Lesser Grey Shrike

Laniidae

Jun 29

Lanius minor (Gmelin, JF, 1788) (20, 14)

Photo © Matthew Naylor, Minions, Cornwall, 4th October 2023

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic

OVERVIEW

Migrants arrive here during May to June. Return passage starts in September through to early November. There are two records for April (both 15th) otherwise all records conform to known pattern.

RECORDS

1). 1842 Dorset Near Heron Court, Christchurch, Hampshire, adult, shot, September, now in Malmesbury Collection.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1894: 345; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Witherby, 1920-24; Clark, 2022).

History Murray A. Mathew of Buckland Dinham, Frome (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 345, says: 'I lately had the privilege of visiting the collection of stuffed birds at Heron Court, in company with Mr. Edward Hart, of Christchurch. The collection was formed by the late Earl of Malmesbury, and all the birds were secured on this interesting and beautiful estate....Among the cases my attention was arrested by one containing a Shrike, labelled "Grey Shrike, shot, Sept., 1842". This proved, on inspection, to be a good specimen of an adult Lanius minor. I had believed that one in my own collection, obtained some years ago at Great Yarmouth, was the only adult male of this species that had been met with in the British Islands, but this example at Heron Court had been there long before.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 50) say: 'There is a specimen in the Earl of Malmesbury's collection at Heron Court, that was shot near that place in September, 1842. It is the first of this species known to have occurred in Britain, and the specimen lay for many years unnoticed until it was identified in the year 1894 by the Rev. M. A. Mathew, who records the fact in The Zoologist of that year, and describes it as a fine adult bird.'

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Hants. (two).'

Comment The other record referred to by Witherby for Hampshire is the 1900 Poors Common, Bournemouth record which is still in Hampshire.

2). 1851 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, female, killed, early November.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1851: 3300; J. H. Jenkinson, Zoologist 1867: 555-557; J. H. Jenkinson, Zoologist 1867: 605-606; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1867: 703; E. H. Rodd, Field 19th Oct., 1867: 312; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2201; Yarrell, 1871-85; Harting, 1880; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 248; Witherby, 1920-24; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 3300, says: A female specimen of the Great Grey Shrike was killed during the present week at St Mary's, Scilly. This bird is of rare occurrence in this county.'

J. H. Jenkinson (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. pp. 555-557, says: Notices have appeared occasionally in The Zoologist of another Grey Shrike differing from the common one, and spoken of as the "Greater Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis)". Apparently this bird is not much less common than the other, and therefore ought to be sufficient examples of it to settle the question of distinctness, and to enable it to be clearly identified. The following descriptions of four birds will show the points of difference between the so-called L. borealis and L. excubitor in its different states of plumage. Nos. 1 and 2 are in Mr. Rodd's collection; No. 3 in my own possession; No. 4 in the Truro Museum.

No. 1. Adult male L. excubitor. Whole upper surface pure blue gray. Through the eye and ear-coverts a black streak with a whitish edge above. Whole under surface white. Distribution of white in wings and tail as follows: - A bar across the primaries and secondaries, forming two spots on the closed wing. Scapulars largely tipped. Secondaries tipped. Four central tail-feathers black, the next on each side tipped with white, which increases rapidly in an oblique line to the root of the outer feather, which is all white.

No. 2. [Lesser Grey Shrike]. A much smaller bird, recorded by Mr. Rodd as a female: - Whole upper surface grey, less pure and blue than No. 1, with slight mixture of rusty about the head. The streak through the eye much broader, with no indication of an upper white edge. Under surface white, but not very pure, and mixed with a rusty tinge. Distribution of white, &c. Bar, on primaries only, forming one spot, no white on scapulars. Secondaries slightly tipped. Four central tail-feathers black, the rest tipped and based with white, the white chiefly at the base, and the proportion of black to white greater than in No. 1: outer feather white. The black of this bird is really more brown than black, the eye-streak being the nearest approach of real black....Nos. 1, 3 and 4 are clearly of the same species, viz. L. excubitor, agreeing in all those points in which they differ from No. 2. The points of difference are these: - 1st, as to size. No. 2 is a much smaller bird than the other. The tail is three-quarters of an inch shorter than in No. 1. Wings from carpal joint same length. This makes No. 1 look a shorter winged and longer tailed bird, in proportion to its size, than No. 2. 2nd. Beak of No. 2 stouter in proportion to bird, and the ridge of the upper mandible more quickly curved. 3rd. Distribution of white, especially in the tail: in No. 2 the black predominates - in No. 1, the reverse.

This point of difference, as well as that of size, is correctly noticed in The Zoologist for 1850 (Zool. 2650). No. 1 is undoubtedly the bird known as L. excubitor, and so described in Yarrell, who, however, does not mention the spots in the wing of the female as differing from those in the male. Pennant, Selby, Bewick, Temminck, Gould and Montagu, all seem pretty clearly to describe the same bird as L. excubitor; though they all speak of only one spot of white on the wings. No. 2 is not described by any of them. It seems, however, pretty clearly to be a distinct bird. Being so, and being a smaller bird, is it rightly called the "Greater Northern Shrike (L. borealis);" and where is it described? It would be an assistance if any persons having specimens of the grey shrike would say, having reference to the points of difference above named, to which species they belong. It would enable us to judge which of the two is the most common, and whether those differences are true points of distinction between two species; especially if they would notice anything in which the differences named are not borne out. No. 2 being a female, a description of the male bird is desired, and can perhaps be furnished by some one.'

P.S. 'I think in all probability some of those noticed as "Greater Northern Shrikes" are merely L. excubitor; e.g. Zoologist 1850 (Zool. 2619), where a female bird is described as L. borealis, which is identical with my No. 3; so perhaps No. 2 is not so common as the notices would seem to make it, and the term "greater" may have helped to puzzle people.'

J. H. Jenkinson of St Mary's Vicarage, Reading (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. pp. 605-606, date 15th January 1867, says: 'Since writing last month on the subject of two kinds of grey shrike, I have been able to refer to Wilson's American Ornithology. I find he speaks of two kinds, viz. - 1. American Shrike (Lanius excubitor, Wilson; L. borealis, Vieillot). 2. Loggerhead Shrike (L. carolinensis, Wilson; L. ludovicianus, Linnaeus). The first seems to be the same as our L. excubitor, though he speaks of only one white spot, and of crescentic marks on the under part of the male, which would only apply to the immature bird. This, however, is not surprising, as no seems to have noticed the marked distinction which appears to exist between the male and female of our L. excubitor, the former when adult having two spots, the latter one. The second of the above-named species seems to be this species, of which Mr. Rodd's bird (described before as No. 2) may prove to be a specimen; the only noticeable difference being that L. carolinensis has a line of black in front of the head over the beak, which No. 2 has not; but the absence of this may perhaps be connected for by age and sex. The above confirms my former remark that the various notices in The Zoologist - with one exception (Zool. 2650), where the mistake is calling the smaller bird L. borealis - refer simply to examples of L. excubitor. Still it appears probable that when the distinction is understood, the Loggerhead Shrike (L. carolinensis) - if that is the bird in question - may prove to be of occasional occurrence in this country. In Bree's Birds of Europe this bird is said to be identical with L. meridionalis of Temminck.'

E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 703, dated 5th March, 1867, says: 'On referring to The Zoologist for the year 1851, you may observe a notice of the occurrence of a female specimen of L. excubitor having been sent from St. Mary's, one of the Scilly Isles, in the first week of November: this specimen, which stands in my case of shrikes with another and larger grey shrike, which is the L. excubitor, an adult male bird, is so much smaller that I had for a long time regarded it as the adult female of L. excubitor; subsequent observations, however, of this small Scilly bird caused some doubts in my mind as to its identity with the Great Gray Shrike, and my friend the Rev. John Jenkinson, in a late visit, entered upon the subject, which led to an able and valuable description of my two birds and one of his own, and I can only refer your readers at present to the notice which appeared in The Zoologist (s.s. p. 605) since.

On meeting Mr. Gould in the county some time since, I mentioned to him my conviction that my small bird specifically differed from the great shrike, from the shorter and more conical shape of the bill, its much shorter tail, and the distribution of white in the feathers of the tail being different from the larger bird: the blotch of black behind the eye was much broader and not approaching to the character of a streak, and the upper plumage was entirely plain dull grey, without a vestige of white on the scapularies. Mr. Gould asked me to send the two birds for his inspection, which I did, and he writes me word that my small bird is Lanius minor, the first instance of its occurrence in the British Isles, so far as he knew. It will be right to state that this specimen has not the black band in front of the forehead, as represented in the Birds of Europe and Dr. Bree's work on European birds; but as Temminck says that the young birds are without this band my specimen may be a young bird with plumage much worn.'

E. H. Rodd (1867) in The Field of 19th Oct., Vol. XXX. p. 312, dated 14th October, from a letter sent to Dr. Bree, says: 'It may be interesting to you to know that the specimen of the Ash-coloured Shrike referred to some years since as having occurred at the Scilly Isles (see Zoologist), and having passed into my hands, and which, from its inferior size and form - one white spot only appearing on the wing - I considered a female, is, in the opinion of Mr. Gould, who has examined it, the L. minor. You will probably see an illustration of the species in the forthcoming number of the Birds of Great Britain, and reference made to my specimen being the first example of its occurrence in Great Britain. It will be right for you know that this specimen has no frontal band. This character coincides with your description of the immature bird.'

E. H. Rodd (1870) in The Zoologist, second series, Vol. V. p. 2201, says: 'A specimen of this shrike was killed at Scilly in the month of November, 1851, and sent to me in the flesh, and, is the smaller one in my cabinet of shrikes.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 23-24) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Early in November 1851, I received one of these birds which had been killed a few days previously on St. Mary's, one of the Scilly Isles, and mistaking it at first sight for its larger relative, I recorded it in The Zoologist for that year (p. 3300) as Lanius excubitor.

Subsequently, however, I noticed various distinguishing characters, and when examining my series of Grey Shrikes in company with my friend the Rev. John Jenkinson, he furnished a description of the specimen in question, which appeared in The Zoologist as above-mentioned, (Zoologist 1867: 556) without, however, referring it to any known species, although he subsequently suggested (tom. cit. p. 606) that it might be the American Lanius ludovicianus. I then forwarded the specimen to Mr. Gould for his opinion, and that gentleman figured it as the European Lanius minor, but without the rose breast, in his Birds of Great Britain.

It should be observed that this specimen, which proved on dissection to be a female, has not the black band across the forehead as represented by Mr. Gould and by Dr. Bree in his Birds of Europe not observed in the British Islands; but, as Temminck says that the young birds are without this band, my specimen may be a young bird with plumage much worn.'

Further, pp. 244-245, under 'Annual Summaries read to the Royal Institution of Cornwall in 1866-67', Rodd adds: 'There is a probability of our being able to add a new species of Shrike to our list of British birds, although the bird I refer to was obtained in 1851 at Scilly and is recorded in The Zoologist 1851: 3330 as the Great Grey Shrike. I received it in the flesh, and had it preserved by Mr. Vingoe.'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 248, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'A detailed examination of the specimen by E. H. Rodd and Jenkinson caused them to doubt the identification, and in 1867 the bird was sent to Gould, who figured it in his work on The Birds of Great Britain as the Lesser Grey Shrike. This bird, the first recorded for the British Isles, is the only example so far obtained in the county.'

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct. but also Nov. (one); from following counties: - Scilly Isles (one).'

3). 1869 Norfolk North End Gardens, Great Yarmouth, adult, obtained, spring.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1869: 2060; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1870: 2139; Yarrell, 1871-85; Lubbock, 1879; Harting, 1872; Witherby, 1920-24; Taylor et al., 1999).

History Murray A. Mathew of Weston-super-Mare (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 2060, dated 4th February, 1869, says: 'I have lately received specimens of the Lesser Grey Shrike, with a black band on the forehead and rose-tinted under parts.'

H. Stevenson of Norwich (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2139, dated 23rd March 1870, adds: 'With reference to the Rev. M. A. Mathew's statement in the last number of The Zoologist (s.s. 2060) that he received an example of Lanius minor, recently obtained in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, I may add that, from inquiries made on the spot, I feel justified in adding this species to the Norfolk list, through the occurrence of Mr. Mathew's specimen. The bird in question appears to have been shot in the spring of 1869 (the exact date I cannot now ascertain), in a garden at the north end of the town, and was purchased and mounted by Mr. Carter, a local birdstuffer, who subsequently sold it to Mr. Mathew.

It is quite evident, however, from the price asked for it, that its specific rarity was unknown until its distinctive markings were recognized by its present owner.'

Alfred Newton (1871-74 (1): 206, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: '...the genuineness of which has been corroborated by H. Stevenson.'

Southwell, Editor (1879: 48, 2nd ed.) in Lubbock's Fauna of Norfolk, says: 'In 1869 the Rev. Murray A. Mathew purchased of a birdstuffer in Yarmouth a Lesser Grey Shrike, which had been killed in a garden at the north end of the town, in the spring of that year, the species of which was unknown till it was recognised by Mr. Mathew.'

Admitted nationally (Harting 1872: 98) and Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) who says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Norfolk (three)', and locally (Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling 1999).

Comment The other two records for Norfolk followed in 1875 and 1902.

4). 1875 Norfolk North End Gardens, Great Yarmouth, male, caught in a greenhouse, late May, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4633; H. Stevenson, Field 9th Oct., 1875: 390; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 209; J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1875: 4691; Lubbock, 1879; Witherby, 1920-24; Taylor et al., 1999; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).

History H. Stevenson (1875) in The Zoologist, second series, Vol. X. p. 4633, and in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 209, and in The Field of 9th Oct., Vol. XLVI. p. 390, says: '...I have now the satisfaction of recording the occurrence of a second specimen at Yarmouth, which was taken alive in a greenhouse, in the very same locality as the last – the North End Gardens – in the last week in May of this year. On the 2nd of June this bird was brought to me, in the flesh, having died in a cage in which it was confined for a few days, and it had apparently been dead a day or two. It proved on dissection, to be a male, and, the stomach being perfectly empty, the bird had probably refused all food after it was captured.'

J. H. Gurney of Northrepps (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4691, dated 1st October 1875, says: 'It may be desirable to record that the Lesser Grey Shrike noticed by Mr. Stevenson (Zool., s.s. 4633), as having been recently captured at Yarmouth, is now in my collection.'

Southwell, Editor (1879: 48, 2nd ed.) in Lubbock's Fauna of Norfolk, says: 'A second specimen [for Norfolk] was caught in a greenhouse in the same locality [Great Yarmouth] in the last week of May, 1875; it lived a few days in confinement and was then brought up to Norwich to be preserved; upon dissection it proved to be a male. This bird is now in Mr. Gurney's collection.'

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Norfolk (three).'

5). 1876 Devon Near Plymouth, immature, 23rd September.

(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1876: 5178-79; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Witherby, 1920-24; Moore, 1969).

History J. Gatcombe of Stonehouse, Plymouth (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 5178-79, in the December, 1876, issue, says: 'In my notes for September (written in Somersetshire) I mentioned having received information from Mr. Peacock, a bird-preserver, that a Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) had been captured by a bird-catcher in the neighbourhood of Plymouth.

On my return home I went to see the bird, and found to my surprise that it was not the Great, but the Lesser Grey Shrike (L. minor), and a bird of the year. As this is the first time that the bird has been known to occur in Devonshire, I feel great pleasure in being the first to announce the fact. It was caught on the 23rd of September last, and brought, alive, the same day to Mr. Peacock, who supposed it to be nothing more than the young of the Great Grey Shrike until I pointed out the difference to him.

Fortunately he had preserved the skin, the description of which is as follows: - Whole length nearly nine inches; from the carpal joint to the longest quill-feather, four inches and five eighths; third quill the longest, and the fourth nearly equal to the second. Bill resembling that of the Woodchat Shrike, shorter and rather more arched, or gradually sloped, from the brow to the tip than that of L. excubitor. Plumage above ash-grey, each feather having a faint dusky bar, but light at the tip; rump similarly barred, but of a lighter grey. A dusky or nearly black band from the eye to the ear-coverts, though not crossing the forehead, which is ash-grey. Wings dull brownish black, with the coverts, secondaries, tertials, and primaries more or less broadly edged and tipped with white; bases of the primaries white, forming a conspicuous patch similar to that of L. excubitor. Throat, breast and belly wholly dullish white, without an indication of the semi-circular bars usual on the breast of the young L. excubitor; but the sides under the wings are grey, faintly barred, and showed, I think, a slight blush when first caught. Outer tail-feather altogether white, with the middle of its shaft only black; outer web, base and tip of the second feather white, with an elongated patch on the middle of the inner web; centre of the third feather black on both webs - base and tip white; fourth feather black, with the exception of a very small portion of white at the base and tip; two middle feathers wholly black, but all the quills of both wings and tail are much narrower in proportion than those of L. excubitor. The plain white under parts, however, and the outer feather of the tail suffice, I think, to distinguish the young of L. minor.'

[This makes the fourth recorded occurrence of the Lesser Grey Shrike in England. The first was obtained at Scilly in November 1851, and is in the collection of Mr. Rodd, of Penzance. The second was shot near Great Yarmouth in the spring of 1869, and is in the possession of Murray A. Mathew, of Bishop's Lydeard; the third was procured also near Yarmouth, in May, 1875, and is in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney, of Northrepps, near Norwich.]

Accepted locally (D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 49) and admitted by Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) who says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Devon. (one).'

6). 1897 Greater London/Kent North Downs, seen, 15th May.

(F. W. Frohawk, Field 29th May 1897: 839; F. W. Frohawk, Zoologist 1897: 427-428; Ticehurst, 1909; Witherby, 1920-24; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981; Self, 2014).

History F. W. Frohawk (1897) in The Field of 29th May, Vol. LXXXIX. p. 839, says: 'I am able to add to the few records of the occurrence of that exceptionally rare visitor Lanius minor to this country. On May 15 last, while in company with my friend Mr. John Wood, on the range of hills in mid Kent, I saw a fine specimen (evidently a male from the intensity of the black markings) of this handsome bird. By the aid of my friend's field-glasses I was at once able to identify the species, the delicate pink colouring of the breast and flanks contrasting admirably with the deep black , white, and silvery-grey of the upper parts. Its notes, as well as I can remember, resemble the words "chur-tic, chur-tic-tic". Only four instances of the appearance of this bird in Britain have been recorded in The Zoologist; these appeared in the Scilly Isles in 1851, at Great Yarmouth in 1869, and 1875, and near Plymouth in 1876.'

F. W. Frohawk of Bromley (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. pp. 427-428, says: 'I am pleased to be able to record another occurrence of this very rare visitor to this country, which I observed on May 15th last on the range of hills in mid-Kent, while in company with my friend Mr. John Wood.

As we passed under an ash tree I heard a strange note overhead, and, looking up, I saw a bird fly out with a rather jerky flight, and uttering short notes, resembling, as well as I can remember, the sounds "chur-tic, chur-tic, tic". These notes were new to me, and from the appearance of the bird, as seen against the background of brilliant blue sky, I was quite at a loss to make out the species; but it soon dipped down, and its striking colours became visible against the hill under which we were standing. The bird then alighted on the ground for a few seconds, when I brought my friend's field-glasses to bear on it, which at once revealed the pattern and richness of its plumage. I then instantly knew what a rarity I was watching; the silvery grey, deep black and white of the upper parts, and the delicate pink breast and flanks, looked particularly rich in the sunlight, and in strong contrast with the turf on which it stood. It then flew up and perched on a small hawthorn, from that again to the ground, and then on to a furze-bush. After two or three such movements it disappeared over the brow of the hill.

After waiting a short time I saw it again further along the hill-side, chasing a smaller bird, I think a Linnet; but the distance was too great to make sure of the species, though the colouring of the Shrike was plainly visible. From the intensity of the black markings it was clearly a male. I think it very probable that it had taken up its abode on the hill for nesting purposes, for which the character of the place was admirably adapted; and if opportunities had been afforded, I intended paying another visit to the ground later on, with the hopes of seeing more of the bird and perhaps its nest.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 118) and admitted by Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) who says: 'Most Sept. and Oct. but also May (four); from following counties: - Kent (two).'

Comment Frederick William Frohawk of Rayleigh, Essex, was a well-known ornithological artist and a member of the BOU since 1895. The other Kent record of 1907 was rejected over the "Hastings Rarities" fraud.

7). 1900 Hampshire Poors Common, Bransgore, adult male, obtained, 2nd June, now at Hampshire Cultural Trust, Chilcomb House, Winchester (Acc. No. HMCMS: Bi 1983.2.7).

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 147; Witherby, 1920-24; Clark, 2022, photo).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 50) say: 'In Mr. Hart's collection at Christchurch is a male in splendid plumage, procured on the Poors Common, Bournemouth, June 2nd, 1900.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 147, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', and later Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) adds: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Hants. (two).'

Clark (2022) adds that this adult male was shot by the keeper, S. Head and mounted by Edward Hart. The specimen is held by the Hampshire Cultural Trust at Chilcomb House.

Comment The other record referred to by Witherby for Hampshire is the 1842 Christchurch record which is now in Dorset. The county boundary changes made in 1974, definitely put Bournemouth in Dorset, but I am assured by John Clark (email) that Poors Common is in Hampshire. Prendergast & Boys (1983: 229) only record one modern record for Dorset - 1965.

8). 1902 Norfolk Docking, immature male, shot, 11th October.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 13: 14; G. E. Lodge, Zoologist 1902: 433; J. H. Gurney, jnr. & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 735; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1903: 135; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 147; Witherby, 1920-24; Seago, 1977).

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1902) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XIII. p. 14, at the 90th Meeting of the Club held on 22nd October 1902 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. G. E. Lodge exhibited an example of a Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) which he had shot in Norfolk in October.'

G. E. Lodge of Thurloe Square, London (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 433, says: 'While Partridge driving at Docking, in Norfolk, on Oct. 11th of this year, I shot a grey shrike, which turned out to be the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor). The bird is evidently a young one, as it has traces of buff tips to the wing-coverts, where the edges are not worn away. I was unable to set it up, as it was very high when I skinned it, and was rather heavily shot internally with No. 5. There is no trace of rose colour on the breast, but the sides of upper part of breast are inclined to a pale buff colour, with faint barred markings; no black on forehead, but a broad black streak on cheek and ear-coverts; scapulars grey, with no approach to white; outside tail-feathers white, even to the shafts; first primary very short, not equalling in length the primary coverts. I exhibited this bird at the last meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 135, quotes from the above. J. H. Gurney, jnr. & T. Southwell (1903) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 735, say: 'An immature example shot at Docking by Mr. G. E. Lodge, on October 11th, 1902.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 147, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Norfolk (three).'

9). 1905 Yorkshire Sleights Moor, near Whitby, shot, first-winter, 20th September, now at Whitby Museum.

(T. Stephenson, Naturalist 32: 70; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 147; Witherby, 1920-24; Mather, 1986).

History Thomas Stephenson of Whitby (1906) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXII. p. 70, says: 'On the 20th September last a Grey Shrike was shot at Sleights, about three miles from Whitby. I sent the specimen to Mr. W. Eagle Clarke for identification, and he reports that it is an addition to the Yorkshire list, namely, the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor). This South and Central European species has only on eight previous occasions been detected in England, and this is the first occasion on which it has been known to occur in the North of England. It is a young bird in its first plumage. The specimen has been placed in the Whitby Museum.'

Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 140) and admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 147, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Yorks. (one).'

10). 1905 Sussex Bosham, first-winter, shot, 14th October, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 208064).

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 16: 37-38; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 147; Witherby, 1920-24; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1905) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XVI. pp. 37-38, at the 119th Meeting of the Club held on 13th December 1905 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. A. F. Griffith (introduced by Mr. Howard Saunders) exhibited an example of the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) which had been killed at Bosham, near Chichester, on the 14th October, 1905, and sent to Mr. George, of West Street, Chichester, for preservation. The specimen shown was an immature bird in its first autumn plumage.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 147, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct; from following counties: - Sussex (five).'

Comment This is the only record of five from Sussex, prior to 1919, that is not mentioned in the "Hastings Rarities" fraud, so presumed to be acceptable.

11). 1913 Fair Isle No locality, adult female, caught, 3rd June, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMS.Z. 1913.145.5).

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 54; Eds., British Birds 7: 349; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Pennington et al., 2004; R. Y. McGowan, M. Pennington & C. J. McInerny, Scottish Birds 28: 49-50).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 54, says: 'An adult female was captured on 3rd June. This is the only known instance of the occurrence in Scotland of this beautiful summer visitor to Southern and Central Europe, and is the seventeenth appearance of the species in the British Isles.'

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. Lesser Grey Shrike. An adult female on June 3rd, 1913, at Fair Isle: the first for Scotland (id., l. c.).'

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct. but also June (one); Scotland. - One Fair Isle (Shetlands), June 3, 1913.' Admitted by Baxter & Rintoul for Scotland (1953 (1): 140).

Pennington et al. (2004: 462) say: '...another record sometimes given for June, 1913, involves confusion with a record of Woodchat Shrike.' However, R. Y. McGowan, M. Pennington & C. J. McInerny (2008) in Scottish Birds, Vol. XXVIII. pp. 49-50, state that the record was mixed up with a Woodchat Shrike record collected at the same time, and was wrongly rejected over this mix up; but, the specimen has been located at the National Museums Scotland (NMS.Z. 1913.145.5) and has been reinstated as Scotland's first record of the species.

12). 1922 Norfolk Sea Palling, immature male, shot, 19th September.

(F. E. Gunn, British Birds 16: 161; J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 16: 231; T. E. Gunn, Field 14th Oct., 1922: 590; Witherby, 1920-24; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 587; Seago, 1977).

History F. E. Gunn (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 161, says: 'A fine specimen of the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) was brought to me for preservation on September 19th, 1922. It had been shot by a boy with an air-gun at Sea Palling on the same day. It was easy to distinguish from the Great Grey Shrike by its smaller size and the wing-formula, as illustrated in the Practical Handbook. I have taken the following particulars: weight 2 ozs. exactly, length 8.25, wing 4.6, tail 3.75, tarsus 1, tibia 1.35 inches; sex, immature male. The bird was very fat and the stomach contained the remains of black beetles.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 231, in the Annual Norfolk Report, says: 'A young bird shot on the sand-dunes at Palling on September 19th, still had the crown, back and scapulars barred and mottled, and no black frontal band on the forehead. Mr. Gunn was told by the boy who shot it that there were no others with it. (F. E. Gunn, Brit. B., XVI. p. 161.).'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1922) in The Field of 14th Oct., Vol. CXL. p. 590, says: 'A specimen of the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) was brought to me for preservation on Sept. 19; it had been killed by a boy with an air-gun at Sea Palling on the same day. It was easy to distinguish it from the Great Grey Shrike by its smaller size and the wing-formula, the second primary being slightly longer than the fourth. The measurements are as follows: Length, 8.25 in.; wing, 4.6 in.; tail, 3.75 in.; tarsus, 1 in.; tibia, 1.35 in. Weight 2 oz. exactly. The bird, an immature male, was very fat, and the stomach contained the remains of beetles.'

[This is not the first time Lanius minor has been met with in Norfolk. Two were obtained at Yarmouth in 1869 and in 1875, as recorded by Stevenson; and a third was shot at Docking on Oct. 11, 1902, by Mr. G. E. Lodge, who reported the fact in the Transactions of the Norfolk Nat. Soc., Vol. VII. p. 735. - Ed.]

Witherby (1924 (2): 893) says: 'One Norfolk, Sept. 1922.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1924) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XI. p. 587, under 'Additions to Part XI (Eighth List) 1919-23'.

13). 1928 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, obtained, 25th May, now at National Museums Scotland (NMSZ 1928.58).

(J. Wilson, Scottish Naturalist 48: 127; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 49: 111; Eds., British Birds 22: 377; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History Jerome Wilson of Fair Isle (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 127, says: 'An adult male example of the Lesser Grey Shrike was obtained here on 25th May this year. The skin has been forwarded to the Royal Scottish Museum.' [Though this Southern European Butcher-bird has been met with sixteen times in England, this is only the second recorded occurrence of this species in Scotland; the previous capture was also at Fair Isle, and on 3rd June 1913. - Eds.]

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1929) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIX. p. 111, in the annual report for 1928.

In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 377, they say: 'Mr. J. Wilson states (Scot. Nat., 1928, p. 127) that an adult male Lanius minor was obtained at Fair Isle on May 25th, 1928, this being the second recorded occurrence in Scotland.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953 (1): 140) and by Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (2): 1328) who add that the specimen is now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1928.58).

14). 1929 Shetland Whalsay, obtained, 14th September.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 27; Eds., British Birds 31: 124; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History G. Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. pp. 26-27, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'A specimen of this race was obtained on Whalsay on 7th September 1928 by Mr. Tom Bruce, jun. I examined it carefully with Mr. Samuel Bruce, there being no doubt as to its correct identification.'

In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 123-124, they say: 'Mr. George Waterston contributes to the Scottish Naturalist (1937, pp. 25-31) an important paper on the status of a number of scarce birds (chiefly migrants) in Shetland. The information he has obtained from Mr. Tom Bruce, jun. and from an examination of Mr. Samuel Bruce's collection, though sometimes rather lacking in detail, shows that certain rare migrants, hitherto unrecorded from Shetland, but known to occur at Fair Isle, do visit Shetland, while others of which very few have been recorded for Shetland occur almost annually. Of those not previously recorded are the following: a Lesser Grey Shrike, September, 1929.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953 (1): 140).

15). 1936 Fair Isle No locality, female, shot, 25th May.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 74; Eds., British Birds 31: 124; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History G. Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 74, under 'Bird Notes from Fair Isle, 1936', says: 'A female specimen was obtained by George Stout on 25th May. The previous record was of an adult male which occurred in 1927 on exactly the same date. (Scot. Nat., 1928: 127).'

In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 124, they say: 'Mr. George Waterston gives an account of a number of interesting birds observed at Fair Isle in 1936 (Scot. Nat., 1937, pp. 73-76). The more important of these are as follows: - a Lesser Grey Shrike is recorded on May 25th.'

16). 1938 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, May.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45, says: 'Lesser Grey Shrike - Two seen May, 1938. G.S.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953 (1): 140).

Comment G.S. = George Stout, an islander taught by Wm. Eagle Clarke.

18). 1940 Fair Isle No locality, female, seen, 1st November.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Dymond, 1991).

History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45', says: 'Lesser Grey Shrike - One (a female) on 1st November 1940. G.S.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953 (1): 140).

19). 1943 Fair Isle No locality, seen, spring.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45', says: 'Lesser Grey Shrike - One in spring, 1943. G.S.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953 (1): 140).

20). 1944 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, seen, third week of October.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Dymond, 1991).

History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45', says: 'Lesser Grey Shrike - An adult male in the third week of October, 1944. G.S.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953 (1): 140).

1950-57 RECORDS

21). 1952 At sea Sea area Lundy, 12 miles SE of Start Point, Devon, alighted on yacht Provident, 6th May.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 94; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 51, says: 'Off Start Point, May 6, one seen on yacht Provident twelve to fifteen miles SE of Start Point; it came down on deck and perched on a coil of rope; forehead, side of head, wings and tail very dark slate grey (nearly black), head and back grey, upper tail coverts white, underparts creamy white, pinkish tinge on throat and breast, beak and legs black, beak thick set; it had a thin indistinct line from base of bill through the eye; size of Starling or slightly smaller; it flew off ENE. (Anne Melville per H.G.H.).'

22.0). 1952 Northumberland Monks' House Observatory, Seahouses, first-winter male, trapped, 13th to 28th September, found dead, Aberdeen, North-east Scotland, 15th October.

(E. A. R. Ennion, British Birds 46: 220, plate 31; E. A. R. Ennion, British Birds 46: 426; G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 10: 149; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History E. A. R. Ennion (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 220, says: 'On September 13th, 1952, at Monks' House Bird Observatory, Northumberland, four of us - J. H. Hyatt, C. K. Mylne, M. R. K. Plaxton and myself - were standing outside the house when a bird the size of a Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), but with white wing flashes and a long tail, circled rapidly round us and over the roof, closely pursued by a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). It reappeared and settled first on the willow-hedge and presently on the electric cable beyond the trapping' garden. We decided it was a Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor), probably a male in first winter plumage.

On the following day, after many manoeuvres, it was taken in a spring net baited with a ground beetle, ringed (P. 5177) and examined: the wing' measured 113 mm., and the tarsus 22 mm.; the 1st primary was very small, the 2nd 2 mm. shorter than the 3rd which was 4.5 mm. longer than the 4th; the 2nd was strongly, the 3rd less strongly, emarginate. The characteristic head and wing markings were as obvious in the field as in the hand, but the faint, brownish (immature male) tinge of crown, mantle and scapulars was far less obvious in the field, as also a faint creamy tinge on cheeks, throat and neck. It was infested with large numbers of mites, of which specimens were collected for determination. During a brief spell of captivity, it ate a substantial meal of wireworms, both larvae and pupae, and produced a pellet. This was fairly firm, measured 23 mm. x 10 mm. and contained remains of beetles (Carabidae) and bumble-bees (Bombus sp.). In the field it had been seen to feed largely upon bumble-bees, taken in the typical shrike way from some vantage point. This bird suffered a curious fate a month later, for on October 15th, 1952, it was found dead in Aberdeen, having fallen down a chimney. There are now some 30 British records of this bird, but it does not appear to have been recorded previously from Northumberland.'

[The large, white wing-patches and the broad black mark through the eye - not, however, in view of its immaturity, extending across the forehead - can be seen in the photograph of this bird that is reproduced on plate 31, right. - Eds.]

G. W. Temperley (1952) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. X. p. 149, says: 'On September 13th a first-winter male appeared in the garden of Monks' House Bird Observatory, N. It remained overnight and the following morning it was trapped and ringed. It was watched catching bumble bees from the garden fences and in a neighbouring potato field. It was last seen on September 28th. On October 15th this bird was recovered, dead, in Aberdeen, where it had fallen down a chimney into a house! (E.A.R.E.). This is the first definite record for the species in Northumberland.'

22.1). 1952 North-east Scotland Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, first-winter male, 15th October, now at University of Aberdeen Museum; it was found alive down a chimney but died later, had been ringed 13th September 1952 at Monks House Observatory, Northumberland.

(I. M. Goodbody, Scottish Naturalist 65: 131-132; E. A. R. Ennion, British Birds 46: 220, plate 31; E. A. R. Ennion, British Birds 46: 426; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 104; Phillips, 1997).

History I. M. Goodbody (1953) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXV. pp. 131-132, says: 'On 3rd November 1952 Mrs. Catherine Bruce of Wellington Street, Aberdeen, brought to me the body of a juvenile male Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, bearing a British Trust for Ornithology ring, no. P. 5177. The history of this bird is interesting: it was trapped and ringed by Dr. E. A. R. Ennion at Seahouses, Northumberland, on 14th September 1952. On the night of 15th October it flew into a chimney of Mrs. Bruce home, and came down into the house the following morning when a fire was lit bellow it: it subsequently remained alive for 9 hours. Unfortunately the body did not reach me until nearly 2½ weeks later by which time it was in very poor condition; nevertheless it has been preserved as well as possible in the University collection at Aberdeen.

This appears to be the first record of this species on the mainland of Scotland, although several others have been recorded from Fair Isle and Shetland. I am indebted to Miss E, p. Leach for details of the bird's original capture in Northumberland.'

E. A. R. Ennion (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 220, says: '...This bird suffered a curious fate a month later, for on October 15th, 1952, it was found dead in Aberdeen, having fallen down a chimney. There are now some 30 British records of this bird, but it does not appear to have been recorded previously from Northumberland.'

23). 1953 Northumberland Monks' House Observatory, Seahouses, first-winter male, 8th to 9th September.

(E. A. R. Ennion, British Birds 47: 445-446; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 425; G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 36; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History E. A. R. Ennion (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. pp. 445-446, says: 'On September 8th 1953, a Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) was seen near Monks' House Bird Observatory, Northumberland, first by myself and later by Dr. E. L. Arnold and others, and it remained all day in the area. It seemed to be almost identical in plumage, size and habits with the Lesser Grey Shrike that was caught at the observatory a week later in date in the previous September (antea, Vol. XLVI. p. 220). The upper-parts were uniformly grey with a slight brown tinge, perhaps a trifle paler on the crown, but with no white band immediately above the eye nor along the outer edge of the scapulars; the black loral patches did not extend to join above the base of the bill although there was a small dark central patch on the forehead. The throat and breast were creamy-white and the rest of the under-parts a distinctly vinous shade. A white patch, about ¾ inch in diameter, showed on the closed wing and in flight this spread to a wide, irregular band across. The dark brown tail did not appear unduly long and graduated, nor very conspicuously patterned with white when spread in flight - it looked nothing like the flaunting tail of the Great Grey Shrike (L. excubitor). Unfortunately we were not able to trap this bird, as we did the one in 1952.'

G. W. Temperley (1953) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 36, says: 'On September 8th at Monks' House, N., one, a first-winter male, remained for 24 hrs. This is only the second record for the county; the first being the bird trapped and ringed at Monks' House on September 13th, 1952 (see O. R., 1952) (E.A.R.E.).'

24). 1955 Fair Isle Setter/Field area, adult female, 16th to 19th September, trapped 16th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 18-19; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 59; K. Williamson, British Birds 49: 94-96; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991).

History K. Williamson (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. pp. 94-96, says: 'A small migratory movement of unusual interest reached Fair Isle on 16th September 1955, perhaps coming in from Shetland under fine col conditions overnight, but almost certainly introduced to the area by cyclonic drift due to a depression which was centred near Denmark from the night of the 13th-14th. Very few Passerines were concerned, but among them were four southern elements, two of which are of outstanding rarity so far to the north as Fair Isle.

Fair Isle's first-recorded Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta) was trapped in mid-morning, and at the same time an adult female Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) was found near the perimeter wall of the cultivated area. Another adult female Lesser Grey Shrike was captured at the south end of the isle on the following afternoon (the 17th): the first remained in the area where it was first seen until the 19th....The Lesser Grey Shrike, which does not breed so far north in France but extends eastwards across Germany, has 9 previous records in Scotland, 7 of these being at Fair Isle: none has come to our notice, however, since the Bird Observatory began its work in 1948....

Detailed notes on the birds are given below: The bird seen on the 16th at once appealed to me as looking very different in build and stance from the Great Grey Shrikes (L. excubitor) which visit us each autumn. Besides appearing somewhat smaller and shorter in the tail, the bird adopted a more upright posture when perching on walls, fences and the telephone wires from which it watched for insect prey. I could make out no black on the forehead even with a fairly close view (ca. 40 yards) in excellent light, but there was no narrow white line dividing the black band of lores and ear-coverts from the grey crown, and no white fringes to the scapulars. The under-parts were flushed with pink, strongly so in a dull light, but not more so than in some Great Grey Shrikes I have seen (particularly an adult male present at the isle during 20th-22nd October 1955); some identification books appear to regard the pink tinge as diagnostic of the Lesser Grey. Later in the day the bird was seen at close quarters by Miss V. M. Thorn and others, and they reported the presence of a few blackish spots above the bill.

The example trapped on the 17th was not in such immaculate plumage; the under-parts seemed duller and there was an irregular but nevertheless very pronounced blackish band across the forehead bridging the black eye-stripes. The wings were very worn. It may be added that a third Lesser Grey Shrike, a 1st-winter bird with grey-brown upper-parts and no black on lores or forehead, was self-caught in the Gully Trap early on 8th October. This followed a similar frontal movement in Germany, with a centre of low pressure in the North Sea, on 6th-7th October (see pp. 92). The bird was examined by I. J. Ferguson-Lees, H. E. Axell and Miss V. M. Thorn in addition to the writer.'

K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 59, says: 'Fair Isle's first recorded Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta was caught at the Haa in mid-morning, and at the same time an adult female Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor was found between Setter and Field. A second adult female, showing more black on the forehead, was trapped at the Haa on the next afternoon.'

25). 1955 Fair Isle Haa, adult female, trapped, 17th September.

(K. Williamson, British Birds 49: 94-96; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 59; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 18-19; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991).

K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 18, says: '...The same movement brought two adult female Lesser Grey Shrikes, Lanius minor, one of which we trapped at the Haa. This is another bird we have not seen since the Bird Observatory was founded in 1948...'

26). 1955 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 28th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 34; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 34, say: 'At about 6 p.m. on September 28th, at St. Agnes, a bird about the size of a Skylark was seen perched on a post. Obviously a Shrike, it sat more erect than the Red-backed Shrike. It was under observation, at distances down to 25 yards, for about half-an-hour, with x 8 binoculars and x 40 telescope. It perched on posts, bramble sprays, and branches of tamarisk, and was twice seen by R.H.B. to drop from its perch with a momentary hover to pick up small unidentified prey from the long grass and return to the post.

The head was grey, with a wide black band extending from the beak to well behind the eye. It had a conspicuous white chin, contrasting with the very pale buff underparts. The back was pale grey, darker in the middle and lighter again at the rump. The tail appeared black at rest, but when it dropped to the ground the outer feathers were seen to be white, forming two white bars with a black centre. The wings were a very dark brown - black to the naked eye - with a brilliant white patch in the middle of the primaries. A narrow faint white bar was seen in the scapulars with the telescope. In flight, the white wing patches gave a conspicuously pied effect.

The wind was N.E. on the 27th, but changed during the night to N.W. and later to westerly and almost flat calm. The bird was not seen after the 28th. R.H.B., H.M.Q.'

[The Lesser Grey Shrike (which has only occurred 18 times in England) has been reported once before from the Islands, one having been shot on St. Mary's in November, 1851, just over a hundred years ago. - Eds.]

27). 1955 Fair Isle Gully, first-year, trapped, 8th October.

(K. Williamson, British Birds 49: 94-96; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 61; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 18-19; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991).

The bird was examined by I. J. Ferguson-Lees, H. E. Axell and Miss V. M. Thorn in addition to the writer.'

K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, pp. 18-19, says: 'A third Lesser Grey Shrike, this time a bird of the year, was in the Gully catching-box with a Wood Pigeon for company on the morning of October 6th.'

28). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Banstead Downs, 21st May.

(W. P. Izzard, London Bird Report 21: 36; London Natural History Society, 1964; Parr, 1972; Self, 2014).

History W. P. Izzard (1956) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XXI. p. 36, says: 'One at Banstead Downs on May 21st (W.P.I.).

Details will be published in British Birds. This is the first record for the London Area in the present century.'

29). 1956 Norfolk Snettisham, 18th to 24th June, when in song.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 51; Seago, 1977; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 51, says: 'One at Snettisham, June 18th - 24th (C.B.C.), was heard singing on the 24th (R.A.R.). Details will shortly be published in British Birds. The fifth county record.'

30). 1956 Shetland Foula, adult female, trapped, 9th August, found dead, 12th August, now at National Museums Scotland.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 35; C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 158; C. K. Mylne, British Birds 50: 397; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 50).

History C. K. Mylne (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. p. 397, says: 'At dusk on 9th August 1956, Jim Gear of the Schoolhouse, Foula, Shetland, caught and correctly identified a Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) in my Heligoland trap in the kale-yard at Ham. The bird was an adult female in good plumage; it was very lively and was kept overnight in the house. In the morning it was examined by R. F. Dickens and myself, ringed and released. It flew off strongly and was watched perching on walls, posts and peat stacks. It made numerous sallies to the ground and on one occasion was seen to catch and eat what looked like a beetle at the foot of a peat-bank. Shortly after this it flew across the territory of an Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) on the moor and was last seen being hotly pursued towards the hill. On 12th August the bird was found dead on the beach at Ham close to where it was first trapped. The skin was preserved and is now in the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh. The measurements were as follows: weight (10 hours after trapping) 49 gm.; wing 117 mm.; tarsus 25 mm.; tail 96 mm.; bill from the base of crown 19 mm., and from feathers 16 mm. The breast and flanks were distinctly pinkish in tinge, though this faded quickly to a brown tint after the skin was preserved. The forehead was spotted with black, but there were if anything more grey than black tips to the feathers over the bill.'

31). 1956 Kent Midley, Lydd, 29th August to 1st September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 37; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 37, says: 'One at Midley, near Lydd, on Aug. 29 (D.D.H., H.E.A., R.R., J.K., J.T.R.S.) was at first thought to be a Great Grey Shrike, but the identification was rectified on Sept. 1, on which date the bird was also seen by a number of observers including H.G.A., H.A.R.C., C.M.P. In a D.B.O. log entry, H.G.A. states that the bird had a broad black band across the forehead. Seen from in front it appeared to have a black mask, apart from the white throat, and there was no white between the black of the mask and the grey of the crown; pinky flush on breast and sides; tail distinctly shorter than is usual with a Great Grey; single white patch in wing when settled, and in flight a broad white patch extending across much of primaries and secondaries. The second of the only two earlier records was in 1907.'

32). 1956 Isles of Scilly Bryher, immature, 25th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 30; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 30, say: 'Bryher, September 25th. One immature. The immature was watched for half an hour at ranges down to eight yards; it had no black lores, having a completely and thickly barred head, grey-brown upperparts, very white underparts with just a few specklings and barrings, no black on forehead and no black on lores, white outer tail feathers, grey rump, white tips to scapulars, size larger than a Red-backed Shrike, it was seen in direct comparison with Hedge-Sparrow, Wheatear and Greenland Wheatear; I am very familiar with the immature Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes. On September 30th, a female at St. Mary's; this had no white line above the black lore patch, black wings (the immature had black wings also), medium grey upperparts, pinkish breast, the black patch extended right through the eye, but the bird had no black on the forehead; it was watched at ranges down to 12 yards through 9 x 35 glasses; it was heard to call once with a sharp grating note; the very distinctive white patch on the secondaries was noted and when the bird flew it looked rather like a small Magpie; it was noticeably smaller than a Great Grey Shrike. A.V.S.'

33). 1956 Isles of Scilly Pelistry, St Mary's, female, 29th to 30th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 30).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 30, say: '...On September 30th, a female at St. Mary's; this had no white line above the black lore patch, black wings (the immature had black wings also), medium grey upperparts, pinkish breast, the black patch extended right through the eye, but the bird had no black on the forehead; it was watched at ranges down to 12 yards through 9 x 35 glasses; it was heard to call once with a sharp grating note; the very distinctive white patch on the secondaries was noted and when the bird flew it looked rather like a small Magpie; it was noticeably smaller than a Great Grey Shrike. A.V.S.

Seen at Pelistry, St. Mary's, on September 29th, P.Z.M.'

34). 1957 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 6th October.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 22: 31-32; London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History F. H. Jones (1957) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XXII. pp. 31-32, says: 'One near Perry Oaks S.F. on Oct. 6th was seen by several observers, including R.E.E. and H.P.M. who provided the following summary of points noted: forehead, crown, nape and rest of upper-parts grey tinged brown, feathers of scapulars and a little of lower mantle with faint white edges, rump grey, noticeably paler than rest of upperparts; lores, under and through eye; ear-coverts and fore-part of crown black, no white above eye; cheeks white, contrasting with dull white of the rest of the under-parts and a cream tinge to breast, flanks and under tail coverts with some dark fleckings; tail blackish with prominent white outer feathers, not graduated as in Great Grey Shrike; wings black-brown with narrow buff margins and tips to coverts, buff edges to secondaries and tips of primaries, and a white patch at the base of the primaries forming a "square" on the closed wing and very prominent in flight; bill blackish, paler at base; legs dark brown; resembled a Great Grey Shrike, but was smaller, more compact, and shorter tailed in appearance.

A grey shrike seen in the same area on Oct. 4th and again on the 7th was probably the same bird, but confirmation is lacking.'

Wheatley (2007: 549) adds: 'Might have been in Surrey.'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1886 Surrey Dorking, pair, seen, June.

(Bucknill, 1900).

[Bucknill, 1900].

History Bucknill (1900: 87) says: 'A son of the Marshes states that a pair visited the neighbourhood of Dorking in the latter part of June, 1886. He adds that they were extremely shy, and only stayed for a day or two in a worked-out chalk pit on private property, and consequently escaped unharmed (In the Green Leaf, &c., p. 130). I am not aware of any mention of this species in the county, and as the specimens were not identified in any other way than by observation, the record cannot be considered as wholly satisfactory.'

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

0). 1894 Devon Near Budleigh Salterton, seen, 22nd July.

(Mathew, 1895).

[D'Urban, 1906; Not in Witherby, 1920-24].

History Mathew (1895, 2nd ed.) says: 'A bird, probably of this species, was seen by Mr. Frederick C. Shaw near Budleigh Salterton, July 22nd, 1894.'

W. S. M. D'Urban (1906 (1): 303) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says: 'A bird probably of this species was seen by Mr. F. C. Shaw near Budleigh Salterton, 22 July 1894. It was catching and devouring humble bees that flew past its perch on a burnt stump of gorse.'

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct. but also Nov. (one), Jan (one), April (three), May (four), June (one); from following counties: - Devon (one).'

Comment July is not mentioned by Witherby; the only acceptable record for Devon was in September, 1876. Not acceptable.

0). 1894 Bedfordshire Woburn, seen, early September.

(Steele-Elliott, 1901).

[Trodd & Kramer, 1991].

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 26) says: 'The addition of this rare visitor into our county list is taken from information kindly sent to me by the late Lord Lilford, who wrote 16th March, 1895: - "The Duchess of Bedford wishes me to inform you that she and a gentleman staying at Woburn saw there, in the first week of September, 1894, a bird that they have no hesitation in considering as a specimen of Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor). They arrived at the opinion from a reference to the figure of that species in my work, and I may add that from the original letter of the Duchess to me, with description, I feel sure that they were not mistaken. Although you cannot of course mention the occurrence of the Lesser Grey Shrike in Bedfordshire as an established fact, I think the note is well worthy of insertion with a mark of interrogation. The only other British species for which it could possibly be mistaken is Lanius excubitor, and the date of its occurrence at Woburn puts this supposition almost out of the question".'

Locally, Trodd & Kramer (1991: 274) state it as a "probable sighting".

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1901 Sussex Near St. Leonards-on-Sea, adult, seen, 6th November.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 319) says: 'From Michael Nicoll's "Private Notes" I learn that he observed an adult on 6th November, 1901, near St. Leonards-on-Sea.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1907 Bedfordshire River Ouse, picked up dead, 25th January.

("Rouse Orlebar" Field 2nd Feb., 1907: 183; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 147; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

[P. Trodd, Bedfordshire Naturalist 41 (1986): 51].

History "Rouse Orlebar" (1907) in The Field of 2nd Feb., Vol. CIX. p. 183, says: 'On Jan. 25 a Lesser Grey Shrike was found dead in this parish (which is on the northern boundary of Bedfordshire), and on the same day a Brambling was unfortunately killed by a boy with a stone. The shrike was in poor condition, and had evidently died from starvation, but the Brambling was fat and plump. Is not the Lesser Grey Shrike more generally met with in summer than at this time of year? The bird was definitely identified as the Lesser variety by Mr. Gardner, of Oxford Street, to whom it was sent.'

[The occurrence of the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) in England in January would be very unusual, if not unprecedented....This species is an accidental straggler to Britain. On the other hand, the Great Grey Shrike (L. excubitor) is a pretty regular autumn and winter visitor. It would be interesting if Mr. Gardner's identification were confirmed - say, by the authorities at the Natural History Museum. - Ed.]

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 147, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'One found dead on January 25th, 1907, and identified by Mr. Gardner, of Oxford Street (Rouse Orlebar, Field, 2.II.1907). Only six occurrences of this bird are recorded by Mr. Saunders.'

Witherby (1920 (1): 262-263) says: 'Most Sept. and Oct. but also Jan (one); from following counties: - Beds. (one).'

The BOU (1971: 199) say: 'Noted in all months from April to November...including some inland.'

Accepted locally by Trodd & Kramer (1991: 274) who have referenced the BOU Status book of 1971. Later (1986), however, it was found unacceptable (P. Trodd, Bedfordshire Naturalist 41: 51).

0). 1907 Kent Brookland, immature female, 7th October.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 187; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 188; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

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

History E. N. Bloomfield (1908) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 187, says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst has most kindly sent me a long list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which Mr. Butterfield has added some notes. In the neighbouring districts - Lanius minor, Gmel., Lesser Grey Shrike, Brookland, October, 1907.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 188, says: 'An immature example of Lanius minor, only partially through the autumn moult, was shot at Brookland, October 7th, 1907.' Ticehurst (1909) p. 118, says: 'On the 9th of October, 1907, Mr. G. Bristow received an immature bird for preservation, which had been shot two days previously at Brookland, in Romney Marsh. The next day I examined this bird, which had evidently only just been stuffed and was still quite soft. I found that it was nice specimen, but, of course, far less brilliant in colouring than the one seen by Mr. Frohawk. It had partly completed its autumn moult, but a good many barred feathers of the first plumage were still remaining on the head and back.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Sussex Lunsford Cross, pair, shot, 21st April.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 206, 207; J. B. Nichols, British Birds 3: 257; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History E. N. Bloomfield (1909) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 206, 207, says: 'We are again indebted to Dr. N. F. Ticehurst for a long list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which Mr. Butterfield has made some good additions. In neighbouring districts - Lanius minor, Gmel., Lesser Grey Shrike, adult male and female, Lunsford Cross, third week in April.'

J. B. Nichols (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 257, says: 'A very fine pair of Lesser Grey Shrikes (Lanius minor) were shot near Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex, on April 21st, 1909. I examined them myself in the flesh on the following day.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 319).

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1912 Sussex Hollington, two: male, shot, 5th May; female, shot, 7th May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.603).

(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 6: 184; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 178; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 43; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

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

History J. B. Nichols (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 184, says: 'A pair of Lesser Grey Shrikes (Lanius minor) were shot at Hollington, St. Leonards, Sussex, the male on May 5th, the female on May 7th, 1912. They were examined in the flesh by Mr. W. H. Mullens and Mr. Ruskin Butterfield respectively. L. minor has occurred fourteen times before in Britain, according to the Hand-List.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 178, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says 'A pair shot, Hollington (Sussex); male, May 5th; female, 7th.'

Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 319) who adds: '...the male is now in the Dyke Road Museum.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen that was obtained at Hollington, Sussex, on 7th May 1912, adding that it was bought at the sale of J. B. Nichols collection.

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Crowhurst, adult male, obtained, 6th May, now at Hastings Museum.

(W. H. Mullens, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 171; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 319) who adds: 'Presented to the Hastings Museum by Mr. W. H. Mullens.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1917 Hampshire Near Andover, two, seen, 5th April.

(H. E. W. Iremonger, Field 21st Apr., 1917: 596).

[Clark & Eyre, 1993; Clark, 2022].

History H. E. W. Iremonger of Redlands, Fareham (1917) in The Field of 21st Apr., Vol. CXXIX. p. 596, says: 'It may interest you to know that I saw a pair of the Lesser Grey Shrike near Andover on April 5. Being very handsome birds and strange to me, I made careful notes of their appearance and on comparing them with the figure on plate 13, Vol. I. of Thorburn's British Birds, I am quite sure that they could be no other bird.'

Not accepted locally (Clark & Eyre 1993; Clark, 2022).

0). 1921 Northumberland Seaton Sluice, seen, 9th April.

(W. Raw, British Birds 15: 18).

[Witherby, 1920-24].

History W. Raw (1921) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 18, under 'Probable Lesser Grey Shrike in Northumberland', says: 'On April 9th, 1921, I saw a Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) at Seaton Sluice on the coast of Northumberland, and had it under my direct observation for half an hour or more. It was sitting on the top of a thorn fence on the edge of the dene. As an abrupt hill rose immediately behind the bird I could make out its darker forehead as compared with a Great Grey Shrike (L. excubitor), while the whole bird was also darker and smaller than the latter. The single white wing-bar which showed became more marked when the bird took flight. A strong off sea wind prevailed at the time and the bird was obviously tired. I may add that I am familiar with the species, which I have shot in Egypt and also possess a mounted Great Grey Shrike.'

Witherby (1924 (2): 893) says: 'One (probable) seen Northumberland, April 1921.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1923 Sussex The Crumbles, seen, 4th January.

(Arnold, 1936; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Arnold, 1936; D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1951: 23].

History Arnold (1936: 27) recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Mr. Morris claims to have seen one on the Crumbles on January 4th, 1923, but these shrikes are tricky birds to identify and one cannot regard the occurrence as proved.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 319) says: 'On 4th January 1923 Mr. R. Morris saw one on the Crumbles, near Eastbourne, but Arnold in his Birds of Eastbourne, p. 27, was far from happy with it.'

D. D. Harber (1951) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 23, says: 'Arnold doubted this record, but it appeared acceptable to Walpole-Bond. He apparently had a good brief view of it and noted the following description: "The black plumage extended over the forepart of the head; the wings possessed a single, conspicuous white bar; the outer tail feathers were white and in preening the plumage the bird enabled me to see that the base of the tail feathers were dull white. It was smaller than a Great Grey Shrike, with the tail far less wedged and lacking the conspicuous white tips". However, on 6th January Morris returned to the site and this time found only a Great Grey Shrike, and it was over this point that Arnold doubted the record. Of the Great Grey Shrike Morris wrote that it "lacked the black forehead, with more white showing in the scapulars and tail, than the bird I saw on Thursday, also being much larger". We, however, feel that a mistake cannot be excluded.'

0). 1925 Isles of Scilly Tresco, shot, 15th September.

(Tresco Abbey Records; Penhallurick, 1978).

[Flood, Hudson & Thomas 2007].

History Penhallurick (1978: 212) says: 'One shot on Tresco on 15th September (Tresco Abbey Records).'

Not accepted locally (Flood, Hudson & Thomas 2007).

0). 1940 Hertfordshire Berkhamsted Common, 6th March to 13th April; same, November and December.

(C. Oldham, British Birds 34: 17).

[B. W. Tucker, British Birds 36: 51-53].

History Chas. Oldham (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 17, says: 'On March 6th, 1940, Mr. Harold V. Gray saw a Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor at a distance of some twenty yards at the top of a whitethorn bush on the golf links on Berkhamsted Common. He saw it again on the 13th and thereafter virtually every day for the next month - it was last seen on April 13th. Mr. Gray was kind enough to tell me of the Shrike, and under his guidance I saw it on several different days; on three of these Mr. J. Steele Elliott was with us. We had excellent views of the bird as it perched - a conspicuous figure - on the top of one or other of the small birches or oaks, or the old thick whitethorn bushes, which are dotted about the common, and now and then on the top of a tall beech on its fringe. When the light was favourable, we were able to make out its diagnostic characters.

A convenient criterion of its size was supplied by Blackbirds or Linnets in the same tree; it was larger, but not much larger, than a Red-backed Shrike. The broad black bands on the cheeks met as a frontal band above the base of the bill; the chin and upper throat were pure white and in strong contrast with the rest of the under-parts which seemed to be creamy-buff (grey in some lights), and only in very favourable circumstances was it apparent that in reality they were pink; there was no white at all above the black bands on the checks. From the purity of the grey on the back we inferred that the bird was an adult male. The Shrike frequently swooped down from its elevated perch to pick up food - we could not always tell what - from the ground, but in many cases, and perhaps in all, it was one of the dung-beetles Geotrupes typhoeus which abound on the common. So far as I know the Lesser Grey Shrike has not been noticed in Hertfordshire before.'

Bernard Tucker (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. pp. 51-53, says: 'In British Birds 34: 17, the late Mr. Charles Oldham recorded the presence between March 6th and April 13th, 1940, of a Lesser Grey Shrike on Berkhamsted Common, and on p. 178 its presence in the same locality in November and December of the same year is mentioned. It is with much regret that I feel obliged to criticize the conclusion of so excellent an observer as Mr. Oldham...but as it is in my opinion quite certain that an error of identification was made with regard to this bird he would certainly have agreed that the facts now available should be placed upon record. In his original note Mr. Oldham described characters which appeared to leave no doubt that the bird was identified correctly....The bird not only returned and spent the winter of 1940-41 in the same place, as mentioned above, but came back again for the winter of 1941-42, and to forestall any possible doubt on the matter I may add that so far as I know there is complete unanimity amongst those who have seen it in more than one season that it is in fact the same individual.

On February 12th, 1942, I visited the locality in company with H. G. Alexander and W. B. Alexander, and we were all three able to examine the bird under good conditions with an excellent telescope as well as with glasses....As a result we all three felt convinced that the bird was a slightly aberrant Great Grey Shrike....'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1940 Hertfordshire Near Potters Bar, seen, 2nd November.

(P. Rutherford, British Birds 34: 178).

[B. W. Tucker, British Birds 36: 51-53].

History P. Rutherford (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 178, says: 'On November 2nd, 1940, in a field with small trees at the edge of a wood near Potter's Bar, I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity of watching a bird, which was evidently a Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. The bird flew to the top of a bare hawthorn and from there made several short flights to the ground and back again. I was able to approach fairly close and with the aid of binoculars could sec the bird very well. It appeared about the size of a Red-backed Shrike, had a blue-grey back and a white breast with a pinkish tinge. In flight a large white patch showed up in the black wings, and white on each side and at the base of the longish tail. When the bird was at rest a distinct, but narrow, white margin showed between the black of the wings and the grey of the back.

When sitting in the tree the bird several times turned its head towards me and I saw that the black eye-stripes ran right across its forehead. I was certainly surprised at this, but I had not previously seen a Grey Shrike and did not realize its significance until I consulted the Handbook on my return home and found that only the Lesser Grey Shrike had a black forehead.'

[An adult male Lesser Grey Shrike was reported by Mr. C. Oldham at Berkhamsted from March 6th to about the middle of April (antea, p. 17). Mr. Oldham now informs us that Mr. K. V. Gray, who first reported the bird, saw it again on November 13th (for the first time since April) and subsequently on several occasions up to December both in its previous haunts. As this is only about 20 miles from where Mrs. Rutherford observed the bird above described it seems probable that it was the same one. - Eds.]

Bernard Tucker (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. pp. 51-53, says: 'It only remains to recall that in British Birds 36: 178 a Lesser Grey Shrike thought to have been probably the same bird as at Berkhamsted in 1940, 1941 and 1942, is recorded as having been seen near Potter's Bar, on November 2nd, 1940. In view of the facts related to the Berkhamsted individual, this record cannot stand any more than the other.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1946 Sussex Pett Level, seen, 1st August.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 54; Eds., British Birds 40: 383).

[James, 1996].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1947) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 54, says: 'One, Pett Level Aug. 1st. Seen for five minutes at a few yards range and identified by size, black and white plumage, complete black frontal band and rosy tint on sides of breast (R.C.). Sixth record for our area.'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 382, in a Review of the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, for 1946, they say: 'A Lesser Grey Shrike was clearly identified on Pett Level on August 1st.'

Not accepted locally (James 1996).

0). 1951 Isles of Scilly Tresco, caught and released, 20th August.

(Tresco Abbey Records; Penhallurick, 1978).

[Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007].

History Penhallurick (1978) says: '1951. One caught and released from a water-butt on 20 August on Tresco (Abbey Records).'

Not accepted locally (Flood, Hudson & Thomas 2007).

0). 1952 Yorkshire Norwoods, Roche Abbey, near Maltby, male, 3rd February.

(A. C. Hoyle, Naturalist 77: 107; Chislett, 1952).

[Mather, 1986].

History A. C. Hoyle (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 107, says: 'On January 26th, 1952, a bird was seen by my wife and myself to fly to the top of a dead tree near the path which runs from the Roche Abbey ruins to Stone; when observed through the binoculars (Kershaw X 10.5) it was noted to have a long tail and a slightly hooked beak, also black eye streaks. The bird was approximately 30 yards away but the light was poor. The bird quickly flew to a more distant tree, again perching on the top, and shortly after being picked up again in the glasses, flew away and was lost. I concluded that we had seen a shrike but considered it too small for the Great Grey Shrike, which we have seen on previous occasions.

On February 3rd, 1952, as my wife and I returned from Roche along the top of the Norwoods a bird was observed on the very top of a tree, and was immediately recognised as the small shrike we had seen the previous week-end. While still under observation through the glasses the bird flew in our direction and alighted on the pylon wires about 20 yards distant from where we stood. The bird was in very good light and the following features were noted: (a) a white breast with a decided rosy tinge on the lower part; (b) the black eye stripes were joined together across the forehead; (c) black wings with a white patch on the front edge; (d) black tail and grey back. In size it appeared to be about the size of a Hawfinch except for the longer tail. The bird was observed and followed round for half an hour as it flew from one position to another; it invariably perched on the very top of the trees, or on the wires. On one occasion whilst observed on a yew it pounced almost vertically down to the ground and after remaining on the ground for some three minutes, flew half-way up the tree, cleaned its bill, and then went to the top of the tree again. The bird was out of sight whilst on the ground. The bird was followed back towards Roche during these observations and eventually flew across the fields and was lost to sight.

From the above observations I concluded that the bird was a Lesser Grey Shrike.'

[I could not find the bird on February loth, but it was seen on March 16th by R. Bramhill, who confirmed the identification, with which I entirely agree after discussing the matter with the observers. Obviously, it was a male bird. The only previous authenticated occurrence for Yorkshire was shot at Sleights, near Whitby, on September 20th, 1905. - R.C.]

Chislett (1952: 81) says: 'Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hoyle inspected a male Lesser Grey Shrike in a tree top in the Norwoods, Roche Abbey, near Maltby on 3rd February 1952. As they watched through x 10.5 binoculars the bird flew to some pylon wires about 20 yards distant, where in good light the following features were noticed; breast white with a distinct rosy tinge on the lower part, black band through eyes joined across forehead, white patch on black wings. Long black tail and grey back, size about as Hawfinch apart from tail. The bird had been seen on 26th January and was seen again on 16th March by the same observers with R. Bramhill, who agreed as to its identity, I (R.C.) was unable to find the bird on 10th February but knowing all observers and having discussed the matter with them, I have no doubt of the accuracy of the record.'

Not accepted locally (Mather 1986).

0). 1953 Ayrshire Maybole, nine or ten, March.

(M. E. Anderson, Field 11th June 1953: 1088).

[E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 104].

History M. E. Anderson of Maybole (1953) in The Field of 11th Jun., Vol. CCI. p. 1088, says: 'I have read with much interest the paragraph headed "A Shrike in Shropshire" in The Field of April 23rd. After 60 years of watching bird life I have also seen the shrikes for the first time. We have a thick hedge on the farm where they were hopping about and my sister and myself watched these strange birds for some time, getting quite close to them. There were nine or ten, and I identified them as Lesser Grey Shrikes. We saw them in March.'

E. V. Baxter (1955) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVII. p. 104, says: 'A note of nine or ten at Maybole, Ayrshire, in March 1953 cannot be accepted (Field, 11th June 1953: 1088).'

0). 1955 Shetland Sumburgh, Mainland, 24th October.

(T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 78).

[T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 78].

History T. Henderson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 78, under 'Lesser Grey Shrike', says: 'Mr. Wm. Horne saw a shrike on Oct. 24th near the hangers at Sumburgh and thought it was this species; it was not possible to get a really satisfactory view but the bird seemed small for a Great Grey Shrike.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Lesser Grey Shrike

Lanius minor (Gmelin, JF, 1788) (20, 14)

Steppe Grey Shrike

Woodchat Shrike (1/2)