Icterine Warbler

Acrocephalidae

May 30

Hippolais icterina (Vieillot, 1817) (48, 42)

Photo © Rob Stonehouse - garrison, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, 22 August 2016

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1962

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

C. J. Patten of Sheffield University carried out a review of the species in 1916 (Zool., 4th ser. Vol. XX. p. 45). During the period of these records, identification of this species was still evolving, so caution has been used.

RECORDS

1). 1848 Kent Eythorne, Dover, obtained, 15th June.

(F. Plomley, Zoologist 1848: 2228; Yarrell, 1856; Saunders, 1899; Ticehurst, 1909; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 45; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History F. Plomley of Maidstone (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2228, under 'Occurrence of the Melodious Willow Wren in Britain' dated 6th July 1848, says: 'Those interested in Natural History, more particularly in Ornithology, will be pleased to hear of the capture, for the first time in the British Isles, of the Melodious Willow Wren, which was killed at Eythorne, near Dover, on the 15th of June 1848. It is a beautiful specimen and in the most perfect plumage, and the person who shot it was attracted by its extraordinary loud and melodious song....The bird, beautifully preserved by Mr. Gordon, of the Dover Museum, is in the possession of Mr. John Chaffey, of Dodington, whose collection of rare British birds is unrivalled.'

Yarrell (1856, 2nd supp.) says: 'It was Dr. Plomley of Maidstone, Honorary Secretary of the Kent Natural History Society who informed Yarrell on the 6th July, 1848 of this specimen and recorded it as the Melodious Willow Warbler.' Newman (1866) says: 'In the preface of The Zoologist for the year in question is an editorial notice of the occurrence of this interesting stranger, and a solicitation for a more minute description. Mr. Yarrell does not state whether he has seen this unique British specimen, and his description above cited appears to be derived from Temminck, although not a verbatim translation.'

Alfred Newton (1871-74 (1): 360-361, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: 'The specimen is now in the collection of Dr. Scott of Chudleigh, but through an unfortunate accident in a very imperfect condition....both this [Dublin] and the Kentish specimen before mentioned having been liberally entrusted to the care of Mr. Dresser, were exhibited to the British Association at Brighton, August 20th, 1872, and determined by him and several competent ornithologists then present, to be examples of the Sylvia icterina of Vieillot - a point, as will immediately be seen, of no small importance.'

Ticehurst (1909: 52-53) adds: 'The Chaffey collection having been purchased by the late Rev. J. H. Bower, a portion of it containing this bird afterwards passed into the hands of the late Mr. Bower Scott, of Chudleigh, Devon, and the specimen was lent by him to Mr. H. E. Dresser, who exhibited it at the meeting of the British Association at Brighton on August 20th, 1872. Between that date and 1874, the date of the publication of the fourth edition of Yarrell the bird was partially destroyed, for the late Professor Newton tells us that "through an unfortunate accident (it is now) in a very imperfect condition".

At Mr. Scott's decease it passed, with the greater part of the collection bequeathed by him, to the Albert Memorial Museum at Exeter. Mr. W. S. M. D'Urban, then curator of that institution, informs me that it was then [1884] almost quite destroyed and in a dirty condition. It was retired from public exhibition, but kept carefully by him. The present curator, Mr. F. H. Rowley, however, informs me that it is now no longer in the museum, and he can only surmise that it was rejected during the curatorship of his predecessor, Mr. Dallas. Dowker refers to this bird erroneously as having been obtained by Hammond.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 45, in a summary of previous occurrences for this species.

2). 1884 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-year, shot, 11th September.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1884: 477-478; Eds., Zoologist 1884: 493; F. D. Power, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 39; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 6: 46; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1885: 65; Southwell, 1890; Saunders, 1899; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 45).

History Anon. (1884) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, pp. 477-478, at a meeting held on 4th November 1884, says: 'Mr. H. E. Dresser exhibited specimens of Sylvia nisoria and Hypolais icterina killed in Norfolk, and made the following remarks: ...Another rare bird which I now have the pleasure to exhibit is an immature example of Hypolais icterina, also shot by Mr. Power near Blakeney, on the 11th of September last.

He informs me that he shot it from a thick clump of thistles along the Cley sea-wall. No other bird was near it, although he had observed a great arrival of Wheatears, Redstarts, and one Bluethroat that afternoon, all coming direct from the north, the wind being East North-east.

As will be seen, this bird was much damaged by the shot, indeed so much so that the sex was indistinguishable. This is the third occurrence of this species in Great Britain on record.'

In an Editorial (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 493, reporting on the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, of 4th November, 1884, it says: 'Mr. H. E. Dresser exhibited specimens of the Barred Warred, Sylvia nisoria, and of the Icterine Warbler, Hypolais icterina, killed in Norfolk.'

F. D. Power (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 39, says: 'September 11th. Wind E. early, changing to N.N.E., and increasing in force as day advanced. Very fine. On landing [from a boat trip] we searched the banks towards Salthouse...When dusk, I flushed a greenish Warbler out of a bed of thistles, damaging it so much with large shot as to spoil it as a specimen: this was unfortunately the Icterine referred to above.

Although very immature and much mutilated, thanks to Messrs. Gurney and Dresser it was identified, and shown at the Zoological Society at the same time as the Barred Warbler. This, also, is new to the Norfolk list.

All the upper parts, including tail, were dingy green; under parts yellowish, brighter at the sides; iris, dark brown; base of lower mandible, yellowish; rest, horn colour; legs, bluish-grey. Length, 5⅝ in.; stretch of wings, 8¼ in.; wing from flexure, 3⅛ in.; tarsus ⅞ in. Sex unascertainable.

In general form and colour, the bird might pass for a large Willow or dingy Wood Warbler; but the shape of the bill, approaching in character that of the Reed Warbler, and the blue legs, would at once differentiate it from them.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1885) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1884, 6th report, p. 46, say: 'Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 11th, E. to E.N.E., one obtained by Mr. F. D. Power.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 65, says: 'It is as well to place on record, in The Zoologist, particulars of the capture of a British specimen of the Icterine Warbler, Hippolais icterina, which was exhibited by Mr. Dresser at a meeting of the Zoological Society on the 14th November last, as already noted (Zool., 1884, p. 493).

The specimen referred to, as I am informed by Mr. Dresser, was shot by Mr. F. D. Power on the 11th September last near Blakeney, where he found it in a thick clump of thistles along the Cley sea-wall. It was alone at the time, although a number of Wheatears, Redstarts, and one Bluethroat were observed the same day arriving from the north, the wind being E.N.E. The sex was undetermined; the plumage indicated a bird of the year.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 45, in a summary of previous occurrences.

3). 1889 Northumberland Jesmond, adult male, shot, 20th June, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Saunders, 1889; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 17: 241; Saunders, 1899; Bolam, 1912; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 45; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1891) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVII. p. 241, dated 7th July, 1891, says: 'Mr. Howard Saunders in his Manual of British Birds, in the appendix to that work, makes mention of another, an adult male, obtained at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on June 20th, 1889.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 45, in a summary of previous occurrences.

4). 1891 Yorkshire Easington, adult male, killed, 28th May, now at National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh.

(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 308-309; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 17: 241; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 23: 201; Saunders, 1899; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Mather, 1986).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. pp. 308-309, says: 'An adult male example of Hippolais icterina, which I recently examined, was obtained at Easington, in Holderness, on May 28th, and brought to Mr. Philip Loten, of that place, by a boy, but whether picked up dead, or killed by a stone or with a catapult, is uncertain, as several small birds were brought to Mr. Loten's shop by the village boys about that time. It was skinned and put on one side, under the doubtful impression that it might be only a Wood Wren.

It is very possible that the Icterine Warbler occurs more frequently than is generally supposed during migration in spring and autumn on the east coast, passing unrecognised in the crowd of various small migrants then on the move.

This Yorkshire specimen of Hippolais icterina, compared with four skins of H. polyglotta obtained near Tangiers by Mr. Hewetson last spring, is altogether a larger bird, and with the wings proportionately longer, reaching nearly to the middle of the tail, and the yellow colour of the underparts is less intense....In the present example the second primary is a little, but decidedly, longer than the fourth. This is worthy of notice, as Mr. Seebohm (Brit. Mus. Cat. Birds, V. p. 76) says, "second primary generally between fourth and fifth".

Prof. Newton also (Yarrell's Brit. Birds, Vol. I. p. 362), pointing out the distinguishing points between this and the Polyglott Warbler, says: - "The second primary in the Icterine Warbler is longer than the fifth, and equal, or nearly equal, to the fourth, which is shorter than the third, while in its ally the second primary is equal to the sixth, and the third and fourth are largest". So that it appears the relative proportion of the primaries is hardly to be depended upon as a permanent character in distinguishing this species.

The Easington bird, and first Yorkshire example, is now in the possession of Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke, of the Science and Art Museum, Edinburgh. Mr. Clarke has since informed me that he finds the second primary is .035 in. longer than the fourth; thus it is the second longest in the wing, the third being the longest.'

John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1891) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVII. p. 241, dated 7th July, 1891, says: 'I recently obtained from Mr. Philip Loten, of Easington, the skins of six small birds brought in by the village boys, at various times during the year, either such as had been found dead or killed with stones or catapults; amongst them is a fine adult male of Hippolais icterina, obtained on May 28th, which Mr. Loten skinned at the time, thinking it might be a Wood Wren, but with grave doubts on the subject.

This is the first Yorkshire example recorded of this continental species; three (two in England and one in Ireland) are mentioned as occurring between 1848 and 1889, by Mr. Howard Saunders in his Manual of British Birds, and in the appendix to that work, mention is made of another, an adult male, obtained at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on June 20th, 1889.

The Icterine Warbler is also supposed to have been heard and seen in county Wicklow and in Pembrokeshire in May, 1886 (Zool., 1886, pp. 333-4)....The Easington bird was sent to my friend, Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke, of the Science and Art Museum, Edinburgh, and has subsequently been purchased for that Museum.'

John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1897) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIII. p. 201, in his Presidential Address to the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union announced that this species be added to the Yorkshire list through this record.

Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 88).

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

5). 1893 Norfolk Wells, male, shot, 4th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1894: 89; R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 5: 37; Saunders, 1899; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 89, says: 'Sept. 4th. A male Icterine Warbler was shot at Wells by Mr. N. H. Joy. It is considerably greyer than the bird figured in Dresser's Birds of Europe (Vol. II. p. 521), but agrees pretty well with a skin from Westphalia: - Wing, from carpus, 3.35; tarsus, .95; culmen, .22; tail, 1.9.

These measurements slightly exceed those of the Blakeney bird (cf. Trans. Norfolk Nat. Soc. IV. p. 39).

This is the sixth British specimen recorded, the last having been obtained in Yorkshire (cf. Cordeaux, Zool., 1891, p. 305), and the second which has been met with in Norfolk.'

R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1896) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. V. p. 37, at the 34th Meeting of the Club held on 15th April 1896 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Dr. Bowdler Sharpe exhibited a specimen of Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina), obtained near Wells, in Norfolk, by Mr. N. H. Joy.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

6). 1896 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, shot, 7th September.

(R. Gurney, Field 19th Sept., 1896: 494; R. Gurney, Zoologist 1896: 378; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 132; C. W. Benson, Irish Naturalist 6: 119; Saunders, 1899; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Pashley, 1925).

History Robert Gurney of Sprowston Hall, Norfolk (1896) in The Field of 19th Sep., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 494, and in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 378, says: 'On Sept. 7th I was fortunate enough to shoot an Icterine Warbler in the marram-bushes at Cley. It was too much damaged by the shot to determine the sex. The gizzard contained the remains of several earwigs. This makes the third specimen obtained in Norfolk.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 132, says: 'September 7th. E. Mr. R. Gurney obtained an Icterine Warbler, which had probably only arrived on the beach a few hours before, as in passing the same small bushes in the morning we had not noticed it there.

Length 5¼ in. to tip of beak; weight ½ oz. Feet and legs greyish lead colour. Upper mandible horn-colour, lower mandible yellow.

The bushes contained a good many Garden Warblers, young Whinchats and Whitethroats, and one Bluethroat, which, like the other two, was a young bird with a white gorget encircled with slate colour. This Bluethroat and the Icterine Warbler had come in with the wind, and perhaps crossed the sea together, as they were only about one hundred yards apart.'

Charles W. Benson (1897) in The Irish Naturalist, Vol. VI. p. 119, says: '...In a letter I received last month from Mr. H. N. Pashley, Naturalist, of Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, he says that an Icterine Warbler was taken there on 8th September, 1896, by Mr. R. Gurney, of Sprowston Hall. Another had been taken in 1894 near Cley by a London gentleman.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Pashley (1925) says: '1896. September 8th. A great many Warblers and other small birds arriving....I had in an Icterine Warbler (Mr. R. Gurney).'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

7). 1899 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, shot, 5th September.

(E. C. Arnold, Zoologist 1899: 475-476; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 109-110; Arnold, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Pashley, 1925).

History E. C. Arnold of Winchester (1899) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. III. pp. 475-476, says: 'It may interest your readers to know that on September 5th I secured an Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) in some scrub between Wells and Cromer. The light margins of the tertiaries were very conspicuous as it flew, giving it somewhat the appearance of an immature Pied Flycatcher. There was nothing in the stomach. It arrived when the wind was south-west....It was later examined by J. H. Gurney at Norwich....Curiously enough I was not far off when the last Icterine was killed by Mr. R. Gurney in 1896, and I saw this bird in the flesh. We compared the two in Norwich Museum, and they were very similar, but some skins then produced were of a decidedly yellower colour.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. pp. 109-110, says: 'September 5th. N.W., first frost. An immature Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) - the fourth that has been taken in Norfolk - shot on the coast by Mr. E. C. Arnold (Zool., 1889, p. 475), is exactly similar in size and tint to one shot in 1896 by Mr. Robert Gurney, and presented to the museum. Mr. Cordeaux, in his List, is only able to give one Lincolnshire occurrence of this species, and two of the Great Reed Warbler, which Mr. Howard Saunders thinks may also be added to the Norfolk list (Manual B. B., 1st edit.).'

Arnold (1907: 59) says: 'A shooter who takes the trouble to notice the common birds carefully will, in nine cases out of ten (the tenth being the Robin), spot the rarity as different if he comes upon it. It was so at all events in the case of the Icterine which I had the good luck to secure on September 5th, 1899.

At the end of a long and unsuccessful day's shooting in the estuary, I turned aside from the homeward track towards the bushes, already worked through in the morning, as a last chance of picking up something rare. They had just been thrashed out by another collector, and I myself had seen nothing in them before; but no matter, I knew that went for little. I would just try one favourite beat, "the first sandhill bushes", a bare one hundred yards of the tallest scrub. Before I had traversed ten of them, out popped a Warbler, and, little as the Icterine differs from the Willow Wren, I guessed at once what it was. The shape was different, and though the back view and wings with their light-coloured tertiaries were suggestive in a way of an immature Pied Flycatcher, I had caught a glimpse of the yellow breast, and eagerly hastened in pursuit.

From over-excitement I missed more than once, but at length getting in a clear shot as it darted for a moment across the sand, I rushed up, and shortly afterwards experienced the most delightful of all sensations as I gazed on the large tell-tale beak of a genuine Hypolais icterina.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Pashley (1925) says: '1899. September 5th. An Icterine Warbler, shot by Mr. [E. C.] Arnold.'

Comment There was no Lincolnshire record prior to this date. Mr. Gurney was confused by Cordeaux's List which was titled 'Birds of the Humber District', and also included records from Yorkshire which is where Easington is. Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

8). 1903 Norfolk Blakeney, obtained, 18th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 209; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 736; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Pashley, 1925).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 209, says: 'An Icterine Warbler, however, was shot at Blakeney.'

J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 736, read 29th March 1904, say: 'Another Icterine Warbler occurred at Blakeney on September 18th, 1903.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Pashley (1925) says: '1903. September. A good many warblers about: an Icterine on the 18th.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'Obtained by F. I. Richards.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

9). 1905 Isle of Wight St Catherine's, first year female, picked-up dead, 29th September.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 16: 23-24; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1905) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XVI. pp. 23-24, at the 117th Meeting of the Club held on 18th October 1905 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. H. F. Witherby exhibited an example of the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) and an Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina), both of which had been taken at St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, in the early hours of the morning of September 29th, 1905. Both birds were females and birds of the year. The Icterine Warbler was the first record of that species for Hampshire....Mr. Witherby added that these two interesting birds would have been entirely overlooked had it not been for the systematic "scheduling" of the Southern Lighthouses by the Migration Committee.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 359) under 'Appendix' say: 'A young female specimen of this warbler was taken by Mr. T. G. Cutting, at the St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, in the early hours of the morning of September 29th, 1905.

The bird was sent in the flesh, with other migrants, to Mr. H. F. Witherby, one of the members of the British Ornithologists' Club Migration Committee. Mr. Witherby identified the bird, and exhibited at the meeting of the Club held on October 18th, 1905 (Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, Vol. XVI. p. 23).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

10). 1907 Norfolk Blakeney Point, shot, 13th September.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 21: 28; E. C. Arnold, British Birds 1: 226; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Pashley, 1925).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1907) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXI. p. 28, at the 136th Meeting of the Club held on 20th November 1907 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. H. F. Witherby further exhibited, on behalf of Mr. [E.C.] Arnold, a specimen of the Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) which had been shot on September 12th, 1907, by Mr. J. V. Young, near Cley, Norfolk.'

E. C. Arnold (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 226, says: 'On September 12th, 1907, an Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) was shot by Mr. J. V. Young, near Cley, Norfolk. The bird flew out of the scrub near the Blakeney sandhills, and Mr. Young was attracted by its very light appearance. It had possibly travelled with a Garden Warbler which we put out about twenty yards further on. The wind at the time was N.E., but there was practically a dead calm, and there had been a heavy fog all night.

The bird was exhibited by Mr. H. F. Witherby on my behalf at the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, held on November 20th last.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Pashley (1925) says: '1907. September 13th. Mr. Arnold got an Icterine Warbler.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

11). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, female, obtained, 1st June.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 73, 200; Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 152; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 72-73) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '1st June - The easterly wind continues, and despite a raw, damp fog, many immigrants are in evidence. Another new and interesting visitor was an Icterine Warbler. Further, p.133, he adds: 'The first specimen known to have occurred in Scotland was observed on some bare, open ground on 1st June 1908....it proved to be a female.'

In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 152, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - The one already recorded for 1908 was found on June 1st.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

12). 1910 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, obtained, 15th May.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 137; G. W. Russell, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 183; Eds., British Birds 3: 84; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Admitted by L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 137, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1910', who say: 'The only warblers to come under this heading are an Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) got near Lerwick on 15th May.'

George W. Russell of Lerwick (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 183, says: 'A fine specimen of Hypolais icterina was obtained near Lerwick on the 15th of May 1910, a day on which a number of migratory birds were observed on passage. It was observed on the lee side of a hill some distance from the town, where Redstarts and Blackcaps were also present. I had always been a little doubtful as to its identity, and recently sent the specimen to Mr. Eagle Clarke for his opinion on it. I believe this is only the second record of the occurrence of this species in Scotland, the previous known visit having been obtained at Fair Isle in 1908.'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 84, they say: 'Mr. G. W. Russell records (Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 183) that a bird obtained on May 15th, 1910 at Lerwick, has been identified by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke as a specimen of Hypolais icterina, which has only once before been recorded for Scotland.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

13). 1911 Fair Isle No locality, three, between 3rd and 5th June.

(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 152; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Witherby, 1920-24; Williamson, 1965).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 133) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Between the 3rd and 5th June 1911 no less than three appeared.'

In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 152, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Fair Isle: Three occurred between June 3rd and 5th, 1911.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

16). 1911 Norfolk Wells, female, shot, 13th September, now in the Holkham collection.

(F. Penrose, British Birds 5: 188; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1912: 126; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 279; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 787; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Riviere, 1930).

History Frank Penrose (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 188, says: 'A female Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) was shot at Wells, Norfolk, on September 13th, 1911. During the night of September 12-13 there had been a good deal of cloud and some rain, with a north-westerly wind varying in force. The migration was not a large one and consisted, so far as I could see, of Wheatears, Redstarts, and a few Whitethroats. Mr. Pashley had sent me a wire from Cley on the previous day, September 12th, "Redstarts, Flycatchers on the move", and I had seen a Wheatear, a Whitethroat, and a cock Snow Bunting in the middle of the day, along the coast at Wells.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 279, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'One shot, Wells (Norfolk), September 13th.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 787, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

17). 1912 Fair Isle No locality, 5th August.

(M. Bedford & W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 33: 5, 26, 28; Eds., British Birds 6: 351; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 271; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46-47; Witherby, 1920-24).

History Mary, Duchess of Bedford & Wm. Eagle Clarke (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 5, 26, 28, say: 'The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr. Wilson; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October; and on contributions by Mr. George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island....On the 5th August...an Icterine Warbler, the last being a month earlier than any previous record for this bird's appearance in autumn in the British Isles.'

Further, p. 28, they add: 'Examples of this tree-warbler occurred on 5th August. All these dates are earlier for this bird's appearance in Britain than any other autumn records known to us. They are also the only known autumn visits to Fair Isle.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 351, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At Fair Isle examples occurred on August 5th.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 271, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Fair Isle (Shetland), one on August 5th.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

18). 1912 Fair Isle No locality, 10th August.

(M. Bedford & W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 33: 28; Eds., British Birds 6: 351; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 271; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46-47; Witherby, 1920-24).

History Mary, Duchess of Bedford & Wm. Eagle Clarke (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 5, 26, say: 'The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr. Wilson; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October; and on contributions by Mr. George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island....On the 10th [August] an Icterine Warbler.'

Further, p. 28, they add: 'Examples of this tree-warbler occurred on 10th August.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

19). 1912 Fair Isle No locality, two, 21st August, one, 22nd August.

Further, p. 28, they add: 'Examples of this tree-warbler occurred on 21st (2), and 22nd August.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

21). 1913 Fair Isle No locality, 26th May.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 54; Eds., British Birds 7: 349; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 47; Witherby, 1920-24).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 54, says: 'The fifth bird of this species detected in Fair Isle in spring appeared on 26th May, making five spring and five autumn instances of its visits at the station. There are only eleven Scottish records, all for Shetland.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 349, they say: 'The following interesting records have been published in recent issues of the Scottish Naturalist. All the references given refer to the volume for 1914. Icterine Warbler. One on May 26th, 1913, at Fair Isle (W. E. Clarke, p. 54.).'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Comment Clarke's statement clarifies that there were two on 21st August and one on 22nd August involving three birds.

22). 1914 Orkney Pentland Skerries, two: male, obtained, 10th June, female, obtained, 11th June.

(J. Bain, Scottish Naturalist 34: 237; Eds., British Birds 8: 152; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 47; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History John Bain of Hoy (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 237, says: 'On 10th and 11th June, Icterine Warblers (Hippolais icterina), male and female, were killed at the Pentland Skerries, one on each occasion. I sent them to Mr. Eagle Clarke, who confirms my identification, and informs me that the species is new to the avifauna of the Orkneys.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 152, they say: 'Mr. J. Bain records (Scot. Nat., 1914, p. 237) the occurrence of a male and female Hypolais icterina at the Pentland Skerries on June 10th and 11th, 1914.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

24). 1914 Fair Isle No locality, female, obtained, 11th June.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 35: 104; Baxter & Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 35: 195; Eds., British Birds 9: 75; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 47).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 104, says: 'The systematic investigations on the migration of birds at Fair Isle in 1914 were carried out by Mr. Jerome Wilson, who has acted as observer for several years.

To the information afforded by Mr. Wilson's daily register of ornithological events must be added a series of notes kindly contributed by the Duchess of Bedford, who visited the island in spring. Icterine Warbler.

This species has occurred annually at the island during recent years in spring or autumn, or both. In 1914 one appeared on 11th June. It is an interesting record, since the species so largely escapes notice as a bird of passage along the British shores.'

In an Editorial (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 75, they say: 'Mr. W. Eagle Clarke contributes an interesting paper on the more uncommon visitors to Fair Isle during 1914 (Scot. Nat., 1915, pp. 101-105). Mr. Jerome Wilson acted as regular observer - and apparently a very efficient one - during this year, while the Duchess of Bedford, who visited the island in the spring, added a valuable series of notes. We append below brief extracts of the more important records in this report, all being for the year 1914. Icterine Warbler. (Hypolais icterina). - One June 11th.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

25). 1920 Caithness Noss Head, seen, 3rd May.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 41: 107; Eds., British Birds 16: 30; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1921) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLI. p. 107, in the annual report, say: 'An Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) occurred at Noss Head on 3rd May, the first record of the species for Sutherland and Caithness.'

In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 29, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1920, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, they say: 'One is reported from Noss Head (Caithness) on May 3rd. Though the bird has occurred several times in the northern islands this is, we believe, the first record for the mainland of Scotland.'

Comment 2nd May 1951 on the Isle of May is the earliest record in Scotland, another on the 3rd in (Orkney 1996), and three on 6th (Orkney, Fife and Highland).

26). 1921 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, 5th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 15: 286; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 588; Witherby, 1920-24; Pashley, 1925).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 286, says: 'On August 20th, a Warbler in a hedge at Cromer was identified by Mrs. Watham as of this species. Although this cannot be accepted with certainty, there is no doubt about another obtained on September 5th by Mr. Arnold (Wind N.W.-N.E.). Accepting the Cromer occurrence, the number for Norfolk now stands at nine.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1924) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XI. p. 588, under 'Additions to Part XI (Eighth List) 1919-23'.

Pashley (1925) says: '1921. September 5th. Mr. Arnold got an Icterine Warbler.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

27). 1922 Lincolnshire North Cotes, shot, 4th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 16: 232; G. H. Caton Haigh, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1922: 179; Witherby, 1920-24; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 232, in the Norfolk Annual Report, says: 'Mr. Caton Haigh informs me that one shot in north Lincolnshire on September 4th is a new bird to the Lincolnshire list, whereas Norfolk has produced nine.'

G. H. Caton Haigh (1922) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, 1922: 179, says: 'The first movement began on September 2nd with a few Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers and Whitethroats. On the 4th, a few Wheatears, and one Icterine Warbler, the latter a new bird to the County List.'

28). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, first-year male, 8th September.

(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 46: 8; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 73; Eds., British Birds 20: 28).

History J. H. Stenhouse (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. pp. 7-8, says: 'In the autumn of 1925 I revisited Fair Isle, remaining there five weeks, from 3rd September to 7th October....A few birds, came in on the 8th September, and with them was a young male Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina).'

In an Editorial (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. p. 28, they say: 'In the same issue of the Scottish Naturalist (pp. 7-10) Surgeon Rear-Admiral J. H. Stenhouse gives his observations at Fair Isle during a visit from September 3rd to October 7th, 1925....Other birds of interest were: - An Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) on September 8th.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 73, in the annual report.

29). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 2nd June.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 108; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 108, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'An Icterine Warbler on 2nd June.'

In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'At Fair Isle on June 2nd.'

30). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 21st August.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 108; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 108, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'An Icterine Warbler on 21st August.'

In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'At Fair Isle on August 21st.'

31). 1932 Isle of May No locality, seen, 9th September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 52: 172; Eds., British Birds 27: 53; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul of Largo (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 172, say: 'During our fortnight on the Isle of May this autumn, migrants were not very plentiful. The most interesting was an Icterine Warbler which appeared on 9th September after a few hours of east wind and fog. This is the first record of this species for the area.'

In an Editorial (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 53, they say: 'Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul record (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 172) a Hippolais icterina on September 9th, 1932, at the Isle of May.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'We saw one on 9th September 1932, on the Isle of May. It spent most of its time catching insects among the rocks and was frequently chased by the pipits.'

32). 1934 Shetland Whalsay, obtained, 20th August.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 28; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 28, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Icterine Warbler. - I examined a specimen, which had been obtained on Whalsay on 20th August 1934, in Mr. Tom Bruce's collection, [while on a visit to Shetland in September 1936]. This is the second recorded occurrence of this species in Shetland, the previous record being of one obtained on 15th May 1910 (A.S.N.H., 1911: 183).'

33). 1938 Fair Isle No locality, 11th August.

(Pennington et al., 2004).

History Pennington et al. (2004) say: '...further records occurred at Fair Isle...on 11th August 1938.'

34). 1944 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 2nd September.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228).

History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 229, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45, says: 'Icterine Warbler - One seen, 2nd September 1944. G.S.'

Comment G.S. = George Stout, an islander.

35). 1945 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, caught by a cat, 21st May, now at Shetland Museum.

(G. T. Kay, British Birds 38: 355; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Pennington et al., 2004).

History G. T. Kay (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 355, says: 'On the evening of 21st May 1945, I noticed a strange warbler in my garden here [Lerwick, Shetland]. The following night I was fortunate in getting it from a cat which was mauling it. The brownish-olive upperparts, pale yellow under-parts, lead-blue feet and legs, bright orange inside mouth and particularly the wing formula agree exactly with The Handbook's description of the Icterine Warbler. On dissection it proved to be a female.'

[Mr. Kay has been good enough to send me the skin for examination and I can confirm the identification - B. W. Tucker.]

Pennington et al. (2004) add that this specimen is in the Shetland Museum.

36). 1946 Shetland Skaw, Whalsay, shot, 27th August, now at Shetland Museum.

(Pennington et al., 2004).

History Pennington et al. (2004) states that this specimen shot at Skaw, Whalsay on 27th August 1946 is in the Shetland Museum.

37). 1947 Yorkshire Spurn, first-year, trapped, 4th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 73: 60; Eds., British Birds 43: 62; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Ralph Chislett (1947) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIII. p. 60, under 'Annual Yorkshire Report for 1947', says: 'A young bird was ringed at Spurn on September 4th by E. C. and was also examined by G. H. A. and D. U. The detailed description made with the bird in hand was sent to R. Wagstaffe who confirmed the identification and loaned a skin for comparison. G. H. A.[Ainsworth] also inspected a series of skins at the British Museum shortly afterwards.'

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 62, in a Review of the above, they say: 'There are a number of interesting records from Spurn, namely in 1947, an Icterine Warbler, a young bird ringed, Sept. 4th.'

Accepted locally by Chislett (1952: 97) who adds: 'Caught in the garden of Warren Cottage and the detailed description submitted to R. Wagstaffe, Yorkshire Museum, who concurred with the identification.'

38). 1949 Devon Lundy, trapped, 28th August.

(H. Boyd, British Birds 43: 215; H. J. Boyd, Lundy Field Society Report 1949: 11; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 20).

History Hugh Boyd (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 215, says: 'One trapped and ringed August 28th....The bird examined in the hand fitted closely The Handbook description of an adult male, except that the tips of the primaries were coloured like the outer webs and not whitish. It was caught by E. H. Ware and studied by several observers.'

M. Brooks-King (1949) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 20, says: 'Lundy, Aug. 8, one trapped (H. Boyd, of Bristol).'

39). 1949 Isle of May No locality, nine, all trapped: four, 5th September, six, 6th September, one, 7th to 10th September, two, 12th September, one 13th September.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 62: 103; H. F. D. Elder, British Birds 43: 207; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History H. F. D. Elder (1950) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXII. p. 103, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report', for 1949, and in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 207, says: 'Four on 5th September, six on 6th, one from 7th to 10th, two on 12th and one on 13th. At least nine individuals passed through - nine having been ringed by G. W. Rayner.'

48). 1949 Devon Lundy, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 26th October.

(H. Boyd, British Birds 43: 215; H. J. Boyd, Lundy Field Society Report 1949: 11; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 20).

History Hugh Boyd (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 215, says: '...One seen October 16th, 17th, 23rd and 26th....The October bird was rather pale, neither the green of the upper parts nor the yellow of the under-parts being as bright as in the earlier example, but was in other respects (such as the colour of the legs and the inside of the mouth) typical.'

H. J. Boyd (1949) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 11, adds: '...the same individual on all these dates.'

M. Brooks-King (1949) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 20, says: 'Oct. 16-26, a very late bird (H. Boyd).'

1950-57 RECORDS

49). 1950 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 30th August to 3rd September.

(A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 44: 228; A. G. S. Bryson, Scottish Naturalist 63: 59).

History A. G. S. Bryson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 228, says: 'One from August 30th to September 3rd.'

A. G. S. Bryson (1951) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 59, says: 'One from 30th August to 3rd September. It was initially found and trapped by Allan M. Watt whose detailed description agrees in every particular with that of The Handbook except that the lower mandible was flesh-coloured, not yellow. Separated from the Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta by the wing length (78 mm.), by the length of the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th primaries relative to the 3rd, by the emargination of the 3rd and 4th primaries only and by the bluish-grey legs. It was also examined by subsequent observers.'

50). 1950 Yorkshire Spurn, 11th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 76: 60; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 44: 230; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1951) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 60, says: 'A single bird was seen there on September 11th which R. F. Dickens and P. E. Davis described as extremely similar to an Icterine Warbler they had examined in the hand a week before on the Isle of May.'

51). 1951 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 2nd to 3rd May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (2): 1).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (II). p. 1, says: 'The second bulletin of the 1951 season is naturally concerned with the spring migration, which was practically continuous throughout the month of May...Gerald Sandeman, John Lees and John Bain were the watchers on the [Isle of] May, and they had a greater share of rarities than Fair Isle at this time. There was an Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana, on 2-3rd an Icterine Warbler Hypolais icterina, was trapped and ringed...'

52). 1951 Isle of May No locality, 8th to 10th August.

(A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 31; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 45: 232; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 31, under 'Report of the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Committee 1951-52', says: '8th-10th August 1951.'

53). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, adult, 25th to 28th August, trapped 25th August.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 15; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). p. 15, says: 'For the first time since the Observatory was founded we have recorded this species, - three birds, all taken in the traps. The first appeared to be an adult bird, the others young of the year with less yellow on the underparts. Their weights were: adult, August 25th, 13.43 g. (seen again on 28th by its captor, James A. Stout); 1st winter, September 2nd , 13.25 g. (Seen again next day); 1st winter, September 5th, 13.36 g. The wing-lengths were78 mm., 74 mm. and 79.5 mm. respectively; bill 14 mm. Wing-formula: 1st primary equal to primary coverts or 0.5 mm. longer, 3rd longest, 2nd 3-3.5 mm., 4th 1-1.5 mm., 5th 4-6 mm. and 6th 8-9 mm. shorter; 3rd and 4th emarginated. Colours of soft parts: bill horn-colour on culmen, cutting-edges yellow, base of lower mandible flesh; inside of mouth orange; iris olive-brown; legs blue on front of tarsi, purplish-flesh at the sides.'

54). 1951 Isle of May No locality, 1st to 4th September.

(A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 31; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 45: 232; Bannerman, 1953-63).

55). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, first-year, 2nd to 3rd September, trapped 2nd September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 15; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

56). 1951 Yorkshire Spurn, trapped, 3rd September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 77: 74; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 45: 236; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 74, says: 'A bird caught at Spurn on September 3rd, with a total length of 152 mm., had olive-green upperparts, lemon-yellow throat spreading to pale whitish-yellow on belly, yellow eye-stripes, slaty blue-grey legs, pale edges to secondaries, bright orange gape, and bill broad at base with bristles. The 3rd and 4th primaries were emarginated. It made a harsh churring note rather like alarm note of Whitethroat (J. B. Mather, G. Harrison, D. B. Iles).'

57). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, first-year, trapped, 5th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 15; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

58). 1951 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 5th to 8th September.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 26).

History Anon. (1951) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 26, says: 'One in Blakeney Point plantation September 5th, which stayed three days (W.E.E.).'

59). 1951 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, juvenile, 6th to 7th September when trapped.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1951: 21-22; A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 45: 239; Bannerman, 1953-63; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).

History A. E. Smith (1951) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, pp. 21-22, says: 'One, which appeared with birds of several species during immigration on the afternoon of 6th September, was trapped and ringed the following morning. Identity was established by plumage characters, including pale yellow underparts, and by wing formula and measurements. It appeared to be a juvenile. A detailed description is recorded in the Observatory logs. It was the first record for the Point.'

60). 1951 Norfolk Blakeney Point, another, 6th September.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 26).

History Anon. (1951) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 26, says: 'On September 6th, during a rush of migrants on a north-east wind, one in suaeda bushes at the Hood, Blakeney Point (Mrs. R.F.M.).'

61). 1951 Devon Lundy, juvenile, trapped, 9th September.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 298; P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1951: 9; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 16).

History P. E.Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 298, says: 'A juvenile trapped September 9th.'

62). 1951 Devon Lundy, juvenile, unringed, 10th to 11th September when trapped.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 298; P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1951: 9; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 16).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 298, says: 'An unringed juvenile seen on the 10th was caught on the 11th [Sept.].'

63). 1951 Devon Lundy, adult, 10th September.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 298; P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1951: 9; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 16).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 298, says: '...September 9th, and one adult the following day.'

64). 1951 Devon Lundy, 20th September.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 298; P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1951: 9; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 16).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 298, says: '...and a fourth bird was watched on the 20th [Sept.]. There is only one previous record.'

65). 1952 Kent Benenden, 6th August.

(Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History Taylor, Davenport & Flegg (1984) say: 'Harrison documents only four records...During the period under review...with the first at Benenden on 6th August 1952.'

Comment Not published in the 1952 Report.

66). 1952 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, trapped, 10th August.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1952: 19; A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 46: 430; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).

History A. E. Smith (1952) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 19, says: 'One trapped and examined on 10th August.' A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 430, quote the above.

67). 1953 Isle of May No locality, 19th May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 61; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 68: 46; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 423).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 61, says: 'In mid-May there was...an Icterine Warbler on 19th.' W. J. Eggeling (1956) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVIII. p. 46, under 'Isle of May Report 1953-55', says: ' 19th May 1953, one.'

68). 1954 Fair Isle Vaadal, trapped, 30th May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1954: 4; K. Williamson & G. L. Sandeman, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 169; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 430; K. Williamson, British Birds 49: 119-120).

History K. Williamson & G. L. Sandeman (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 169, say: 'A bird trapped in Vaadal on the morning of May 30th had a wing of 77 mm., tail 53 mm., bill 15 mm. from skull, and tarsus 22 mm. In the wing formula the 3rd and 4th primaries were longest, the 2nd 1,5 mm. shorter and 5th 3.5 mm. shorter. The upper mandible was brown and the lower one pink, but orange at the cutting edges; the gape was bright orange and the iris olive-brown. In the field the bird was a bright canary-yellow below and bright greenish-brown above, with the edges of the secondary wing-feathers presenting the appearance of a diffuse golden bar in the closed wing.'

69). 1954 Isle of May No locality, 13th to 15th August.

(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 68: 46; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 431).

History W. J. Eggeling (1956) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVIII. p. 46, under 'Isle of May Report 1953-55', says: ' 13th to 15th August 1954, one.'

70). 1954 Yorkshire Spurn, trapped, 22nd August.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 88; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 432; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 406; Chislett, 1958).

History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 88, says: 'One was caught at Spurn on August 22nd (J.D.C., J.C.).'

71). 1954 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, two, 25th August.

(R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 432-433).

History R. K. Cornwallis (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 432-433, says: '23rd-26th August. At Cley two Icterine Warblers, a Bluethroat and two Wrynecks were recorded on the 25th.'

73). 1954 Yorkshire Spurn, two, 26th August, one 27th August.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 88; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 432; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 406; Chislett, 1958).

History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 88, says: 'Two occurred on August 26th (G.H.A., E.B.B.), and one on the 27th (H.G.B.).'

However, later, Chislett (1958: 33) only mentions the trapped bird of the 22nd August record.

75). 1954 Kent Dungeness, trapped, 2nd September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 30; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 365).

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 30, says: 'One trapped at D.B.O. on Sept. 2 (H.E.A., H.J.C.S., S.S.B., et al). A full description is retained in D.B.O. records.'

76). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, 7th to 8th September, trapped, 9th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1954: 4; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 217, 220; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 437; K. Williamson, British Birds 49: 119-120).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 217, says: 'The next day of importance was September 7th and quality rather than quantity was the keynote of the day. An Icterine Warbler...'

R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 437 says: '7th October [sic].'

77). 1955 Fair Isle No locality, trapped, 28th May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 20; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 107).

History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 20, says: 'One was trapped on May 28th.'

78). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 14th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 52; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 108).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 52, says: 'Single at Blakeney Point, August 14th (P.R.C., P.D.K., R.A.R.).'

79). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, another, 15th to 16th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 52; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 108).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 52, says: 'Single at Blakeney Point, August 15th-16th (M.M.).'

80). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, trapped, 23rd August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 52; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 109).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 52, says: 'Single at Blakeney Point, August 23rd (R.A.F.C., C.O. - this bird was ringed).'

81). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, another, 24th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 52; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 109).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 52, says: 'Single at Blakeney Point, August 24th (R.J.J., C.O.).'

82). 1955 Devon Lundy, trapped, 25th August.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1955: 14; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 48; Moore, 1969).

History B. Whitaker (1955) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 14, says: 'One juvenile or first-winter bird caught August 25.'

M. Brooks-King (1955) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 48, says: Lundy, Aug. 25, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1955).'

83). 1955 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, juvenile, 31st August.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 48: 550; Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1955: 12; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History P. E. Davis (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 550, says: 'On 31st August 1955, during a heavy passage of Whitethroats (Sylvia communis), an lcterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) was self-caught in the largest Heligoland trap on Skokholm, Pembrokeshire. It was judged from the rather brown upper-parts, and the brown fringes to the rectrices and remiges, to be a juvenile. Wing 76.5 mm. curved, 78 mm. straight. Wing formula: 1st primary equal to longest primary covert, 3rd longest, 2nd 4 mm. shorter, 4th 1 mm. shorter, 5th 5 mm. shorter, 6th 9 mm. shorter, and 7th 12.5 mm. shorter; 3rd and 4th emarginated. This is the first record for Skokholm, and apparently also the first for Wales.'

84). 1956 Fair Isle No locality, spring.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 22).

History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 22, says: 'Icterine Warbler was an interesting spring "sub-rarity".'

85). 1956 Kent Dungeness, trapped, 2nd September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 35; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 365; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 348).

History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 35, says: 'One trapped in the lighthouse garden at Dungeness on Sep. 2 has been fully described in the observatory log (D.B.O.). It was on the same day in 1954 that the last recorded bird was also trapped and ringed.'

86). 1956 Devon Prawle Point, 14th September.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 48; Moore, 1969).

History S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 48, says: 'Prawle Point, Sept. 14, a warbler about the size of a Garden Warbler and approximately the same build and colour was seen for a short time in some cover near the point; although under observation for a short time only, a well defined white patch on the secondaries was noted; at the time this mark was considered to be some sort of aberration or abrasion, but I understand that such a characteristic is important in the identification of the Icterine Warbler; I attribute the general paleness to it being an immature autumn bird (J.R.B.).'

87). 1956 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Point, caught, 14th September.

(J. Stafford, Isle of Wight Bird Report 1956: 34; E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1956: 344; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History J. Stafford (1956) in the Isle of Wight Bird Report, p. 34, says: 'One was caught at St Catherine's Lighthouse before dawn on Sept. 15th (D.F.B., C.J.H., G.H.R.). Very full details have been supplied, including the 2nd primary being longer than the 5th, which distinguishes this species from the Melodious Warbler. The one previous record for the Island was also at the Lighthouse.'

E. Cohen (1956) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 344, says: 'One caught at St. Catherine's Light, a.m., September 14th. Wing: 3rd, 4th and 5th primaries emarginated (most noticeably on 3rd), 3rd primary longest, 2nd about equal to 4th, 2nd longer than 5th. Bill 11.5 mm. long, stout, flattened at base. Mandibles dark greyish-brown, the lower being flesh at the base. Rictal bristles stiff and noticeable. Tail square, 53 mm. 12 rectrices. Legs stout, tarsi 21 mm. bluish-grey. Forehead and whole upper parts olive-green, flight feathers darker. Whitish supercilium. Chin greyish-white, upper breast tinged yellowish-buff, vent whitish with yellow suffusion on flanks (D.F.B., C.J.H., G.H.R.). Very rarely recorded in the British Isles.'

88). 1956 Isles of Scilly Tresco, 25th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 31).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 31, say: 'September 25th. Tresco, one seen at four yards range feeding in a turnip plantation; bright yellow underparts right down to under tail, legs bluish-black, a thick, bright yellow eye-stripe, a light white patch was noted on secondaries; the bird was larger than a Willow Warbler. Another bird previously seen with bright yellow underparts skulking in the brambles on Bryher may also have been of this species. I am familiar with the Melodious Warbler, which I have seen in Spain. A.V.S.'

89). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, trapped, 8th August.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 16; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 16).

History P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 16, says: 'An Icterine Warbler was trapped on August 8th.'

P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 16, says: 'One August 8th and September 20th.'

90). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, trapped, 20th September.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 18; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 8, 16).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 8, says: 'At dawn on the 19th there seemed to be few extra birds on Fair Isle, but night migrants came in steadily through the day, and by nightfall their numbers were reaching quite respectable proportions...an Icterine Warbler.' Further, p. 16, he adds: 'One September 20th.'

P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 25, under 'Total of Birds Ringed at Fair Isle 1957', says: 'Icterine Warbler (2).'

NOT PROVEN

0). Pre 1839 Devon Whiteford, Plymouth, shot, undated.

(Bellamy, 1839).

[D'Urban & Mathew, 1895].

History Bellamy (1839: 207) says: 'Recently a bird has been shot by Pincombe, taxidermist of Devonport, at Whiteford, in the neighbourhood of Plymouth, which bears a great resemblance to the Chiffchaff in colour, and is but a trifle longer; the difference worthy of note being first and principally a greater width of the base of the upper mandible (one of the characteristics of C. L. Brehm's genus Hypolais); secondly, a want of correspondence between certain quill-feathers, the second and seventh being the same length in the Chiffchaff, the second and the sixth in the Willow Wren (Phylloscopus trochilus, Linn.), while in this new species each feather differs in length from the rest; thirdly, that the alula spuria is of a brighter yellow, and somewhat larger. The note is unknown to the person who procured it.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 24-25, 2nd ed.) placing the record in square brackets, say: 'In Bellamy's Natural History of South Devon, there is a description given of a warbler which was unknown to him, but which we have little doubt was a specimen of the Icterine Warbler, the bird which for some time had a place in the British List under the name of Melodious Warbler.'

Comment Pincombe was called unreliable by other locals and is not to be trusted. Not acceptable.

0). 1886 Pembrokeshire Stone Hall, Wolfscastle, seen, early May.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1886: 334-335; H. A. Macpherson, Zoologist 1886: 365).

[C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 45].

History Murray A. Mathew of Stone Hall, Wolfscastle (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. pp. 334-335, says: 'Early in May I heard the notes of a bird which were quite strange to me in our shrubberies. The songster was high up, and concealed in thick foliage, and I did not catch sight of him. Since then a little bird has taken up his station in an ash tree just outside our grounds, by the roadside, at no great distance from where I first heard the unknown warbler, and sings a most delicious song all day long, to the delight of the passers by. People who have once heard him return again and again to listen to his melody. The notes are very sweet and liquid, imitating some of the trills of the Song Thrush. Seen high up through the foliage of the ash, he looks like a Chiffchaff, and is very restless while he sings, dancing up and down the branch he may be upon. Occasionally he descends to lower parts of the tree, and then appears to be somewhat darker about the wings than a Chiffchaff; his breast seems of a pale yellow. He has never come close enough to afford me a clear view of his plumage, and I cannot take steps to determine what he may be by shooting so sweet a songster who has been charming us all with his clear and tuneful notes. The other side of his hedge is a swampy cover, a regular jungle of furze, willow bushes, and young spruces, where I have searched several unsuccessfully for the nest which, no doubt, is there. In my opinion our little warbler is no other than Hypolais icterina.'

H. A. Macpherson (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 365, says: 'I have read with interest the notes of your correspondents (pp. 334, 335) on the supposed Icterine Warblers. It may perhaps be useful to remark that in addition to the large size of this species, as compared with any other Phylloscopus, the colour of the breast of the living bird is of a peculiarly delicate yellow, which I have never seen in any other British form. Moreover, the tarsi and toes are of a uniform slate-grey. Both adults and nestlings are to be seen exposed for sale in the Paris Marché des Oiseaux.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Sussex Burwash, female, shot, 30th April.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Zoologist 1897: 333; R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 6: 51; "H.S." Ibis 1897: 627; Saunders, 1899; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 6: 51; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History N. F. Ticehurst of Guy's Hospital, London (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 333, says: 'On May 1st last two Warblers, male and female, were sent to Mr. Bristow, of St Leonards, for preservation, from Burwash, in Sussex. The female, which turned out to be Hypolais icterina, I exhibited at the May Meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club. The male I did not have an opportunity of seeing till today (June 24th), and on comparing it with the female I was struck by its relative shortness of wing. I then examined them more closely, and found that in the female (H. icterina) the first primary was just shorter than the primary coverts, and the second intermediate in length between the fourth and fifth; whereas in the male the first primary was longer than the primary coverts, and the second intermediate in length between the sixth and seventh, the third, fourth, and fifth forming the tip of the wing. This, I see, is just the difference given by Herr Gätke between H. icterina and H. polyglotta. It is curious that these two birds, male and female, should have been shot on the same day and at the same place, and a pity that in May they should not be safe from persecution.'

R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1897) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. VI. p. 51, at the 44th Meeting of the Club held on 19th May 1897 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. N. F. Ticehurst exhibited a specimen of the Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) shot on the 1st of May, 1897, at Burwash, in Sussex.'

"H.S." (1897) in The Ibis, Vol. XXXIX. pp. 627-628, says: 'In Bulletin XLV. of the British Ornithologists' Club it was stated (see Ibis, supra, p. 452) that Mr. N. F. Ticehurst had exhibited a specimen of the Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) shot at Burwash, in Sussex, and in The Zoologist for last July he mentioned a second and smaller Warbler, shot at the same time and place.

The description of the latter pointed strongly to H. polyglotta, and this the bird proved to be on examination, Mr. G. Bristow, of St. Leonard's, having obligingly sent both the specimens to Saunders for inspection. The H. polyglotta proved to be a male by dissection; the Icterine Warbler was a female; while, as a matter of detail, the date was April 30th, and not May 1st, which was the day the birds were received, together with various small birds shot by the same person.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 22).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Devon Ware, two, in song, 4th May, one, in song, 15th and 17th May.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1897: 332-333; N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 19: 203; Saunders, 1899; N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 28: 260; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83).

[Saunders, 1899].

History M. A. Mathew of the Vicarage, Buckland Dinham, Frome (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. pp. 332-333, says: 'While staying at Lyme Regis during this last May, I several times heard and identified the beautiful song of the Icterine Warbler, Hypolais icterina, in the wooded undercliff at Ware, about a mile to the west of the town, and well within the Devon boundary. I heard the bird first on May 4th; it was singing in a large whitethorn, quite in the centre of the bush, and although I waited for some time with the bird singing away within a few feet of my head, it did not come into view. The next time I heard it was on the 15th. It was in the same bush, and again would not shot itself.

On this occasion I was accompanied by a friend, who exclaimed, "How delightfully that Nightingale is singing!" but I was able to point out to him the differences between the trills of the Nightingale and the clear Thrush-like notes we were listening to. On the 17th the bird was heard singing from the same bush by my wife, who is well acquainted with the song of the Icterine Warbler; a keen N.E. wind then set in, stilling all bird-song, and, although I revisited the spot several times, I did not hear the bird again. I may add that on May 4th I heard a second Icterine Warbler singing, also in the centre of a dense whitethorn, about a quarter of a mile away from where I heard the first. I call this Warbler the Icterine Warbler, although the Melodious Warbler, Hypolais polyglotta, is the western representative of Hypolais, and therefore the one most likely to visit our southern shores. Still the song I heard was certainly that of the Icterine Warbler. There can be no doubt that this bird is a regular summer visitor to this country, only requiring those acquainted with its song to identify its presence.'

Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1898) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XIX. p. 203, says: 'Rare birds in 1897. Icterine Warbler. - At Lyme Regis in May, by Rev. Murray A. Mathew (J.C.M.-P.).'

Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1907) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XXVIII. p. 260, says: '...the Icterine Warblers, heard several times by himself and wife, near Lyme Regis, during May, 1897, were singing well within the confines of Devon, to which county, and not to Dorset, the record must consequently be accredited.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', but as a Melodious Warbler.

Comment J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, author of The Birds of Dorsetshire. Not acceptable.

0). 1897 Yorkshire Kilnsea, seen, September.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History Nelson (1907 (1): 89) says: 'Messrs. W. Eagle Clarke and T. Laidlaw watched an undoubted example of this species for some time, at only a few yards' distance, in the garden at Kilnsea Warren, in September, 1897.'

Comment This record was overlooked in the Review by C. J. Patten (Zool., 1916, pp. 41-53, but I doubt if the two observers had had field experience of this species and its pitfalls. Not acceptable.

0). 1900 Sussex Brightling, seen, 8th May.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 22) quoting from Nicoll's "Private Notes", says: 'Three years late [to 1897], on May 8th, Michael Nicoll was sure of two of these birds - possibly a pair and, if so, perhaps potential nesters in the district - at Brightling.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1901 Sussex Hollington, seen, 14th May.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 22) says: '...and on May 14th, 1901, he [Michael Nicoll] swore to another and heard it singing - again possible nesting is indicated - at Hollington, near St. Leonards-on-Sea.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1902 Kent Crockham Hill, shot, 15th May, now at the Booth Museum, Brighton.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

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

History Ticehurst (1909: 54) says: 'Mr. A. F. Griffith has informed me that he has recently acquired for the Booth Museum at Brighton an Icterine Warbler that was shot at Crockham Hill, near Edenbridge, on May the 15th, 1902. This specimen has not hitherto been recorded, but I have no reason for doubting its genuineness.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1902 Sussex St Leonards-on-Sea, seen, 2nd September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 22) says: '...whilst in his [Michael Nicoll] garden at St. Leonards itself he met with yet another of this Hippolais on September 2nd, 1902.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Norfolk Near Holkham, seen, 20th September.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1904: 212; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Pashley, 1925).

[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. pp. 211-212, says: 'September 20th. Mr. A. J. Napier writes: - I went down to the [Wells and Holkham] sandhills here, and the trees were simply alive with birds of every description....It is not easy to identify in the thick bushes, but I certainly saw an Icterine Warbler.'

H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who add: 'Mr. Saunders admitted only eight authentic occurrences. Amongst those recorded above several examples were seen but not obtained and it is unsafe to admit these as thoroughly authentic examples owing to the similarity of this species to the Melodious Warbler.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Comment I prefer to follow Witherby & Ticehurst on the basis of the difficulty of identification at that time. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 At sea Sea area Thames, Kentish Knock Lightship, Lat. 51° 38' N, Long. 1° 39' E, 43 km E of Holliwell Point, Essex, seen, 22nd September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 213; Clarke, 1912; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83; G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1962: 37; Wood, 2007].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 213, says: 'Icterine Warbler seen off the Essex coast by Mr. Clarke.' H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who add: 'Mr. Saunders admitted only eight authentic occurrences. Amongst those recorded above several examples were seen but not obtained and it is unsafe to admit these as thoroughly authentic examples owing to the similarity of this species to the Melodious Warbler.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 1-8) says: 'I reached the Kentish Knock lightship (Lat. 51° 38' 50 min. N., Long. 1° 39' 55 min. E., lying 21 miles N.E.N. of Margate, Kent, and 21.5 miles S.E. of The Naze, which are respectively the nearest points of land), on 17th September, 1903, and remained there until 18th October. Among the rarer species observed there were an Icterine Warbler.' Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 54).

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Comment I prefer to follow Witherby & Ticehurst on the basis of the difficulty of identification at that time. Not acceptable.

0). 1905 Sussex Peasmarsh, near Rye, male, shot, 26th June, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.672).

(J. B. Nichols, Zoologist 1905: 349; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

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

History J. B. Nichols (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 349, says: 'On June 26th, 1905, a beautiful male Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) was shot at Peamarsh, about three miles from Rye, Sussex. This was brought to Mr. Bristow, of St. Leonards-on-Sea, to be set up, and are now in my collection.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 83, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences. Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 22).

Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen that was obtained at Peasmarsh, near Rye, Sussex, on 26th June 1905, adding that it was brought to G. Bristow two days later, then bought at the sale of J. B. Nichols collection who had bought it from Bristow on 5th July 1905.

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1905 Norfolk Blakeney, seen, 26th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1906: 134; C. J. Patten, Zoologist 1916: 46).

[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 83].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 134, says: 'September 26th. A good deal of migration reported as a result of yesterday's rain and easterly gale (force 6 at Yarmouth), viz. Icterine Warbler at Blakeney.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences.

Comment I prefer to follow Witherby & Ticehurst on the basis of the difficulty of identification at that time. Not acceptable.

0). 1907 Wiltshire Mildenhall, near Marlborough, pair, nested, 3rd to 8th May.

(N. B. Kinnear, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 46: 74; G. Pye-Smith, British Birds 19: 311).

[Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007].

History N. B. Kinnear, Editor (1926) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XLVI. p. 74, at the 299th Meeting of the Club held on 10th February 1926 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Mr. Geoffrey Pye-Smith, introduced by the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, exhibited a clutch of three eggs of the Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) taken by himself at Mildenhall, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, on May 8th, 1907.The nest was typical of the Hippolais group, with bits of birch bark on the outside, in an alder about 4 ft. from the ground, and is now in the Marlborough College Museum. Although the Icterine Warbler has occurred previously in the British Isles, it has never been recorded as nesting there. An egg of the Melodious Warbler was exhibited at the same time, in order to show the differences between the eggs of the two species. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain remarked that in the cases where some species of Hippolais had been found breeding in England, the identification rested solely with the eggs, and it was satisfactory that in this case the eggs were typical Icterines, being distinctly larger and paler in colour than those of the Melodious Warbler.'

G. Pye-Smith (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 311, says: 'At the February meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club I exhibited a clutch of three eggs of the Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) taken by myself at Mildenhall, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, on May 8th, 1907 (Bull. B.O.C., XLVI. p. 74).

The nest was actually found on May 3rd, when the female was flushed off two eggs. It was in an alder, about four feet from the ground at the junction of several branches which formed a sort of cup, and was composed of moss and wool, with one or two scraps of birch bark on the outside as well as what appeared to be a piece of dirty yellowish paper. Owing to school restrictions I was not able to revisit the site till two days later, when T. C. K. Moore accompanied me in order to photograph the nest. There were then three eggs, and the hen flew off as before, but kept skulking within a few yards. Next day we went out again with the camera, but had considerable difficulty owing to the undergrowth and an inadequate tripod.

Two days later the eggs were cold and no bird visible, and three days later it was evident that the nest was deserted. We spent a good deal of time hunting for a second nest, but without success. The nest was subsequently presented to the College Museum.

Although on two or three previous occasions the eggs of some species of Hippolais have been found in England, they have all been ascribed on the evidence of the eggs to H. polyglotta. In this case we saw nothing of the male bird, and, having no previous experience of either species in the field, should not have been able to distinguish one from the other. However, the eggs are quite typical of the Icterine, rather paler than usual and showing little of the purplish-red tinge so conspicuous in H. polyglotta, and are also decidedly larger than ordinary eggs of that species, so that there is hardly any doubt that in this case it was the Icterine, and not the Melodious Warbler, which attempted to breed with us. It is rather significant that while only five specimens of the Melodious Warbler have been obtained in the British Isles, about thirty-five Icterines have been recorded.'

Wiltshire Ornithological Society (2007: 591) say: 'A long accepted record of a nest with three eggs at Mildenhall, near Marlborough, in May 1907, is preserved at Marlborough College Museum, but the eggs cannot be specifically identified although they are of a Hippolais warbler. The date is also way too early for breeding of this species and therefore the record is found wanting.

Comment Not accepted locally.

0). 1914 Sussex Hollington Park, St Leonards-on-Sea, immature male, 26th August.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 8: 146; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 146, says: 'A specimen of the Icterine Warbler (Hypolais icterina) was obtained at Hollington Park, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, on August 26th, 1914. I examined it in the flesh, and found it to be an immature male.'

Admitted by C. J. Patten of Sheffield University (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 46, in a summary of previous occurrences. Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 22).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1916 Kent Dungeness, two, seen, 12th September.

(H. G. Alexander, British Birds 10: 263-265; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

[KAN].

History H. G. Alexander (1917) in British Birds, Vol. X. pp. 263-265, says: 'During 1916 I visited Dungeness and Romney Marsh several times in the spring for a day or more, and once in the autumn for a week. The following observations seem worthy of record: - ...My autumn visit extended from September 6th to 13th. I have never stayed at Dungeness itself at quite that time before, and this fact may possibly account for the unusually interesting birds observed, but the first bird of interest seen was presumably only a straggler....On the 12th I found an unusually large number of Phylloscopi and other warblers in a clump of willow bushes. Altogether there must have been eight or ten birds, but they refused to show themselves well.

The majority were Willow-Wrens (Ph. trochilus) but I several times saw one bird whose actions, size and shape seemed to denote a Hypolais, and at length I satisfied myself that it was an Icterine Warbler (H. icterina). I was puzzled to hear, from time to time, a peculiar note, certainly not the normal Icterine note, but in the end I came to the conclusion that this was uttered by one of the Willow-Wrens.

Miss Turner arrived at Dungeness in the middle of the day, and in the late afternoon we went to investigate these Warblers again. On our way, we put an Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) out of a low broom-bush. The birds in the willows were acting quite differently from in the morning, coming to the tops of the bushes as if for the purpose of being more easily identified. There were fewer Willow-Wrens, but we had good views of two Icterine, and heard the proper Hypolais note more than once.'

Comment Again, I would doubt the ability to recognise the species in the field at this point in time. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1921 Norfolk Cromer, seen, 20th August.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 15: 286; Witherby, 1920-24; Pashley, 1925).

[S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 588].

S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1924) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XI. p. 588, under 'Additions to Part XI (Eighth List) 1919-23', make no mention of this record.

0). 1922 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 9th May.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 16: 232; Witherby, 1920-24; Pashley, 1925).

[S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 588].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 232, in the Norfolk Annual Report, says: 'On May 28th, Mr. Pashley saw what he believed to be an Icterine Warbler in a garden at Cley, but made no attempt to kill it.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1922. May 9th. I saw what I took to be an Icterine Warbler singing among the blossoms of a bullace tree. It was on the tree some little time and I was standing not more than 7 or 8 feet from it. The song was different from any other warbler I knew.'

0). 1929 Norfolk South Wooton, seen, 30th April to 1st May.

(Riviere, 1930; Seago, 1977).

[KAN].

History Riviere (1930) says: 'One identified by Mr. N. Tracy in a wood at South Wootton on 30th April and 1st May 1929 (N. Tracey in litt.).'

Comment Apparently, some sort of Biography is in Bird Notes 26: 201 of Nat Tracy. However, he also confirmed the identification of a Bufflehead seen by C. T. M. Plowright off Hunstanton, Norfolk in 1932, which has since been rejected (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 61-73), which brings into question his ornithological abilities. There are no identification details of this then difficult species, so I find it unacceptable.

0). 1941 Shropshire Corvedale, two, seen, June.

(Smith et al., 2019)

[KAN].

History Smith et al. (2019) state that during June 1941 two were seen searching for insects in a row of runner beans in a garden in Corvedale. They had yellow underparts and a characteristic angry song. During the first World War a pair had a nest in a bush a few yards away from where he was dug-in during 1917 and he was able to study them.

Comment Not very convincing. Two together is also very unusual especially inland. Not acceptable.

0). 1942 Worcestershire Sheriff's Lench, in song, seen, 29th June.

(A. J. Harthan, Transactions of the Worcestershire Naturalists' Club 11: 167-186; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

[Harthan, 1946; Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Harrison et al. (1982) state that a bird was seen and heard in song at Sherriff's Lench on 29th June 1942 (Harthan 1961). Also, that inland and spring records are unusual.

Comment Harthan (1946) made no mention of this record. Unfortunately, the above Transactions are unavailable, so one cannot judge the record, except that it was published 19 years later. Apparently, these Transactions were not published every year but in blocks of years. No identification details of this sight record of a then difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1944 Wiltshire Salisbury, in song, seen, 11th July.

(W. M. Congreve, British Birds 38: 115-116; Buxton, 1981).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History W. M. Congreve (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 115-116, says: 'To my complete amazement, on walking out of the garden door of my present residence in a very quiet and secluded part of Salisbury town (practically in the Cathedral Close), at 6.35 pm on 11th July 1944, I was greeted by the loud and extremely distinctive song of what I could only ascribe to an Icterine Warbler coming from a dense patch of hawthorn, copper beech, lilac and syringa, on the boundary edge of my small garden.

At first all my efforts to get a clear view of the bird failed, as it kept dodging about, as it sang, amid dense greenery some fifteen feet from the ground. Then the song ceased, but I had by now retrieved my Zeiss glasses and I patiently sat down to watch. I was finally rewarded by a quick but very clear view of a conspicuously yellow-breasted warbler that was larger than any British Phylloscopus. This view at once satisfied any doubts lest a Marsh Warbler or other Acrocephaline songster might, by chance, have strayed into the garden from the River Avon some two hundreds of yards away.

I should like to add that I knew the Icterine extremely well in France during the last German war and met with it again as a passage migrant just outside the border of SW Transylvania, much more recently. I have never forgotten the remarkable chattering and discordant notes of its cheerful song. I have not overlooked the fact that the Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta, is almost indistinguishable from the Icterine Warbler by appearance in the field.

The song, however, which I knew extremely well in S. Spain in former years, is much less vehement and harsh and I do not think I have made a mistake in identification. Subsequently I again heard a very brief snatch of song from this bird. This was just outside my boundary fence, at 12.45 pm on the 12th, but I failed to see it again.'

Comment Not one of the counties mentioned by Witherby (1952). No identification details of this sight record of a then difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1945 Nottinghamshire Colwick, seen, 13th July.

(R. J. Raines, British Birds 39: 148; J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1945: 17).

[KAN].

History R. J. Raines (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 148, says: 'An adult was seen perched on telegraph-wires by the Trentside at Colwick, on July 13th. It remained on its perch giving snatches of song, for some minutes and then dived into a dense bed of Persicaria, where it could be heard, but only glimpsed occasionally.

The impression gained was as follows: - a large greenish-yellow warbler about the size of a Whitethroat Sylvia communis; short greenish-yellow eye-stripe; olive or yellowish-green head, back and tail coverts; throat, breast and whole of belly bright greenish-yellow almost as bright as that of a Yellow Wagtail; wings and tail greeny-brown; legs very dark, but the exact colour not determined; bill light brown or flesh-coloured; wings fairly long and pointed, the flight and action recalling a Whitethroat.

The song in its main substance resembled a Reed Warbler, but was interspersed by high notes, screechings and Whitethroat-like guttural sounds. When in the Persicaria it gave "hoo-eet" notes and frequently a sound like the alarm-note of a Whitethroat. The pointed wings and the character of the song would point to the bird being definitely this species and not the Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta, which is in any case much rarer and less probable. The place where it was seen is an area overgrown with tall weeds which is much frequented by small birds at the period of migration, with a young mixed copse on the other side of the river.'

Comment BOU (1971) state that passage is between May and June and late August to October. Pointed wings is no means of identification and the omission of the pale wing panel not seen, plus uncertainty over the song, all points to a misidentification. Not acceptable.

0). 1947 Northamptonshire Badby Wood, in song, 28th to 30th May.

(Taylor MS., 1959).

[KAN].

History Taylor MS. (1959) states that during 28th to 30th May 1947 one was in song in Badby Wood.

Comment Taylor (1959) is an unpublished MS. with just the bare details given here. Again, not published in the mainstream literature; unsure whether in the local Transactions, but extremely hard to find. So, with the lack of any identification details for this sight record of a then difficult species, or persons involved, it is wise to find it unacceptable.

0). 1949 Devon Otter Estuary, seen, 16th July.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 20).

[Moore, 1969].

History M. Brooks-King (1949) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 20, says: 'Otter Estuary, July 16, bird perched on post at edge of wood, seen with glasses at 20 yards. No song. Too large for Chiffchaff or Willow Warbler: size of Wood Warbler. Whole of underparts very yellow; no white anywhere. Upper-parts olive green. Yellow eye-stripe. Appearance of raised crown feathers; returning home we saw this referred to in The Handbook, Vol. II. p. 62 (J.M.R., B.R.).'

Moore (1969) says: 'This record should be treated as indeterminate [between Icterine and Melodious Warbler].'

Comment Not accepted locally.

0). 1950 Yorkshire Spurn, 25th to 27th August.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 76: 60; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 44: 229; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History R. Chislett (1951) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 60, and G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 229, say: 'A warbler in the wire-dump at Spurn on August 25th to 27th was thought to be of this species by W. A. Butterfield, H. O. Bunce and several others, from the 'intense yellow of the whole underparts', size, build, blue-flesh legs, and olive upperparts.'

Comment Intense yellow of underparts and leg colour could fit other species. 'Was thought to be of this species' does not place faith in the record. Not fully identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1951 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 2nd to 3rd May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (2): 1).

[Not in Eggeling, 1985].

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (II). p. 1, says: 'Gerald Sandeman, John Lees and John Bain were the watchers on the May, and they had a greater share of rarities than Fair Isle at this time. There was an Ortolan Bunting, Emberiza hortulana, on 2-3rd [May] an Icterine Warbler, Hippolais icterina, was trapped and ringed.'

Eggeling (1985, 2nd ed.) says: 'Recorded once in spring (19th May) [pre 1959].'

0) 1951 Essex Lee-over-Sands, 6th May.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 8-9).

[G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 8-9; Wood, 2007].

History G. A. Pyman (1951) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, pp. 8-9, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird which was claimed to be an Icterine Warbler, a rare visitor to the British Isles and unknown in Essex, was encountered amongst the suaeda clumps on the shingle spit at Lee-over-Sands during the Society's field meeting on May 6th.

The following description was obtained by summarizing the field notes submitted by B.A.B.B., B.J.N.E., R.E., G.H.G., A.W.H., S.M., G.A.P., H.J.C.S., P.D.S., R.Sp., & R.U.: - resembled leaf-warbler but more robust and larger than Wood Warbler; colour effect strikingly similar to bright female Yellow Wagtail; head, yellowish-brown with decided olive tint except for conspicuous yellow stripe immediately above eye, giving effect of dark stripe through eye; back, pale yellowish-brown with decided olive tint; rump, olive yellow (brighter than back); underparts, yellow of varying shades throughout being brightest on throat and under tail coverts; wing, light to medium brown, noticeably darker on primaries and secondaries, and medium length; bill, light colour and comparatively longer than leaf-warbler's; legs, variously described as medium, lightish brown, pale pinkish brown and brownish red; flight, typical warbler's; voice, a single "tack" or "teck", a soft piping, a "churr" and a short snatch of song (2-3 seconds) with harsh and sweet notes mixed (not unlike Reed Warbler's) were all occasionally heard whilst the bird was under observation.

The Editors of British Birds have, however, reluctantly declined to accept the record on grounds of legs colouration [sic].'

Wood (2007) listed under Icterine/Melodious Warbler sp. and that it was seen at Colne Point.

0). 1953 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, juvenile, 25th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1953: 36).

[I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 408].

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1953) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report Vol. XXIII. p. 36, says: 'On September 25th, on St Agnes, good views were obtained of a juvenile. The most striking points were the yellow bill (Which were first caught my attention), the orange gape, well seen when the bird was struggling to swallow a caterpillar, and the lead-blue legs. The underparts showed only a faint tinge of lemon. H.M.Q.'

E-mail reply from Nigel Hudson: Icterine Warbler 1953 – I. C. T. Nisbet in a Review of the Cornwall BR 1953 in Brit. Birds 49: 408, says: "The most interesting passerine vagrants, however, were on the Scillies, including an Icterine Warbler on 25th September (the published description of this bird is quite inadequate)". I take that as a rejection. Difficult one as its post 1950, and yet at the time British Birds was from 1958 so it falls in between camps. I accepted it on the basis of the Cornwall BR report (admittedly not aware that Nisbet had done a Review) and I have subsequently had a report from J.L.F.P. who says: "I consider that record unacceptable" so maybe in Edition 2 we will rectify. Are you happy with the next claim in 1956?

Comment Description suits Melodious more than Icterine. Not acceptable.

0). 1954 Devon Lundy, 11th, 15th and 17th September.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1954: 17; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 44).

[KAN].

History B. Whitaker (1954) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 17, says: 'One of this species or possibly H. polyglotta seen on September 11th, 15th and 17th.'

M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 44, says: 'Lundy, Sept. 11, 15, 17, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1954).'

Comment Observer unsure of species. Not acceptable.

0). 1955 Cornwall Marazion, 26th August.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 11; Penhallurick, 1978).

[B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 11].

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 11, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'On August 26th at Marazion Marsh, in osiers, I saw a large Warbler at close range and studied it for over an hour. The upper parts were olive with dark brown primaries and tail; dark crown. Whole of under parts olive yellow; distinct yellow eyestripe, blue-grey legs and yellowish bill. The bird was seen with a Chiffchaff and was much bigger and heavier built than the latter. After I had watched it for some time there appeared from the reeds another bird of similar plumage, but was much browner, with a less yellowy appearance. No note was heard, nor did I see the birds on the wing. Both birds moved rather heavily; they kept to the reeds, and were very wary when not actually in them. I saw them from a distance of about 3 to 4 yards hiding behind a bank, through 10 x 35 binoculars. G.P.'

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Icterine Warbler

Hippolais icterina (Vieillot, 1817) (48, 42)

Melodious Warbler

Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler