Lesser Yellowlegs

Scolopacidae

Oct 23

Written By Keith Naylor

Tringa flavipes (Gmelin, JF, 1789) (16, 22)

Photo © Phil Woollen - Porthloo Duck Pond, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, 26 September 2011

Ex BBRC species 31/12/2018

STATUS

Nearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

Winter is not such a strange date with twenty eight records of wintering individuals between 2000-18.

All records to 1936 as Witherby et al. (1940-52) except the 1935 Kent (not proven) and the two sightings in the Isle of Man in 1936 which were accepted by their authorities later, are additional.

RECORDS

1). 1854-55 Nottinghamshire Misson, shot, winter, now at Leeds Museum.

(Yarrell, 1856; W. M. E. Milner, Zoologist 1858: 5958; Newman, 1866; Felkin, 1866; Sterland & Whitaker, 1879; Yarrell, 1871-85; E. R. Waite, Naturalist 17: 107; Whitaker, 1907; Eds., British Birds 8: 122; Witherby, 1920-24).

History Yarrell (1856: 45-49, 2nd supp.) says: 'This American Sandpiper, new to the country, was killed at Misson, about two and a half miles north-east of Bawtry, on the borders of Lincolnshire, by one of a party of men, residing at Misson, who get their living by shooting wildfowl, during the season, which they send to Doncaster for sale. The bird passed into the hands of Mr. Hugh Reid, of Doncaster, who considering it to be a Wood Sandpiper, and a rare species, caused it to be carefully preserved by his own assistant; sold it afterwards to Sir William Milner, Bart., by whom it was brought to London in the spring of 1855, and appropriated to my use in this work.'

W. M. E. Milner of Nunappleton (1858) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVI. p. 5958, dated 24th December 1858, says: 'The only British specimen of the Yellowlegged Sandpiper figured in Yarrell's Supplement was taken at the same place [Misson, Nottinghamshire], and was brought to Mr. Reid: this specimen is in my collection.'

Newman (1866: 296) says: 'This American bird is introduced by Mr. Yarrell, on the faith of a man whose name is not given, but who is said to have shot a single specimen at Misson, near Bawtry; it was sold to a birdstuffer, the late Hugh Reid, of Doncaster, and by him to Sir William Milner. It has little claim to a place in the British list.'

Accepted locally (Felkin 1866: 53) and by Sterland & Whitaker (1879: 43) who add: 'It was killed in the winter of 1854-55', and (Whitaker 1907: 276).

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 482, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: '...now in the Leeds Museum.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 122, they admit this as one of only three previous occurrences.

2). 1871 Cornwall Marazion, adult male, shot, 12th September.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1871: 2807-08; E. H. Rodd, Field 23rd Sept., 1871: 262; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; Smart, 1886; Ed., Field 18th May 1889: 687; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 17: 135; Eds., British Birds 8: 122; Witherby, 1920-24; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Edward Hearle Rodd of Penzance (1871) in The Field of 23rd Sept., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 262, dated 15th September, says: 'We have had a good addition to our avifauna this week by the occurrence of this sandpiper (T. flavipes), which was shot by Mr. Vingoe's son a day or two since in a salt marsh between this place and Marazion. He called my attention to the bird, but I could not pronounce its specific name, as I never saw a specimen before, and its leading character in the tone of the colour of the legs had ceased to be a guide, as the light yellow, which was very marked when the bird was first killed, had faded to a dull olive. Is it known that this bird has two characters in the colour of its plumage, by which it may be distinguished from the Redshank, which I compared today - viz., the absence of white above the tail coverts, and the absence of the same colour in the inner webs of a great portion of the wing feathers, which the Redshank possesses in a remarkable degree?'

E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. pp. 2807-08, dated 21st September, 1871, says: 'The Yellow-shanked Sandpiper was added to the Fauna of Cornwall, by the capture, on the 12th instant, of an adult male, by Mr. Edward Vingoe, who shot it at the margin of a pool in a salt marsh near Marazion, about two miles from Penzance, a few yards from the sea.

Length, 10¾ inches; bill, black and very slender, much less bulky than that of the Redshank; tarsus (longer than that of the Redshank, and shorter than that of the Dusky Sandpiper) two and one sixteenth; middle toe, one and three eighths. Tail barred, as in the Redshank; transverse bar of white on the upper tail-coverts; above this white, and extending over the back, body, plumage and flanks ash-brown, which in the Redshank and Dusky Sandpipers is pure white. Upper plumage, scapularies, wing-coverts, &c., hair-brown, with greyish and black blotches cropping out as if in moult, the coverts studded with white spots, very like the same in the adult wood sandpiper. The breast white, streaked with wood-brown; the belly and the whole of the under parts unsullied white; legs and tarsi when first killed pale yellow. The primary, secondary and tertial quills brown, without any white on the inner webs. In the redshank a large portion of white is observable on the inner webs of the secondaries. The axillary plume and flanks very distinctly barred as the tail.

Yarrell, in his description of the so-called first British specimen, gives the colour as white. The Redshank has these flank-feathers, as well as the body plumage under the scapularies, pure white. The bill of the Redshank is quite a quarter of an inch longer than the Yellowshank's, but from its superior bulk it does not look so. The general appearance of T. flavipes, alongside the Redshank and Dusky Sandpiper, is intermediate.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 93-94) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'The Yellow-shanked Sandpiper was added to the Fauna of Cornwall by the capture, on the 12th September 1871, of an adult male by Mr. Edward Vingoe, who shot it at the margin of a pool in a salt marsh near Marazion, about two miles from Penzance.

Length, 10¾ inches ; bill, black and very slender, much less bulky than that of the Redshank; tarsus, longer than that of the Redshank, and shorter than that of the Dusky Redshank. Tail-feathers barred across both webs; upper tail coverts, white, each feather barred transversely at the extremity with four narrow lines of ash-brown. Upper plumage, scapulars, and wing coverts, hair-brown, with grey and black spots cropping out as if in moult, the coverts studded with white spots, as in the adult Wood Sandpiper. The breast white, finely streaked with wood-brown; the whole of the under parts unsullied white; legs and feet when first killed, pale yellow. The primary quills brown, the first of these with a white shaft. In the Redshank a large portion of white is observable on the inner webs of the secondaries; this is not the case in the Yellowshank.

Yarrell, by some mistake, has described the "axillary plume" as "pure white". This applies to the Redshank, but in the Yellowshank the axillaries, as well as the flanks, are very distinctly barred like the tail. The bill of the Redshank is quite a quarter of an inch longer than that of the Yellowshank, but from its superior bulk it does not look so. As regards size the general appearance of T. flavipes, on comparison with the Redshank and Dusky Redshank, is intermediate.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 481, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adding that it was recorded with "ample diagnosis and details".'

Smart (1886: 62) says: 'The two first occurrences of flavipes are not considered quite authenticated. However, both Mr. Saunders, and Mr. Seebohm have no hesitation about admitting the adult male recorded in The Zoologist for 1871, as shot by Mr. E. Vingoe, on 12th September, 1871, on the margin of a pool in a salt marshy near Marazion, about two miles from Penzance. This Mr. Saunders calls the "second genuine specimen" of the bird. The admission to the list, on a single occurrence of a bird on the word of a "Dealer" has not always been judged admissible; as I have previously said, we cannot reject the word of persons of known respectability, in the case of specimens for private collections, this, however, is more serious.'

In an Editorial (1889) in The Field of 18th May, Vol. LXXIII. p. 687, on the sale of Vingoe's collection at Stevens, Covent Garden, in May, 1889, he says: 'Two of the most interesting lots in the collection - namely, 63 (an American Yellow-shanked Sandpiper Totanus flavipes)...both of which were stated to have been killed in Cornwall, were not sold, the biddings, it is presumed, not coming up to the reserved price.'

J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. p. 135, under 'American Birds in Cornwall', says: 'It has been recorded altogether four times from Great Britain, but one of these is very doubtful, and another is not free from suspicion. A perfectly genuine specimen, however, was shot at Marazion by Edward Vingoe on the 12th of September, 1871, and at the sale in 1889 fetched £5.15s.6d.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 122, admit this record as one of three previous occurrences.

3). 1910 Fair Isle Gilsetter, male, shot, 24th September, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1910.161.81).

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 53; Eds., British Birds 4: 290-291; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 136; Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 8: 122; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 53, says: 'The observations on the movements of birds at this famous station have been systematically and successfully prosecuted throughout the past year by Mr. Jerome Wilson. Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford visited the island during both the spring and autumn passage periods, and contributed very materially to the results obtained....it is not proposed to do more than mention the new species which came under notice in 1910. These were the Yellowshank (Totanus flavipes).'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. pp. 290-291, they say: 'Among the birds recorded from Fair Isle in 1910 by Mr. W. E. Clarke (Ann. S.N.H., 1911, p. 53), besides those mentioned elsewhere in our pages, are: - the Yellowshank (Totanus flavipes) - all being new to the avifauna of Fair Isle, and the last named to that of Scotland.'

Admitted by L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 136, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1910.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 173) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Yellowshank - It was shot on 24th September 1910, on the margin of one of the ponds which supplies the water for the primitive mills in which corn is ground.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 122, admit this record as one of three previous occurrences.

4). 1920 Isles of Scilly Abbey Pool, Tresco, shot, 7th September.

(P. R. Lowe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 41: 26-27; Eds., British Birds 14: 167; Witherby, 1920-24; A. A. Dorrien-Smith, British Birds 33: 113; Penhallurick, 1969).

History P. R. Lowe, Editor (1920) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XLI. pp. 26-27, at the 250th Meeting of the Club held on 13th October 1920 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Dr. H. Langton exhibited a Yellowshank, Totanus flavipes, shot by Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith on the Little Pool, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, on September 2nd, 1920, on the exact spot where a Greater Yellowshank, Totanus melanoleucus, was shot in September, 1906. The bird, which proved a female by dissection, was observed about the pool for four days before being shot.'

In an Editorial (1920) in British Birds, Vol. XIV. p. 167, says: 'At the October meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club Dr. H. Langton exhibited a female Tringa flavipes which had been shot by Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith on the Little Pool, Tresco, Scilly Isles, on September 2nd, 1920 (Bull. B.O.C., XLI. p. 26). The bird had been observed about the pool for four days previously. This is the sixth example recorded for Great Britain.'

A. A. Dorrien-Smith (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 113, says: 'I should also like to take this opportunity of correcting the date of the Yellowshank T. flavipes, recorded by the late Dr. H. Langton as having been shot at Tresco on September 2nd, 1920 (Bull. B.O.C., XLI, pp. 26-7). This bird was first observed on September 7th, 1920, and was shot on the same date.'

5). 1921 Essex West Mersea, adult male, shot, 8th August, now at Southend-on-Sea Museum (Acc. No. N80.20).

(P. Thompson, Essex Naturalist 20: 46; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History Percy Thompson (1921) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. XX. p. 46, says: 'An adult male Yellowshank (Totanus flavipes) was captured at West Mersea on August 8th 1921, by Mr. John Pettitt, the dealer-naturalist of Colchester. The specimen is in full breeding plumage and in good condition, and has been set up for and purchased by the Southend Public Museum. The accompanying photograph of this extremely rare visitant from North America was taken by Mr. A. G. Wright, of Colchester, who kindly permits us to reproduce it in these pages.'

Glegg (1929: 234) says: 'This adult male was shot by Mr. J. Pettitt at West Mersea on 8th August 1921. It was purchased for the Southend Public Museum, where it now is.'

Wood (2007: 59) states that this specimen is still in the Southend-on-Sea Museum (Acc. No. N80.20).

6). 1921 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, 19th August to 17th September.

(Eds., Ibis 1927: 782; Eds., British Birds 21: 162; Penhallurick, 1969).

History In an Editorial (1927) in The Ibis, Vol. LXIX. pp. 781-782, they say: 'Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith writes to Dr. R. P. Lowe from Tresco, Scilly Islands, on 3 September last, as follows: - You will like to know that the Greater Yellowshank, Tringa melanoleuca, first shot by me on 16 September, 1906, has again turned up here - a bird appeared on 28 August, very tame and feeding hard quite close to me, and it is still here. The Lesser Yellowshank, T. flavipes, was also here from 19 August till 17 September, 1921.'

In an Editorial (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 162, they say: 'Major Dorrien-Smith also mentions (p. 782) that an example of the smaller species (Tringa flavipes) was present on this island from August 19th to September 17th, 1921. This occurrence has not been hitherto published, so far as we know, the only previous record for the Scilly Isles of this species being one at Tresco on September 2nd, 1920.'

7). 1932 Lincolnshire Tetney Cow Marsh, shot, 15th September.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, British Birds 26: 338; G. C. Low, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 53: 239; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton Haigh (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 338, says: 'On September 15th, 1932, an example of the Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes) was shot by Mr. J. H. Stubbs at his plover decoy pool in Tetney Cow Marsh. He recognized the bird as a stranger by its note, which was quite new to him. The bird was apparently by no means shy, as after he had missed a double shot at it, it allowed him to call it back by the imitation of its note. I did not hear of the occurrence for some days and therefore did not see the bird in the flesh. When I saw it at the Louth bird stuffer's it was much covered with string and wrappings, but its very long thin legs and noticeably slender bill were characteristic. The legs were pale yellow and the bill black. The measurements taken from the stuffed and cased bird are as follows; Bill 35 mm., tarsus 57 mm., wing 151 mm. The carpal joint appeared to be slightly distorted and I think the wing would have measured 2 or 3 mm. more in the flesh.'

G. Carmichael Low, Editor (1933) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. LIII. p. 239, at the 365th Meeting of the Club held on 14th June 1933 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Dr. G. Carmichael Low showed, on behalf of Dr. J. M. Harrison, a stuffed specimen of a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes) which was shot in Lincolnshire on September 15, 1932, this being the first record of that species for the county.

The occurrence, he said, had already been reported in British Birds (XXXI. 1933, p. 338) by Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh. The latter recorded that the bird was shot on September 15, 1932, by Mr. J. H. Stubbs at his Plover decoy-pool in Tetney Cow Marsh. The bird was very tame and had a strange note. Caton Haigh did not hear of the occurrence for some days, and did not see the bird in the flesh. When he saw it at the Louth birdstuffers he noted that it had long thin legs and a noticeably slender bill. The legs were pale yellow and the bill black. The bird was very badly stuffed, but has now been remounted and nicely set up by Dr. Harrison, who recently purchased it from Mr. Stubbs.

There have been eight records at least of the occurrence of this American species in the British Isles, and it may be useful for members of the Club to have these in detail....The bird shown tonight therefore makes the ninth.'

8). 1934 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, seen, 29th March to 4th May; same, Burwell Fen, seen, 10th to 17th June; again, Cambridge Sewage-farm, 23rd July to 13th September 1935.

(E. L. Turner & H. G. Alexander, British Birds 27: 357-358; Eds., British Birds 29: 123; Cambridge Bird Club Report, 1934; Cambridge Bird Club Report 1935; Eds., British Birds 30: 54; Bircham, 1989).

History E. L. Turner & H. G. Alexander (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. pp. 357-358, say: 'On March 29th, 1934, one of the writers (H.G.A.) saw a wader at the Cambridge Sewage Farm that puzzled him. When it flew towards him and settled it showed much white in the tail, and its wings appeared uniformly grey-brown. Some white was visible on the under-surface of the wings as the bird settled. At a distance of thirty yards, in a poor light, its legs looked yellowish, and its beak, rather short and slender, had a suggestion of a slight upward tilt. It seemed to be rather smaller than the Redshanks that were feeding near it. It flew up with them, and it was not seen at close quarters again that day. It made no sound in rising, and this, together with the very white tail and the lack of the strongly pied effect, seemed to show that it could not be a Green Sandpiper.

So he concluded that it was probably a Wood Sandpiper - a bird he had not seen at close quarters for several years - though its size, manner of flight and other points did not agree with his memory of that bird. It is also to be noted that at one moment he thought he heard a Greenshank among the Redshanks, but he could not see one. On the 30th we both looked for this bird again. After putting it up once or twice in the same inconclusive manner, and being only certain that it could not be a Wood Sandpiper (E.L.T.), nor a Green Sandpiper (H.G.A.), we finally found it settled by itself on another part of the sewage farm, where it allowed an approach to within ten or twelve yards, so that the colour of every feather on head, neck and wings could be seen. At one time two Redshanks settled near it, and it fluttered towards them, driving them off, and making a rather deep guttural chuckle; once or twice in flight it also uttered the Greenshank-Iike note - twice or three times repeated, a good deal less loud than a Greenshank.

When it was near the Redshanks, the comparison in plumage and build could easily be made. It was a shade smaller than the Redshanks, with a shorter, slenderer bill, longer, very angular legs, and more elegant build. The bill appeared black, the eye black or dark; the legs were bright yellow, almost orange. The wings, though appearing uniform at a distance, were actually thickly spotted with grey-brown. The top of the head also had dark grey-brown spots, the upper back and sides of neck, round on to the breast, were paler brown, the sides especially being only thinly spotted. In general the neck looked much whiter than a Redshank's, and the under-parts seemed to be almost pure white. When the bird flew it gave the impression of pure white upper tail-coverts, which contrasted with a brown back, and the tail looked white apart from some pale brown colour on the central feathers.

When on the alert, it several times bobbed its head and neck, almost as a Redshank does. Having since seen the bird several times, we should describe it as the size of a Green Sandpiper and rather like it in flight, but not so dark, and with more white on the tail; longer in the leg and shorter and slenderer in the bill than a Redshank, much more elegant than a Ruff or Reeve (there were several Ruffs on the sewage farm at the time, but it never consorted with them, and its very white tail, long legs, slender bill and grey-brown wings were some of the distinguishing points); larger, longer in the leg and much whiter on the tail than a Wood-Sandpiper. On April 1st it was watched at very close quarters through telescopes by Messrs. W. B. Alexander and B. W. Tucker as well as other observers.

All agreed that it was undoubtedly a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes). Since then it has been seen by several members of the Cambridge Bird Club on various dates up to the time of going to press. This seems to be the ninth record for this species in the British Islands; all the earlier occurrences have been in autumn. It seems just possible that it had been driven across the Atlantic on its northward migration from South America by the severe storms recorded off south-west Europe in the middle of March.'

In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 123, in a Review of the Cambridge Bird Club Report, 1934, they say: 'It has already been recorded in our pages (antea, Vol. XXVII. pp. 357-8) that a Yellowshank appeared at the Sewage Farm on March 29th, 1934. It is now recorded that it was seen on many occasions in April, and on May 4th presumably the same bird was seen some seven miles away at Burwell Fen on June 10th and 17th, but it was seen again at the Sewage Farm from July 23rd to August 1st, on November 23rd and 27th, on January 13th and February 12th, 1935 - a remarkable record.'

In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 123, in a Review of the Cambridge Bird Club Report, 1935, they say: 'The Yellowshank already recorded in our pages (antea, Vol. XXVII. pp. 357-8, Vol. XXIX. p. 123), which first arrived on March 29th, 1934, was frequently seen in 1935 from mid-March to April 21st and again in September up to the 13th but not since.'

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 54, in a Review of the Cambridge Bird Club Report, 1935, they say: 'The Yellowshank already recorded in our pages (antea, Vol. XXVII. pp. 357-8, Vol. XXIX. p. 123), which first arrived on March 29th, 1934, was frequently seen in 1935 from mid-March to April 21st and again in September up to the 13th but not since.'

Accepted locally for Cambridgeshire (Bircham 1989: 145).

9). 1935 Isle of Man Near Langness, seen, 27th October.

(H. W. Madoc, British Birds 29: 218-219; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History H. W. Madoc (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. pp. 218-219, says: 'On October 27th, 1935, I was at a pool near Langness on the south coast of the Isle of Man, and it was then, and had been, blowing a gale from the W.S.W. I was accompanied by two good observers and we all had binoculars. Not ten yards from us, on the edge of the pool, was a bird which I made out to be a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes).

The range was so short that we could see the details very well, and the bird rose and subsequently settled near some Common Redshanks, which made comparison with them easy. The bill was all dark, hardly as long as that of the Redshank and very slightly bent upwards. The legs were yellow and had a golden appearance unlike the yellowish legs of an immature Redshank. The bird was also longer in the leg and stood roughly half an inch higher than the Redshanks. The upper-parts were generally of a grey-brown with here and there a white tick mark. The upper-breast was slightly streaked with brown and so was the rump. I may add: that the breast was not so streaked in this specimen as the Yellowshank I saw at Cambridge on April 13th, 1934.

In flight the bird showed no white in the wing which appeared all grey, nor did one notice white on the rump, so that it had a very different appearance from the Redshank when in flight, and also on coming down when it raised its wings. The under-wing had a suggestion of brown, not so white as a Redshank. I also noticed that in flight the legs showed beyond the tail, which is not so with the Redshank. The bird's movements were graceful, not so jerky as in a Redshank, and it had a slender appearance.'

10). 1936 Isle of Man Langness, 2nd May.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) say: 'H. M. Rogers reported another on Langness on 2nd May 1936.'

11). 1936 Isle of Man Langness, 19th to 25th July.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) stated that Madoc had also seen one at Langness from 19th to 25th July 1936.

12). 1936 Cornwall Marazion, seen, 17th September to 19th November.

(B. H. Ryves, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1936: 36; R. G. Walmsley, British Birds 31: 272-273; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves (1936) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. VI. p. 36, says: 'Yellowshank. On September 17, on the Marazion Marsh, a bird was seen and taken for a Spotted Redshank. Later, when the Common Redshanks arrived, it was found that it was smaller than they, and its legs were very yellow with no trace of orange. It was there from September 17 to 30, October 12 to November 2, and again on November 19. In the intervals, neither Dr. Walmsley nor myself got any glimpse of it and we thought each time that it had left for good. H.M.Q.

A bird appeared at Marazion Marsh on September 17, and was frequently under close observation between that date and October 11. My first identification was an immature Spotted Redshank, for its mantle was covered with whitish spots, and it resembled a Common Redshank except for its dark secondaries and unusual tameness. However, when a Common Redshank settled beside it, the common bird was definitely larger. Its legs were of a pronounced yellow tint. R.G.W.'

R. G. Walmsley (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 272-273, says: 'I feel that an apology is needed in recording the presence of a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes) at Marazion a year after its appearance. But the fact that another American wader as above recorded has been at Marazion this autumn gives an added interest to the visit of the Yellowshank, and seems to justify its tardy notification.

On September 17th, 1936, I found a bird upon Marazion Marsh that I took at first to be a young Spotted Redshank. Its legs were deep yellow, and long; the bird was obviously a shank, and it had the Redshank's mannerisms in regard to jerking the head and shoulders; it had a white rump, like the Common Redshank's, but its secondaries were of dark grey. I was surprised to find that it allowed me to walk right up to it; curiously enough, although it "jerked" violently at me, it did not otherwise seem to be in the least nervous, and it was only with difficulty that it could be induced to fly; when it did so, it uttered a call which I, being deaf, only just heard, but I have a record that it was of four notes, and of a lower pitch than the Common Redshank's. I saw the bird almost daily up till October 11th. Apart from its very atypical behaviour, my suspicions as to its identity were first aroused when I saw the bird in the company of a Common Redshank, and noticed that it was very definitely the smaller, and later with plenty of Common Redshanks for comparison, this was confirmed.

A description of other points is as follows: Bill: about 1¼ times the length of the head - quite straight and uniformly black. Legs: deep yellow, and proportionately of the same length as a Redshank's. Head, neck and upper breast, dark grey, with stippling: dark longitudinal streaks were noted on the neck and breast. Dark line passing through eye; pale superciliary streak. Lower breast and belly white. Back and wings greyish brown, sprinkled with some irregular white blotches. Tail showed distinct barring, and appeared darker in the centre than at the sides. Upper tail-coverts not noticed to be different from a Common Redshank's. The flight was fairly strong and erratic, but the bird was not easily flushed. The bird as a rule kept to itself, standing feeding upon the grass bank at the edge of the water. It had a slim figure and its carriage was fairly upright. Mr. A. W. H. Harvey, who has considerable knowledge of the birds of this district, came to the conclusion that the bird was a Yellowshank, and personally I have no doubt whatever that it was.

As I have already written, the combination of the shank's nervous jerking and dipping with the inordinate tameness and indifference to human observers was very singular.'

Ryves (1948: 233) says: 'One from 17th September to 11th October, 1936 at Marazion Marsh and recorded by the late Dr. Walmsley. This was the second record for Cornwall published in The Handbook, the other was 12th September, 1871, at the same place.'

13). 1938 Suffolk River Deben, Waldringfield, shot, 1st September.

(C. Chevallier, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 4: 92; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Clement Chevallier of Rushmere, Ipswich (1938) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 92, says: When shooting the salterns near Waldringfield on the Deben on 1 September last, I shot a Yellow-shank (T. flavipes). Its flight and appearance were much like those of a Red-shank, for which Bird I mistook it for. When I picked it up, however, its plumage, bright lemon coloured legs, and shorter bill, left no doubt as to its identity.

According to Jack's British Bird Book of 1913, this is an American species, and, at that date, had been recorded only three times in this country: In Notts., Cornwall and Fair Island [between Orkney and Shetland]. It would be interesting to know if T. flavipes had been noticed elsewhere with us during the past seventeen year [et postes: besides that seen in east Kent by T. C. Gregory of Deal on 19 Sept. 1934].

Omitted by Payn (1962; 1978, 2nd ed.) but accepted later (Piotrowski 2003).

14). 1943 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, 12th to 28th September.

(B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1944: 46; Eds., British Birds 38: 358; Penhallurick, 1969; Penhallurick, 1978; Robinson, 2003).

History B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1944) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 46, say: 'The following records of very exceptional interest come from Major Dorrien Smith: - Yellowshank. One seen on September 12th, 1943, and still present on 28th. These three American waders were seen also, on September 16th, 1943, by Fl./Lieut. G. H. E. Young, R.A.F., and Sergt. Garrison, U.S.A. I might mention here that waders were more in evidence in September, 1943, than for some years.'

In an Editorial (1944-45) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 358, they appear to accept this record in a Review of the Annual Report.

Robinson (2003) stated that it was not identified to species level as it was reported as a Yellowshank, but in Witherby (1920-24) Yellowshank was the name for Lesser Yellowlegs as the other species was known as Greater Yellowshank.

Penhallurick (1978: 427) under 'Supplement' lists another record for 1944 from the Abbey Records - which is possibly a mistake for 1943!

Comment Also seen on the 12th was a Pectoral Sandpiper and Dowitcher sp., presumably all on Tresco. Robinson has got this species mixed up: a Yellowshank was how the Lesser Yellowlegs was known with Greater Yellowlegs known as Greater Yellowshank; so it was identified to species level.

15). 1946 Devon Taw Estuary, near Fremington, 8th January to 13th February.

(A. V. Cornish, H. J. Craske, B. J. B. O'Dogherty, E. W. Hendy and H. S. Joyce, British Birds 39: 346; M. Brooks-King et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1946: 52-54; Moore, 1969).

History A. V. Cornish, H. J. Craske, B. J. B. O'Dogherty, E. W. Hendy and H. S. Joyce, (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 346, say: 'A Yellowshank Tringa flavipes was first seen on a Devon creek by Capt. E. L. Shewell on January 8th, 1946. It was subsequently watched by him and by A. V. Cornish, H. J. Craske, B. J. B. O'Dogherty, E. W. Hendy and H. S. Joyce, members of the Devon Bird-Watching & Preservation Society, on several occasions and for some hours. Capt. Shewell saw it last on February 10th and E. W. Hendy on February 13th.

The following is a description collated from the notes of these observers: - Head and neck greyish; mantle, in good light, silvery-grey, in bad light darker, with white speckles; upper tail-coverts white, with dark bars, eyestripe white; throat and upper breast white with slight grey streaks almost forming a gorget as in juvenile female in plate 118, Vol. IV. of The Handbook; flanks and underparts white: axillaries white, with slight dark markings; wings greyish-brown, speckled white; no white wing-bar; legs bright yellow in good light, slightly longer than a Redshank's Tringa totanus; bill dark, slightly upcurved; call note on rising "tu-tu" or "teuk-teuk", similar in pitch to a Redshank's, but much softer in tone. When first seen by Capt. Shewell it was near a Redshank, and he at once noticed the yellow, not orange legs, greyer upper-parts and slenderer build. The same characteristics were noted by the other observers.

Among a flock of Redshanks the Yellowshank could be picked out at once even at a distance, without field-glasses and in a dull light, by its slimmer appearance and greyer upper-parts; it seemed altogether more graceful than and not so restless as a Redshank. It was sometimes chased by Redshanks. It usually kept to a small and clearly defined territory: it was quite tame and allowed observers to approach within fifteen yards. On very close approach it bobbed like a Redshank.'

M. Brooks-King et al. (1946) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIX. pp. 52-54, quote the same as above, while Moore (1969) adds: '...Taw Estuary, near Fremington.'

16). 1947 Sussex Chichester Gravel-pits, seen, 15th August.

(I. J. Ferguson-Lees & J. A. Smith, British Birds 41: 156; Shrubb, 1979).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees & J. A. Smith (1948) in British Birds 41: 156, say: 'On August 15th, 1947, we found a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes) on a gravel-pit near Chichester, Sussex, five miles from the nearest coast. Our attention was first drawn to the bird by a very excited double "tewk" of the same type as a Greenshank's (Tringa nebularia) but on rather a higher note and not altogether so forceful. The bird was flushed and seemed disinclined to pitch again, but did so for a short while, calling the double note excitedly all the time. The following points were particularly noted at the time.

Bill dark, slender and about the same length as that of a Redshank (Tringa totanus). Legs and feet of deep yellow hue, much more intensely coloured than those of an immature Redshank; long and slender and possibly just projecting beyond the tail. Sides of face lightish with darker streaks; fairly prominent eye-stripe. Wings uniformly dark; in flight appearing unrelieved by any paler shade. Back and upper rump dark, but much spotted by lighter markings, which reminded us of the back of a Wood-Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Lower rump and tail appeared almost pure white, but with a slight greyish tinge. Under-parts pure white. In flight it had very much the "cut" of a Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus), but with the differences remarked above. This would appear to be the third recorded Yellowshank in Sussex.'

1950-57 RECORDS

17). 1950 Lothian Aberlady Bay, 13th May.

(D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 43: 406; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Thom, 1986).

History D. I. M. Wallace (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 406, says: 'At about 17.30 on May 13th, 1950, in the course of a walk down the Gullane side of Aberlady Bay, a wader, somewhat like a small Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), was flushed and kept under observation for about ten minutes. A detailed examination through a x 37 telescope, at distances ranging from 35 to 70 yards, showed that the bird was a little smaller than a Redshank (Tringa totanus), which was feeding not far away, and considerably bigger than a Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), determining the length at about 9-10 inches. The back, coloured a dark greenish-grey and strongly chequered with black and lighter markings, contrasted strongly with the belly and under tail-coverts, which, like the flanks, were pure white. The neck and breast were greyish and streaked with darker flecks. The head had a dark crown and a dark stripe through the eye, with a lighter coloured stripe over the eye, and whitish cheeks and chin. The bill was straight and shorter than a Redshank's, the dark colour intensifying to the tip. The legs were yellow.

In flight, a white rump showed - this contrasted with the dark wings and less dark tail, forming an impression, reminiscent of the Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus). There was no trace of a wing bar on the upper side of the wing, but on the under side there was a darkish bar around the position of the secondary coverts. The bird's long legs gave it a rapid and graceful gait, the body being held very erect. Its flight was slower and more buoyant than that of the Redshank; whilst in flight, the long legs and tapering wings gave a false impression of the actual size of the bird. No call-notes were heard at all.

On consulting The Handbook, my companions, J. G. B. Gibson and H. G. Frew, and I concluded that the bird was a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes). As there were no dark markings on the flanks, and the tail was not distinctly barred, the bird must have been a juvenile. From April 21st to April 24th, there were strong North-westerly gales so perhaps the bird was windblown at this time.'

[Mr. Wallace has sent a sketch of the bird, which confirms the identification. - Eds.]

18). 1950 Cambridgeshire Peterborough Sewage-farm, Huntingdonshire, 16th May.

(J. W. Parker, British Birds 43: 405-406; Bircham, 1989).

History J. W. Parker (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 405-406, says: 'On the evening of May 16th, 1950, at 19.30 I watched an unusual wader on Peterborough sewage farm which is just in Cambridgeshire. I have seen Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) and heard it call. This bird was not a Wood-Sandpiper; it was larger and the call different. I believe it was a Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes), and my friends of the Cambridge Bird Club, who are sharing the watch on this farm with me this year, are prepared to agree.

My attention was first attracted to the bird by its calling, which was frequent, almost continuous, and belonging to a bird closely related to the Redshank (Tringa totanus). It was usually trisyllabic. I wrote it down as " tew tew tew". Sometimes there were four notes, and when finally flushed it called repeatedly. - i.e. it was polysyllabic. Several times after the three "tew" notes it yodelled - "trooli trooli trooli trooli", etc. The "tew" notes were less musical and liquid than those of the Redshank and they and the yodelling were definitely less loud. The "tew" notes reminded me of the call of the Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) as they might sound when uttered by a smaller bird with a less powerful voice, and I thought they were higher in pitch. I had the sun almost directly behind me and picked the bird up in my binoculars (x 8) and subsequently observed it through my telescope (x 40) at a distance of about 50 yards.

It was standing on exposed mud in a rather hunched attitude, and when calling seemed to hold its head a little lower than the shoulders. It had long yellow or clay-coloured legs, longer, compared with the size of the bird, than those of a Redshank. It seemed shorter in the body than a Redshank and rather smaller in size. Its underparts were white except for a dark ashy region on the sides of the breast which seemed to grow less towards the front of the breast. The chin was white and the bill blackish and slender, apparently straight and seemingly rather shorter than that of a Redshank. The head was smallish and rounded, with a high forehead. There was a dark streak through the eye, contrasting with the white chin and white superciliary stripe. The white over the eye extended to the upper mandible. The forehead, crown, nape and mantle were ashy brown and the wings and back freely spotted with small elongated whitish markings.

In flight the wings showed no bar. They appeared uniform, and the back was ash brown, narrowing on the rump to a centre band of the same colour, contrasting with the white of the flanks. The tail appeared white and the feet protruded well beyond it. The flight resembled that of a Redshank though the bird was smaller. It first flew about 100 yards where I could not see it, and soon resumed its calling from the new position. I flushed it again and it flew right away calling "tew, tew, tew" repeatedly. It gained height and was joined high in the sky by 10 smaller waders, probably Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and the whole party performed aerial evolutions, with the stranger usually on the outside, and frequently separating itself from the rest. I last saw it fly in the opposite direction from the others and they all quite suddenly disappeared.'

19). 1950 Essex Abberton Reservoir, 15th July.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 23; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History G. A. Pyman (1951) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 23, says: 'Abberton R.: one described as being noticeably slimmer than Redshanks nearby as well as possessing speckled upper parts and nervous tendencies. The yellow legs finally established its identity. This rare wanderer from America had only once previously been encountered in Essex (Glegg: Birds of Essex, 1929, p. 234)...'

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

20). 1950 Suffolk Minsmere, 26th to 28th August.

(Bird Protection 1950: 19; P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1950: 28; G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 23; Payn, 1978).

History P. R. Westall (1950) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 28, says: 'At Minsmere, on the afternoon (about 4.15 p.m.) of Saturday, Aug., 26, 1950, W. Robinson and I. Houston were watching a group of waders on one of the shallow lagoons. The weather was warm, sunny with some cloud and a fresh S.W. to W. wind was blowing. A very pale-plumaged bird attracted attention and for over 1¾ hours was closely watched.

The general impression was of a bird paler than even than a Greenshank in winter plumage and somewhat like that bird in build. Its size, relative to other waders, could be accurately gauged, as for some time it was standing close beside a Redshank (Tringa totanus britannica) and a Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochrupus). The bird's size was seen to be intermediate between these two birds. At a distance, a conspicuous feature was the bright yellow colour of the relatively longish legs. This feature was striking at close distance.

The bird was watched through field glasses, 8 x 30 and 7 x 50, at distances down to 35 yards, and the following description was confirmed by Brigadier H. M. Stanford, William Stanford and J. G. Marshall, who also watched the bird

Upper parts - back: mottled and spotted grey-brown. Tail: appeared white in flight, though not so conspicuous as, for example, A Greenshank. Head: whitish superciliary strip (not conspicuous). Cheek: greyish-white. Chin: white. Eye: dark. Bill: somewhat shorter and more slender than Redshank and giving impression of being slightly upturned. Underparts - Breast: suffused greyish-brown, slightly streaked; rest of underparts pure white. Legs: relatively long and of a bright yellow; in flight seen to project a little beyond tail. Voice: when flushed the call a double "Tew-tew", closely resembling a Greenshank's note, though somewhat weaker in volume.

The bird was watched for long periods by Robinson and Houston on the following day, the 27th, and by Robinson on the 28th, when it was found possible to approach within 20 yards. All above details of plumage were fully confirmed. After a stay of three days the bird was not seen again. All five observers are confident that they were watching a Yellowshank (R.S.P.B.).'

G. A. Pyman (1951) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 23, says: '...but it is interesting to note that one was recorded from Minsmere level, Suffolk, from August 26th-28th, 1950 (Bird Protection, 1950, p. 19).'

21). 1951 Argyll Loch Creran, 3rd March.

(Eds., British Birds 46: 34-35; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 101; Thom, 1986).

History In an Editorial (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. pp. 34-35, they say: 'In an Editorial summary of some 1950 records of Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) beneath a note entitled "Yellowshank in Cheshire" (antea, Vol. XLV. pp. 332-333), very brief mention was made of a bird seen in Argyllshire by Mr. A. J. Bruce.

Unfortunately, however, the date and locality were wrongly quoted. The correct details are as follows: On March 3rd, 1951, Mr. Bruce came across an unfamiliar wader on the northern shore of Loch Creran, Argyllshire, and in spite of its extreme wariness at first he was able, during a period of more than an hour, eventually to obtain views down to about 15 yards.

His detailed description of appearance and behaviour confirm his identification of it as a Lesser Yellowlegs, apparently only the third record for Scotland. The bird was "of the same order of size as a Redshank (T. totanus)...and its very graceful build and long legs were the first features to be noticed"; the bill was fine and dark, and possibly very slightly upturned. The head and sides of the breast were light grey, and the wings and back a dark grey-brown. The front of the neck, the belly and the flanks were a clear white. The legs were yellow and in flight protruded well beyond the tail. In flight it showed a uniform dark grey-grown upper surface to the wing; the lower surface also appeared to be rather dark, but not as dark as in the Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus), of which this bird was reminiscent. When it was flushed the rump, tail-coverts and tail gave the impression of being quite white, but on occasion darker central tail-feathers were noticed and the posterior tail-coverts appeared darker as a transverse bar.

Mr. Bruce adds: "The only feature in which the bird as seen was found to differ from The Handbook descriptions is in the statement in the Supplementary Additions and Corrections that the white of the upper tail-coverts is not prolonged up between the wings as a wedge. I definitely received the impression of its doing so to a certain extent. I have however since examined a number of skins and I find that the upper border of the white is very variable and in many cases there is no definite transverse line of demarcation".

In spite of being flushed many times it did not leave the bay where it was first found (on a sandy shore strewn with small rocks and weed) and it was still there when the observers left. It fed on the sand and at the water's edge, sometimes wading in the shallows. It picked its food from the sand or weeds and did not probe, occasionally making sudden rushes and snapping its bill.'

22). 1951 Cheshire & Wirral/Greater Manchester Altrincham Sewage-farm, Cheshire, juvenile female, 8th to 9th September when it died, photo, now at Manchester Museum.

(E. L. Arnold, British Birds 45: 332-333, plate 72; L. P. Samuels & T. H. Bell, Cheshire Bird Report 1957-60: 52; Hedley Bell, 1962; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116; Conlin & Williams, 2017).

History E. L. Arnold (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 332-333, says: 'A Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes) was present at Altrincham Sewage Farm, Cheshire, on September 8th and 9th, 1951, and was watched by many observers. It was easily approached when first seen and flew only short distances, without making any call. Although conditions were quite suitable for the various other waders on the tank, the Yellowshank never attempted to feed at any time whilst under observation. On the second day it became increasingly lethargic and eventually died shortly after allowing itself to be picked up by Mr. C. A. Milner. The bird was given to the Manchester Museum for preservation and was found to be a juvenile female. The species has not previously been recorded in Cheshire.'

[We take this opportunity to refer briefly and belatedly to three records of Yellowshanks seen in 1950, in which year American waders were more numerous than usual in Britain. One was seen at Abberton reservoir, Essex, on July 15th (W. B. Alexander and Dr. E. A. R. Ennion); one at Minsmere, Suffolk, August 26th-28th (W. Robinson, I. Houston, J. G. Marshall, Brigadier H. M. Stanford and William Stanford); and one on the northern shore of Loch Crinan, Argyllshire, on November 3rd (A. J. Bruce). - Eds.]

23). 1952 Cornwall Par Beach, 14th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 29; Eds., British Birds 47: 94; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 29, say: 'On September 14th, I got to within 30 yards of a bird on Par Beach and, with X6 glasses, I got the following notes on plumage: - Head, heavily striated, with a distinct whitish stripe above the eye; the back of the neck was also heavily marked with dark brown. The front of the neck and all other underparts were pure white. The back and wings were a ground colour of grey-brown heavily marbled with dark brown; there was a more red-brown tinge on the wing coverts. At rest, the primaries appeared black. The bill was straight, Redshank length and blackish; the legs and feet were a clear yellow. In flight the bird appeared very dark above and very white below. A clear white rump and tail showed and there was no sign of a wingbar. It flew of its own accord after I had been watching it for about ten minutes, and it called a number of times a loud, clear "chew-ee". In flight it reminded me of a rather small, dark Greenshank. In size I thought it was about Redshank size, but, if anything, smaller. It looked a slim bird. When feeding it moved slowly and deliberately. It did not wade very deeply. When it flew, it made off fairly high in a south-westerly direction. R. Curber and P. J. Dare, of the Devon Society, visited the beach the following day, but saw nothing of the bird. (P.F.G.).'

In an Editorial (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 94, of the above report they say: 'There is a better description of a bird accepted by the Editors as a Lesser Yellowlegs seen on September 14th on Par Beach by a single observer at close range.'

24). 1953 Kent Cheyne Court, Walland Marsh, two, 19th April.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 20; Eds., British Birds 48: 363; D. W. Taylor, Kent Bird Report 1970: 47; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. p. 20, says: 'Two at Cheyne Court, Walland Marsh, on April I9 (W.G.F., R.C.). Full details and sketch have been received. Following points are taken from the notes of W.G.F. In flight: completely uniform "rabbity" colouring of back and wings with no trace of pattern; conspicuous white patch on upper tail coverts not extending up back and most conspicuous lemon yellow legs; head and neck darkish. On ground: size of Redshank though somewhat more slender; back and wings beautifully mottled with deep purplish brown showing a margin of white round dark markings; thin darkish bill about same length as Redshank's and very long and conspicuous lemon yellow legs. This appears to be the second record for the county.'

D. W. Taylor (1970) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. XIX. p. 47, omits this record in the list of all Kent records, but then in Birds of Kent (1981: 185) it is acceptable.

26). 1953 Fair Isle Field Pond, 31st May.

(G. Waterston, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (11): 21-22; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 101; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 423; Eds., British Birds 48: 363; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991).

History G. Waterston (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (XI). pp. 21-22, says: 'On the afternoon of May 31st Dr. J. F. Monk spotted this wader feeding at a pool of water beside the road at Field. It was extremely tame and fed quite happily within a couple of yards of the observers - Dr. and Mr. Monk, Miss Mary Henderson, Miss Irene Kinnear, and the writer.

When G.W. arrived the wader flew straight towards him with staccato, flicking wing-beats and alighted at some shallow casual water. The first detail noted was the yellow legs. The bird stalked delicately along, holding neck and head very high and upright. It then took flight and towered high, rather like a Green Sandpiper. I noticed that the rump was light in colour in relation to the rest of the bird and that there were bars across the tail-feathers, the tips of which were quite dark. The bird climbed and uttered a quiet "toodle-oodle" note as it glided on bowed wings before flighting out: it did this two or three times. Eventually it plummeted to the pool where it was originally seen and allowed us all to observe it at very close quarters. t was remarkably tame.

In size it appeared to be about that of a small Reeve and the beautiful marbled patterning on the back was very like a Reeve. The head was noticeably streaked, the streaks continuing down the nape and merging with the mantle patterning; this was of black and buff and brown, and had no traces of red or rust. There appeared to be a darker streak running through the eye. The breast was also finely streaked, and these streaks appeared to me to end somewhat abruptly, as in the Pectoral Sandpiper. The edges of the folded wings were brown and the flanks and belly white. The bill was long and slender and straight and appeared slightly olive-green at the base. The eye was brown. The bird occasionally bobbed its tail like a Sandpiper but I did not observe it bobbing its head like a Redshank. Viewed at such close quarters, it was difficult to get a true idea of its comparative size.

From what I could remember of the occasion when I saw a Pectoral Sandpiper at Aberlady this bird was rather slimmer, especially in the pectinations on the breast. This bird, however, was slimmer and appeared to be longer in the leg; moreover, there was no vestige of reddish or rust-colour and white streaking on the mantle as in Pectoral Sandpiper. On my return to Edinburgh I carefully examined skins of Lesser Yellowshank Tringa flavipes in the Royal Scottish Museum, and there is no doubt that this is the species we saw on May 31st. There is one previous record for the island, on September 24th, 1910.'

Comment Dr. Monk was one of the finders of the rejected Greater Yellowlegs in the same year!

27.0). 1953 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 30th August to 5th September and 9th December; also in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

(F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1953: 19; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007).

History F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley (1953) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVIII. p. 19, say: 'Two in the Staines-Perry Oaks district were the first and second records for Middlesex and the London area. On Aug. 30 one was seen at Perry Oaks S.F., and was recorded daily up to Sept. 5. The following day it had left, but was found at Ham Fields S.F., Berks, about four miles west, and just outside the London area. (See Middle Thames Naturalist, 6, p. 20.) This bird stayed at Ham Fields for a considerable time, but was seen at Staines Moor on five dates in September and October, returned to Perry Oaks on nine dates in September, October, and November, and was last seen there on Dec. 9....Field notes have been received in respect of both birds, which were seen by many observers.'

27.1). 1953 Berkshire Ham Fields Sewage-farm, Old Windsor, 6th September to 22nd November; same, Langley Sewage-farm, 21st November; also five occasions at Staines Moor and nine occasions at Perry Oaks, (Middlesex), Greater London/Surrey.

(M. E. Solomon, Middle Thames Naturalist 6: 20; F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1953: 19; Eds., British Birds 48: 363; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

In an Editorial (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 364, they say: '...Details of the Yellowlegs in 1953 and 1954 have not previously appeared in British Birds and a summary of these is set out below. In every case the birds concerned were seen on the ground and in flight and full supporting details have been submitted to us. In some instances the description has appeared in the relevant county report, to which a reference is then given.

Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckingham. - On 30th August one was seen at Perry Oaks, Middlesex, and it was recorded there daily until 5th September. On 6th September what was considered to be the same bird appeared at Ham Fields Sewage Farm, Berkshire, some four miles to the west. It stayed at Ham Fields for most of the following eleven weeks, but during this time it was seen on five occasions at Staines Moor and on nine occasions at Perry Oaks. It was last seen at Ham Fields on 22nd November and at Perry Oaks on 9th December (F. H. Jones, C. M. Veysey and many other observers). On 21st November what was probably the same bird was recorded at Langley Sewage Farm, Buckinghamshire, which lies a little north of a direct line between Ham and Perry Oaks (C. T. McCall). On 25th and 26th September a second bird was seen at Perry Oaks and at dusk on the 26th it settled on the causeway of Staines Reservoir, after which it was not seen again. Apart from the fact that it differed in plumage, it was observed at the same time as the other was being watched at Ham Fields (F. H. Jones, C. M. Veysey et al.). (For fuller details of both birds see London Bird Report, 1953, p. 19, and Middle Thames Naturalist, 1953, p. 20).'

28). 1953 Cheshire & Wirral Frodsham, 7th to 14th September.

(Eds., British Birds 48: 364; L. P. Samuels & T. H. Bell, Cheshire Bird Report 1957-60: 52; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History In an Editorial (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 364, they say: '...Details of the Yellowlegs in 1953 and 1954 have not previously appeared in British Birds and a summary of these is set out below. In every case the birds concerned were seen on the ground and in flight and full supporting details have been submitted to us. In some instances the description has appeared in the relevant county report, to which a reference is then given.

Cheshire. - On 7th September one was seen at Frodsham Marsh, where it remained at least until the 14th. (Birkenhead Sch. N.H.S. Journ., 1953, p. 9, and Merseyside Nat. Ass. Report, 1953-54, p. 13).'

[On 26th September what was probably a bird of this species was seen at Leasowe (W. T. C. Rankin et al.). (Birkenhead Sch. N.H.S. Journ., 1953, pp. 9-10).]

29). 1953 Gower Oxwich Marsh, 8th to 15th September, photo.

(G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1952-53: 37; Eds., British Birds 48: 364, plate 52; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Hurford & Lansdown, 1995).

History G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon (1952-53) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXII. p. 37, say: 'Mr. G. R. Shannon, Hon. Secretary, Kent Ornithological Society, has kindly sent us details of a Lesser Yellowshank, as it was more usually called in this country, seen by him at Oxwich Bay on September 11-12th, 1953. Several other records of this American wader have been made in Britain during this autumn. This is the first recorded in the county.'

Glamorgan. - On 11th-12th September one was identified at Oxwich Bay, Gower (G. R. Shannon); where it was also seen and photographed on the 13th by C. Stockton (plate 52).'

Hurford & Lansdown (1995) state the period of occurrence as from 8th to 15th September.

30). 1953 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, Tring, 18th to 23rd September.

(Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

Hertfordshire. - During 18th-23rd September one was seen at Wilstone Reservoir, Tring (Mrs. J. B. Cowdy, H. H. S. Hayward).'

31). 1953 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 25th to 26th September; same, Staines Reservoir, 26th September.

(Middle Thames Naturalist 6: 20; F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1953: 19; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007).

History F. H. Jones & N. J. P. Wadley (1953) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVIII. p. 19, say: '...On Sept. 25 and 26 a second bird was seen at Perry Oaks, and at dusk on the 26th it flew in and settled on the causeway of Staines Reservoir; it was not seen subsequently. It could be recognised by certain plumage differences from the first bird: the crown and back were darker; the breast more heavily streaked; and in flight the uppersides of the wings were uniformly dark, lacking the slight contrast between the primaries and the rest of the wing which was noticeable in the first bird; further it nearly always used a call of six or seven syllables instead of the one or two normally used by the first. On Sept. 26 the second was under observation at Perry Oaks while the first was being watched at Ham Fields. Field notes have been received in respect of both birds, which were seen by many observers.'

32). 1953 Hampshire Between Keyhaven and Pennington, 29th September and 2nd October.

(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1953 (18): 354; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993; Clark, 2022).

Hampshire. - On 29th September one was recorded on the marshes by the sea-wall between Keyhaven and Pennington (R. E. Sharland). (Hants. Field Club Report, 1953, XVIII. pt. 3, p. 354).'

33). 1954 Hampshire Keyhaven Marshes, 29th August.

(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1954: 211; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History E. Cohen (1955) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 211, under Additions to the 1954 Report, says: 'One at Keyhaven on August 29th (G.K.) has been accepted for publication in British Birds.'

Hampshire. - On 29th August one was watched at Keyhaven Marshes, just inside the sea-wall; flew off over Solent towards Yarmouth, Isle of Wight (G. Kinsey).'

34). 1954 Cornwall Camel Estuary, Trewornan, 4th to 12th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1954: 23; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1954) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 23, say: 'On the Camel Estuary on September 9th and 12th. F.E.C., H.P.O.C. and H.R.K. with T.J.W.'

Cornwall. - 4th September one was identified on the Camel estuary below Trewornan and it remained there until at least the 12th (P. R. C. Ellis, T. J. Willocks et al.).'

35). 1954 Devon River Clyst, Topsham, 11th, 12th and 18th September.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 24-25; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird Watching Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 24, says: 'Topsham, Sept. 11 to 18, one seen several times on R. Clyst, first on Sept. 11 by R.F.M., on Sept. 12 by R.F.M., F.R.S., A.V.S. and R.G.A. and last seen on Sept. 18 by F.R.S. when it flew north out of sight up the R. Clyst. The bird was about the size of a Redshank but more slender and graceful in shape, after the manner of a Wood Sandpiper but with long yellow legs; in size it was larger than a Wood Sandpiper which was seen nearby on several occasions; the head and neck were grey-brown with darker streaks and there was a distinct pale eye-stripe; the bill was similar in length to that of a Redshank but slender, the back and wings were brown, freely spotted with lighter colour, the upper breast was suffused with grey-brown, rest of underparts white, tail coverts white and tail mainly white with some brown barrings; in flight the white rump area was seen to be rectangular; note a double "tewk-tewk" similar but not as loud as a Greenshank's.'

Devon. - On 11th, 12th and 18th September one was seen by the River Clyst at Topsham (R. F. Moore, F. R. and A. V. Smith, R. G. Adams). (Report of Devon Bird-watching Society, 1954, p. 24).'

36). 1954 Sussex Sidlesham Ferry, 13th September.

(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1954: 14; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Shrubb, 1979).

History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1954) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 14, say: 'One September 13th M.G. saw one at Sidlesham Ferry. Details will appear in Brit. B.'

Sussex. - On 13th September one was noted at Pagham Harbour, near Sidlesham (Michael E. Gore).'

37). 1954 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 20th to 28th September, photo.

(Eds., British Birds 48: 364, plates 11 & 12; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History In an Editorial (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 364, they say: 'During 20th-28th September one was seen by many people at Farlington Marshes (C. J. Henty, G. H. Rees, C. R. Tubbs et al.); photographed by G. des Forges and C. W. G. Paulson (antea, plates 11 and 12).'

38). 1954 Cornwall/Devon Ernesettle, Plymouth, 24th to 30th September, different to the other Devon individual.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 24-25; B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1954: 23; Eds., British Birds 48: 364; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. pp. 24-25, says: 'Plymouth, Sept. 24, one first seen on Ernesettle Marsh by P.J.D., slim build, like a large Wood Sandpiper, with long yellowish legs, black bill with pale yellowish horn base perhaps slightly longer than a Redshank's, legs much longer in proportion than those of a Redshank; head, nape, and crown grey-brown finely striated with darker brown; pale area between base of bill and crown extending across forehead; underparts, throat and breast lightly striated with pale grey-brown terminating in a defined bib; flanks and undertail white, upperparts, mantle and back, dark grey-brown with slight striations, a few light edgings, wings markedly spotted with light colour; tips of wing extended beyond tail which was barred brown at tip; flight light and easy, rump and tail white.

The most frequent note was "tlee-chu" resembling a Greenshank's but less strident, several times a triple note, occasionally four and once five syllables. Legs in flight extended well beyond tail. The bird was seen on Sept. 25 by P.F.G. and O.D.H. and subsequently by F.C., J.R.F.C., G.M.S. and others; a colour film was taken by H.G.H. Last seen Sept. 30 by R. Gould (P.J.D.). It should be noted that the breast markings of these two birds were completely different and that the records are not of the same bird in two different places.'

B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1954) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 23, say: 'At Kingswell Lake, River Tamar, on several occasions between September 24th and 27th, the bird recorded at Ernesettle Marsh, Plymouth, was seen to cross the river to the Cornish side for short visits. P.J.D.'

Devon. - From 24th to 30th September one was watched daily on Ernesettle Marsh, Plymouth (P. J. Dare, F. and J. R. F. Cooper, P. F. Goodfellow, O. D. Hunt, H. G. Hurrell et al.)? It should be added that on the basis of completely different breast markings, it was decided that the two Devon birds were different individuals. (Report of Devon Bird-watching Society, 1954, pp. 24-25).'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1858 Yorkshire Near Tadcaster, obtained, October.

(D. Graham, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 8: 291; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).

[Yarrell, 1882-84; Seebohm, 1883-85; E. R. Waite, Naturalist 17: 107; G. C. Low, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 53: 239; Mather, 1986; T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237].

History David Graham of York (1858) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 291, dated 17th October, 1858, says: 'The following rare birds are in my possession for preservation: - A fine specimen of the Yellowshank (Totanus flavipes), shot near Tadcaster, by N. B. Thompson, Esq.: it differs a little from the description in Morris's British Birds the length being ten inches and a half, weight three ounces, wings, when extended, twenty inches: it is a female, and in fine plumage.'

Accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 77).

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 481, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Another example was stated by Graham of York (Naturalist, 1858, p. 291), without a particle of substantiating evidence, to have been obtained near Tadcaster; but a second genuine specimen...' While Seebohm (1885) Vol. III. p. 136, says: 'The second record of the occurrence of this species in the British Islands is still less satisfactory, resting solely on the authority of a York birdstuffer (Graham, Naturalist, 1858, p. 291), who merely stated that a fine female of the Yellowshank, shot near Tadcaster by a Mr. N. B. Thompson, was then (17th of Oct. 1858) in his shop in the flesh waiting to be skinned.'

E. R. Waite, Sub-Curator of Leeds Museum (1891) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVII. pp. 107-108, says: '[Yellowshank. In the Handbook of Yorkshire Vertebrata, p. 77, the following appears concerning this bird: - "Tadcaster, one, Oct. 1858 (Milner, Zool., 1858, p. 5958; Graham, Nat. 1858, p. 291)".

Having examined these references, I find that Sir Wm. Milner states the bird was observed at Misson in Yorkshire. This place, although on the border of the two counties, is in reality in Nottinghamshire, so that the bird must not only be included in the present list, but be removed from the Yorkshire list also. With regard to Graham's note, Mr. Howard Saunders, in the 4th edition of Yarrell's British Birds p. 481, writes: - "... another example was stated by Graham of York (Nat., 1858, p. 291) without a particle of substantiating evidence, to have been obtained near Tadcaster". The figure and description given in Yarrell's British Birds were taken from this specimen, which is now in the Leeds Museum.]'

Locally, Nelson (1907) did not mention this record.

G. Carmichael Low, Editor (1933) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. LIII. pp. 239, at the 365th Meeting of the Club held on 14th June 1933 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: '...There have been eight records at least of the occurrence of this American species in the British Isles, and it may be useful for members of the Club to have these in detail. One? obtained: Naturalist, 1858. No substantiating evidence. Yarrell loc. cit.'

Comment Waite placed it in square brackets. Lacks adequate details. David Graham has also been discredited over the "Tadcaster Rarities" fraud (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237). Not acceptable.

0). 1885 Fife Isle of May, found dead, 1st May.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 7: 34).

[Eggeling, 1985].

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1886) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1885, 7th report, p. 34, say: 'Sandpipers, Redshanks. - Spring, only two records of "Sandpipers", six on 7th Feb., 1885, at XXVII.; light S.W., clear; and one "Yellow Shanked Sandpiper" found dead on 1st May at XXVII.'

[We would be glad of wings and feet, or skin, of as many different Sandpipers as Mr. Agnew can send us. Parcels once a month, or with each schedule. The true "Yellow Shanked Sandpiper" is a N. American species, but numbers of other species have yellow feet and legs.]

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

0). 1889 Lincolnshire Cleethorpes, two, immatures, obtained, undated, now at Yorkshire Museum, York.

(Denton, 1995).

[KAN]

History Denton (1995: 96) in his Birds in the Yorkshire Museum, says: 'Two immature birds are housed together and were taken at Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire in 1889.'

Comment Not known to have been recorded in the journals of the day. Two together is fairly suspicious. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Somerset Dunster, shot, February.

(J. Turner, Somersetshire Archaeological & Natural History Society 1913: 96).

[Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988].

History J. Turner (1913) in the Somersetshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, pp. 95-96, says: 'The Annual Meeting was held at Taunton Castle on Junbe 20, 1912, when there was a fair attendance of local ornithologists....Mr. A. F. Luttrell of Dunster Castle has in his collection a specimen of that very rare North American wanderer, the Yellow-shank, shot in February, 1903, on Dunster Beach, by his keeper; and apparently, from the label on the back of the case, the bird was duly identified when set up by a Cardiff naturalist [Mountney].'

Not accepted locally (Somerset Ornithological Society 1988).

0). 1906 Borders Near Hawick, two, shot, late July.

(Scotsman 14th Oct., 1906).

[W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 118].

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 118, says: 'In the Scotsman for 14th October 1906, it is recorded that a pair of these birds was shot near Hawick about the end of July. One of them was fortunately preserved, and was submitted to me some time ago for my opinion as to its identification. I found it to be a young Redshank in first plumage. As no further communication has been made to the press regarding it, I have deemed it desirable to publish this note on the subject.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1908 Wiltshire Winterbourne Stoke, shot, undated.

(E. A. Rawlence, Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Transactions 35: 508).

[Anon., Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Transactions 38: 641-642; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 283].

History E. A. Rawlence (1908) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXXV. p. 508, says: 'This Sandpiper is common in North America, but only a few stragglers have been recorded in England. A specimen, shot by Mr. Carey Coles at Winterbourne Stoke, in 1908, has been preserved by Mr. White, and is now in the possession of Mr. Carey Coles. The bird is not mentioned in Smith's Birds of Wilts., and this appears to be the first record of its appearance in the county.'

Anon. (1914) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 641-642, says: 'In W.A.M. XXXV. 508, Mr. E. A. Rawlence, of Salisbury, reported on the authority of the late Mr. White, taxidermist, of Salisbury, that a specimen of this bird had been shot by Mr. Carey Coles, at Winterbourne Stoke in 1908. As doubts had been expressed as to whether this bird had been correctly named, Mr. Rawlence obtained the loan of the bird from Mr. Carey Coles and took it up to the Natural History Museum at South Kensington for identification. Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant, of the Museum, writes after examining the specimen, "There can be no doubt that it not a specimen of the Yellow Shanks, but is a Common Redshank on which the beak and legs have been wrongly painted yellow. While the glass was off the case I instructed my taxidermist to paint them the proper colour".'

G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 283, under 'Additional Species', says: 'Since the appearance of the Rev. A. C. Smith's Birds of Wiltshire in 1887 many new county records have naturally occurred. I now propose to give the more interesting of those I have collected, some of which have been published before, but many of which are now published for the first time. Perhaps the presentation of these in a collected form may cause other records to be brought to light. Smith records the occurrence of 235 species, but he was too wont - to use his own words - to "give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt"...

A specimen, shot by Mr. Carey Coles at Winterbourne Stoke, in 1908, has been preserved by Mr. White, and is now in the possession of Mr. Carey Coles (W.A. & N.H., XXXV. p. 508). At my request Mr. E. A. Rawlence (who wrote the above note) took this specimen to the British Museum, and on examination by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, it turned out to be an undoubted Redshank.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Camber, immature male and adult female, obtained, 15th August.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 8: 121-122; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay: (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. pp. 121-122, says: 'Two examples of the Yellowshank (Tringa flavipes) were obtained at Camber, Sussex, on August 15th, 1914. I examined them in the flesh on the following morning, when one proved to he an immature male, and the other an adult. female. This is, I believe, the first time that the species has been obtained in the county. It is also curious that these two birds were shot by a young man who was under the impression they were Redshanks; and had he not been successful in obtaining some of the latter he would not have noticed that they were of a different species, so that I should not have had an opportunity of examining them, with the result that this record would never have appeared.'

[Only three previous occurrences are admitted in our Hand-List, viz.: Notts. 1854 (?), Cornwall, Sept. 12th, 1871, Fair Isle, Sept. 24th, 1910. - Eds.]

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 193).

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1918 Gloucestershire Near Cirencester, seen, autumn.

(J. H. Purvis, Field 9th Nov., 1918: 414; J. H. Purvis, Field 28th Nov., 1918: 465).

[Swaine, 1982].

History J. H. Purvis of Calmsden Manor, Cirencester (1918) in The Field of 9th Nov., Vol. CXXXII. p. 414, says: 'Have you any records of the Yellowshank Sandpiper visiting this country? It is possible they may be known along the coast, but I have never heard of one in these parts until now. This one took up its quarters on the flooded meadows near here and remained for about a week. I was able to watch it from a very short distance - ten or fifteen yards - and there could be no mistake about it.'

[There are two species of American Yellowshanks, both of which have been met with at intervals in England. The Greater Yellowshanks (Totanus melanoleucus), which is larger than our Redshank, has been obtained at Tresco, Scilly, in September, 1906, and at Littlestone, Kent in August, 1908. The Lesser Yellowshanks (Totanus flavipes), smaller than our Redshank, has been met with rather oftener, specimens having been procured in Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Cornwall, and on Fair Isle in the Shetlands.

In The Field of Nov. 10, 1906, a very good figure by Mr. Frohawk was drawn from the specimen of the Greater Yellowshank shot at Tresco, Scilly, as above mentioned. We should be glad to know, if possible, to which of the two species belonged the bird seen by our correspondent last month near Cirencester. We may add: that on several occasions so-called "yellowshanks" have been reported to us, which turned out on inspection to be immature examples of the Common Redshank (Totanus calidris). In the young of the species the legs and feet are lemon-yellow; in the adult birds they are orange. - Ed.]

J. H. Purvis (1918) in The Field of 28th Nov., Vol. CXXXII. p. 465, says: 'In reply to your request for further information concerning the bird I saw here, as stated in The Field of Nov. 9, I may say: that it was undoubtedly the Lesser Yellowlegs (Totanus flavipes). I was so close to it on different occasions that I could note every detail. It was smaller than a Redshank - the legs lemon-yellow, and the bill dusky black. It took little notice of my presence, and went on feeding. I may add: that there are no Redshanks or other waders hereabouts - 600 ft. up on the Cotswolds.'

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

0). 1934 Kent Stour Estuary, seen, 19th September.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 70; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

[Eds., British Birds 29: 124].

History R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 70, says: 'One was seen on the marshes near the estuary of the Stour on September 19th. "The bird rose within a few yards from the edge of a marsh pool, seared by the report of my gun as I was flighting duck in the late evening. I at once noticed that it was a wader I had never before seen. Much to my surprise it flew off to a distance of only about 15 yards, alighting on the far edge of the pool, and shortly afterwards it sprang into the air and hovered over the pool with outstretched legs, giving a rather harsh call three times. It has been suggested that this bird was an immature Redshank with pale yellow legs, but the Redshank and its actions, flight and call-notes are well known to me. The flight, actions and call-note of this bird were quite different from those of the Redshank, the legs longer and bright yellow, the head dark with a distinct white streak on the lores, the lower back and rump almost black, and the breast white. There can be no doubt as to its identity. In flight the Yellowshank (like the Green Sandpiper) suggests a more decidedly black and white bird than it actually is. (T.C.G.).'

In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 124, in a Review of the first South-Eastern Bird Report, 1934, they say: 'There are two somewhat important records which must be discussed....The other record is of a bird seen near the estuary of the Stour on September 19th, and identified as a Yellowshank. From the description given we do not feel convinced that the bird was correctly identified, and it would be valuable to have the opinion of those who saw so much of the Cambridge Yellowshank. The bird is described as having longer legs than in the Redshank and of a bright yellow, the head dark with a distinct white streak on the lores, the lower back and rump almost black and the breast white. No description of the wing pattern is given. The note is described as "a rather harsh call three times". There are a number of other records in this Report which are open to criticism, but we have given enough instances to sustain our view that it is most important that such Reports should be very critically edited and for this several ornithologists with local knowledge in each county are better than one who cannot possibly have a close acquaintance with so large an area. Once a record gets into print it is copied and to judge of its value in after years, if the evidence given in the first place is incomplete, is often impossible.'

Harrison (1953 (1): 366) says: 'Seen by Mr. T. C. Gregory, who has had a long experience of marshland birds, and who recognised it at once although he'd never seen one before, by its different call and actions. The long, bright yellow legs, darkish head, with white loral streak, dark rump and white breast were the features noted. In flight it was similar to a Green Sandpiper appearing black and white.'

Accepted locally Taylor, Davenport & Flegg (1981: 185) who erroneously state the date as 19th September 1943.

Comment Most of T. C. Gregory's records are either rejected or very suspect. Not acceptable.

0). 1945 Norfolk Cley Marshes, seen, 25th July.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1945: 4).

[C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1945: 4].

History C. E. Gay (1945) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 4, says: 'We are indebted to Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Meiklejohn for the following notes…Yellowshank. - On July 25th, when on the north end of the East Bank, we saw a wader with bright lemon-yellow legs and watched it at a distance of about fifty yards through field-glasses for some minutes. It then flew close by over the bank and dropped into the reeds but, as we prepared to follow it, a mine exploding a quarter of a mile away cleared every bird from the marsh, and we did not see it again. It was not possible to say whether it was a Greater or a Lesser Yellowshank and so no official record could be made.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1946 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 2nd October.

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

[Eds., British Birds 40: 384; Not in Seago, 1977].

History C. E. Gay (1946) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 26, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'On October 2nd Mr. G. M. King saw a bird on the Salthouse side of the Cley East Bank which he believed to be a Yellowshank, though whether a Lesser or a Greater he could not say. His first impression was of a Greenshank with yellow legs and later, when it was feeding with two Redshanks, it appeared definitely larger than these. He watched it through a telescope for a considerable time but did not see the bird in flight. Unfortunately no other ornithologists were on the bank at the time for collaboration, and next day three dredgers and a bulldozer began work on the marsh in preparation for the mine-demolition squad, and all the birds there left.'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 383, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1946, they say: 'A possible Yellowshank was seen at Salthouse on October 2nd, but the evidence is not conclusive.'

0). 1947 Leicestershire & Rutland Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland, two, seen, 3rd May.

(F. A. Bak, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1947: 49).

[F. A. Bak, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1947: 49].

History F. A. Bak (1947) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, p. 49, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Two birds, reported independently by J.M.McM. and F.A.B., at Eye Brook Reservoir on May 3rd, were thought to be of this species. The full details were submitted to B. W. Tucker, Editor of British Birds, who considered that the record might appear as a "probable", square brackets being used.'

0). 1952 Berkshire Ham Fields Sewage-farm, 17th August.

(M. E. Solomon, Middle-Thames Naturalist 1952: 22; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

[B. Campbell, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1952: 33].

History M. E. Solomon (1952) in the Middle-Thames Naturalist, p. 22, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird seen by J.O.O. at Ham on Aug. 17th is described by him as slightly larger than two Wood Sandpipers which were nearby. Its legs were relatively long and bright yellow; bill was also longer and slightly upcurved; back lightly mottled but wings uniform grey with no trace of bar or other markings; and tail faintly barred, the white extending some way up the rump. The head was grey-brown with faint stripe through the eye. Underparts pure white except for some spots and striations on breast. Call when flushed was similar to "Teuk - teuk - teuk" of Redshank, but more spaced and not so rapid.'

B. Campbell (1952) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 33, placing the record in square-brackets, says: 'Details of a bird seen Ham Fields S.F., Aug. 17, by J.O.O., associating with Wood Sandpipers are given in M.T.N.H.S. Report and have been submitted to British Birds. There is no previous record for Berkshire.'

Fraser & Youngman (1976) accept the record even though it has been rejected previously.

Comment The Editors of British Birds did not publish the record. Not acceptable.

0). 1952 Isles of Scilly Tresco Channel, 30th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 48; Robinson, 2003).

[B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 48].

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 48, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'September 30th. A bird, appearing about the same size as a Greenshank at some distance, but rather longer in the leg, was seen on Tresco flats. The legs were definitely yellow in rather dull light. Bill very like that of a Greenshank. The upper and underparts were sharply contrasted, the upper parts being dark grey with some spotting, and the underparts whitish. It was first seen with Oystercatchers, and continued to feed by itself in shallow water when they had moved away. No call was heard. W.P.K.'

0). 1954 Surrey Unstead Sewage-farm, 29th January and 11th to 13th February.

(P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1954: 15).

[Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007].

History P. Bond (1954) in the Surrey Bird Report, p. 15, says: 'On 29.1.54 and again on 11.2.54 and 13.2.54 one example of this North American bird was observed at Unstead S.F.

A satisfactory description of the bird has been received and the observer states the note was similar to that of a Greenshank (J.J.S.).'

Not accepted locally (Parr 1972; Wheatley 2007).

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes (Gmelin, JF, 1789) (16, 22)

Marsh Sandpiper

Greater Yellowlegs