Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica (Gmelin, JF, 1789) (53, 39)

Photo © KG Webb - Porthcressa Bay, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, 27 Aug 2024

STATUS

Cosmopolitan. Polytypic.

OVERVIEW

Harrison & Harrison (1982) stated that the BOU (1971) said inland records were exceptional, so the four covered in the Birds of the West Midlands are against the norm and were not mentioned in The Handbook (Witherby et al. 1950-52).

However, by 2018, there were ten records (1989-2018) from inland sites, two of these from the West Midlands area.

Breeding took place in Essex during 1950 from a pair that were also present there in 1949. The nearest breeding colonies were in Denmark and southern Spain.

The records below, where a description of those that called, not withstanding the difficulty of transcribing them, does not inspire confidence and a further review is recommended.

---

RECORDS

1). Pre 1802 Sussex No locality, adult summer, obtained, undated.

(Montagu, 1813; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996; BOURC (2018), Ibis 160: 210; A. G. Knox & H. van Grouw, British Birds 115: 518-520).

History Montagu (1813) under 'Gull-billed Tern', says: 'As we have in some of the preceding Terns been reducing the species, so we trust it will clearly appear that there are two very distinct species confounded for the Sandwich Tern. Before we enter into a comparative definition of the two species, it will be proper to remark, that amongst several birds which Doctor Latham spared to Mr. Vaughan from his collection, we recognised the original Sandwich Tern, from which the drawing was taken by the daughter of the Doctor, and afterwards engraved for Mr. Boys's History of Sandwich. This identical bird was sent by Mr. Boys to Doctor Latham as a new species, and as such was denominated Sandwich Tern in the General Synopsis, and afterwards, in the Index Ornithologieus, Sterna boysii, making it known, by those appropriate names, the original discoverer and the place where found. Doctor Latham assures us he never had but two Sandwich Terns, the one sent to him by Mr. Boys, and the other by Doctor Leith of Greenwich, and that they were similar.

The specimen, however, before mentioned is evidently the one from which the original drawing and description were taken, as the attitude evinces. This specimen having been presented to us by our friend Mr. Vaughan, has been the occasion of the fortunate discovery that a distinct species, apparently more common, has been erroneously considered to be that bird; an error we confess to have fallen into, in common with all other naturalists. From the general resemblance of these two species, it is probable that the one in question would have long remained confounded, had it not been for the means of bringing the two together (being in possession of the new species), which, from the shape of the bill, is denominated the Gull-billed Tern, a prominent character of distinction between the two, and as it has originated in England we have added the more scientific name of Sterna anglica.

Our specimen of this species was shot in Sussex, and we have known others to have been killed about Rye. Two of these birds are in the collection of Mr. Vaughan, both sent to him for the Sandwich Tern. Now, in order to define the distinction of these two species, we shall make a comparative description. The bill of the boysii is two inches long, slender, and almost regularly subulate, and is black, with a pale horn-coloured tip. That of the anglica is not above an inch and a half long, thick, strong, and angulated on the under mandible like the bill of a Gull, and wholly black; upper part of the head of the boysii is black, spotted with white on the forehead and part of the crown. In the anglica the upper part of the head, taking in the eyes, is also black, and extends much father down the back of the head and part of the neck; and in the several specimens examined there have been only two or three white feathers on the crown. The upper parts of the body of the former are of a paler grey, or, as Dr. Latham terms it, hoary lead-colour; and the tail, as well as their upper coverts, quite white.

The general plumage of the anglica above is darker, being cinereous, and the tail and its upper coverts like the back, the outer feather on each side only being white. The greater quills of the boysii are hoary black on the outer webs, and more than half on the inner, near the shafts, from the points, but gradually becoming less towards the base, the shafts and interior margins quite to the tip white. In the anglica the quills are hoary, but the tips of the first five are black for an inch or more, without the smallest margin of white on that part; in other respects the wings are somewhat similar, except that part of the inner webs which is white does not quite reach the margin, the very edge being dusky for half the length of the feathers. In their legs and feet there is as great a difference as in their bills; the legs of the boysii are nearly one-third shorter, black with a slight rufous tinge, measuring scarcely one inch and a half in the tibiae; the foot is small, and the claws remarkably hooked. The legs of the anglica rather exceed two inches in length from the heel to the knee, their colour rufous-black; the toes longer than in the other species, especially the middle toe; and the claws unusually straight. It will be observed that in the former part of this work this species was described for the Sandwich Tern, from a specimen in our possession, having been, like others, led into the error for want of comparison; but the instant we had an opportunity of bringing the two birds together the distinction was evident. The bill and legs alone are so pointedly characteristic that at first sight the species may now be determined, independent of plumage. The size of the two species is nearly the same, but the Sandwich is a longer bird, being about eighteen inches in length, and two feet nine inches in breadth.'

Yarrell (1845 (3): 515-516, 2nd ed.) says: 'This species was first made known by Colonel Montagu, who gave a figure and description of it in the Supplement to his Ornithological Dictionary, published in the year 1813; one specimen was shot by himself in Sussex, and he saw two others that had been killed at Rye. The birds were at first confounded with the Sandwich Tern, but the form and length of the bill in the two birds, which are quite different, soon led Montagu to a just appreciation of the specific distinctions, and he called it S. anglica, because it was not known to him as existing elsewhere.'

Ticehurst (1909: 493) says: 'Montagu obtained his original specimen some time prior to 1802 in Sussex, and afterwards saw two others, which were shot at Rye, and not far from the Kent boundary. In the first edition of his Ornithological Dictionary he mentions these under the Sandwich Tern, and it was not until Latham's type of the latter came into his hands in 1813 that he was able to compare the two and describe his original bird as a new species. A third example, also killed near Rye, was in Knox's collection.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 245-246) says: 'First to find out that nilotica paid Britain occasional visits was the renowned Colonel Montagu. But to begin with - this was in 1802 in his Ornithological Dictionary - though not realizing that Gull-billed and Sandwich Tern were separate species, he dealt with the former under the name of, and in the belief that he was describing, the latter. He writes: "It does not appear to be so plentiful as either of the other species (he here referred to the Common and Little Terns), for in a whole summer's residence [when ?] on the coast of Sussex and Kent [my italics], where the others are in plenty, we were not able to procure more than two specimens".

Obviously these were "Gull-bills" both. Had one been a "Sandwich", our Author would assuredly have detected the differences between the two birds then, just as he did at a later date when a Mr. Vaughan presented him with a genuine "Sandwich", which he forthwith compared with at any rate one of the "originals" hitherto thought to be sandvicensi.

I can only suppose that in making the mistake previously Montagu had not read Latham's description of the Sandwich Tern in 1785 derived from a specimen secured by Boys in Kent the year before. It is clear, then, that two "Gull-bills" were originally obtained, but whether both in Sussex or one each in Sussex and Kent is far from clear. That one "died" in our county is undeniable. For does not Montagu in 1813 in the Supplement to his Dictionary observe - now under Gull-billed Tern, with its differences from the "Sandwich" defined - "Our specimen was shot in Sussex (This bird (or is it the other?), which is in the British Museum, there once at any rate had Kent accorded to it as locality: cf. Borrer (B. Sx., p. 254), quoting from p. 241 of Gray's Cat. Brit. B. in the museum mentioned)". Which looks as if the second specimen had been parted with. It looks also as though this bird had come from the hop-county - a possibility considerably enhanced when we call to mind Montagu's memorandum in 1802 about the two examples having been procured on the coast of Sussex and Kent. If the second specimen did come from Kent and before the confessedly Sussex example, the former county, of course, wrests from the latter the honour of having provided Britain with her first known Gull-billed Tern.

To me, Montagu's verbiage is in parts ambiguous. But to other writers it evidently is not, or they would inevitably have broached the foregoing possibility. Instead, with one accord do they acclaim Sussex as the lawful claimant, whilst about there having been two birds not one of them, I think, has a syllable to say. From what actual locality, or localities, the two "originals" came is purely conjectural.

Since, however, Montagu was addicted to exploring Rye and its environs in quest of ornithological fare, it is fair to assume that the definite Sussex example hailed from that region. This is the more likely seeing that at a slightly subsequent date (which must have lain between 1802 and 1813) "others", as he vaguely puts it, were killed - and here he is explicit - at Rye itself. Perhaps, too, by himself; in any case he examined them. What figure "others" really represents there is, of course, no means of gauging, though Montagu does recount how a couple thereof passed into the possession of Mr. Vaughan, originally, however, in the guise of Sandwich Terns. It was then, probably, that Vaughan sent him the certified "Sandwich" referred to ut antea.'

Admitted nationally in their 9th Checklist as the first for Britain (BOURC (2018) Ibis 160: 210). More detailed work (Knox & van Grouw 2022) has unravelled the mysteries of the first for Britain which they find to be still acceptable.

Comment A full description followed of both species. This specimen, along with the rest of Montagu's collection, passed to the British Museum as the type specimen, but has since been lost.

2). Pre 1813 Sussex Rye area, two, killed, undated.

(Montagu, 1813; Yarrell, 1845; E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1850: 419; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1872; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996; A. G. Knox & H. van Grouw, British Birds 115: 518-520).

History Yarrell (1845 (3): 515-516, 2nd ed.) says: 'This species was first made known by Colonel Montagu, who gave a figure and description of it in the Supplement to his Ornithological Dictionary, published in the year 1813; one specimen was shot by himself in Sussex, and he saw two others that had been killed at Rye. The birds were at first confounded with the Sandwich Tern, but the form and length of the bill in the two birds, which are quite different, soon led Montagu to a just appreciation of the specific distinctions, and he called it S. anglica, because it was not known to him as existing elsewhere.'

Newman (1866) adds: 'They were in the collection of Mr. Vaughan.'

Harting (1872) in a footnote, adds: 'Others have been killed about Rye.'

Ticehurst (1909: 493) says: 'Montagu obtained his original specimen some time prior to 1802 in Sussex, and afterwards saw two others, which were shot at Rye, and not far from the Kent boundary. In the first edition of his Ornithological Dictionary he mentions these under the Sandwich Tern, and it was not until Latham's type of the latter came into his hands in 1813 that he was able to compare the two and describe his original bird as a new species. A third example, also killed near Rye, was in Knox's collection.'

Comment After much research we find this record still acceptable.

4). Pre 1824 Kent Near Sandwich, killed, undated.

(Latham, 1821-28; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Latham (1824 (10): 112) says: 'One was formerly sent to me for the young of the Sandwich Tern; and others have been met with in Sussex, and particularly about Rye: ours, we believe, was killed near Sandwich, in Kent.'

Ticehurst (1909: 493) says: 'The earliest Kent specimen seems to have been one killed some time prior to 1824. It was in Latham's collection, and is thus referred to by him (Gen. Hist. of Birds, X., p. 112)....The locality indicates that the bird was probably sent to him by [William] Boys.'

Harrison (1953 (1): 453) says: 'One in Dr. Latham's collection, of a date earlier than 1824, evoked the following comments from him: "One was formerly sent to me for the young of the Sandwich Tern, and others have been met with in Sussex, and particularly about Rye: ours we believe, was killed near Sandwich, in Kent".'

Comment After much research we find this record still acceptable.

5). 1832 Lancashire & North Merseyside Blackpool, shot, summer.

(J. Skaife, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 2: 530; Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History Dr. J. Skaife (1838) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. II. p. 530, says: 'I have one specimen shot at Blackpool in the summer of 1832.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Accepted locally (Saunders 1892; Oakes 1953).

Comment Not mentioned in Harting (1872) who must have been aware of the characters of this tern by then.

6). 1839 Kent Lydd, adult, killed, June.

(Thompson, 1845; Yarrell, 1845; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Yarrell (1845 (3): 516, 2nd ed.) says: 'He had heard of two examples killed in this country, both in 1839; one in Kent, in the month of June, but of the other I have unfortunately mislaid the letter which contained the particulars.'

Ticehurst (1909: 493) says: 'The second specimen is that mentioned by Yarrell in the first edition of his British Birds as having been killed in June, 1839, in Kent; but he gives no precise locality, so that it may possibly refer to the adult shot near Lydd prior to 1845 by Plomley and presented by him to the Dover Museum. This bird was recorded by Thompson, and is still to be seen in good condition in the general collection of that institution, though its interest is lost to the ordinary observer for want of a proper label. Like other ornithologists of his time, Plomley was unable to distinguish this species from the commoner Sandwich Tern.

In his MS. notes, kindly placed at my disposal by Dr. J. F. Plomley, and dated 1847, this confusion is manifest, for, while giving an account of the other Terns in the neighbourhood of Lydd, he makes no mention of the Sandwich Tern, but his notes under the heading of the present species clearly refer for the most part to that bird. After quoting the original records from Yarrell, he says "I have obtained four specimens of this bird, and have seen several pairs every summer for the last twelve years in Romney Marsh. The four specimens which he refers to are evidently the two adults of the present species and the two Sandwich Terns, which are still preserved in his collection at Dover; but the "several pairs seen every summer", no doubt refer to the Sandwich Tern.'

Harrison (1953) adds that consequently it is now destroyed.

7). Pre 1849 Sussex Rye, shot, undated.

(Knox, 1849; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Knox (1849: 245, 1st ed.) says: 'There is a specimen in my collection which was shot in that neighbourhood [Rye].'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Returning to the south coast, Mr. A. E. Knox states that there is a specimen in his collection, shot near Rye (Orn. Rambles, p. 253).'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 255). Ticehurst (1909: 493) says: 'A third example, also killed near Rye, was in Knox's collection.' It was accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 246) and by James (1996: 332) who admits seven for Sussex to 1855 inclusive which must have included this individual.

8). 1849 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, adult male, shot, 14th April, now at Castle Museum, Norwich (Acc. No. NWHCM: 2009.91).

(Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Babington, 1884-86; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).

History Harting (1872: 171) says: 'One, Breydon Harbour, Yarmouth, 14th April, 1849. In the "Dennis Collection", in the Museum, Bury St Edmunds.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Accepted locally by Babington (1884-86: 247) who has seen the specimen.

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 307) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'On the 14th April, 1849, an adult male in full breeding plumage, now in the Dennis collection at Bury, was killed on Breydon, and, according to the statement attached to the specimen, was 16 inches in length and weighed 8.25 ounces.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 414; Piotrowski 2003).

9). 1849 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, adult male, shot, 31st July.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1849: 2569; J. Smith, Zoologist 1850: 2653; Harting, 1872; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).

History J. H. Gurney of Easton (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2569, dated 14th August, 1849, says: 'A fine adult male specimen of the Gull-billed Tern was shot at Yarmouth, on 31st July, which I beg to mention, in case it should not have already been recorded by any correspondents of The Zoologist in that town.'

John Smith of Great Yarmouth (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2653, dated 25th November 1849, says: 'A fine specimen of the Gull-billed Tern was shot on the 31st of July, 1849, on Breydon, by Mr. Percy Bellin. Length, from the end of the bill to the end of the tail, 15 inches; bill 1¼ inch in length, from the end to the feathers on the head; nape, forehead and crown jet black; feet black; plumage above ash-grey; tail not much forked; breadth, from tip to tip of the expanded wings, 3 feet.'

Accepted by Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 307) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk and locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 414; Piotrowski 2003).

10). 1849 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, adult pair, 1st September, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1849: 2592; Harting, 1872; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 408; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).

History J. H. Gurney of Easton (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2592, dated 6th September, 1849, says: 'I have again to record the capture of the Gull-billed Tern at Yarmouth, two specimens having been shot on the 1st instant. They were male and female, both adult, and beginning to assume the winter dress, the change having progressed somewhat further in the female than the male bird.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 408, say: 'The pair in my father's collection I have no doubt are the two which were shot together in the autumn of 1849, at Yarmouth, where all the others were taken. G.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 307) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, adds: 'This pair were shot on Breydon, and are now in the Northrepps collection.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 414; Piotrowski 2003: 192) where the latter erroneously gives the date as September 1894, transposing the last two digits.

12). 1850 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, adult male, killed, 24th May.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1850: 2853; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Piotrowski, 2003).

History J. H. Gurney (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2853, dated 27th May, 1850, says: 'A fine male bird of the Gull-billed Tern, in full breeding plumage, was killed at Yarmouth on the 24th instant; it was probably going northward towards its breeding place, as were (no doubt) the following birds, which though not rare, may be worth noting as having been killed on the same day as the Gull-billed Tern, and in the same locality.'

Accepted by Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 308) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk and locally for Suffolk by Ticehurst (1932: 414) who adds: '...six of them in the years 1849-51 were all at Breydon Water.'

13). 1851 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, adult male, killed, early July, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.658).

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1851: 3235; Southwell, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003; Watson, 2010).

History J. H. Gurney (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 3235, dated 4th August, 1851, says: 'I have lately seen a fine adult male specimen of the Gull-billed Tern, in full summer plumage, which was killed at Yarmouth in the early part of July. The frequent occurrence of this species during the last two or three years in the above locality, would seem to indicate that it is a commoner species than has been supposed; probably it is often mistaken for its near congener, the Sandwich Tern.'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 308) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'In 1851, early in the month of July, an adult male was killed also at Yarmouth, which is now in the collection of the Rev. H. T. Frere, of Burston.' It was accepted locally for Suffolk by Ticehurst (1932: 414) who adds: '...six of them in the years 1849-51 were all at Breydon Water.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, obtained July 1851, adding that it was sold from the collection of the Rev. H.T. Frere of Burston Rectory, Norfolk, on 12th March 1891.

14). 1852 Sussex Selsey, shot, 31st March, now at Chichester Museum.

(Knox, 1855; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Shrubb, 1979).

History Knox (1855: 253, 3rd ed.) says: 'Another in the Chichester Museum which was killed at Selsey on the 31st of March, 1852.'

Harting (1872: 171) says: 'One, Rye Harbour, Sussex: Knox, Orn. Rambles in Sussex, p. 253.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Returning to the south coast, Mr. A. E. Knox states that there is a specimen in the Chichester Museum, killed at Selsey, on the 31st of March, 1852 (Orn. Rambles, p. 253).'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 255; Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 246).

15). 1852 Isles of Scilly Tresco, adult, shot, late May or early June, photo, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1852: 3536; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2322; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; R. W. J. Smart, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 177; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 342; Penhallurick, 1969; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007: plate 79).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1852) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. X. p. 3536, dated 28th June, 1852, says: 'This species may now be added to the Cornish Fauna, as I had the opportunity, during the past week, of examining an adult specimen, through the kindness of John Jenkinson, Esq., a relative of the Lord Proprietor of the Scilly Islands, who shot it when on a visit there in the latter part of May or the beginning of June.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 166) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'This rare British Tern, of which about a dozen examples have been met with in England since it was first described by Colonel Montagu, has, in, two instances, been procured in Cornwall. About the end of May or beginning of June 1852, my friend, the Rev. John Jenkinson, while staying at Scilly, shot one of these birds near Trescoe Abbey.'

Further, p. 205, under 'Annual Summaries' which is read to the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Rodd adds: 'This Gull-billed Tern was shot by a friend and relative of the Lord Proprietor of the Islands, during his residence at Trescoe Abbey, in the course of the past summer [1852].'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Rev. R. W. J. Smart (1888) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, new series, Vol. III. p. 177, says: 'The Gull-billed Tern has been shot by Mr. J. H. Jenkinson, in May, 1852.'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 342, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'A Gull-billed Tern was killed on Tresco by Jenkinson in May, 1852.'

16). 1855 Sussex Between Shoreham and Brighton, adult, shot, early May.

(Harting, 1880; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Harting, Editor (1880: 166) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'In a private collection at Penzance, there is a Gull-billed Tern presented by the late Rev. Mr. Rice of South Hill, together with a portion of an egg which dropped when he shot the bird near Brighton.'

Borrer (1891: 255) says: 'I find in my own notes that in the first week of May, 1855, a very perfect specimen, in full summer plumage, was shot halfway between Shoreham and Brighton. On examining this example I found that the head was not jet-black, as described by Yarrell, but glossed with the same green colour which pervades the plumage of the Crested Cormorant. This specimen was preserved by Mr. Pratt, of Brighton.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 246).

Comment This statement may refer to this bird.

17). 1855 Sussex Portslade-by-Sea, shot, 27th June.

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

History Borrer (1891: 255) says: 'A Gull-billed Tern was shot out of a party of three, near Portslade, and was preserved by Mr. Pratt, of Brighton, June 27th, 1855.' It was accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 246).

18). 1862 Kent Romney Marsh, shot, 12th September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(Ticehurst, 1909; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 5: 120; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909) says: 'This one was shot in the Romney Marsh on September 12th, 1862 by Malcolm F. Wykeham Martin, and was bequeathed at his death to the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 120, in a review of Catalogue of Cases of Birds in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton. By E. T. Booth; with further notes by A. F. Griffith, says: 'The most important additions since the publication of the supplement, appear to be the...Besides these, there are a few that do not appear to have been previously recorded, viz: - Gull-billed Tern (Sterna anglica). - Shot by the late Mr. M. F. Wykeham-Martin in Romney Marsh, Kent, on September 12th, 1862.'

19). 1866 Devon Near Plymouth, immature, shot, October.

(Royal Cornwall Gazette 27th Sept 1866; J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1867: 557; Yarrell, 1871-85; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969).

History J. Gatcombe of Plymouth (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 557, dated 16th November, 1866, says: 'Within the past two months the following exceedingly rare birds have been obtained in the neighbourhood of Plymouth, all of which I have myself examined: Gull-billed Tern, immature, shot on the Laira; from the gullet and stomach of which several beetles were taken: the colour of the bill of the young Gull-billed Tern is said by most authors to be of a bluish black, but in this bird the base of the lower mandible is of a yellowish-orange, as described by Temminck. I feel much pleasure in being the first to record the occurrence of the above mentioned bird in the vicinity of Plymouth.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Pidsley (1891: 158) says: 'This specimen is believed to have entered the collection of Mr. J. B. Rowe. A record for the North of the County has proved to be erroneous.' D'Urban & Matthew (1892: lix, 1st ed.) also say: 'J. Brooking Lowe, of Castle Barbican, Plympton, owns the only Devonshire specimen of Gull-billed Tern.'

20). 1872 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, adult, shot, 14th May, now at Natural History Museum.

(A. von Hügel, Zoologist 1872: 3149-50; Field 20th July 1872: 71; Yarrell, 1871-85; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark, 2022).

History A. von Hügel of Stonyhurst, Lancashire (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. pp. 3149-50, dated 25th May, 1872, says: 'On the 14th of May a fine adult specimen of the very rare "British" Gull-billed Tern, which is now in my possession, was killed near Christchurch, Hants. Unfortunately, Mr. Hart, bird-preserver, of Christchurch, from whom I procured this fine bird, neglected to ascertain its sex.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the 14th May, 1872, Baron A. Von Hügel obtained one near Christchurch, Hants (Zool., s.s. p. 3149), which he has presented to the British Museum.'

Accepted locally for Hampshire (Kelsall & Munn 1905: 326).

21). 1872 Cornwall St Just, adult female, shot, 11th July.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1872: 3188; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Edward Hearle Rodd of Penzance (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3188, dated 11th July, 1872, says: 'I have just examined a very clean summer-plumaged female specimen of the Gull-billed Tern, which is rare on our coasts. The ovary had a large bunch of eggs about the size of swan-shot downwards.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 166) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'This rare British Tern, of which about a dozen examples have been met with in England since it was first described by Colonel Montagu, has, in, two instances, been procured in Cornwall. On the 11th July 1872 I examined another, a female bird in summer plumage, which was killed at St. Just, near Penzance. The ovary in this specimen contained a large bunch of eggs, varying in size from swanshot downwards.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

22). 1876 Warwickshire Wormleighton Reservoir, shot, 24th April.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History Tomes (1904 (1): 205) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'A bird of this species was shot flying over the reservoir at Wormleighton on 24 April, 1876, and brought to Mr. Peter Spicer for preservation.'

Locally, Norris (1947: 71) says: 'One was shot on 24th April, 1876, flying over Wormleighton Reservoir', while Harrison & Harrison (2005) still accept it. However, it was not admitted nationally (Witherby et al. 1940-52).

23). 1878 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, two: adult and female, 8th May.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1880: 53; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1880: 330; Southwell, 1890; Patterson, 1907; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).

History T. E. Gunn (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 53, says: 'On May 8th and adult specimen was killed at Yarmouth by a Breydon gunner, and sold by him as a Sandwich Tern; it changed hands several times, but was unfortunately kept too long, the weather at the time being warm, and favouring decomposition, so that when I saw it, several days after it was shot, it literally dropped to pieces, and was quite unfit for preservation. I had, however, fortunately received another specimen which was killed on the same day at Yarmouth; this was doubtless the companion to the first-named, for two were seen together by the gunner referred to. On dissection, this latter proved to be a female, the ovary containing a large cluster of eggs, several as large as hemp-seed. The bill, legs and feet were black, eyes dark brown, and the following are the dimensions: - Total length (beak and tail included), 15½ inches; fully extended wings to extreme tips, 36 inches; wing carpus to tip, 13 inches; bill along curve of upper mandible, 1½ inch; bill depth at base, ½ inch; tail (tip to root included), 5¼ inches; weight, 7 ozs.'

Henry Stevenson (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 330, acknowledges the above, and it was admitted by Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 308) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk.

Patterson (1907: 108) says: 'Booth was the first to detect the White-winged Black Tern on Breydon. Harmer says he saw Mr. Booth shoot four of them, "all at one discharge...at 3 a.m., on May 26th, 1871; where, seven years later, on May 8th, two Gull-billed Terns were also obtained".'

Accepted locally for Suffolk by Ticehurst (1932: 414-415) who says: '...two near Yarmouth, probably on Breydon Water.'

25). 1878 Norfolk Hunstanton, shot, July, now at King's Lynn Museum.

(J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1888: 351; Southwell, 1890; Riviere, 1930; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History Julian G. Tuck of Hunstanton (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XXII. p. 351, says: 'I have lately seen a fine adult Fulmar...now in the collection of Dr. Whitty. This gentleman's interesting collection of local birds also contains a Gull-billed Tern, Sterna anglica, shot in July, 1878, not far from Hunstanton Station, and taken to its present possessor in the flesh. I do not think the bird has been recorded.'

Accepted locally by Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 308) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk.

26). 1886 or 1887 Kent Near Whitstable, shot, undated.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 493) says: 'Mr. Sydney Webb states (British Association Handbook to Dover (1899: 102) one was shot near Whitstable in 1886 or 1887 by the Rev. W. Dyson.'

Comment Both Ticehurst and Harrison quote the British Association as the source of this record but I cannot find the reference to it at all in the BHL online version!

27). 1896 West Midlands Shirley, Warwickshire, adult female, shot, 8th August, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.4420).

(Norris, 1947; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005; Watson, 2010).

History Norris (1947: 71) says: 'An adult female in full summer plumage was shot at dusk at Shirley on 8th August, 1896. I have seen this specimen preserved in the collection of R. W. Chase.'

Not admitted nationally (Witherby et al. 1940-52).

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was shot by a man waiting for rabbits in the dusk of the evening. Examined in the flesh. Stuffed by Betteridge.

28). 1896 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, adult female, 5th September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.659).

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 132; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003; Watson, 2010).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 132, says: 'September 5th. Wind S., strong. A Gull-billed Tern almost in winter plumage - an adult bird - having the top of the head nearly white, with darker nape and a black forehead, was shot on Breydon Broad, and submitted to Mr. Southwell in the flesh. I imagine that this summer visitor, which doubtless bred in Montagu's time in England, has not been obtained in this garb before; it is certainly less of a sea-loving species than the Sandwich Tern.' It was accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 415).

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen from Breydon Broad, Norfolk, obtained 5th September 1896, with no further detail.

29). 1899 West Midlands Coleshill, Warwickshire, shot, undated.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History Tomes (1904 (1): 205) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'From Mr. T. Ground I learn that a Gull-billed Tern occurred at Coleshill in 1899.' Locally, Norris (1947: 71) says: 'One shot at Coleshill in 1899, was recorded by Ground and referred to by Tomes.' It was not admitted nationally (Witherby et al. 1940-52).

Accepted locally (Harrison & Harrison 2005).

Comment In the Bibliography by Norris (1947) it states: 'Notes by T. Ground on the papers and collection of the late A. G. Leigh (Lent by J. Betteridge).'

30). Pre 1901 Worcestershire Cofton Reservoir, shot, undated.

(Tomes, 1901, Harthan, 1946, Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History Tomes (1901 (1): 141) in the Victoria County History of Worcestershire, says: 'The Gull-billed Tern (Sterna anglica) shot at Cofton Reservoir and the Curlew Sandpiper (Tringa subarquata) shot at the same place, have both been added to the Worcestershire list by means of the common gunner and the bird stuffer.'

Harthan (1946) adds: '...it is in the Chase Collection at Birmingham', and has been accepted locally (Harrison & Harrison 2005).

31). 1901 Essex Ashdon, shot, 21st May, now at Saffron Walden Museum.

(Miller Christy, 1902; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History In Miller Christy's 'Birds of Essex Supplement' in Southend Library he states that Mr. Howe, a gamekeeper, at Ashdon, shot this bird on 21st May 1901. This bird which was accompanied by four others, was identified by Travis, of Saffron Walden, who preserved it. Mr. Maynard, Curator of Saffron Walden Museum also confirmed the identity. It was retained by Mr. Howe, but Mr. Collar informed William Glegg that it is now in the Saffron Walden Museum.

Wood (2007: 59) states that this specimen is still in the Saffron Walden Museum.

32). 1913 Orkney Pentland Skerries, male, picked up exhausted, 7th May, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1913.14).

(J. Bain, Scottish Naturalist 33: 154; Eds., British Birds 7: 90; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 184; Thom, 1986).

History John Bain (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 154, says: 'The known visits of Sterna anglica to our shores have been few and far between, and confined to the south coast of England, but it has occurred as far north as the counties of Lancashire on the west, and Yorkshire on the east. Its appearance at the Pentland Skerries on 7th May is therefore an interesting event. The Orkney bird was probably storm driven to our shores, for it was found in the lighthouse garden in an exhausted state. It is a male, and is now in the collection of British birds in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 90, they say: 'Mr. J. Bain records (Scot. Nat., 1913, p. 154) that a male Sterna n. nilotica, which is a very rare vagrant to England and has not before occurred in Scotland, was picked up exhausted in the Lighthouse garden at the Pentland Skerries on May 7th, 1913.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 184, on the unexpected occurrences for 1913, says: 'One picked up, Pentland Skerries, May 7th.'

33). 1925 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, four, seen, 17th May.

(Eastern Daily Press 23rd May, 1925; A. H. Patterson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 12: 301; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 245; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).

History A. H. Patterson (1926) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XII. p. 301, says: '(Note dated May 16th) "Saw four Gull-billed Terns flying up and down Breydon channel. They had black feet and bills, and looked rather dark on the feather ends of the wings. Flight seemed more like that of the Black-headed Gull than of Common Tern. Got so excellent and close a view that I could not be mistaken. They seemed to be after insects on the surface of the water; no "herring syle" was visible. They were there some hours". Of the ten examples of this Tern killed in Norfolk nine were obtained on Breydon.'

B. B. Riviere (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 245, in the annual report, says: 'A small party of Gull-billed Terns seems to have found its way to Norfolk in May...whilst upon the same day Mr. A. H. Patterson independently identified four more on Breydon (Eastern Daily Press, May 23rd). This is the first occurrence of the Gull-billed Tern in Norfolk since 1906, when one was shot on Breydon on September 5th.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 415).

37). 1925 Norfolk Langmere, 17th May.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 245; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History B. B. Riviere (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 245, in the annual report, says: 'A small party of Gull-billed Terns seems to have found its way to Norfolk in May, upon the 17th of which month Dr. S. H. Long watched one hawking insects over Langmere...'

38). 1932 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 30th June.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 26: 328).

History B. B. Riviere (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 328, in the 1932 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'Mr. J. Vincent tells me that he identified a Gull-billed Tern at Salthouse on June 30th. It was near, but did not associate with, a number of Sandwich Terns, with which he was able to compare it.'

39). 1937 Norfolk Rush Hills, Hickling Broad, adult, seen, 27th June.

(J. Vincent, British Birds 31: 90; J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1937: 19).

History J. Vincent (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 90, says: 'On June 27th, at Hickling, Mr. W. E. Higham and I saw an adult Little Gull (Larus minutus) hawking for flies for some time, both low over the water and high in the air. Later in the same day we saw also, with a Mr. Turner, an adult Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) hawking low over the water within 25 yards. Its heavy black bill was clearly seen, and the black crown and nape. The bird seemed to be fully adult. This bold Tern I have seen twice previously.'

J. Vincent (1937) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 19, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'On June 27th a Gull-billed Tern visited the broad.'

40). 1938 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 14th June.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1938: 16; Eds., British Birds 33: 56).

History J. Vincent (1938) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 16, says: 'Mr. E. Piggin and I saw one on two occasions on June 14th within fifteen yards.'

In an Editorial (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 56, in a Review of the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1938, they say: 'Mr. Vincent records a Gull-billed Tern on June 14th.'

41). 1940 Kent Locality in the East, 25th April.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1940: 34; Harrison, 1953).

History R. Whitlock (1940) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 34, says: 'One seen on April 25th, hawking flies over an inland water in E. Kent (T.C.G.).'

Harrison (1953) quoting the South Eastern Bird Report (1940: 34) as his source, says: 'This bird was seen by Mr. T. C. Gregory hawking flies over some standing water on a fresh marsh in east Kent, on April 25th, 1940.'

42). 1941 Norfolk Hickling, seen, undated.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1941: 14; Eds., British Birds 36: 118).

History J. Vincent (1941) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1941, p. 14, under 'Bird Notes from Hickling, 1941', says: 'A bird of this species was seen by Mr. Piggin and myself at Heigham Sounds. It passed close by us as it flew to and fro, its black bill and size making it easy to identify. This has been a poor season for all species of Terns here, very few having been seen.'

In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 118, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1941, they say: 'Other birds at Hickling were a Gull-billed Tern (no date).'

43). 1943 Norfolk Whiteslea Lodge, Hickling Broad, seen, 26th May.

(C. E. Gay, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 15: 405; J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1943: 11).

History J. Vincent (1943) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 11, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'Lord Desborough and I watched one working over the shallow pool in front of Whiteslea Lodge on May 26th.'

44). 1945 Nottinghamshire Trent Valley, five, seen, 6th September.

(R. J. Raines, British Birds 39: 149; J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1945: 31).

History R. J. Raines (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 149, says: 'A party of five came down at a gravel-pit in the Trent Valley on September 6th. They scattered and flew over the water for a few minutes, presumably feeding, before collecting into a flock again and departing. One was an adult in half completed moult, two adults in either winter or later moulting plumage, two were immatures. They were large terns, compared with Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus, about the same length but slightly longer in the wing, flew with recognisable tern wing-beats, but were much stockier and more gull-like than any other terns; combined with this they had thick black bills, shorter and thicker than those of Sandwich Terns and without yellow tips, and only a slight fork in the tail, making them even more gull-like.

Their general plumages resembled the Sandwich Tern Sterna sandwichensis [sic], at similar stages, crown of moulting adult black with white, grey sprinkled fore-head; the other adults had white heads sprinkled with black; juveniles had white heads sprinkled with grey and brown shading on the wings. During the whole time they were in view they were calling excitedly. I put down the calls which I heard as sounding like "kurruck swee, kurruck swee", the first note being obviously made by the adults, while the second I supposed to come from the juvenile immatures. However, as a note of the sort indicated does not seem to have been recorded for young or adult Gull-billed Terns, it is possible that the "swee" notes did not come from these birds at all but from young Black-headed and Common Gulls Larus canus, which were in the air at the same time and were almost constantly mobbing the terns. I should add that I am thoroughly familiar with Sandwich Terns and their note.'

49). 1947 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 8th to 9th May.

(C. K. James, British Birds 41: 92; C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1947: 13, 32).

History C. K. James (1948) in British Birds 41: 92, says: 'On May 8th and 9th, 1947, in company with Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Rose, I observed a Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) feeding over a ploughed field at Salthouse, Norfolk. In appearance it somewhat resembled a Sandwich Tem (Sterna sandvicensis), but had all entirely black bill, which was shorter and heavier than in that species; it was generally more compact in appearance and in flight more leisurely. Its call sounded like "kuck, kuck, kurr" (probably the "ka-huk, ka-huk" of The Handbook).'

C. E. Gay (1947) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 13, says: 'May. A Gull-billed Tern was seen by Mr. E. C. Rose and Bishop on the 9th.'

Further, p. 32, they add: 'A record of this bird seen at Cley on May 8th comes from Miss C. James who knows the species in the Camargue. It was also seen by Mr. and Mrs. Rose.'

50). 1947 Norfolk Langmere, seen, 9th May.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1947: 32).

History C. E. Gay (1947) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 32, says: 'On May 9th a Gull-billed Tern was hawking over Langmere in company with two Black Terns. It appeared to be shorter, and heavier in flight, than a Sandwich Tern and its black beak was also short and thick. (C. E. Gay).'

51). 1947 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 14th May.

(E. Piggin, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1947: 18; C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1947: 32).

History E. Piggin (1947) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 18, under 'Bird Notes from Hickling', says: 'A Gull-billed Tern was seen flying past the punt on May 13th, as Miss Gay was being taken over the Broad.'

C. E. Gay (1947) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 32, says: 'On May 14th another bird of this species was seen flying over Hickling Broad by E. Piggin and Miss C. E. Gay.'

52.0). 1949 Essex Abberton Reservoir, pair, 24th July.

(G. A. Pyman & C. B. Wainwright, British Birds 45: 337-339; G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 31; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History G. A. Pyman & C. B. Wainwright (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 337-339, say: 'The attractiveness to birds of the comparatively recently formed Abberton Reservoir, three miles south of Colchester in Essex, has already been described by Dr. J. W. Campbell (antea, Vol. XL. pp. 78-82). This reservoir lies some 1½ miles north of the out-lying marshes of the Blackwater Estuary and, at the same time, only about three miles south-west of the Colne Valley. It is divided by two causeways into Upper, Middle and Lower areas, totalling some 1,210 acres, and when the water level drops sufficiently an island of about 11 acres appears mid-way along, and near the northern bank of, the Lower (and by far the largest) reservoir, a magnificent sheet of water, 1,030 acres in area when the reservoir is full, and with a perimeter of over nine miles.

Following an absence of several years, this island re-appeared during the summer of 1948. It was of a gravelly nature and gradually became largely covered with a variety of ground vegetation and a very few willow shrubs, but even up to early 1951, when it was again submerged, a good deal of its surface was covered with grass, quite thick in places, and there were even some bare gravelly patches. Such was the island that gradually became colonised by a remarkable population of birds.

A number of pairs of Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), Mallard (Anas platyrhyncha) and Redshank (Tringa totanus) bred in the denser vegetation and Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) on the gravelly patches, whilst an extraordinary, loose colony of Great Crested Grebes (Podiceps cristatus) nested in the shallows round the island. In 1950, when, following the prolonged drought, the area of the island eventually extended to some 30 acres, the water fell so rapidly that the Grebes' nests were stranded on the mud, in many cases at considerable distances, up to 30 yards, from the water's edge, and these stuck up as cones of mud, each with a hollow on the top.

The extent to which the island was populated by birds during its previous appearances - when in any case it was comparatively limited in area - is not known, but in 1948 it was the nesting site of an indeterminate number of Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) from mid-summer onwards, whilst in 1949 it was colonised by at least 250 pairs of Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus), about 60 pairs of Common Terns and some 11 pairs of Little Terns (Sterna albifrons). This appears to form the only instance of the last species breeding inland in England, and is the more interesting as they nested in short grass or caked mud, and not on the gravelly patches. In 1950, the number of pairs of Black-headed Gulls had risen to about 1,000, whilst the population of Common and Little Terns remained at about the 1949 figures.

On July 24th, 1949, R. V. A. Marshall and G.A.P., when on the margin of the reservoir, were mobbed by a pair of large terns which appeared from amongst Common Terns over the area of the island. From their behaviour the birds were assumed to be nesting on the island, and, from the restricted and overhead views obtained, they were thought to be Sandwich Terns (Sterna sandvicensis), a species with which the observers were unfamiliar.

On July 2nd, 1950, G.A.P. again encountered a pair of terns, in the same place, which were immediately recognised as belonging to the same species as that seen in 1949, by their striking calls and fairly stout (but not very long) and wholly black bills. About a week later, in Norfolk, G.A.P. took the opportunity of studying Sandwich Terns at their breeding station and comparing them with the Abberton terns; having particularly noted their longer, invariably yellow-tipped bills and distinct call-notes, and also their more deeply forked tails and rather more slender form, he realised, as he had already suspected, that the Abberton birds were in fact Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica). In the meantime, R.V.A.M. had watched at close range one of the birds flying low along the edge of the reservoir, when he noted the dark primaries in addition to the distinguishing features listed by G.A.P., and had arrived at the same conclusion.

On July 4th, 1950, C.B.W. found and ringed a nestling tern with a dark bill, while a tern with a black bill flew, screaming, about 50 feet over his head. He found this nestling healthy on the 5th and 6th and on each occasion one parent flew around protesting. On July 10th one adult again flew round him, some 200 yards from where the nestling had been ringed, but he did not see the chick.

On July 13th, a friend who accompanied C.B.W. to the island picked up this nestling dead another 50 yards further on. The nestling's bill had by this time developed, and it was fairly obviously a Gull-billed Tern. The bird was preserved and it was examined the next evening by Dr. E. A. R. Ennion and W. B. Alexander. The identification was later confirmed by R. Wagstaffe of the Liverpool Museum, where the bird is now preserved. No adult was seen after July 10th, in spite of searches by C.B.W. and others.' [Publication of this most interesting record of the first breeding in Britain of the Gull-billed Tern has been withheld until now in the hope that the birds would again return. However, the rainfall in the winter and early spring of 1951 and the duplication of the supply pipe-line unfortunately raised the water-level above the island during the breeding seasons of 1951 and 1952, so that no birds were able to nest on it, though in 1951 some 40 pairs of Common Terns attempted to breed on the concrete road-way around the Reservoir. No further reports of Gull-billed Terns have been received from Essex, and it seems likely that the island will remain submerged in the future, except for occasional short periods in early autumn. - Eds.]

G. A. Pyman (1952) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 31, quote from the above.

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

1950-57 RECORDS

52.1). 1950 Essex Abberton Reservoir, pair bred, 2nd July, nestling ringed, 4th July, dead 13th July, one adult to 10th July, nestling now at Liverpool Museum (Acc. No. 1983.778); same as 1949 individuals.

(G. A. Pyman & C. B. Wainwright, British Birds 45: 337-339; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Pyman & C. B. Wainwright (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 337-339, say: '....On July 2nd, 1950, G.A.P. again encountered a pair of terns, in the same place, which were immediately recognised as belonging to the same species as that seen in 1949, by their striking calls and fairly stout (but not very long) and wholly black bills. About a week later, in Norfolk, G.A.P. took the opportunity of studying Sandwich Terns at their breeding station and comparing them with the Abberton terns; having particularly noted their longer, invariably yellow-tipped bills and distinct call-notes, and also their more deeply forked tails and rather more slender form, he realised, as he had already suspected, that the Abberton birds were in fact Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica). In the meantime, R.V.A.M. had watched at close range one of the birds flying low along the edge of the reservoir, when he noted the dark primaries in addition to the distinguishing features listed by G.A.P., and had arrived at the same conclusion.

On July 4th, 1950, C.B.W. found and ringed a nestling tern with a dark bill, while a tern with a black bill flew, screaming, about 50 feet over his head. He found this nestling healthy on the 5th and 6th and on each occasion one parent flew around protesting. On July 10th one adult again flew round him, some 200 yards from where the nestling had been ringed, but he did not see the chick.

On July 13th, a friend who accompanied C.B.W. to the island picked up this nestling dead another 50 yards further on. The nestling's bill had by this time developed, and it was fairly obviously a Gull-billed Tern. The bird was preserved and it was examined the next evening by Dr. E. A. R. Ennion and W. B. Alexander. The identification was later confirmed by R. Wagstaffe of the Liverpool Museum, where the bird is now preserved. No adult was seen after July 10th, in spite of searches by C.B.W. and others.'

[Publication of this most interesting record of the first breeding in Britain of the Gull-billed Tern has been withheld until now in the hope that the birds would again return. However, the rainfall in the winter and early spring of 1951 and the duplication of the supply pipe-line unfortunately raised the water-level above the island during the breeding seasons of 1951 and 1952, so that no birds were able to nest on it, though in 1951 some 40 pairs of Common Terns attempted to breed on the concrete road-way around the Reservoir. No further reports of Gull-billed Terns have been received from Essex, and it seems likely that the island will remain submerged in the future, except for occasional short periods in early autumn. - Eds.]

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

54). 1950 Sussex Shoreham-by-Sea, 17th September.

(C. F. Brown & J. Shepperd, British Birds 45: 262-263; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1950: 23; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History C. F. Brown & J. Shepperd (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 262-263, say: 'On September 17th, 1950, at Shoreham, Sussex, we had several good flight views of a Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica). The bird first drew our attention by its disyllabic call which was much higher pitched and less grating than that of a Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) which we had seen near by a few hours previously. We interpreted it as "kee-vick" or "kee-rick".

The following is a description compiled from our combined notes taken on the spot: In size approximating to a Sandwich Tern, but of more stocky build and having a considerably less forked tail. The flight was decidedly gull-like. The whole of the head was white except for some greyish markings on the crown and a conspicuous blackish patch just behind the eye. The rest of the upper-parts were uniform pale grey with the exception of the primaries which were greyish-brown, appearing darker beneath. The under-parts were white. The bill was noticeably short, stout and completely black, with a slight curve to the upper mandible. The bird made no attempt to dive while under observation, but flew rather aimlessly over the fields and mud-flats adjoining the river.

We should mention that a southerly gale had prevailed on the night of September 16th and persisted throughout the following day. The bird could not be found in the locality next day or on subsequent occasions.'

55). 1951 Sussex Langney Point, 25th April.

(D. D. Harber & A. R. Mead-Briggs, British Birds 45: 263; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1951: 20).

History D. D. Harber & A. R. Mead-Briggs (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 263, say: 'On April 25th, 1951, D. D. H. saw a Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) at Langney Point, Sussex. It came in from a westerly direction, only a few yards off shore, perched for a short time on the iron "basket" marking the end of the sewage outlet, then circled briefly, coming down once to feed from the surface and finally made off in an easterly direction along the coast. The following particulars were noted: size and coloration similar to those of a Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis), but could be at once distinguished from this species by its heavier, more stocky shape and by its slower, heavier flight; tail less forked than that of a Sandwich Tern; bill, well seen in flight and when perched, shortish, thick and completely black; no call heard. An easterly passage of terns, including Sandwich, was taking place at the time.'

56). 1951 Sussex Langney Point, 29th July.

(D. D. Harber & A. R. Mead-Briggs, British Birds 45: 263; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1951: 20).

History D. D. Harber & A. R. Mead-Briggs (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 263, say: '....On July 29th, 1951, we both saw a Gull-billed Tern, likewise at Langney Point. In this case also the bird came in from a westerly direction, very near in, and, after slowly circling round two or three times, made off towards the east. The size and colour were much as those of an adult Sandwich Tern in summer plumage but we were both at once struck by its shorter and stockier build and by its slow, heavy flight. The tail was less forked than that of a Sandwich Tern. Good views, at a range of less than 50 yards, were obtained of the black bill, both binoculars and telescope being used. It had no pale tip and in any case was shaped differently from that of a Sandwich Tern, being noticeably short and thick. No call was heard. A sudden change of wind, from S.W. to N.E., had just taken place.'

57). 1952 Sussex Langney Point, six, 26th June.

(D. D. Harber, British Birds 45: 371-372; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1952: 22; Shrubb, 1979).

History D. D. Harber (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 371-372, says: 'On June 26th, 1952, I saw six Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) at Langney Point, Sussex. Four of these birds first appeared from a westerly direction at about n.30 a.m. (B.S.T.), flying quite slowly and feeding from the surface. They left in an easterly direction but soon afterwards came back and passed westwards again. They continued flying backwards and forwards along the coast in this manner so that when I left, about an hour and a half after first seeing the birds, I had seen them ten times. On the last two occasions six birds were present. The tide was coming in and each time these terns passed they came nearer inshore. At first they went by 50 to 100 yards out at sea but towards the end they were flying not far from the water's edge and splendid views in good light were obtained. In the afternoon I found that all six birds were still present but were passing at longer intervals and further out, this perhaps being due to the fact that the tide was then falling. These birds were similar in appearance to those which I saw in the same locality in 1951. Superficially they resembled Sandwich Terns (Sterna sandvicensis) in size and colour but they differed from that species in the following particulars; build distinctly heavier and general appearance more solid; tail less forked; bill noticeably shorter and stouter and completely black; flight slower and heavier; call "karr-yak", less rasping than that of a Sandwich Tern and quite distinct. The whole time that I watched these birds they always took food from the surface without diving. Two of them had a few white feathers on the forehead and in these birds the ends of the outer primaries were darker than in the others. It may be worth mentioning that over night the wind, which had been westerly for some days had swung round to the east.'

63). 1952 Sussex Langney Point, 4th July.

(D. D. Harber, British Birds 45: 371-372; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1952: 22; Shrubb, 1979).

History D. D. Harber (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 371-372, says: 'On July 4th, 1952, I saw, at the same place, a single Gull-billed Tern which was flying along the water's edge against a strong easterly wind. This bird did not call or feed but otherwise the distinctive features mentioned above were well, though briefly, seen.'

64). 1953 Sussex Rye Harbour, two, 30th May.

(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1953: 23; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 49: 367).

History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1953) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 23, say: 'On May 30th two flew in low from the sea at Nook Beach, Rye Harbour, being seen at very close range as they passed. They circled over the ternery and then flew inland. The short, thick, all-black bill was clearly seen and also the stocky shape and characteristic flight (D.D.H.).'

66). 1954 Kent Hacklinge, adult, 9th August.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 23).

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 23, says: 'A single adult at Hacklinge on Aug. 9 was seen closely both perched and in flight (J.N.H.). Extracts from the full details supplied are: heavy-looking tern of the Sandwich type but the relationship of the tail with the wings and body seemed at once reminiscent of a Black Tern; flight firm and buoyant not unlike that of a Little Gull; short stout tapering all black bill; legs black; voice, a very high pitched two syllable call, "Kee-wick" or "Ah-wreck". This bird was watched for some 30 minutes and once flew overhead as close as 15 feet.'

67). 1955 Sussex Langney Point, two, 29th May.

(D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 511; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1955: 15).

History D. D. Harber (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 511, says: 'On 29th May 1955, I saw two Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) flying slowly eastward together just off shore at Langney Point, Sussex. I was able to note the short, thick and completely black bills, the stocky shape and the heavy flight together with the general superficial resemblance to the Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis). These birds gave the characteristic call of the species, distinct from and less rasping than that of the Sandwich Tern....This species has now been recorded on the Sussex coast every year since 1950 except for 1954 (vide antea, Vol. XLV. pp. 262-263 and 37I-372, Sussex Bird Report, 1953, p. 23), about 17 birds being involved, more than the total previously recorded for the county.

It therefore seems possible that a few may occur there annually. This is an easy bird to overlook owing to its resemblance to the Sandwich Tern. Moreover, even to-day few observers pay much attention to the Sussex coast during June and July, the months when most of the above birds have been recorded. It is not long since even the Sandwich Tern and the Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) were virtually unknown in Sussex during these months though their regularity is now established, while similar regularity in very small numbers is now being shown for the Roseate Tern (S. dougallii), once considered to be one of our greatest rarities.'

69). 1955 Northumberland Goswick Sand Rigg, 3rd July.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 200; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Kerr, 2001).

History G. W. Temperley (1955) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 192, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On July 3rd on Goswick sand-rigg, N., a large tern was seen in flight. In plumage it resembled a Sandwich Tern, but with rather more black at the wing-tips. The bill was the odd feature; it appeared shorter and stouter than that of a Sandwich Tern and, though black, lacked the yellow tip. It flew slowly, steadily and heavily past at a distance of c. 15 yds, in a northerly direction, uttering no sound. It was considered that it was most probably a Gull-billed Tern. It was not seen again (B.L., L.G.H. & A.Bl.).'

However, locally it was accepted (Galloway & Meek 1978-83) and (Kerr 2001).

70). 1955 Sussex Langney Point, three, adults, 29th July.

(D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 511; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1955: 15).

History D. D. Harber (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 511, says: 'On 29th July 1955, I saw three Gull-billed Terns flying eastwards together at the same locality. Like the previous birds these passed not far from the edge of the sea and I was able to observe the same features except that in this case no call was heard. All the above birds appeared to be in full adult plumage. This species has now been recorded on the Sussex coast every year since 1950 except for 1954 (vide antea, Vol. XLV. pp. 262-263 and 37I-372, Sussex Bird Report, 1953, p. 23), about 17 birds being involved, more than the total previously recorded for the county. It therefore seems possible that a few may occur there annually.

This is an easy bird to overlook owing to its resemblance to the Sandwich Tern. Moreover, even to-day few observers pay much attention to the Sussex coast during June and July, the months when most of the above birds have been recorded. It is not long since even the Sandwich Tern and the Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) were virtually unknown in Sussex during these months though their regularity is now established, while similar regularity in very small numbers is now being shown for the Roseate Tern (S. dougallii), once considered to be one of our greatest rarities.'

73). 1955 Kent Dungeness, 13th August.

(H. E. Axell, British Birds 48: 511-512; E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1955: 19).

History H. E. Axell (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 511-512, says: 'At 18.00 hours on 13th August 1955, two terns flying together at ca. 15 ft., west across Dungeness promontory, Kent, attracted my attention by the dissimilar tones of their excited flight calls. The leading bird was clearly a Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis). The second, whose voice was a much lower-pitched "kerr-waahk, kerr-waahk", had the short, thick, black bill and noticeably less-forked tail of a Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica). The birds were flying fast, with the same wing: action, through light rain; I could not see the tops of their heads, but a rearward view disclosed G. nilotica to be dark grey on the nape and at least on the back of the crown.'

E. H. Gillham (1955) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 19, says: 'One flying W. at Dungeness on Aug. 13 (H.E.A.). See B. B. 48: 511.'

74). 1955 Sussex The Midrips, 15th August.

(I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 48: 512; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1955: 15).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 512, says: 'At about 19.30 hours B.S.T., on 15th August 1955, while walking along the sea-wall at the Midrips, near Camber, Sussex, I watched two parties of 5 and 4 Sandwich Terns (Sterna sandvicensis) flying in an easterly direction within two or three minutes of each other. Trailing behind the first of these parties was another bird that, from its shorter-bodied appearance, the stoutness of its bill and its slower flight, seemed probably to be a Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica).

About a quarter of an hour later what may have been the same bird came back and circled over one of the pools for perhaps a minute, during which time it at least twice caught large insects, one of them probably a dragonfly. It was now calling repeatedly and this characteristic note, with the bird's shorter tail-streamers and its totally black, heavy, stubby bill confirmed it as a Gull-billed Tern. It was an adult. Eventually the bird' moved off towards the west.'

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

75). 1955 Lancashire & North Merseyside St Anne's, 5th September.

(C. Oakes, Lancashire Ornithological Report 1950-56: 45; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).

History C. Oakes (1956) in the Lancashire Ornithological Report, p. 45, says: '1955. 5 Sept. One seen resting on the shore at St. Annes was in winter plumage. Remains of black cap of summer showed as a black band running through the eye and round the back of head. Legs black, rather longer than those of Sandwich Tern, and bill characteristically stouter and intensely black (N.H.).'

Spencer (1973) says: 'Singles at St Anne's on 5th September 1955.' While, White, McCarthy & Jones (2008) add: 'Seen on the beach by Nelson Harwood.'

76). 1956 Norfolk Scolt Head, 2nd to 4th June; same, 13th July.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 41).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 41, says: 'One in the ternery at Scolt Head, June 2nd - 4th and July 13th (R.C.). Full details received.'

77). 1956 Sussex Langney Point, adult, 23rd and 24th June.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 19).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 19, says: 'One feeding close in at for about 10 minutes on June 23rd. One feeding there similarly for about 15 minutes on 24th June....In all cases the short, stout, all-black bills were clearly seen, as also the stocky shape and slightly forked tail. All were in adult summer plumage except for the birds of September 2nd [sic] in which the crown and forehead were white, the back of the head alone being dark. In the case of the first 2 records the characteristic call, less rasping than that of the Sandwich Tern, was heard.'

Comment I have presumed these two sightings relate to the same individual.

78). 1956 Sussex Langney Point, adult, 29th June.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 19).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 19, says: 'One flying E close in there on 29th June (D.D.H.)....In all cases the short, stout, all-black bills were clearly seen, as also the stocky shape and slightly forked tail. All were in adult summer plumage except for the birds of September 2nd [sic] in which the crown and forehead were white, the back of the head alone being dark.'

79). 1956 Sussex Langney Point, two, 30th June.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 19).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 19, says: 'Two flying E close in there on 30th June (D.D.H.)....In all cases the short, stout, all-black bills were clearly seen, as also the stocky shape and slightly forked tail. All were in adult summer plumage except for the birds of September 2nd [sic] in which the crown and forehead were white, the back of the head alone being dark.'

81). 1956 Sussex Langney Point, 28th July.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 19).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 19, says: 'One flying close E close in there on July 28th (L.P.A.)....In all cases the short, stout, all-black bills were clearly seen, as also the stocky shape and slightly forked tail.

All were in adult summer plumage except for the birds of September 2nd [sic] in which the crown and forehead were white, the back of the head alone being dark.'

82). 1956 Kent Dungeness, two, 13th August.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 26).

History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 26, says: 'Two at Dungeness on Aug. 13 (H.E.A., et al.) and two in the Midrips-Wicks area on Sept. 3 (H.E.A., H.G.A., et al.). Details of the latter have appeared in the S.B.R. 1956 and there is a full description in the D.B.O. log. Possibly the same two birds on both dates.'

84). 1956 Northumberland St Mary's Island, 14th August.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 52; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 52, says: 'On August 14th at St. Mary's Island, N., a bird of this species was under close observation for a quarter-of-an-hour, both standing and in flight, at a distance of some 25 yds. with binoculars x 7. When first seen it was standing on a rock close to an adult Sandwich Tern, with which it could be compared in every detail as to its proportions and plumage. In comparison it was slimmer and slightly shorter; its shortish tail not reaching the tips of its folded wings. Its mantle was pale grey with tail and underparts pure white; head flat-crowned and smoothly feathered, the black of the crown descending over the nape. Its beak was entirely black, stout, shorter than its head and quite a half-inch shorter than that of the Sandwich, while the lower mandible was clearly seen to be angled. Its legs and feet were black and, owing to its longer legs, it stood slightly higher than the Sandwich Tern in its company.

In flight it was noticed that the first four or five primaries were dark at the tips and that its tail was only very slightly forked. On being flushed it uttered a deep guttural note, easily distinguished from that of the Sandwich Tern. (J.D.P.).'

This is the first definite record for Northumberland.

85). 1956 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Point, 27th August.

(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1956: 330; Cohen, 1963; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History E. Cohen (1956) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 330, says: 'One at 1430 hours on August 27th flying into a very strong west wind close inshore off St. Catherine's Point. A sketch and full description have been sent us. Though the general size and colouring were similar to those of a Sandwich Tern the shape was distinctive and the forked tail much shorter than that of a Sandwich. The flight was heavy with a definitely Gull-like action. The most noticeable feature was the heavy, angled, black bill, back from which ran a wide black eye-stripe. The head, apart from the eye-stripe, was completely white. The bird was seen for the whole crossing in front of the observer. (E.L.J.).'

Cohen (1963) says: 'One was seen on 27th August 1956 flying into a very strong W wind close inshore off St Catherine's Point (E. L. Jones). Good descriptions are given in the Report of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society Report Vol. XIX. p. 330.'

86). 1956 Kent/Sussex The Midrips/Wicks area, two, 3rd September.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 19-20; E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 26).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, pp. 19-20, says: 'Two at the Wicks on September 3rd (H.E.A., H.G. Alexander et al., per D.B.O.)....In all cases the short, stout, all-black bills were clearly seen, as also the stocky shape and slightly forked tail. All were in adult summer plumage except for the birds of September 2nd [sic] in which the crown and forehead were white, the back of the head alone being dark.… The other birds were silent except for those at the Wicks which gave "an odd, almost wader-like "pee", described by H. G. Alexander as "the typical note in the bird's winter quarters".'

E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 26, says: 'Two at Dungeness on Aug. 13 (H.E.A., et al.) and two in the Midrips-Wicks area on Sept. 3 (H.E.A., H.G.A., et al.). Details of the latter have appeared in the S.B.R. 1956 and there is a full description in the D.B.O. log. Possibly the same two birds on both dates.'

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

88). 1957 Kent Dungeness, three, 25th May.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1957: 25).

History E. H. Gillham (1957) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. VI. p. 25, says: 'Three flying E. close inshore at Dungeness on May 25 (J.G.H.) have been satisfactorily described. Their short, thick, totally black bills were clearly seen. This is the fourth successive year that this species has occurred in Kent.'

91). 1957 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Point, two: adult winter and juvenile, 29th August.

(J. Stafford, Isle of Wight Bird Report 1957: 70; Cohen, 1963; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History J. Stafford (1957) in the Isle of Wight Bird Report, p. 70, says: 'On Aug. 29th two birds, an adult in winter plumage and a juvenile, flew E. past St Catherine's Pt. (R.H.D.). Full details have been supplied. These are the second and third records for the Island.'

Cohen (1963) says: 'An adult in winter plumage followed by a juvenile calling squeakily to it passed E. at St Catherine's Point on 29th August 1957 (Dennis). Good descriptions are given in the Report of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society Report Vol. XX. suppl. 33.'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1831 Herefordshire No locality, picked up dead, 17th December.

(J. A. H. Rington, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 5: 283).

[KAN].

History J. A. H. Rington of Herefordshire (1832) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. V. p. 283, dated 24 Dec., 1831, says: 'Several stormy petrels appeared last week in this and the adjoining counties. One was found dead in this vicinity on Saturday, doubtless killed in the severe hail storm on Friday night. The stormy petrel is not larger than a swallow, and its colour is black; except the coverts of the tail, the tail itself, and the vent feathers, which are white. Its legs are long and slender, and it is web-footed. (Hereford Journal, Dec. 21. 1831.)

I was fortunate enough to obtain two of these wanderers, which were, most probably, driven from the coast by a violent gale of wind; but neither of my specimens is the Stormy Petrel. The one is the Forked-tail Petrel (Procellaria Leachii); the other a tern, which I cannot identify with either of Bewick's descriptions of the species. I imagine it to be a last year's bird, of the Gull-billed Tern (Sterna anglica), the under mandible of the bill being angulated. Both specimens were found dead.'

Comment 21st December was a Wednesday, but this is way out of its normal date range. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1839 Norfolk Hunstanton, killed, spring.

(J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1383).

[Southwell, 1890].

History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, Vol. IV. p. 1383, says: 'We have seen a specimen of this bird, which was said to have been killed in West Norfolk.'

Southwell, Editor (1890) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, Vol. III. p. 307, says: 'The only record of this species as a Norfolk bird of which I am aware previous to the year 1849, occurs in Messrs. Gurney and Fisher's list, in the following-guarded terms: - "We have seen a specimen of this bird, which was said to have been killed in West Norfolk". This note refers, I believe, to a bird said to have been killed at Hunstanton in the spring of 1839.

The appearance, therefore, of several examples of this rare British tern, in the three successive years of 1849, 1850, and 1851, as will be seen from the following extracts from Mr. Stevenson's notes, is certainly very remarkable.'

Comment J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher used the words "was said to have been killed" lacking faith in the record. Not acceptable.

0). 1843 Yorkshire Near Leeds, adult, shot, late July.

(H. Denny, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 12: 297; Allis, 1844: 61; Yarrell, 1845; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Seebohm, 1883-85; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History Henry Denny (1843) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XII. p. 297, dated 13th September, 1843, says: 'The last week in July a specimen of the Sterna anglica (Gull-billed Tern) was brought alive to me which had been shot on the reservoir of a mill on the York Road, Leeds, a mature bird.'

T. Allis (1844) in the 'British Association Report', p. 61, says: 'Gull-billed Tern, taken alive near Leeds.'

Yarrell (1845 (3): 516, 2nd ed.) says: 'One has lately been taken near Leeds, and was noticed at the York meeting of the British Association.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 80) say: 'Leeds, a mature bird, which had been shot at and wounded on a mill reservoir, was brought alive to Mr. H. Denny in the last week of July, 1843 (Denny, Ann. Mag. N. H., 1843, p. 297).'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 532, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'One recorded by Mr. H. Denny (Ann. & Mag. N. H., XII. p. 297), was taken near Leeds in the last week of July, 1843, and was noticed at the York meeting of the British Association.'

Admitted nationally (Seebohm 1884 (3): 263) and by Witherby (1920-24) who lists Yorkshire as one of the counties acceptable. There is only this record. It was also accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (2): 651).

Comment There are very few inland records of this species and all are modern. There were a lot of dubious records surrounding Leeds and I believe this is one as well. Was it ever seen by a competent ornithologist? It would be safer to reject this record. Not acceptable.

0). 1859 Devon Barnstaple, two, autumn.

(Mathew, Zoologist 1859: 6762; Harting, 1872).

[Tyler, 2010].

History Murray A. Mathew (1859) in The Zoologist, Vol. XVII. p. 6762, under Sterna anglica, says: '(Sterna anglica) in immature plumage. This specimen had the beak two-thirds of the length of the head, and of a greenish black, short and rather conical in form; the legs were greenish black. The bird was the same size as a young bird of the Common Tern, and its markings were not dissimilar to those of that species. A short time afterwards I saw another specimen of this tern which had been killed on our sands. This specimen was an older bird, and had the beak longer than that of the first specimen, and the angle on the lower mandible very prominent. Its back was a uniform French blue, the nape of the neck black, crown of the head black, streaked thickly with white. Beak and legs greenish black.'

Not accepted locally (Tyler 2010).

0). c. 1865 Norfolk No locality, obtained, late August.

(Southwell, 1890).

[KAN].

History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 308) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'Mr. Dack, bird-preserver, of Holt, assures me that he had a Gull-billed Tern about the year 1865, at the end of August. Mr. Dack is well acquainted with all the terns usually found on our coast, and I have every reason to credit his statement.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Lacks supporting identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1872 Sussex Bosham Harbour, shot, October.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 247) says: 'And it is possible, from what I can gather in Mr. W. Jeffery's "Private Notes", that during October, 1872, a "Gull-bill" was shot in Bosham Harbour. Up to this point, excluding the "egg-bird" and Jeffery's "possible"....'

Comment Very vague and seems not to have been positively identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1900-41 Greater Manchester Wigan Flashes, Lancashire, two, shot, undated.

(Hardy, 1941; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).

[KAN].

History Hardy (1941: 225) says: 'J. Wood, taxidermist, of Wigan, assured me he stuffed two shot at the flashes by youths from Platt Bridge, who kept the specimens. He was most definite about the identification from the beak and plumage. R. Mason, of Wigan, told me he helped Wood identify one of the birds, and J. Few also said he saw it and recorded it in his list.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1913 Sussex Winchelsea, three: male, shot, 18th June; female, shot, 21st June; male, shot, 23rd June.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 7: 86; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 184; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 2: 100; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 2: 100; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 86, says: 'Several specimens of the Gull-billed Tern (Sterna n. nilotica) were reported to me whilst staying at Pett, Sussex, as having been seen along the coast, being "mobbed" by Lesser Terns. I was not fortunate enough to see any on the wing as they seemed to keep more to the eastward. However, it was not long before they were discovered, with the result that a male was shot on June 18th, 1913, a female on the 21st, and another male on the 23rd. I only saw one in the flesh, but the other two were seen by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield, and there is no question about their being of the same species. All three were obtained near Winchelsea, and as far as I can ascertain none have been seen since in the locality.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 184, on the unexpected occurrences for 1913, says: 'Male shot, Winchelsea (Sussex), June 18th, a female on the 21st, and a second male on the 23rd.' Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 247).

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1922 Cheshire & Wirral Northwich, seen, 8th December.

(Hardy, 1941).

[Eds., British Birds 36: 40; Not in Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Hardy (1941: 225) under Gull-billed Tern, says: 'There is record of one seen at Northwich 8/12/22 (Brit. Birds xvi. 112).'

In (1942-43) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 40, there is a review of Eric Hardy's The Birds of Liverpool, whereby it states the work is unreliable, especially with regards to this species.

Comment On turning to the reference supplied by Hardy I find that it refers to a Whiskered Tern seen 8th to 12th July, 1922. Misrecorded. Not acceptable.

0). 1938 Shetland Skaw, Whalsay, 21st September.

(Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Venables & Venables, 1955].

History Venables & Venables (1955) put the following in square brackets: one seen Skaw, Whalsay on 21st September 1938.

0). 1948 Sussex Pett Level, 23rd May to 4th June.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 154).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1949) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 154, says: 'One, Pett Level, May 23rd to June 4th, seen several times, but not identified for certain, owing to distance, till June 1st, when stout black bill clearly seen (R.C., A.D.W.). Our fifth record.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963; James 1996).

0). 1950 Berkshire Burghfield Gravel-pits, 20th and 22nd September.

(Report of the Reading Ornithological Club 1950).

[D. W. Snow, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1950: 40].

History D. W. Snow (1950) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 40, recording the record in square-brackets, says: 'A bird at Burghfield G.P. on Sept. 20 and 22 was thought to be of this species (R.G., N.G.B.J.). It was seen extremely well at ranges down to five feet. A full description is published in the 1950 Report of the Reading Ornithological Club.'

0). 1953 Isle of Wight Newtown, 27th September.

(J. Stafford, Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1953: 295; Cohen, 1963).

[J. Stafford, Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1953: 295; Cohen & Taverner, 1972].

History J. Stafford (1953) in the Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1953, p. 295, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'One at Newtown on Sept. 27th was seen both in flight and perched on a post at 40 yards range. Full details supplied, including the heavier build and longer legs than Common Tern, and the dark bill with no yellow tip (G.A.). However, the Editors of British Birds decided that the record was unacceptable. As the yellow tip of the Sandwich Tern's bill is not always visible, there is a possibility that the bird was this species. There is no previous record for the Island.'

Cohen (1963) says: 'A bird seen on 27th September 1953 by Avery through 8 x 30 binoculars in flight and perched at 40 yards distance at Newtown was thought to be of this species. It was described as being of heavier build and with longer legs than a Common Tern; dark bill with no yellow tip.'

Cohen & Taverner (1972) say: 'A bird on 27 September 1953 at Newtown was placed in square brackets by Stafford, the Island Report editor (I.o.W. 4.8.295) and rejected by the editors of British Birds.'

0). 1954 Lothian Musselburgh, 1st November.

(T. Yeoman & D. G. Andrew, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 5: 51).

[T. Yeoman & D. G. Andrew, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 5: 51].

History D. K. N. Hillas (1955) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. V. p. 51, say: 'On 1st November 1954 A. W. Russell and I were standing on the shore at Musselburgh when a tern flew rapidly past, heading westwards up the Forth. At first sight, we took it to be a gull but as it came closer we noticed that its tail was slightly forked. It passed within 50 yards of us and, in excellent light, we could make out that the bill was comparatively short, stout and wholly black. Otherwise, in size and build the bird was very much like a Sandwich Tern. The head was white, lightly flecked with dark streaks, and this flecking extended onto the back and wings. These features suggest that the bird was an immature Gull-billed Tern.'

[This species is a very rare visitor to Britain and has only been recorded in Scotland (Orkneys, 7th May 1913). In England a pair bred at Abberton Reservoir, Essex, in 1949 and 1950 and there have been about 50 records all told, mostly in May and none later than September. This record, by two members of the Loretto School Ornithological Society, is therefore a most remarkable one. The description of the Musselburgh bird is convincing so far as it goes and is supported by a field sketch showing well the characteristic short, stubby bill of this species, but we feel that it lacks the detail necessary to substantiate a record of so rare a bird at such an unusual date and that it is wisest to err on the side of caution and regard it as a "probable" only.]