that one was shot near Wenlock on 3rd April.

Comment Unusual spring date and inland! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No details of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1899 Sussex Winchelsea, shot, 15th November.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 206; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History E. N. Bloomfield (1909) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 206, says: 'We are again indebted to Dr. N. F. Ticehurst for a long list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which Mr. Butterfield has made some good additions. In the Hastings district - Gallinago major, Gmel., Solitary Snipe, Winchelsea, November 15th, 1899, not previously recorded.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) says: 'Winchelsea witnessed the death of a Great Snipe (H.E.S.N., I. p. 206), which is, I believe, the dateless Winchelsea specimen in the Reading Museum.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1899 Shropshire Caer Caradoc, near Clun, two, seen, 24th November.

(Smith et al., 2019).

[KAN].

History Smith et al. (2019) state two were seen at Caer Caradoc, near Clun, on 24th November 1899.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1899 Clyde Near Stanley Dam, Renfrewshire, undated.

(J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271).

[KAN].

History 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 about 1899, near Stanley Dam, by Mr. A. Fulton Craig.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1900 Somerset Wedmore, obtained, undated.

(M. A. Mathew, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 39: 129; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

[KAN].

History M. A. Mathew (1893) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. XXXIX. p. 129, says: 'The Great Snipe has occurred on Glastonbury Moor (Jesse); to ourselves near Weston-super-Mare; on commons adjoining Exmoor, etc.'

Comment The first notice although probably not relating to this record is appended here for reference purposes. All just hearsay. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1900 Cumbria Skinburness, seen, March or April.

(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 120).

[KAN].

History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 120, says: 'In March or April, about 1900, William Nichol saw one alight in a garden at Skinburness.'

Comment Spring records on the west coast are extremely rare. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1900 Cambridgeshire Houghton, Huntingdonshire, shot, undated.

(Peake, 1926).

[J. S. Clark, Cambridgeshire Bird Report 2004: 143].

History J. S. Clark (2004) in the Cambridgeshire Bird Report, p. 143, lists a record for 1900 from Houghton of one shot (undated). Previously he stated that this record listed by Peake (1926) had not been authenticated.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). 1900 Northumberland Holywell Dene, shot, undated.

(J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1912: 301).

[Bolam, 1912].

History J. M. Charlton (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 301, says: 'One shot in fields near Holywell, 1900. Examined and preserved by Mr. Proudlock, who noted characteristics.'

Comment Not in the list of accepted county records (Bolam 1912). Lacks a precise date to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). 1901 Devon Near Bratton Fleming, 14th September.

(F. E. Elliot, Field 21st Sept., 1901: 503).

[KAN].

History F. E. Elliott of Bratton Fleming, North Devon (1901) in The Field of 21st Sep., Vol. XCVIII. p. 503, says: 'When out shooting on Sept. 14 one of my party shot in a grass field a Great Snipe weighing just over 7oz. This bird, curiously enough, was shot by a gentleman who has recently returned from Russia, where it is known as the "Double Snipe", and is quite common there, my friend having shot them very frequently, but I believe is rare here. I shall be glad to hear whether it has been recently met with in other parts of this country.'

[The Great or Solitary Snipe is a regular visitor to this country in autumn, though never seen in "wisps", like the Common Snipe. It arrives earlier in the season and affects drier situations. - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1901 Shetland Dale, Lerwick, Mainland, shot, 26th September.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 54; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229; Bolam, 1912; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Country Life 22nd Fe., 1908; R. S. Bruce, Scottish Naturalist 53: 149-150).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History J. A. Harvie-Brown (1902) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XI. p. 54, says: 'At last I am able to record the actual occurrence of the Great Snipe (G. major) in Shetland. Mr. J. Grierson sent me one in the flesh, which was shot by him upon the 26th September, 1901, and it weighed 8¼ ozs.'

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.'

Bolam (1912: 548) says: 'In Country Life of 22nd February, 1908, Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown refers to one sent to him by Mr. R. C. Haldane, shot by that gentleman in Shetland, about 26th September, 1901, which scaled 8.25 ozs.'

R. S. Bruce (1933) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIII. pp. 149-150, says: 'I have been going over some notes made by the late Mr. Grierson of Quendale, Shetland; and Dr. Ticehurst, the editor of The Ibis, suggests that these may be of interest. I therefore append them, together with a few jottings by Mr. D. J. Williamson, Whalsay, Shetland.

I may say that Mr. Grierson was a keen and very observant naturalist, an excellent shot, and was capable of taking a good basket out of a loch when no one else seemed able to get a trout...

Great Snipe. One shot by Mr. Grierson at Dale, 20th September 1901 (8.5 oz.). Verified by Mr. Harvie Brown. The skin is in my brother’s possession here, in Whalsay.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1901-06 Dumfries & Galloway Bowes Merse, Dumfriesshire, shot, undated.

(J. Young, Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society 2008: 38).

[KAN].

History J. Young (2008) in the Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society, 3rd series, Vol. LXXXII. p. 38, under 'Extracts from the Notebook of the Late James H. Wilson: A Glencaple Wildfowler 1872-1947', says: 'During the period 1900-1906, Wilson, was only as mobile as far as he was prepared to cycle...Wilson for example claimed to shoot a "Solitary Snipe" on Bowes Merse, which would have been the second acceptable record for Dumfriesshire...Wilson goes on to say: I remember over 40 years ago...About this time I shot the Solitary Snipe (Great Snipe) on Bowes Merse. The bird is now in the Natural History Museum.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific date. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Sussex Brede, immature female, shot, 29th August.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Zoologist 1903: 421; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 421, says: 'August 29th. An immature female Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major) shot at Brede.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) says: '1903, August 29th. - Michael Nicoll got an example at Brede.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Yorkshire Foston, shot, 30th September.

(F. Boyes, Field 10th Oct., 1903: 635).

[KAN].

History F. Boyes of Beverley (1903) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. CII. p. 635, says: 'Mr. E. P. Hutchinson writes word that he shot a Solitary Snipe on Sept. 30 last near the village of Foston, some nine miles from Beverley.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Clyde Castle-Semple Estate, Renfrewshire, undated.

(J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271; McWilliam, 1936).

History 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 Castle-Semple Estate in 1903, by Mr. James Shand-Harvey (Mr. McArthur).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date for a scientific date. Not acceptable.

0). 1903-13 Highland Eigg, Lochaber, shot, undated.

(P. R. Evans & W. U. Flower, Scottish Birds 4: 423).

[KAN].

History P. R. Evans & W. U. Flower (1967) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 423, say: 'One shot between 1903 and 1913.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1904 Shetland Unst, immature, shot, 20th September.

(Shetland Times 1st Oct., 1904; L. Edmondston, Field 8th Oct., 1904: 654; Eds., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 54-55; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 212; Venables & Venables, 1955; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39).

[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229; Pennington et al., 2004].

History L. Edmondston of Buness, Shetland (1904) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 654, says: 'On Sept. 20 I shot a fine specimen of a Great Snipe on the island of Unst. It was a young bird, and weighed 7½ oz. Its occurrence in Shetland is very rare, only one other bird having been noted, and that shot by me several years ago.'

In an Editorial (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. pp. 54-55, quoting from the Shetland Times of 20th October 1904, they say: "A Great Snipe (Scolopax major) was shot on Tuesday, 20th September, in Unst, by Mr. Edmondston of Buness. These birds are very rare in Shetland. It was a young bird, and weighed 7½ oz.".'

[If this bird has been correctly identified, it is the second authentic record for Shetland. The weight, however, must not be regarded as conclusive evidence, especially in this case, for we have received Common Snipe from Shetland weighing 7¾ oz. - Eds.]

John Paterson of Glasgow (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. p. 212, in the annual report for 1904, admits this record, while 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', record this record in square brackets without comment.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1904 Warwickshire Near Coventry, Warwickshire, shot, 1st October.

("Peeping Tom" Field 8th Oct., 1904: 654).

[KAN].

History "Peeping Tom" (1904) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 654, says: 'On Oct. 1st I shot a fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe, weighing 8 oz. Can you tell me if this bird is often met with in all the Midlands, as I have never seen one in these parts before?'

Comment Anonymous records were considered worthless by naturalists. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1905 Hampshire Bishopstoke, undated.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

[Clark & Combridge, 2009].

History Kelsall & Munn (1905) say: 'On the other side of the county examples have been met with at Bishopstoke (Bowers), Portchester and Wicor (Stares).'

Comment This record is not included locally by Clark & Eyre (1993) who only list three acceptable records for Hampshire. It was not accepted later either (Clark & Combridge 2009).

0). Pre 1905 Hampshire Portchester, undated.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

[Clark & Combridge, 2009].

History Kelsall & Munn (1905) say: 'On the other side of the county examples have been met with at Bishopstoke (Bowers), Portchester and Wicor (Stares).'

Comment This record is not included locally by Clark & Eyre (1993) who only list three acceptable records for Hampshire. It was not accepted later either (Clark & Combridge 2009).

0). Pre 1905 Hampshire Wicor, undated.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

[Clark & Combridge, 2009].

History Kelsall & Munn (1905) say: 'On the other side of the county examples have been met with at Bishopstoke (Bowers), Portchester and Wicor (Stares).'

Comment This record is not included locally by Clark & Eyre (1993) who only list three acceptable records for Hampshire. It was not accepted later either (Clark & Combridge 2009).

0). 1905 Caithness Ackergill Moor, near Wick, shot, September.

("Purple Heather" Field 30th Sep., 1905: 622).

History "Purple Heather" (1905) in The Field of 30th Sep., Vol. CVI. p. 622, says: 'I should like to ask whether the Solitary Snipe is becoming scarcer in the British Isles. One was shot lately in the middle of Ackergill moor, near Wick. The man who now has it to stuff says he has not had a specimen in his hands for five or six years.'

[The birdstuffer's experience is probably limited, and also local. The Solitary Snipe is a rare bird in Caithness, and by no means common in other arts of Scotland; but in England, especially in the east and south-east, it turns up regularly every year, and from September onwards we always hear of some being shot. - Ed.]

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Meirionnydd Near Dolgellau, shot, 23rd August, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1913Z98).

(Forrest, 1907; Watson, 2011).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; WOS, Scarce and Rare Birds in Wales 2019: 40, 42].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Merioneth. An example in own possession, shot near Dolgelley [sic], 23rd August, 1906 (Beale).'

Not accepted nationally (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994: 168-169) who accepted the Plas-ucha record by Forrest, who used the same statement for that record of: - "An example in own possession".

Watson (2011) in detailing the general collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this male specimen from Dolgelley [sic], Merioneth, on 23rd August, 1906, adding that it was presented by C. G. Beale.

Welsh Records Committee have since rejected the record.

0). 1906 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 5th September.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 79; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 229; Clarke, 1912).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 79, says: 'One rose at our feet, out of some rough grass, on the south end of the island on 5th September.'

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'.

Clarke (1912 (2): 169) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Great Snipe - One 5th September 1906.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1906 Kent Brookland, adult, shot, 3rd or 5th October.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 124-125; Eds., British Birds 1: 359; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History E. N. Bloomfield (1907) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 124-125, says: 'I am again indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst, W. Ruskin Butterfield and Walter Field for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the neighbouring districts - Gallinago major, Gmel., Great Snipe, Brookland, October 3rd, 1906.'

In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 359, he says: 'Among the 'Annual Notes' for 1907, collected by the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield, in The Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist (Vol. I. pp. 124, 125) we note the following interesting records by Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst, W. R. Butterfield, and W. Field: - Great Snipe (Gallinago major) at Brookland, on October 3rd, 1906.'

Ticehurst (1909: 450) says: 'Mr. Selmes, of Rye, has an adult, which I saw in the flesh, shot by himself at Brookland on October 5th, 1906.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Somerset Tealham Moor, shot, winter.

(F. H. L. Whish, British Birds 5: 339; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

[KAN].

History F. H. L. Whish (1912) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 339, says: 'One, on Tealham Moor in the winter of 1906 (?).'

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1907 Anglesey Red Wharf Bay, shot, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Anglesey. One shot on Red Wharf Bay (Humphreys).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment E. G. Humphreys of Menai Bridge.

0). Pre 1907 Ayrshire Muirkirk, two, undated.

(Richmond Paton & Pike, 1929; Hogg, 1983).

[KAN].

History Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) say: 'G. Rose (Kilmarnock), writing in 1907, says the Great Snipe is a very rare winter visitor, having been recorded on two occasions from Muirkirk.'

Comment Throwaway remark! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1907 Caernarfonshire Mostyn, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Caernarvon. Occasionally met with by the keeper on the Mostyn estate (Williams' Llandudno Guide, 1861).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). Pre 1907 Caernarfonshire Near Bangor, shot, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Caernarvon. One shot near Bangor (Humphreys).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment E. G. Humphreys of Menai Bridge.

0). Pre 1907 Meirionnydd Machynlleth, obtained, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Merioneth. One specimen obtained Machynlleth, now in the County School there (Lewis).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Percy Lewis of Machynlleth.

0). Pre 1907 Meirionnydd Ynysfor, shot, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Merioneth. Mr. Evan B. Jones shot one at Ynysfor a few years ago (Haigh and Evan B. Jones).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment G. H. Caton Haigh of Penrhyndeudraeth, formerly of North Cotes, Lincolnshire who found many a good rarity there and, Evan B. Jones of Ynysfor, Penrhyndeudraeth.

0). Pre 1907 Montgomeryshire Forden, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Montgomery. Reported at Forden (Vize).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Rev. J. E. Vize, of Forden.

0). Pre 1907 Montgomeryshire Llanwddyn, shot, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Montgomery. One shot at Llanwddyn a few years ago (Buckley).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Capt. W. S. Buckley of Bala.

0). 1907 Somerset Near Shepton Mallet, seen, 5th January.

("E.M.W." Field 12th Jan., 1907: 42).

[KAN].

History "E.M.W." of Shepton Mallet (1907) in The Field of 12th Jan., Vol. CIX. p. 42, says: 'On Jan. 5 I saw a Great or Solitary Snipe here. The bird crossed a lane and flew over a ploughed field; I was near enough to get a good view of it. This was at an altitude of 800 ft.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1907 Shetland Unst, obtained, 6th October.

(E. Hamilton, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 54).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Erick Hamilton of Liverpool (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 54, says: 'Some of the other birds which came under my notice in 1907 were, a Great Snipe on 6th October.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 5th May.

(Clarke, 1912; Dymond, 1991).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Clarke (1912 (2): 65) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: 'Two Great Snipe were put out of some rough grass.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1909 Leicestershire & Rutland Quorn, seen, 14th January.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 26: 187).

[Fray et al., 2009].

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant (1910) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVI. p. 187, says: 'Jan. 14. Quorn (Leicestershire), 1 seen.' Not accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

0). 1909 Pembrokeshire Orielton, seen, January.

(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1908: 52).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1908) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XLI. p. 52, say: 'Mr. W. E. de Winton records this species as having been seen on several occasions during January, 1909, at Orielton, Pembrokeshire. He flushed the bird in a gorse covert on two occasions and has no doubt as to the identity of the species. The Great, Double, or Solitary Snipe is an annual visitor in small numbers to the eastern and southern parts of England.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1909 Berkshire Newtown, two, seen, 27th March.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 26: 187).

[Swash, 1996].

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant (1910) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVI. p. 187, says: 'March 27. Newtown (Berkshire), 2 seen.'

Not accepted locally (Swash 1996).

0). 1909 Clyde Hogganfield Loch, seen, December.

(J. Paterson, Glasgow Naturalist 2: 55).

[KAN].

History J. Paterson (1910) in the Glasgow Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 55, says: '...Messrs. Ross and Rennie saw another at Frankfield within the past month...'

Comment Frankfield Loch and Hogganfield Loch are either side of the Strathclyde University, so presumed this record. December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications detail of this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1910 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 15th to 16th May.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 140; Clarke, 1912; Bedford, 1937; Dymond, 1991).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 140, say: '...from Fair Isle, and a Great Snipe

(Gallinago media) from the same station in spring.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 169) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Great Snipe - One 15th May 1910.'

Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1937: 15-16) says: 'May 15th, 1909....A few yards farther down the ditch, I put up a Great Snipe almost at my feet.'

Further, p. 17, Mary, Duchess of Bedford adds: 'May 16th, 1909. I heard that the Great Snipe had been seen by others.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1910 Norfolk Hoveton, seen, 28th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1911: 169).

[KAN].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1911) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XV. p. 169, says: 'October 28th. A Solitary Snipe seen at Hoveton by Mr. Barclay.'

Comment Although I have a lot of respect for what Gurney has achieved for the British List, I think, this record by a family member requires some identification details, especially as late as it is. Not acceptable.

0). 1910 Nottinghamshire Wollaton, undated.

(J. Whitaker MS.).

[KAN].

History Whitaker in his MS. held in Mansfield Library gave no further details.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1912 Kent Tunbridge Wells, two, seen, 3rd and 4th February.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 182; Harrison, 1953).

[KAN].

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXII. p. 182, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Two identified, Tunbridge Wells (Kent), February 3rd and 4th.'

Comment February (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1912 Sussex Groombridge Sewage-farm, near Tunbridge Wells, February.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 229) says: '1912, February. - Mr. H. G. Alexander (Tunbridge Wells and Neighbourhood, p. 189) identified a Great Snipe on the sewage-farm at Groombridge, possibly just in Kent. Note the unusual time of year for the bird to be in Britain.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1912 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 21st September.

(M. Bedford & W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 33: 5, 26, 29; Eds., British Birds 6: 352; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 281).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Mary, Duchess of Bedford & Wm. Eagle Clarke (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 5, 26, 29, say: 'The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr. Wilson; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October; and on contributions by Mr. George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island....on the 21st [September], a Great Snipe.'

Further, p. 29, they add: 'Great Snipe, one in standing corn on 21st September.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 352, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At Fair Isle one on September 21st.'

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 Fair Isle (Shetland), September 21st.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1912 Staffordshire Sandon, seen, 12th October.

(Smith, 1939).

[KAN].

History Smith (1939: 118) says: 'Mr. F. Rushton, of Fillybrooks, Stone is certain that a bird he saw fly from a grass field at Sandon on October 12th, 1912, was a Great Snipe (in litt.).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1913 Greater London Feltham, Middlesex, seen, early February.

(Wild Life 10th Feb., 1913; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History Glegg (1935: 159) says: 'In a letter, dated 10th February 1913, to Wild Life, it is stated that one was seen almost daily for a few weeks at Feltham.'

Comment Winter dates are probably misidentifications. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1913 Berkshire Crookham, shot, 2nd September.

(C. Turner, Field 6th Sep., 1913: 571).

[KAN].

History Charles Turner of Newbury (1913) in The Field of 6th Sep., Vol. CXXI. p. 571, says: 'On Sept. 2 I shot at Crookham a Grey [sic] Snipe (Gallinago major) which weighed 7¾ oz. It is the first I have killed in England.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1913 Nottinghamshire Besthorpe, shot, 3rd November.

(Whitaker MS.; J. Reece, N. Crouch, D. T. Parkin, C. du Feu & B. Ellis, 2019).

[KAN].

History Just the bare detail of where and when in Whitaker’s MS.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1913 Highland Eigg, Lochaber, undated.

(Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[KAN].

History Baxter & Rintoul (1953 (2): 548) say: 'One shot on Eigg twenty to thirty years before 1933, is better authenticated.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1914 Cheshire & Wirral Winwick, Lancashire, shot, undated, now at City of Liverpool Museum.

(Clubb, 1914).

[KAN].

History Clubb (1914: 10) says: 'Case 227. The specimen exhibited was shot at Winwick, Lancashire.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not published in the journals of the day. Not acceptable.

0). 1915 Cumbria Millom, Cumberland, killed, 27th September.

("C." Field 2nd Oct., 1915: 587).

[KAN].

History "C." (1915) in The Field of 2nd Oct., Vol. CXXVI. p. 587, says: 'A Solitary or Great Snipe weighing 7½ oz. Was killed on Sep. 27 near the shore on Lord Cross's shooting at Millom, Cumberland. It appears from the text books that this species is of rare occurrence in the north of England.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. It would appear it has been identified by weight only. Not acceptable.

0). 1916 Staffordshire Loynton Estate, shot, September.

(Smith, 1939).

[KAN].

History Smith (1939: 118) says: 'One was shot on the Loynton Estate in September 1916.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1918 Fife Locality in the North, seen, 3rd August.

(J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 145; Smout, 1986).

[J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 145].

History J. Grierson (1962) in Scottish Birds, Vol. II. p. 145, says: 'A bird which was most probably a Great Snipe seen by H. Boase on 3rd August 1918.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1919 Co. Durham Near Barnard Castle, seen, 31st July.

(T. R. Glyn, Field 16th Aug., 1919: 242).

[Eds., British Birds 13: 198].

History T. R. Glyn of Whorlton House, near Castle Barnard (1919) in The Field of 16th Aug., Vol. CXXXIV. p. 242, says: 'In my garden, not many yards from the house, on July 31, I discovered amongst the raspberry-canes, which are inclosed by netting, a Great or Solitary Snipe. Is not the appearance of such a bird very unusual at this time of year? I believe there have been rare instances recorded of this species of snipe having been shot in Durham County in August.'

In an Editorial (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 198, they say: 'Mr. T. R. Glyn also records an occurrence, but gives no details of the bird, near Barnard Castle, Durham, on July 31st (i.e., p. 242), a very early date, and this reported occurrence requires confirmation before it can be accepted.'

Comment Very early date suggests a misidentification. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1919 Shetland Girlsta, Mainland, 10th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 40: 102).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1920) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XL. p. 102, in the annual report for 1919, say: 'On 10th September one is recorded from Girlsta, Shetland.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1919 Caithness Rattar Estate, shot, 12th September.

(H. Crum Ewing, Field 27th Sept., 1919: 442; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 40: 30-31; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 40:102; Eds., British Birds 13: 198).

[KAN].

History H. Crum Ewing of Barrogill Castle, Mey (1919) in The Field of 27th Sept., Vol. CXXXIV. p. 442, says: 'Sir, I send you for identification what I believe to be a Great or Solitary Snipe. It was shot by one of my guests, Colonel Gemmell, D.S.O., on the shootings of Rattar Estate, in this county, on 12th inst. The bird rose out of a rushy field some fifty yards from the roadside. It was extremely fat, and weighed 8½ oz. I take it from Harting's Handbook of British Birds, the only book of reference at hand here, that the Solitary Snipe is shot fairly frequently in England, but very rarely in Scotland. Does this mean one or two a year, or only at intervals of several years?' [The bird received is the Great of Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major), but in a state of plumage quite unlike that of an adult bird. Instead of having the under parts barred and the outer tail feathers white for the greater portions of their length, the under parts were white below the breast and the outer tail feathers barred, as in the Common Snipe. On this account we at first mistook it for a Common Snipe of unusual size and weight.

But all points considered, including the number of tail feathers, which in the Common Snipe are fourteen and in the Great Snipe sixteen, we regard it as an immature specimen of the latter species, which apparently does not acquire the white outer tail feathers in its first year....- Ed.]

In an Editorial (1920) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XL. pp. 30-31, from The Field of 27th Sep., p. 442, they say: 'A Great Snipe (Gallinago major) was shot on the Rattar Estate on the 12th of September last, and was forwarded to the naturalist editor of The Field for identification by Mr. H. Crum Ewing. This specimen, the editor remarks, was "in a state of plumage quite unlike that of an adult bird. Instead of having the under parts barred and the outer tail feathers white for the greater portions of their length, the under parts were white below the breast and the outer tail feathers barred, as in the Common Snipe. On this account we at first mistook it for a Common Snipe of unusual size and weight

But all points considered, including the number of tail feathers, which in the Common Snipe are fourteen and in the Great Snipe sixteen, we regard it as an immature specimen of the latter species, which apparently does not acquire the white outer tail feathers in its first year".'

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. H. Crum Ewing sent the Editor of The Field a Gallinago media which had been shot on September 12th, 1919, on the Rattar estate, Caithness (Field, September 27th, 1919, p. 442).'

Comment Misidentified. Underparts are barred regardless of age (van Duivendijk 2010). Not acceptable.

0). 1919 Yorkshire Near Helmsley, seen, 28th September.

(W. H. St. Quintin, Naturalist 46: 77; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History W. H. St. Quintin of Scampston (1920) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 77, says: 'I wish to put on record the occurrence of a Solitary Snipe at Rievaulx (Helmsley, North Riding), on the 28th September last. My brother-in-law, Col. C. W. Duncombe, flushed the bird near his house, and was struck by its size, and deliberate flight. It lit again some fifty yards off in a small marshy patch of ground. Suspecting what it was, he went indoors for his field glasses, and though he was unable to make it out on the ground, owing to the vegetation, he was able, after it rose again at ten yards' distance, to satisfy himself. He specially noticed its dull grey flanks and under parts, and the absence of any conspicuous white in the plumage. It flew steadily, uttering no note, and dropped in a neighbouring orchard from which it could not be again induced to rise. I think there is no doubt that the bird was properly identified.'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 236).

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. He should have seen a lot of white in the tail! Not acceptable.

0). 1919 Kent Thanet, shot, late December.

(Harrison, 1953).

[KAN].

History Harrison (1953 (1): 336) says: 'One was shot (fide H. Cecil Ovenden, per Dr. N. F. Ticehurst) in Thanet, between December 25th and 31st, 1919.'

Comment Third-hand report. December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1920 Cumbria Carlisle, seen, 7th November.

(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 120).

[KAN].

History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 120, says: 'E. Blezard flushed one at Carlisle on 7th November, 1920.'

Comment No identification details for a sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1921 Fair Isle No locality, 14th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 42: 73).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 73, in the annual report, say: 'Great Snipe at Fair Isle on 14th September.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1923 Cumbria Hawksdale Common, seen, 19th November.

(R. H. Brown, British Birds 17: 228; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 120).

[KAN].

History R. H. Brown (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 228, says: 'On November 19th, a warm sunny day, I was crossing Hawksdale Common when a large Snipe, probably of this species, rose almost under my feet. As it flew away its tail appeared half expanded and showed a conspicuous amount of white. It continued on a straight course, without any zigzagging, for about eighty yards, not flying very fast, and then gradually mounted into the air. When a moderate height up, it zig-zagged once, then pursued its straight flight and finally disappeared from sight in a westerly direction. It did not call.'

Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 120, says: 'R. H. Brown saw one at Hawksdale on 19th November, 1923.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1924 Oxfordshire Cornbury, caught, Easter.

(D. W. Snow, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1949: 32).

[Radford, 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet, 1992].

History D. W. Snow (1949) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 32, says: 'W.D.C.[ampbell] reports that he caught a Great Snipe which was entangled in some netting at Cornbury at Easter, 1924. The bird was examined and compared with descriptions in several books, and then released. The tail feathers counted and found to be sixteen. This is the fourth record for the county in the last sixty years.'

Locally, neither Radford (1966) nor Brucker, Gosler & Heryet (1992) make any mention of this record.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1924 Oxfordshire Near Chimney, shot, 6th December.

(F. C. R. Jourdain & B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1923-1924: 36; Eds., British Birds 19: 182; Radford, 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet, 1992).

[KAN].

History F. C. R. Jourdain & B. W. Tucker (1924) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 36, say: '1924. R.W.C. reports that while snipe-shooting near Chimney on December 6th, his party shot what they took to be an immature Great Snipe. The bill was about ½ in. longer and in size was about half as big again as a Common Snipe, the plumage being also somewhat different. Unfortunately information as to the number of rectrices is not available.'

In an Editorial (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 182, in a Review of the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, 1923-1924, edited by the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain and B. W. Tucker, they say: 'Great Snipe (Gallinago media). - A bird probably of this species shot at Chimney, Oxon, December 6th, 1924.'

Accepted locally (Radford 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet 1992).

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Bill should be ½ in. shorter, not longer. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1925 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Hesketh aerodrome, Southport, seen, winter.

(Hardy, 1941).

[KAN].

History Hardy (1941) states that H. Wagstaffe saw one feeding in a pasture near Hesketh aerodrome, Southport, in the winter of 1925.

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1925 Gower Llangennith, shot, undated.

(Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1925: 74).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1925) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LVIII. p. 74, placing the species in square brackets, say: 'Mr. Mashiter once shot one at Llangenydd (H. E. David.).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1925 Ayrshire Barrhill, seen, undated.

(Paton & Pike, 1929; Hogg, 1983).

[KAN].

History Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) say: 'Fingland the gamekeeper at Black Clauchrie, Barrhill, reports having seen only one in fifteen years, and that was in 1925.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1926 Angus & Dundee Elliot, Angus, seen, 13th, 16th and 20th August.

(D. G. Hunter, Scottish Naturalist 47: 95; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 47: 136; Boase, 1955; Crighton, 1976).

[KAN].

History Douglas G. Hunter (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 95, says: 'A rushy marsh at Elliot is a favourite resort of Snipe on arrival from oversea. On 13th August last what at first sight seemed to be a very small Woodcock feeding along the muddy margin of the marsh proved to be a Great Snipe. Several Common Snipe were partly visible in the vegetation on the opposite side, thereby enabling the two species to be compared. Probably it was the same bird which was seen again on the 16th on a grassy plot occasionally subjected to flooding, and finally on the 20th at the marsh.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 136, in the annual report.

Comment Every rare bird seen by Mr. Hunter has been rejected. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1926 Fair Isle No locality, 4th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 47: 136).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 136, in the annual report, say: 'A Great Snipe at Fair Isle on 4th October.' Seen or shot?

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1926 Cumbria Haresceugh Fell, Pennines, shot, undated.

(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 120).

[KAN].

History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 120, says: 'G. G. Ley records one shot on Haresceugh Fell in the Pennines in 1926.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 13th September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 109; Dymond, 1991).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 109, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'Great Snipe (single birds in each case) were recorded from Fair Isle on 13th September.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 23rd September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 109).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 109, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'Great Snipe (single birds in each case) were recorded from Fair Isle on 23rd September.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 1st October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 109; Dymond, 1991).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 109, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'Great Snipe (single birds in each case) were recorded from Fair Isle on 1st October.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1928 Sussex Lancing, seen, January.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 229) says: '1928. - At the beginning of the year Mr. A. E. Ellis - to use his own words - "was sure" of a specimen at Lancing, as he told me by letter subsequently. Again note the abnormal date for these Islands.'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1928 Oxfordshire Shifford Lock, 15th December.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1928: 23; Radford, 1966).

[KAN].

History B. W. Tucker (1928) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 23, says: 'One near Shifford Lock, December 15th (R.W.C.).' Accepted locally (Radford 1966).

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Shot or seen? Not acceptable.

0). 1930 Somerset Near Dunster, seen, February.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1930: 28).

[F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1930: 28].

History F. L. Blathwayt (1930) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 28, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'One reported near Dunster by G. F. Luttrell in February. The date is quite abnormal.'

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1930 Fair Isle No locality, 18th September.

(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 51: 46; Eds., British Birds 25: 26).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History J. H. Stenhouse (1931) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LI. pp. 45-46, says: 'At Fair Isle notes were taken during the period by Mr. George Stout, and it is from his diary, which has been forwarded to me, that the following details have been extracted....On the 18th the chief visitors were again Larks and Pipits, but many other species were also present. The weather conditions were very bad, and after midday observations were hopeless....among the rarer birds noted were a Great Snipe.'

In an Editorial (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 26, they say: 'One Fair Isle, September 18th, 1930 (J. H. Stenhouse, Scot. Nat., 1931, p. 46).'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1930 Northumberland Near Berwick-upon-Tweed, shot, September.

(Anon., History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 27: 321).

[Galloway & Meek, 1978-83].

History Anon. (1929-31) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XXVII. p. 321, says: 'A specimen of the Great Snipe was shot at the farm of Unthank, near Berwick, in September 1930.'

Not in the list of accepted county records (Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

0) 1930 Cambridgeshire Near Madingley, seen, 15th November.

(D. L. Lack, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1930: 24).

[D. L. Lack, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1930: 24].

History D. L. Lack, Ed. (1930) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 24, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On 15th November a bird which the observers feel sure was this species was flushed from a path between a copse and ploughed land on the gault near Madingley. But they think it better not to be absolutely definite, as they have never previously seen the species, and the date is a little unusual. Features supporting the identification were that it appeared larger and much heavier, and twisted much less in flight, than does a Common Snipe. Further, the locality would be most unusual for a Common Snipe, but typical for a Great Snipe, and the bird was certainly not a Woodcock (D.L.L., M.E.W.N.).'

0). 1930 Isle of Man Langness, 30th November.

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

[Cullen & Jennings, 1986].

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) say: 'Madoc wrote of the first Manx record - "I approach this record with some diffidence... (but) in the belief that, without personal examination, the birds which have been seen by me could be nothing else". On 30th November he and a companion put up a heavy looking snipe from high dry ground on the centre of Langness. After a short straight flight, when some white about the tail was noted, it dropped and was then flushed again.'

Not accepted locally (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

0). 1930 Suffolk Campsea-Ash estate, shot, undated.

(H. Murrell, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 3: 110).

[Not in 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.'

0). 1931 Devon Hatherleigh, seen, 9th March.

(W. Walmesley White, F. C. Butters E. W. Hendry & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1932: 217).

[KAN].

History W. Walmesley White, F. C. Butters E. W. Hendry & H. G. Hurrell (1932) in Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. 4. p. 217, say: 'Hatherleigh. One seen, March 9, 1931, in time of hard frost. V.L.W.'

Comment March (very early spring) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Published a year later. Not acceptable.

0). 1931 Kent Brookland, male, shot, 9th September.

(Harrison, 1953).

[http://www.kentos.org.uk/Records/GreatSnipe.htm].

History Harrison (1953 (1): 336) says: 'Dr. Arnold McMillan possessed a male that was shot by Major Teichman Derval on 9th September, 1931, at Brookland. This specimen is now in my collection.'

Not accepted locally (Kent Ornithological Society).

0). 1932 Oxfordshire Eynsham, shot, 17th January.

(B. W. Tucker & W. B. Alexander, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1933: 33; Radford, 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet, 1992).

[KAN].

History B. W. Tucker & W. B. Alexander (1933) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 33, say: 'One shot at Eynsham on Jan. 17, an unusual date, was examined and identified by G.T. [G. Tickner of Oxford].'

Accepted locally (Radford 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet 1992).

Comment January (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1933 Isle of Man Langness, seen, 15th January.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 29: 72).

[Cullen & Jennings, 1986].

History P. G. Ralfe (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. 72, says: '...In his 'Bird-life' Colonel Madoc mentions another, identified by Mr. L. Sim and himself, seen January 15th, 1933, and again a few days later (p. 168).'

Not accepted locally (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

0). 1933 Shetland Whalsay, obtained, 6th September.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 30; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 30, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Great Snipe. - Mr. Tom Bruce has obtained a single bird of this species on 6th September 1933.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1933 Devon North Molton, seen, December.

(F. C. Butters, A. B. Gay, E. W. Hendry, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1933: 16).

[KAN].

History F. C. Butters, A. B. Gay, E. W. Hendry, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns (1933) in Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. 6. p. 16, says: 'North Molton. One in a water meadow for several days during frost before Christmas (D.B.F.S.).'

Comment December (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1933 Wiltshire Britford, shot, December.

(C. M. R. Pitman, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 46: 470; Buxton, 1981; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

[KAN].

History C. M. R. Pitman (1934) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XLVI. p. 470, under 'Report on the Birds of Wiltshire for 1933', says: 'E.W.C. reports one shot at Britford during December.'

Comment Dr. E. W. Clapham. December (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1934 Isle of Man Langness, seen, 12th November.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 29: 72).

[Cullen & Jennings, 1986].

History P. G. Ralfe (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 72, says: 'On November 12th, 1934, Colonel Madoc, with Messrs. Corrin and Corris, saw one "on a rock off Langness, a very fine view, until it flew off toward Castletown, a straight and very heavy flight, as I have noticed before. The breast-marks and the white tail-feathers were very noticeable in flight".'

Not accepted locally (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

0). 1935 Shetland Sumburgh, Mainland, shot, 5th September.

(H. J. R. Pease, British Birds 29: 174; G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 30).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History H. J. R. Pease (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. pp. 173-174, says: 'Among migrants seen by me at Sumburgh in the extreme south of the mainland of Shetland during a visit from August 31st to September 12th, 1935, the following are perhaps worthy of mention as not often recorded in Shetland: - Great Snipe (Capella media). - One shot by Mr. G. K. Yeates on September 5th.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1935 Shetland Whalsay, obtained, 6th September.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 30).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 30, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Great Snipe. - Mr. Tom Bruce has obtained a single bird of this species on 6th September 1935.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1936 Wiltshire Britford, shot, 23rd January.

(C. M. R. Pitman, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 48: 38; Buxton, 1981; Palmer, 1991; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

[KAN].

History C. M. R. Pitman (1937) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XLVIII. p. 38, under 'Report on the Birds of Wiltshire for 1936', says: 'One shot near Britford on January 23rd and reported by Dr. E. W. Clapham.'

Comment January (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1936 Shetland Whalsay, seen, 29th March.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 30; Venables & Venables, 1955; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 30, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Great Snipe. - Mr. Tom Bruce saw one on Whalsay on 29th March 1936.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

Comment Bruce had already obtained two in the previous three years. However, Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'Only the 1923 record prior to 1958 is considered proven.' Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Hampshire Near Dockens Water, seen, 26th December.

(F. C. R. Jourdain, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1938: 257).

[Cohen, 1963].

History F. C. R. Jourdain (1938) in the Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, p. 257, says: 'One near Dockens Water, December 26th (as in 1937) (F.H.).'

Comment December (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1938 Lancashire & North Merseyside Leagram, shot, 2nd December.

(Oakes, 1953).

History Oakes (1953: 272) says: 'Shot by J. Berkeley-Weld on the 2nd December at Leagram.'

Comment December (winter) dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1938 Greater Manchester Birtle, near Bury, Lancashire, seen, 10th December.

(Oakes, 1953; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).

[KAN].

History Oakes (1953: 272-273) says: 'Was flushed on the moors at Birtle, near Bury, by M. B. Horan, on the 10th December, 1938.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1938 Outer Hebrides North Rona, 15th December.

(Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Cunningham, 1983).

[KAN].

History Baxter & Rintoul (1953) state that Dr. Fraser Darling recorded one in December on North Rona. Cunningham (1983) adds that it was seen on the 15th December 1938.

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1939 Norfolk Whiteslea, Hickling, seen, 2nd January.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1939: 15).

[KAN].

History J. Vincent (1939) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 15, says: 'At the opening of the year Hickling was ice-bound…His Majesty the King paid a visit to Hickling on January 2nd. He climbed up to the "look-out" at Whiteslea to obtain a splendid view of the broads which it affords. That evening a Great Snipe flew in and settled within a few feet of His Majesty.'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1940 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, seen, 5th January.

(Tresco Abbey Records; Penhallurick, 1969).

[KAN].

History Penhallurick (1969: 117) says: 'One said to have been seen on St. Mary's on 5th January 1940 (Abbey Records).'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1940 Somerset Near Blue Anchor, Dunster, two, shot, January.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1940: 27).

[KAN].

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell (1940) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIII. p. 27 says: 'Near Blue Anchor. Two shot by keeper on consecutive days in January. (G.F.L.).'

Comment G. F. Luttrell. January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1940 Sussex Winchelsea, shot, 10th November.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 6: 73).

[KAN].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1941) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VI. p. 73, says: 'One shot, Winchelsea, Nov. 10th (Anthony Freeman), appears to have been adequately identified by its size and number of tail feathers (16).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Number of tail feathers is not absolute. Not acceptable.

0). 1940 Cheshire & Wirral Hoylake, Wirral, seen, December.

(Hardy, 1941; Hedley Bell, 1962).

[KAN].

History Hardy (1941) states that one was seen on Hoylake Rocks in December 1940 by J. Stirling.

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1941 Derbyshire River Dove, Ashbourne, seen, 8th December.

(Frost, 1978).

[KAN].

History Frost (1978) says: 'One was seen in a marshy field by the River Dove at Ashbourne on 8th December 1941 (Miss K. M. Hollick).'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1942 Lancashire & North Merseyside Leagram, undated.

(Liverpool & Cheshire Fauna Committee 26th Report; Spencer, 1973).

[KAN]

History Listed by Spencer (1973) with no further detail.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Seen or shot? Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1946 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, seen, 16th January.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1946: 25-26).

[KAN].

History C. E. Gay (1946) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1946, pp. 25-26, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'Solitary Snipe. A bird of this species was flushed from a hedge near the marshes at Yarmouth by my dog on January 16th. It gave no cry and appeared much larger than a common Snipe. It flew low and apparently lit nearby like a Jack, but we did not see it again. (Dr. L. Ley).'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1947 Bedfordshire Bedford Sewage-farm, seen, 20th August.

(H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 1947: 54).

[H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 1947: 54].

History H. A. S. Key (1947) in the Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 54, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird, thought to be a juvenile Great Snipe, was seen by H. A. S. Key, F. C. Gribble and H. A. W. Southon at Bedford Sewage Farm on 20th August. A party of Common Snipe (Capella g. gallinago) were disturbed from a boggy field, and some time afterwards another Snipe got up from among rushy tussocks at the feet of the observers. The flight of the bird and its general appearance were similar to those of the Woodcock (Scolopax r. rusticola) and the bird dropped into the ditch beyond the boundary hedge after flying only a short distance at a low elevation - emitting an occasional grunting note. No white outer tail feathers were, however, seen. The facts were communicated to Mr. B. W. Tucker who, while agreeing that there was every possibility of the bird being a Great Snipe, suggested that, as the observations lacked the confirmatory character of the tail feathers, the use of square brackets was called for.'

0). 1947 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 18th September.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1947: 15).

[KAN].

History C. E. Gay (1947) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1947, p. 15, under 'Cley and Salthouse', says: 'September. A large Snipe believed to be a Solitary Snipe was seen on the 18th by Mr. Stokes.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1947 Co. Durham Hurworth Burn, seen, 22nd October.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 73: 127).

[G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 73: 127].

History G. W. Temperley (1948) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIV. p. 127, under 'Durham Annual Report for 1947', recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On October 22nd one was seen in flight at Hurworth Burn. "The first to be recorded from this place". (J.R.C.).'

0). 1948 Lancashire & North Merseyside Higham, near Burnley, two, seen, 15th February.

(Oakes, 1953).

[KAN].

History Oakes (1953: 273) says: 'These two were seen on marshy ground by P. A. Clancey, on a day of considerable Common Snipe movement, at Higham, near Burnley, on 15th February 1948.'

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1948 Yorkshire High Royd, seen, 24th July.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 74: 70).

[R. Chislett, Naturalist 74: 70].

History Ralph Chislett (1949) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 59, under 'Yorkshire Bird Report for 1948', recording the record in square brackets, says: 'L. Broome described a large snipe at High Royd on July 24th with conspicuous white in the tail feathers.'

0). 1948 Yorkshire Ilton Moor, seen, 1st December.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 74: 70).

[R. Chislett, Naturalist 74: 70].

History Ralph Chislett (1949) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 59, in the 'Yorkshire Bird Report for 1948', recording the record in square brackets, says: 'P. Young saw a Snipe on Ilton Moor on December 1st which seemed larger than the Common Snipe and had a different flight, which he believed to be a Great Snipe.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details.

0). 1948-51 Shetland Weisdale, Mainland, 18th November.

(Venables & Venables, 1955; Berry & Johnston, 1980; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Venables & Venables (1955) state that they have identified only two in eight years: 18th September in grass aftermath in Dunrossness and 18th November on a heather hill above Weisdale.' However, Pennington et al. (2004) state that there is only one record which can be considered proven up until 1958, a female shot on 20th September 1923.

Comment The authors who forgot to add the year with this record, first moved to Weisdale in 1945 and signed there Introduction 'Dunrossness, May 1953' hence the year range for this record.

0). 1949 Avon Blagdon Reservoir, Somerset, seen, 6th March.

(H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick, Ornithological Notes Bristol District 1949: 36; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1949: 22; B. King, British Birds 45: 35-36).

[KAN].

History H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick (1949) in Ornithological Notes Bristol District, p. 36, say: 'A large snipe, undoubtedly C. media, flushed three times in quick succession, Blagdon Reservoir, Mar. 6 (B.K. & R.H.P.), and another (possibly the same) put up a dozen times within an hour at clay-pits adjoining Cheddar Reservoir, Apr. 3 (B.K.). Details from B.K. show that on all occasions the bird rose silently, alighting again almost immediately, and appeared larger than Common Snipe (C. gallinago), some of which were present on each date, and was noticeably slower and more direct in flight. At both Blagdon and Cheddar the conspicuously white outer tail-feathers were noted but only at the former was it possible to detect so important a character as the heavily barred flanks. The Blagdon bird, when viewed at 50 yards' range near the water's edge, was seen to waddle into cover with the half-walking, half-running gait described in The Handbook (Vol. IV. p. 193).'

F. L. Blathwayt (1949) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 22, says: 'Single bird seen, Blagdon Reservoir, Mar. 6; a large Snipe with typical bill; head darker than upper parts, with pale brown face and neck; a little white showing on the secondaries; conspicuously white outer tail feathers, and under parts well barred. With a gait half-walking, half-running it was seen on one occasion to waddle in duck-like manner, and to conceal itself in short grass close to the water's edge. At no time did the bird make any call. Mode of flight was somewhat heavy, with no twisting as in Common Snipe. It was last seen gliding into ploughed land well away from the reservoir (B.K. & R. H. Poulding).'

Bernard King (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 35-36, says: 'Mr. Bernard King has sent us detailed accounts of single Great Snipe (Capella media) seen on March 6th, 1949, at Blagdon, on April 3rd, 1949, at the clay pits, Cheddar, and on December 27th, 1950, at Blagdon, Somerset; on the first occasion Mr. King was accompanied by Mr. R. H. Poulding and on the last by Mr. M. J. Wotton. 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.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Spring records are extremely rare, even more so westwards. Not acceptable.

0). 1949 Somerset Cheddar Clay-pits, seen, 3rd April.

(H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick, Ornithological Notes Bristol District 1949: 36; B. King, British Birds 45: 35-36; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1949: 22; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

[KAN].

History H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick (1949) in Ornithological Notes Bristol District, p. 36, say: 'A large snipe, undoubtedly C. media, flushed three times in quick succession, Blagdon Reservoir, Mar. 6 (B.K. & R.H.P.), and another (possibly the same) put up a dozen times within an hour at clay-pits adjoining Cheddar Reservoir, Apr. 3 (B.K.). Details from B.K. show that on all occasions the bird rose silently, alighting again almost immediately, and appeared larger than Common Snipe (C. gallinago), some of which were present on each date, and was noticeably slower and more direct in flight. At both Blagdon and Cheddar the conspicuously white outer tail-feathers were noted but only at the former was it possible to detect so important a character as the heavily barred flanks. The Blagdon bird, when viewed at 50 yards' range near the water's edge, was seen to waddle into cover with the half-walking, half-running gait described in The Handbook (Vol. IV. p. 193).'

Bernard King (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 35-36, says: 'Mr. Bernard King has sent us detailed accounts of single Great Snipe (Capella media) seen on March 6th, 1949, at Blagdon, on April 3rd, 1949, at the clay pits, Cheddar, and on December 27th, 1950, at Blagdon, Somerset; on the first occasion Mr. King was accompanied by Mr. R. H. Poulding and on the last by Mr. M. J. Wotton. 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.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1949) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 22, says: 'On Apr. 3, at the clay-pits, Cheddar Reservoir, a Great Snipe was flushed, and for the next hour was put up, at only a few yards range, no less than a dozen times. Plumage and flight similar to the Blagdon bird, except that the barring on the breast was not seen, due to dull and threatening conditions. It rose silently on all occasions (B.K.).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Spring records are extremely rare, even more so on westwards. Not acceptable.

0). 1949 Cornwall/Devon Tamar Lakes, two, seen, 22nd August.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1949: 32; Moore, 1969; Penhallurick, 1969).

[B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1949: 32; Eds., British Birds 45: 36].

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1949) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIX. p. 32, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'On August 22nd, at Tamar Lake, two. They were seen, apparently asleep, sitting tight to each other in the open; it was not until we were nearly on top of them that they took flight, quite silently, showing a lot of white at the sides of the tail. They flew only a short distance, not zig-zagging, before settling again. They appeared heavier and more stolid than any Common Snipe I have seen, and the plumage was more heavily barred.'

In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV, p. 36, say: '...two possibles. - F.E.C.'

0). 1949 Hampshire Kingsley Pond, Alton, seen, 19th October.

(E. Cohen, Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1949: 340).

[Cohen, 1963].

History E. Cohen (1949) in the Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 340, says: '1949. One seen and watched for three minutes at 20 feet, Kingsley Pond, October 19th (J.S.R.C., A.N.H.S.).'

Not accepted locally (Cohen 1963).

0). 1950 Norfolk Scolt Head Island, 8th November.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1950: 2, 6).

[Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999].

History C. E. Gay (1950) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 2, says: 'The following records are taken from the diary of the late Charles Chestney and, during the latter part of the year, of his son Robert.' Further, p. 6, she adds: 'A Solitary Snipe seen on November 8th allowed a very near approach before it flew and the white on the tail feathers was clearly visible.' However, Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) found it unacceptable.

0). 1950 Avon Blagdon Reservoir, Somerset, 27th December.

(H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick, Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society 28: 188-189; B. King, British Birds 45: 35-36; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1950: 19).

[KAN].

History H. H. Davis & P. J. Chadwick (1950) in the Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXVIII. pp. 188-189, say: 'One identified, Blagdon Res. (Ubley end), Dec. 27. The bird, flushed three times, was seen by B.K. and M.J.W., who report that on each occasion it rose without calling, and with flight more direct than in Common Snipe. B.K. records that it looked larger than Common Snipe and that the outer tail-feathers were conspicuously white; also that when first flushed it alighted about 35 yds. distant, and in full view; thus enabling both observers to note (with telescope) the heavily barred flanks, and shorter looking bill than in C. gallinago. Detailed pencil sketches by M.J.W. confirm the identification.'

Bernard King (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 35-36, says: 'Mr. Bernard King has sent us detailed accounts of single Great Snipe (Capella media) seen on March 6th, 1949, at Blagdon, on April 3rd, 1949, at the clay pits, Cheddar, and on December 27th, 1950, at Blagdon, Somerset; on the first occasion Mr. King was accompanied by Mr. R. H. Poulding and on the last by Mr. M. J. Wotton. 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.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1950) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 19, says: 'Single bird seen, Blagdon Res., Dec. 27. After being flushed, bird settled in the open, thirty-five yards away. Good views obtained of barring on breast and flanks, the ground colour of which was buff. Large size, snipe-like bill (looking shorter than in Com. Snipe) and conspicuous white outer tail feathers were noted. The bird gave no call and was flushed twice before flying into meadow land nearby. Detailed pencil sketches by M. J. Wotton confirm the identification.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1951 Wiltshire Near Wick Farm, 9th September.

(R. G. Barnes & L. G. Peirson, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 54: 323).

[R. G. Barnes & L. G. Peirson, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 54: 323].

History Ruth G. Barnes & Guy Peirson (1952) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. LIV. p. 323, under 'Wiltshire Bird Notes for 1951', recording the record in square brackets, say: 'On Sept. 9, Mr. Blakeley put up a snipe from a bed of nettles in a rabbit warren near Wick Farm far from any water. It flew away with practically no zigzags and was silent and larger than the Common Snipe. When Mr. Blakeley worked on the Yorkshire Moors, from time to time he saw single birds like this and at about the same time of year. His previous experience makes this most difficult identification very probable (L.G.P.).'

0). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 7th November.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 14; Williamson, 1965).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I. p. 14, says: 'One, Nov. 7th.'

Pennington et al. (2004) state that there is only one record which can be considered proven up until 1958, a female shot on 20th September 1923.

0). 1952 Greater London/Hertfordshire Moor Mill, Radlett, 22nd March.

(Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History Sage (1959) states that he saw the only spring record for the county on 22nd March 1952 at Moor Mill, Radlett (Sage, Country-Side 16: 201).

Comment Spring (March) records are probably misidentified. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species.

0). 1952 Nottinghamshire Wilford, 9th September.

(A. Dobbs, Report on the Birds of Nottinghamshire 1950-54: 26).

[A. Dobbs, Report on the Birds of Nottinghamshire 1950-54: 26].

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Report on the Birds of Nottinghamshire, p. 26, recording the record in square brackets, says: '1952. One very probable, September 9th, Wilford (A.D.). "Boys in the fen disturbed four Common Snipe, which flew across my front and, ten yards behind, another snipe followed. This was silent, whereas the others called repeatedly. Its size attracted my attention and, as they flew by, I compared each to each. The silent snipe was only a little longer, bill size same, but body heavier and wings larger with a less rapid motion. There was a line of white at edge of tail. It did not twist nor turn as the four Common Snipe did".'

0). c. 1952 Shetland No locality, Dunrossness, Mainland, 18th September.

(Venables & Venables, 1955; Berry & Johnston, 1980; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Venables & Venables (1955) state that they have identified only two in eight years: 18th September in grass aftermath in Dunrossness and 18th November on a heather hill above Weisdale.' However, Pennington et al. (2004) state that there is only one record which can be considered proven up until 1958, a female shot on 20th September 1923.

Comment The authors who forgot to add the year with this record, first moved to Weisdale in 1945 and signed there Introduction 'Dunrossness, May 1953' hence the year for this record.

0). 1952 Norfolk Sidestrand, 13th October.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 21; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

[E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 281].

History C. E. Gay (1952) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 21 says: 'A large heavy Snipe with white on outer tail feathers was flushed from bracken at Sidestrand on 13th October by Mrs. Hood.'

E. M. Nicholson (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 281, says: '...supposed Great Snipe...'

0). 1952 Nottinghamshire Wilford, 26th October.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 26).

[J. Hopper et al., Nottinghamshire Bird Report 1994: 86].

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 26, says: '1952. One, October 26, Wilford (R.A.M.). "Large, dark snipe rose without usual "scaap" call. Bill about the same as Common Snipe. Pattern on back not so distinct. Flight more like Jack than Common Snipe. Whole bird seemed more "robust" than Common Snipe. Flew straight and fairly low over bushes".'

J. Hopper et al. (1994) in the Nottinghamshire Bird Report, p. 86, states that it was a close decision. Five out of nine committee members required more plumage details to be certain.

0). 1953 Norfolk Salthouse Heath, 11th March.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 26).

[KAN].

History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 26, says: 'Single bird at Salthouse Heath, 11th March (H.H.). Supporting notes received.'

Comment Spring (March) records are probably misidentified. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1953 Kent Walland Marsh, 27th September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 18).

[D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 363].

History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. p. 18, says: 'One on Walland Marsh on Sept. 27 (F.J.W.) and one near Rochester on Dec. I6, 24 and 25 (D.F.M.). Both observers refer, in comparison with Snipe, to slower flight, absence of twisting, grunting call, larger size, much more white on tail, and darker underparts. D.F.M. saw his bird on ground on last two dates and noticed flanks much more barred. This observer reported the occurrence to the Editor after first date but the details then were considered inadequate. Details obtained subsequently were very satisfactory.'

In a review of the above (Brit. Birds 49: 363) D.D.H. states: 'A Great Snipe claimed for September and another for December.'

Comment D. D. Harber's statement of one "claimed" does not inspire confidence. Not acceptable.

0) 1953 Isle of Wight King's Quay, 18th October.

(J. Stafford, Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1953: 292).

[J. Stafford, Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1953: 292].

History J. Stafford (1953) in the Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1953, p. 292, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird flushed from the marsh at King's Quay on Oct. 18th may have been this species. It appeared larger than Common Snipe, with a considerable amount of white in the tail (G.A.).'

0). 1953 Northumberland Harbottle, seen, 20th December.

(E. G. Tyer, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 66).

[Galloway & Meek, 1978-83].

History E. G. Tyer (1953) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 66, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Although this species usually occurs in Britain from August to November and March to May, a single bird, almost certainly of this species, was flushed from dry moorland south of Harbottle on December 20th, 1953 - a time when Common Snipe is totally absent from the district. From its size, flight and the conspicuous amount of white on the tail, the bird was judged to be a Great Snipe.'

Galloway & Meek (1978-83) say: 'One is alleged...'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species.

0). 1953 Kent Near Rochester, seen, 16th, 24th and 25th December.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 18).

[D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 363].

History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. p. 18, says: 'One on Walland Marsh on Sept. 27 (F.J.W.) and one near Rochester on Dec. 16, 24 and 25 (D.F.M.). Both observers refer, in comparison with Snipe, to slower flight, absence of twisting, grunting call, larger size, much more white on tail, and darker underparts. D.F.M. saw his bird on ground on last two dates and noticed flanks much more barred. This observer reported the occurrence to the Editor after first date but the details then were considered inadequate. Details obtained subsequently were very satisfactory.'

In a review of the above (Brit. Birds 49: 363) D.D.H. states: 'A Great Snipe claimed for September and another for December.

Comment D. D. Harber's statement of one "claimed" does not inspire confidence. December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1953 Cumbria Near Brampton, shot, 26th December.

(R. Stokoe, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 10: 83).

[KAN].

History R. Stokoe (1962) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. X. p. 83, says: 'One was shot in a dry but rushy field near Brampton (C) on 26 December 1953 (Sir George Johnson). This is the first record for the area since one was shot in the same district in 1933.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1954 Yorkshire Carnaby, 7th February.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 78; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 406).

[Not in Mather, 1986].

History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 78, says: 'A bird watched at 10 yards range on February 7th through x 15 binoculars in a "gutter" at Carnaby showed white outer tail feathers, a slower and more "laden" flight than Common Snipe, and did not zig-zag (G.J.B., who has seen the species in Germany.'

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1954 Dorset Lodmoor, Weymouth, 22nd April.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 76: 164).

[K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 76: 164].

History K. B. Rooke (1954) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVI. p. 164, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Probably one, Lodmoor (W.E.V.), April 22nd. It was flushed three times, once uttering "a deep harsh call, a mixture between a croak and a quack", each time flying straight and "heavily" for only about 50 yards, and showing a considerable amount of white in flight, apparently in tail. Larger, and call much louder than Common Snipe, with which directly compared (M.D.C.). There appear to have been no spring records of Great Snipe in Dorset.'

0). 1954 Kent Walland Marsh, seen, 24th April.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 17).

[D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 364-365].

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 17, says: 'One flushed three times on April 24 in Walland Marsh by F.J.W. who has previous experience of this species. When first disturbed bird was feeding with two commoner species of snipe. Satisfactory details have been received.'

In a review of the above (Brit. Birds 49: 364-365) D.D.H. states: 'A Great Snipe is claimed for 24th April; no evidence is given (though it is stated that satisfactory details have been received), and on the information available to us the record does not inspire confidence.'

Comment D. D. Harber's statement of one "claimed" does not inspire confidence. Not acceptable.

0). 1954 Staffordshire Whittington Sewage-farm, 25th April.

(B. R. Dean, West Midland Bird Club Report 41: 14; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

[KAN].

History Eleventh record for Staffordshire.

Comment Not recorded until 20 years after its occurrence! Spring records inland are unheard of. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of this difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1954 Sussex Marsham Brooks, Pett, 27th December.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 8: 145).

[Not in Sussex Bird Report; des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1955) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 145, says: 'One, Marsham Brooks, Pett, Dec. 27th (R.C.).'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1955 Bedfordshire Near Kempston Hardwick, 3rd February.

(H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 10 (1955): 21).

[H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 1947: 54; B. Nightingale & P. Smith, Bedfordshire Naturalist 36 (1981): 18].

History H. A. S. Key (1955) in the Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. X. p. 21, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A single bird seen at the Coronation Works C.P. near Kempston Hardwick, 3rd Feb., by D. White, may have been of this species. It was seen at rest by a pool-when the large size and dark colouring were noted. When it flew, white outer tail feathers showed clearly and the mantle appeared dark with some striation. It gave a short "grunting" call and flew with but little swerving to pitch in about 75 yards away.'

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1955 Yorkshire Farnley Gravel-pits, Otley, 18th August.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 81: 62).

[R. Chislett, Naturalist 81: 62].

History R. Chislett (1956) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXI. p. 62, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'At Farnley Gravel Pits on August 18th a 'largish rather stocky' snipe with white on sides of tail, flew straight and level, with wing-beats that seemed slower and heavier than Common Snipe's, and bill that seemed proportionately shorter.'

0). 1955 Shetland No locality, two, undated.

(Berry & Johnston, 1980; K. Osborn, Shetland Bird Report 1993: 39; Pennington et al., 2004).

[KAN].

History Probably refers to 1952 records.

Comment Confused with another record. Lacks a precise date to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). 1956 Devon Otter Estuary, 23rd February.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 22; Moore, 1969).

[KAN].

History S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 22, says: 'R. Otter, Feb 23, one watched for about ten minutes feeding along the edge of the river, pecking at its food on or near the surface of the mud; it came to within 25 yards when I could clearly see the heavily barred flanks; its flight was low, level and direct with no twist or turn and the white at the sides of the tail was most conspicuous; it was decidedly larger than many Common Snipe which were present along the river at the time (S.D.G.).'

Comment February (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1956 Cheshire & Wirral New Ferry, Wirral, March.

(Raines, 1960; L. P. Samuels & T. H. Bell, Cheshire Bird Report 1957-60: 52; Hedley Bell, 1962; Conlon & Williams, 2017).

[KAN].

History Conlon & Williams (2017) list this record.

Comment March (spring) records are probably misidentified, especially on the west coast. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1956 Shetland Quendale, Mainland, 23rd August.

(Berry & Johnston, 1980).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).