Lesser Kestrel
Falco naumanni Fleischer, JG, 1818 (9, 0)
Photo © Kris Webb - Porth hellick Down, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, male, 22 March 2020
STATUS
Western and Central Palearctic. Monotypic.
OVERVIEW
A review of the species by the BOURC was carried out in 2005 (Ibis 147: 246-250) after it was discovered that the first record in 1867 in Yorkshire was found to be part of the 'Tadcaster Rarities' fraud.
RECORDS
1). 1877 Kent Barton Farm, Buckland, near Dover, caught alive, May, now at Dover Museum.
(C. Gordon, Zoologist 1877: 298; BOU, 1883; Ticehurst, 1909; Witherby, 1920-24; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981; BOURC (2005) Ibis 147: 246-250).
History Charles Gordon, Curator at Dover Museum (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 298, dated 22nd May, 1877, says: 'Mr. E. P. Robinson has lately presented to the Dover Museum a specimen of the Lesser Kestrel, Falco cenchris, which was caught alive and kept for a short time in confinement by a labourer on his farm in the neighbourhood of Dover. The bird, which proved to be adult male, had one leg injured, which may have prevented it from taking its natural prey and led to its capture. In appearance it differs a great deal from the Common Kestrel. In the first place it has no markings on the back, the colour being one rich reddish brown. The breast is light red, with a few markings, the more distinct ones being on the thigh coverts; the head and tail light ash-grey, the latter with a broad black band at the extremity, and each feather edged with white except the two centre ones, which are black to the tips. The claws are white.'
Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883: 104). Still admitted in their 31st Report as the first for Britain (BOURC (2005) Ibis 147: 246-250).
Comment In a review of the species it was found to be acceptable as the first for Britain.
2). 1891 Isles of Scilly Tresco, adult male, shot, 3rd March, photo, now in the Isles of Scilly Museum.
(J. H. Jenkinson, Zoologist 1891: 153; Anon., Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888-92: 294; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 300; N. B. Kinnear, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 45: 122; Witherby, 1920-24; Penhallurick, 1978; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007: plate 36).
History J. H. Jenkinson of Ocklye, Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 153, says: 'A male specimen of this falcon, Falco cenchris, was shot during the first week in March on the island of Tresco, Scilly, and was forwarded for preservation to Mr. Burton, of Wardour Street, London.'
[We have seen this bird, and it is a very good specimen of an adult male. The Lesser Kestrel is not recognised as a British species in the latest edition of 'Yarrell', but will be found described and figured by Mr. Howard Saunders in his Illustrated Manual of British Birds, wherein it is stated that two examples were already known to have occurred in England; one in Yorkshire, in Nov. 1867; the second near Dover in May, 1877. This number is now doubled by the accession of the two specimens here recorded from Ireland and Scilly. - Ed.]
In the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society (1888-92) new series, Vol. III. p. 294, it says: 'Mr. T. A. Dorrien-Smith has during the past year shot or observed at Tresco, Scilly, a Lesser Kestrel.'
J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 300, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'An adult male of the Lesser Kestrel was shot at Scilly on March 3rd, 1891, and is in the Abbey collection.'
N. B. Kinnear, Editor (1926) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XLVI. p. 122, at the 302nd Meeting of the Club held on 9th June 1926 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Mr. A. F. Griffith exhibited on behalf of the owner two adult male Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni), both killed in Tresco, Isles of Scilly - one on March 3rd, 1891, the other on February 24th, 1926. Another was observed in Tresco in May 1925. The owner was disappointed that the second had stupidly been shot by the keeper. Both of these were stuffed from the flesh by Messrs. Pratt of Brighton.'
Penhallurick (1978: 103) adds: 'It was sent to London for preservation and is now in the Isles of Scilly Museum.'
Accepted locally (Flood, Hudson & Thomas 2007).
Comment A discrepancy over who preserved the specimen.
3). 1892 Yorkshire Thirsk area, male, shot, 12th April, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
(R. Lee, Field 23rd Apr., 1892: 585; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 322; Witherby, 1920-24; Mather, 1986).
History Robert Lee of Market Place, Thirsk (1892) in The Field of 23rd Apr., Vol. LXXIX. p. 585, says: 'On April 12, I had brought to me a Lesser Kestrel, which had been shot near here the same day. It is an adult male, and in good plumage; but has lost the tip of the bill, the middle claw of one foot, and one centre tail feather, cut off by the shot. If anyone has lost or turned off one or any of those birds, perhaps they would state through your paper. The plumage is not frayed or broken, as is often the case with hawks kept in confinement. The length of the bird is 11¾in., expanse of wing 26 in., weight, 4¼ oz.'
Nelson (1907 (1): 373) adds: 'The specimen is now in the possession of Mr. Foggit of Thirsk.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 322, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'An adult male in good plumage was reported in the Field as having been shot on April 12th, 1892, by Mr. Robert Lee, of Thirsk (T. H. Nelson, Birds of Yorks., Vol. I. p. 373).'
Accepted locally by Mather (1986) who adds that it was presented to the Hancock Museum on 16th June 1943 by Mr. B. Foggitt of Thirsk and the mounted specimen was inspected by me on 23rd August 1984.
4). 1895 Isle of Wight Carisbrooke, male, shot, 25th November.
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 322; Witherby, 1920-24).
History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 186) say: 'We are informed by Mr. V. Willett, of Whitwell, in the Isle of Wight, that a bird of this species, a male, was shot at Carisbrooke, on November 25th, 1895, and is now in his possession....We are much indebted to Mr. Wadham, of Newport, for having, in the first instance, given us information of the whereabouts of these rare specimens, both of which had passed through his hands, and they are the only instances of the occurrence of this bird known in the county.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 322, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Comment The other specimen referred to is the 1903 record also from the Isle of Wight.
5). 1897 North-east Scotland Boyndlie, Aberdeenshire, female, shot, 25th October.
(E. Lee, Field 6th Nov., 1897: 717; G. Sim, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1898: 51; Sim, 1903; Witherby, 1920-24; Thom, 1986; P. R. Gordon & D. L. Clugston, Scottish Birds 18: 135; Phillips, 1997; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Elton Lee of Holm Lacy, Herefordshire (1897) in The Field of 6th Nov., Vol. XC. p. 717, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to know that a specimen of the Lesser Kestrel (Falco cenchris) was shot last week, at Boyndlie, in Aberdeenshire. The bird was a female, weight 4½ oz., length, 11½ in., and had the white claws peculiar to this species.'
[A few years ago this bird would have passed undistinguished from a Common Kestrel, but ornithologists are now so critical that we are acquainted with many a rare visitor that would formerly have escaped notice. - Ed.]
George Sim (1898) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VII. p. 51, says: 'A female of the very rare Falco cenchris was shot by the Rev. Elton Lee on the estate of Boyndlie on the 25th of October last [1897], and was sent to me for preservation. This appears to be the third record of the species in Britain, one having been obtained in Yorkshire, and another near Dover. Thus the one now noted is the first instance of its occurrence in Scotland. The weight of the bird was barely 4¼ ounces, expanse of wings 25½, length from beak to tail 11½ inches. Claws white. In the stomach were beetles, grubs, and eggs of insects.'
Accepted locally (Sim 1903: 134) and nationally as the first for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
6). Pre 1901 Greater Manchester Chat Moss, near Manchester, Lancashire, shot, undated.
(A. W. Boyd, British Birds 35: 229-230; Oakes, 1953).
History A. W. Boyd (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXV. pp. 229-230, says: 'Mr. G. F. Gee has given particulars of a hitherto unrecorded Lesser Kestrel. In 1901 he saw a male bird of this species in the window of a taxidermist, Thomas Picken, of Bridge Street, Manchester, and was told by Picken that the bird had been shot on Chat Moss, near Manchester.
It was purchased by a collector in one of the Lancashire towns. Some time later Mr. Gee was told by a taxidermist named Jarvis that he had been employed by Picken at that time and that he had skinned and set up the bird: he also remembered that it had been shot on Chat Moss. Mr. Gee examined the bird and could see that it had been mounted from a freshly skinned bird and not from an old skin, but he did not himself see it in the flesh.
He was, however, confident that his informants were reliable and that the bird had been shot locally. The Lesser Kestrel has not been previously recorded from Lancashire.'
Oakes (1953) states: 'The evidence is genuine but the actual locality lacks verification because it was shot by an unknown collector, it has an element of doubt.'
7). 1903 Isle of Wight Samborough Hill, near Shorwell, female, picked up dead, 11th April.
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 322; Witherby, 1920-24).
History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 186) say: 'Another specimen, a female was picked up dead on Samborough Hill, near Shorwell, in the Isle of Wight, on April 11th, 1903, by Mr. Newnham, of the Post Office, Shorwell, in whose possession it now is. We are much indebted to Mr. Wadham, of Newport, for having, in the first instance, given us information of the whereabouts of these rare specimens, both of which had passed through his hands, and they are the only instances of the occurrence of this bird known in the county.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 322, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Comment The other specimen was in 1895 in the Isle of Wight.
8). 1909 Yorkshire Spurn, immature male, shot, 14th October.
(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 25: 77; C. B. Ticehurst, British Birds 3: 375-376; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 28: 243; Witherby, 1920-24; Eds., Naturalist 66: 120; Mather, 1986).
History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1909) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXV. p. 77, at the 156th Meeting of the Club held on 16th February 1910 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Dr. Ticehurst also exhibited an example of the Lesser Kestrel (Falco cenchris, Naum.), and made the following remarks: - "This bird, which is an immature male, was shot by myself on the Yorkshire coast in the Holderness district on the 14th of October, 1909. The gizzard was full of grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. The bird, which was migrating in a southerly direction, attracted my attention on account of its small size as compared with the other Kestrels which were frequently seen. This is the tenth British record and the third for Yorkshire, the first British example having been obtained in 1867 at no great distance from where I shot this bird. Of the nine examples, five were obtained in spring, three in autumn, and one in February".'
C. B. Ticehurst (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. pp. 375-376, says: 'On October 14th, 1909, I shot, on the Holderness coast, in Yorkshire, a Lesser Kestrel (Falco cenchris, Naum.). This bird, which was an immature male, was migrating south, and was, when on the wing, noticeably smaller than the Common Kestrel. The gizzard was full of grasshoppers, caterpillars and beetles. This is the tenth record in Great Britain of this species and the third in Yorkshire. Of the nine previous examples, six were obtained between February and May and three in October or November. Since this species is a common spring-migrant to the south of Europe, where the majority arrive in February and leave in October, it is not surprising that it should occasionally wander to the British Isles at the migration periods.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1911) in Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVIII. p. 243, says: 'Oct. 14th. Holderness coast, Yorkshire, one shot while passing south.'
W. H. Pearsall & W. R. Grist, Editors (1940) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXVI. p. 120, say: 'The generous loan by Mr. H. F. Witherby of his notebook containing records made at Spurn more than thirty years ago....On October 14th, 1909, a Lesser Kestrel showed the characteristic white claws of its race.'
Accepted locally (Mather 1986).
9). 1926 Isles of Scilly Tresco, adult male, shot, 24th February, photo, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.
(N. B. Kinnear, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 45: 122; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 22: 46-47; Penhallurick, 1978; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007).
History N. B. Kinnear, Editor (1926) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XLVI. p. 122, at the 302nd Meeting of the Club held on 9th June 1926 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Mr. A. F. Griffith exhibited on behalf of the owner two adult male Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni), both killed in Tresco, Isles of Scilly - one on March 3rd, 1891, the other on February 24th, 1926. Another was observed in Tresco in May 1925. The owner was disappointed that the second had stupidly been shot by the keeper. Both of these were stuffed from the flesh by Messrs. Pratt of Brighton.'
Clarke (1927: 403, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'The other English records are...Scilly Isles, another on 24th February 1925.'
H. F. Witherby (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. pp. 46-47, in a Review of W. E. Clarke's 3rd ed. of Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'For years Howard Saunders's Manual was the standard authority for British ornithology until his last (1899) edition became too out of date to be so regarded. The present edition we fear falls short in the accuracy sustained in Saunders' own two editions....There are many details in the book to which we take exception, and there are also certain records which do not appear to have been published previously, and it must suffice to refer here to a few of these items....The date of the Lesser Kestrel in the Scilly Isles, given as February 24th, 1925, should be 1926, but another was seen in May, 1925.' It was accepted locally (Flood, Hudson & Thomas 2007).
NOT PROVEN
0). 1865 Suffolk No locality, obtained, undated.
("C.F.T.D." Field 4th Nov., 1865: 320; E. Newman, Zoologist 1865: 9846).
[E. Newman, Zoologist 1866: 96; BOU, 1883].
History "C.F.T.D." of Cambridge (1865) in The Field of 4th Nov., Vol. XXVI. p. 320, says: 'I shot on Oct 11, about ten miles from Bury St Edmunds, a hawk, which at the time I took to be an extremely small Kestrel, but which has since turned out to be the Lesser Kestrel. It is now in the hands of Mr. Baker, naturalist, here (Cambridge), and he tells me that he believes it to be almost if not the very first of the kind shot in England. If you or any of your readers can give me any further information about the bird I shall feel greatly obliged.' [The Lesser Kestrel (Falco cenchris) is well known as a continental species. We have never heard of a British specimen, and recommend our correspondent to show the bird to Mr. Alfred Newton, of Magdalen, who is well qualified to pronounce an authoritative opinion on the subject. - Ed.]
Edward Newman, Editor (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9846, says: 'I learn from a correspondent at Cambridge that a specimen of the Lesser Kestrel has been placed in the hands of that well-known naturalist, Mr. Baker, for preservation: I hope Mr. Newton will examine the bird and report: it is the first instance of which I am cognizant of the occurrence of this species in Great Britain.'
Edward Newman, Editor (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 96, says: 'In accordance with my suggestion (Zool. 9846) Mr. Newton has examined the bird there mentioned: it turns out to be the Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. This result must have been anticipated.'
Not admitted nationally in the first List of British Birds as it was disproved (BOU 1883: 104).
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1867 Yorkshire Green Hammerton, second-year male, shot, mid-November, now at Yorkshire Museum, York, photo.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1598; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1870: 2342-43; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; BOU, 1883; E. R. Waite, Naturalist 17: 100; W. E. Clarke, Naturalist 17: 186; Nelson, 1907; Witherby, 1920-24; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; Mather, 1986; Denton, 1995; British Birds 98: plate 125).
[BOURC (2005), Ibis 147: 246-250; T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237, photo].
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1598, says: 'Some time since the editor requested Mr. Newton to investigate a Lesser Kestrel said to have been obtained at Cambridge, and it turned to be only the common species. Mr. Allis, however, informs me that a real one has been shot by a gentleman farmer near York and presented to the Museum.'
J. H. Gurney, jun. (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. pp. 2342-43, undated, says: 'I regret that I have not before answered the editor's summons to give some additional information about the Lesser Kestrel supposed to have been shot near York. The name of the gentleman who shot it and skinned it is Mr. Harrison, and the place it is stated to have been killed at is Greenhammerton, near York.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: xxxvii) under 'Introduction', say: 'Regarding the Lesser Kestrel - another species whose occurrence has been challenged - the writers are perfectly convinced, from their personal acquaintance with the gentleman who obtained it, that it was a genuine one. Mr. Harrison shot the bird solely on account of its diminutive size, and after he had observed about his residence for some days. It has been suggested that Graham, of York, to whom the specimen was taken for preservation, substituted it for a foreign skin; but Mr. Harrison, whose attention was particularly impressed by the bird, and who is, moreover, a good ornithologist, could hardly have been imposed upon in such a manner....The time of year has also been urged as an argument against the validity of the occurrence, but it may be pointed out that the Hobby - usually regarded as a summer visitant - has on several occasions been taken in Yorkshire in mid-winter.'
Admitted nationally in the first List of British Birds (BOU 1883: 104).
E. R. Waite (1891) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVII. p. 100, says: 'A mature male, now in the York Museum, was shot at Wilstrop by Mr. John Harrison, in the middle of November, 1867 (for detailed account see Clarke's Birds of Yorkshire, p. 21).'
Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 373) while, Clarke (1927: 403, 3rd.) in Saunders Manual of British Birds, says: 'An adult male in the York Museum was shot in the middle of November 1867, by the late Mr. John Harrison of Wilstrop Hall, near York - an intimate friend of the Editor.'
Comment It was a second-year male and is in the Yorkshire Museum. In a review of the species it was found to be unacceptable (BOURC (2005), Ibis 147: 246-250) and part of the 'Tadcaster rarities' fraud (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237). Not acceptable.
0). 1876 Cornwall No locality, female, obtained, examined 14th November.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1876: 5178; Penhallurick, 1978).
[Not in BOU, 1971].
History Edward Hearle Rodd of Penzance (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5178, dated 15th November, 1876, says: 'My attention was called yesterday by Mr. Marks, naturalist, of this place, to a very small kestrel he had received from the western district of this county, and which I had an opportunity of examining in the flesh and weighing.
The weight was exactly four ounces; I see that of the male Kestrel is said to be seven or seven and a half ounces. The bill is very short, thick and more massive than the Common Kestrel; blue at the base. Length from carpal joint to the end of the first quill-feather, nine inches; total length of the bird lying on its back, barely twelve inches. Head smaller and less buff, in proportion, than the Common Kestrel. Legs bright yellow. Claws black: in Gould's Birds of Europe, the claws are said to be white. The wings scarcely reach to the end of the tail by three-fourths of an inch. I may add that the rufous colour on the upper breast is more defined than in the Common Kestrel; the under parts are plain buff ash-colour, with few markings.
The plumage of the female Kestrel, which it exactly resembles, applies to this specimen. I have sent the above particulars off-hand; I know nothing personally of the Lesser Kestrel, never having handled a skin or examined one, so that I must learn the matter for the present in the hands of those who may be able to suggest further particulars.'
Penhallurick (1978: 102) says: '1876, on 14th November Rodd was shown a specimen of a female weighing nearly four ounces, obtained somewhere in west Cornwall.'
Comment Misidentified. Not admitted by the BOU (1971). Not acceptable.
0). 1880 Lincolnshire Riby Park, seen, 5th November.
(F. L. Blathwayt, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1915: 194).
[Smith & Cornwallis, 1955].
History F. L. Blathwayt (1915) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. III. p. 194, says: 'Of doubtful occurrence. J.C. records that he saw one at Riby Park, November 5th, 1880.'
Smith & Cornwallis (1955: 73) say: 'Blathwayt published a record of a bird seen by Cordeaux at Riby Park on 5th November 1880, but admitted it to be doubtful.'
0). 1882 Kent Rainham, Gillingham, seen, 10th April.
(Prentis, 1894; Ticehurst, 1909).
[Gillham & Homes, 1950].
History Prentis (1894: 12-13) says: 'The reader may wonder how I became acquainted with such a bird: my answer is, I saw one in the Museum at Dover. What I am writing is about another which I observed, exactly like it. The latter end of March, 1882, a pair of Linnets appeared in my garden as usual; on the 3rd of April I saw a lump of Linnet's feathers on my lawn, such as an inverted tea-cup would cover, which must have been done by some hawk. Having never seen the like before I was much puzzled, however on the 10th of April a hawk-like chatter came issuing from a cluster of elm-trees standing in the field beside my garden, when a beautiful little fellow with sharp-pointed wings flew nearly over my head, circling and wheeling some thirty-five yards high; the sun shining brightly at the same time, I had a good view of its back, which was red, the bird stayed here for nearly a month and after being shot at, becoming wilder and wilder each day.'
Gillham & Homes (1950: 143) placing the record in square brackets, say: 'We have been unable to trace any special reason for the record being omitted from A Practical Handbook of British Birds and we assume, therefore, that it lacked adequate details at the time. It may be that this was due to it not being obtained. With Prentis having a good reputation as an observer it is a shame to let the record lapse, but without better detail, we include it in square brackets.'
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1888 Leicestershire & Rutland No locality, three, seen, pair obtained, October.
(E. Hardy, Bird Notes and News 15: 186).
[Not in BOU, 1971].
History Eric Hardy (1933) in Bird Notes and News under 'The Birds of Leicestershire', Vol. XV. p. 186, says: '...In October, 1888, Mr. E. T. Turner, one of the county's leading ornithologists, recorded its first Lesser Kestrels, the third record for Britain. Three were seen on this occasion, a male and a female being shot for preservation. Mr. Turner has also recorded from Saddington, the first known Leicestershire specimens of the Velvet Scoter and the Shag; a flock of Pallas's Sandgrouse on May 23rd. 1888; and White Wagtails, following the plough.'
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1894 Northumberland Blyth, seen, about 27th April.
(R. Patterson, Ibis 1894: 451).
[R. Patterson, Ibis 1894: 451].
History Robert Patterson of Belfast (1894) in The Ibis, Vol. XXXVI. p. 451, dated 12th June 1894, says: 'I should be glad if you would allow me to warn ornithologists in England that quite recently two Lesser Kestrels (Falco cenchris) have escaped from captivity. They were captured on board the S.S. Irthington off Malta about the first week in April; one got away at Blyth, Northumberland, about the 27th April, the other escaped at Belfast on the 5th of May. Fearing they may be shot and recorded as genuine occurrences, I would be glad if you could insert this in the next issue of The Ibis.'
Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1896 Sussex Hollington, adult male, 8th May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.259).
(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 17-18; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 322; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History E. N. Bloomfield (1906) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 17-18, says: 'I am indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst and W. Ruskin Butterfield for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the Hastings district - Falco cenchris, Naumann, Lesser Kestrel, Hollington, May 8th, 1896, first Sussex Specimen (N.F.T.).'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 322, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 273) who adds: 'Secured at Beauport Park, Hollington, on May 8th, 1896.'
Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen killed by Mr. Langridge at Hollington, Sussex, on 8th May 1896, adding that J. B. Nichols bought it from Bristow in April 1906 and then later he sold it to Auden.
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1904 Angus & Dundee No locality, Forfarshire, October.
(Harvie-Brown, 1906).
[Harvie-Brown, 1906].
History Harvie-Brown (1906: 206-207) recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A statement made by Mr. William Duncan (in litt. to me, under date of 12th October 1904) that a Lesser Kestrel, a female, was shot in Forfarshire and the eggs taken, and that they passed into the hands of a London gentleman who bought them from the person who got them, cannot be seriously entertained without any more definite data, and of course must remain in square brackets.'
0). 1909 Lincolnshire Grainthorpe, immature female, shot, 9th October.
(C. S. Carter, Naturalist 36: 345).
[Eds., British Birds 4: 293].
History C. S. Carter of Louth (1910) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI. p. 345, says: 'On October 9th, 1909, an immature female Lesser Kestrel was shot at Grainthorpe.'
In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 293, they say: 'Lincolnshire. - In The Naturalist (1910, p. 345) Mr. C. S. Carter recorded that an immature female Falco cenchris had been shot at Grainthorpe on October 9th, 1909. Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh has, however, examined the specimen and finds it to be a Common Kestrel in rather worn and faded plumage.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1914 Sussex Staple Cross, immature male, shot, 7th April, now at the Booth Museum.
(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 9: 97; W. Ruskin Butterfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 2: 200; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History J. B. Nichols (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 97, says: 'A Lesser Kestrel (Falco n. naumanni) was shot at Staplecross, Sussex, on April 7th, 1914, and was examined in the flesh by Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay. It was a young male assuming adult plumage, but still retaining some of the juvenile feathers. This species has only once previously been recorded for Susses.'
Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 273) who adds: 'Now in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1925 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, 23rd May.
(N. B. Kinnear, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 45: 122; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 22: 46-47; Penhallurick, 1978).
[Not in BOU, 1971].
History N. B. Kinnear, Editor (1926) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XLVI. p. 122, at the 302nd Meeting of the Club held on 9th June 1926 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Mr. A. F. Griffith exhibited on behalf of the owner two adult male Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni), both killed in Tresco, Isles of Scilly - one on March 3rd, 1891, the other on February 24th, 1926. Another was observed in Tresco in May 1925....'
Clarke (1927: 403, 3rd.) in Saunders Manual of British Birds, says: 'The other English records are...Scilly Isles, another on 24th February 1925.'
H. F. Witherby (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. pp. 46-47, in a Review of W. E. Clarke's 3rd ed. of Saunders's Manual of British Birds, says: 'For years Howard Saunders's Manual was the standard authority for British ornithology until his last (1899) edition became too out of date to be so regarded. The present edition we fear falls short in the accuracy sustained in Saunders' own two editions....There are many details in the book to which we take exception, and there are also certain records which do not appear to have been published previously, and it must suffice to refer here to a few of these items....The date of the Lesser Kestrel in the Scilly Isles, given as February 24th, 1925, should be 1926, but another was seen in May, 1925.'
0). 1926 Sussex Stoughton, adult male, seen, early May.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Not in BOU, 1971].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 273) says: 'From his able description to me there is no doubt that the small hawk seen at Stoughton early in May, 1926, by that astute observer Cecil Smeed was an adult male Lesser Kestrel.'
Comment Possible only. Not identified with certainty. Not acceptable.
0). 1945 Sussex Easebourne, Midhurst, male, seen, April.
(T. C. Hayward, Field 12th May 1945: 481).
[Eds., British Birds 39: 158-159; BOU, 1971].
History T. C. Hayward of Alison Court, Aldwick (1945) in The Field of 12th May, Vol. CLXXXV. p. 481, says: 'Some weeks ago I observed a bird perched on a low tension electricity cable from about 30 yards away and was fortunate to be able to bring field glasses to bear on it. I have since been endeavouring to identify it and am now satisfied that it must have been a male Lesser Kestrel. On referring to the Handbook of British Birds I note that it is a very rare migrant to the British Isles and that up to 1939 it had only been reported in this country ten times. If any ornithologist is interested, I should be very glad to give further particulars. My observation took place at Easebourne, Midhurst, Sussex.'
The Editor (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. pp. 158-159, says: 'The Field for May 12th 1945, p. 481, contains a note from Mr. T. C. Hayward stating that "some weeks ago" at Easebourne, Midhurst, Sussex, he observed with field glasses at about 30 yards range a hawk which he was satisfied was a male Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni.
We have been in communication with the recorder, who kindly informs us that the bird in question was seen perched on low tension electricity cables which ran about 30 yards from the house. He was able to get a fairly powerful pair of field-glasses and to study it for some four or five minutes, making a very careful mental note of its colouring, etc. The bird was perched with the sun shining on its back. It showed a complete absence of spots on the mantle and the head and tail appeared a kind of blue with the sun shining on them. Unfortunately as it had its back to the observer the colour of its claws could not be seen.
Mr. Hayward writes that he is quite familiar with the common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, and that the bird was definitely not this species. He adds that the colouring of the Lesser Kestrel in plate 64 of The Handbook is very near in its colouring to that of the bird he saw and leaves absolutely no doubt in his mind on the subject. We think that his evidence establishes a good case for the correctness of his identification, but that in view of the similarity of the two species and the fact that the whitish claws were not seen the record should be considered as "probable" rather than quite certain.'
Comment It was not published in the list of accepted records by the BOU (1971). Identification not proven. Not acceptable.
0). 1954 Isle of Wight Brook, 15th or 16th January, killed, 21st January.
(J. Stafford, Isle of Wight Bird Report 1954: 338).
[D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 370].
History J. Stafford (1954) in the Isle of Wight Bird Report, p. 338, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A probable male at Brook in Jan. (C.S.). This bird was first seen several times on Jan. 15th or 16th, when it appeared smaller than usual (for a Kestrel) in flight, but no other difference was noted. It was killed by the observer, a gamekeeper who is accustomed to handling dead Kestrels, on Jan. 21st, when he confirmed that it was smaller than a Kestrel, and noticed the absence of spots from the back, which he emphasized was very conspicuous.
On consulting A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe he had no hesitation in identifying the bird as a Lesser Kestrel, but unfortunately he disposed of it before the identification could be confirmed. The Editors of British Birds, to whom this record was submitted, decided that in view of the remarkable date and the absence of remains it could not be regarded as absolutely certain.'
D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 370, in a review of the Isle of Wight Report, says: 'Records of general interest in the Isle of Wight Report not contained in the Hampshire Report include a probable Lesser Kestrel in January (details were submitted to British Birds, but the record was not acceptable).'
