Little Bittern (1/3)

Ixobrychus minutus (Linnaeus, 1766) (253, 20)

Photo © Rob Stonehouse - Waren Mill, Northumberland, 5 May 2018

STATUS

Palearctic. Polytypic.

OVERVIEW

The first listing of the species occurrence in Britain was by Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398. But it was Latham (1785) who published the first two records, the Shropshire record with a description contra to Palmer (2000), both these records endorsed by Seebohm (1884) who kept a keen eye on rarities. No specific records were ever published in Yarrell (1871-85), Harting (1872, 1901), Saunders (1899), BOU (1883, 1915); Montagu reported the 1789 record in Avon as his first record.

Some individuals have been recorded as occurring in winter, and accepted locally, but one cannot wonder if they were just emaciated Eurasian Bitterns, or were breeding stock. Also, a number of records are lacking a precise year of occurrence, but this has not bothered the authorities in the past as long as there was a specimen. Witherby et al. (1940-52) states vagrancy as occurring April to June and August to October, occasionally other months, rarely in winter. The dated records presented generally fall in line.

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RECORDS

1). Pre 1773 Shropshire The Quarry, Shrewsbury, adult, shot, undated.

(Pennant, 1776; Fleming, 1828; Selby, 1833; Seebohm, 1883-85; Forrest, 1899; Smith et al., 2019).

History Pennant (1776 (2): 426-427, 4th ed.) under 'Bittern', says: 'Mr. Edwards mentions a small one of the size of a Lapwing, shot near Shrewsbury. He adds no more than that the crown of the head was black: as this answers the description of a kind frequent in Switzerland and Austria, we imagine it to be a strayed bird from those parts.' Further, p. 633, under 'Appendix' then 'Little Bittern' Pennant adds: 'This species was shot as it perched on one of the trees in the Quarry or public walks in Shrewsbury, on the banks of the Severn; it is frequent in many other parts of Europe, but the only one we ever heard of in England.

The length to the tip of the tail was fifteen inches, to the end of the toe twenty. The bill to the corners of the mouth two inches and a half long, dusky at the point; the sides yellow; the edge jagged; the bulk of the body not larger than that of a Fieldfare. The top of the head, the back, and tail were black, gloried with an obscure green; the neck is very long, the fore part of which, the breast and thighs, were of a buff colour; the belly and vent-feathers white; the hind-part of the neck bare of feathers, but covered with those growing on the side of it; on the setting on of the wing is a large chestnut spot; the lesser coverts of a yellowish buff; the larger coverts whitish; the web of that next the back half buff and half black; the quill feathers black; the legs and toes dusky; and what is singular in a bird of this genus, the feathers grow down to the knees; the inside of the middle claw is serrated. For this description, and the drawing, we are indebted to Mr. Plymley.'

Admitted by Fleming (1828: 97). Selby (1833 (2): 36) says: '...and Pennant has introduced this bird into the Appendix to his British Zoology, in consequence of an adult specimen, which was shot as it perched upon a tree on the banks of the Severn, at Shrewsbury.'

Seebohm (1884 (2): 511) says: 'The Little Bittern is another of those birds which were first recorded as British by Pennant, who states that a male was shot whilst perched on one of the trees of the public walks in Shrewsbury (Brit. Zool., II. p. 537); and Latham records a second example killed in 1773, near Christchurch, in Hampshire (Gen. Syn., III. p. 66).'

Forrest (1899: 140) says: 'One mentioned by Pennant was shot in the Quarry, Shrewsbury, early in the century.'

Comment In the 2nd volume, 4th edition of Pennant (1776) I found this record in the Appendix (no extra date supplied) and can only wonder at Forrest stating it as early 1800s when in fact it is the first for Great Britain (Seebohm 1884) contra to Palmer (2000) who rejected it as a first and erroneously gave the year as 1773 with the record lacking detail, but a description and locality are provided in the Appendix which he doesn't mention. Seebohm (1884) accepted it.

2). 1773 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, shot, undated.

(Latham, 1785, 1824; Yarrell, 1845; Mansel-Pleydell, 1873).

History Latham (1785 (3): 66) says: 'We learn in the British Zoology, that the male has been once shot, perched on one of the trees of the public walks in Shrewsbury; and another killed in 1773, near Christchurch in Hampshire, now in the Museum of Mr. Tunstall.' Later, Latham (1824 (9): 69-70) says: 'A second killed in 1773, near Christchurch, in Hampshire, in the Museum of the late Mr. Tunstall.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 536, 2nd ed.) says: 'One is also recorded to have been killed near Christchurch, in Hampshire.'

Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern makes no mention of this record.

Mansel-Pleydell (1873: 28) says: 'One was shot near Christchurch in 1773.' Later, however, in his second edition of Birds of Dorsetshire (1888, 2nd ed.) he makes no mention of this record now.

Comment Although Yarrell mentioned it in 1845, Newman didn't in his list of occurrences, putting the 1789 Bath record as the first. It would appear to be acceptable when Mansel-Pleydell put a date on it.

It was Tunstall who gave us the Ruddy Shelduck in 1776 that turned out to be a Cape Shelduck from South Africa.

3). 1789 Avon River Avon, near Bath, Somerset, male, shot, autumn.

(Montagu, 1802; Latham, 1821-28; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; A. H. Davis, Avon Bird Report 1993: 15; H. E. Rose, Avon Bird Report 2000: 169).

History Montagu (1802) says: 'The Little Bittern is a very rare bird with us. Few instances only are recorded of its being killed in England. A male was shot near Bath in the autumn of 1789, perched on the stump of a tree on the bank of the Avon.'

Latham (1824 (9): 70) says: 'A third shot near Bath, in autumn, 1789, perched on the stump of a tree, on the banks of the River Avon.' Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern and putting this as the first record, says: '1789. Montagu. A specimen was killed at Bath.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

A. H. Davis (1993) in the Avon Bird Report, p. 15, lists the first record as occurring in 1864; however, H. E. Rose (2000) now lists this as the first acceptable record for Avon (Avon Bird Report, p. 169).

4). 1806 Orkney Lopness, Sanday, shot, winter.

(Montagu, 1813; Fleming, 1828; Selby, 1833; Yarrell, 1845; Baikie & Heddle, 1848; E. Newman, Field 17th Nov., 1866: 397-398; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; W. Cowan, British Birds 3: 58; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Montagu (1813) says: 'Mr. Fleming informs us, that one was shot at Sanda [sic], in the Orknies [sic], in the winter of 1805.' Fleming (1828: 97) says: 'Another was shot at Sanda [sic], Orkney, 1805, by Mr. Strang at Lopness.'

Selby (1833 (2): 36) says: 'In England it is a very rare visitant; not more than five or six having come under the notice of our naturalists. Three of these Montagu mentions, as having been killed in Devonshire, in the course of the summer of 1808; another is recorded by Dr. Fleming, as killed at Sanda, one of the Orkney Islands, in the winter of 1805.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 536, 2nd ed.) says: 'Dr. Fleming mentions one that was shot at Sanda, in Orkney.'

Baikie & Heddle (1848) says: 'A specimen of this rare bird was shot in Sanday, in 1806, by Mr. Strang. The skin was sent to Charles Fothergill, Esq., Richmond, Yorkshire.'

Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern, says: '1805. Fleming. One killed at Sanda, one of the Orkney Islands.'

Accepted locally (Buckley & Harvie-Brown 1891: 162).

W. Cowan (1909) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 58, says: 'There seems to have been only one other specimen recorded in Orkney and that was from Sanday (at Lopness), in 1806.'

Accepted locally (Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984) and nationally as the first for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007), although winter is a strange date.

5). 1808 Devon River Creedey, Crediton, three: female with eggs inside, shot, May, male shot later, third shot, summer.

(Montagu, 1813; Latham, 1821-28; E. Moore, Transactions of the Plymouth Institution 1830: 323; E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 321; Yarrell, 1845; Yarrell, 1871-85; Eds., Zoologist 1891: 234-235; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Montagu (1813) says: 'A female of this species was shot contiguous to the river Credy [sic], in Devonshire, in the month of May, 1808. It was only wounded in the wing and was kept alive for two days; and it was observed to sit with its neck contracted like the common Heron, but with the bill pointing upwards. Upon dissection, about forty eggs were counted in the ovaries, some of which were so considerably enlarged, as to induce an opinion that a brood would have been produced in this country, especially as a male was afterwards shot not very distant, and had previously been seen near the same place. A third was also killed in the same neighbourhood during that summer. Mr. Comyns, who gave us the above information, has two of these birds in his collection.'

Latham (1824 (9): 70) says: 'Another shot near the River Creedey, in Devonshire.' Fleming (1828) p. 97, says: 'A third, as stated by Montagu (Supp. Orn. Dict.), was shot contiguous to the river Credey, in Devonshire, in the month of May 1808.'

Edward Moore of Plymouth (1830) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, Vol. I. p. 323, says: 'Three of these birds, a female and two males, were shot in Devonshire, in 1808, near Crediton, two of which are in the collection of Mr. Comyns.' Edward Moore of Plymouth (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 321, dated May, 1837, says: 'Little Bittern. Three of these birds, killed near Crediton, Devon, are in the collection of W. Comyns, Esq., near Dawlish.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 534, 2nd ed.) copies from Montagu.

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 201-202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

In an Editorial (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. pp. 234-235, there is a revue of Pidsley (1891) The Birds of Devonshire, in which is said, 'In enumerating the reported instances of the occurrence of the Little Bittern in Devonshire, Mr. Pidsley has overlooked the notable example recorded by Montagu (Orn. Dict. Suppl.), on the authority of Comyns. This bird, a female, was shot by the River Credey, in May, 1808, and was found to have a considerable number of eggs in the ovary, some of which were so enlarged "as to induce an opinion that a brood would have been produced in this country, especially as a male was afterwards shot not very distant, and had been previously observed near the same place. A third was also killed in the same neighbourhood during that summer". Montagu adds: - "Mr. Comyns, who gave us the above information, has two of these birds in his collection".'

8). 1810 Northumberland Blagdon, adult male, shot, 12th May, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Selby, 1833; Yarrell, 1845; Bewick, 1847; "C.M.A." Field 1st Sept., 1866: 183; Hancock, 1874; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. T. T. Reed, Naturalist 13: 77; Howse, 1899; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

History Selby (1833 (2): 36) says: 'To this list may be added another instance, in which a Little Bittern was killed at Blagdon, in Northumberland, the seat of Sir M. W. Ridley, Baronet, in May 1810; and figured by Bewick, in his Supplement to the British Birds.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 536, 2nd ed.) says: 'A specimen has been killed...in Northumberland, now in the collection which belonged to the late Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart. From this last-mentioned bird Bewick's figure of the adult Little Bittern was taken.'

Bewick (1847 (2): 53, 8th ed.) says: 'The above figure was taken from a stuffed specimen, obligingly lent to this work by Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart., of Blagdon, Northumberland: the bird was shot there on the 10th of May, 1810.'

"C.M.A." of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1866) in The Field of 1st Sept., Vol. XXVIII. p. 183, says: 'Mr. Surtees, of Benridge, has given me a male Little Bittern, in perfect plumage, which was shot by his keeper on the 31st of May last [1866]. Bewick's figure of the bird was taken from one procured within a few miles of the same place, and on the same stream, upwards of half a century since, a little earlier in the same month....'

Hancock (1874: 127) says: 'A mature male was shot at Blagdon, near Newcastle, on the 12th of May, 1810; this specimen is now in the Newcastle Museum, and is the individual figured by Bewick.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 203, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

J. T. T. Reed (1887) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XIII. p. 77, under 'Local Specimens of Rare Birds in the Museum at Newcastle-on-Tyne', says: 'Little Bittern. Blagdon, shot, 12th May, 1812. Mature Male. Presented by Sir M. W. Ridley. This specimen is the one from which Bewick made his cut.'

Howse (1899: 92) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says: 'Case 89. No. 1 (left). Male. Shot at Blagdon, Northumberland, May 12th, 1810. Presented by Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart. From Old Museum Collection. Remark. - This is the specimen from which Bewick made his woodcut. J.H.'

Bolam (1912: 329) adds: 'A mature male, from which Bewick made the drawing for his British Birds, was shot at Blagdon, on 12th May, 1810, and presented to the Newcastle Museum by the then Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart.' It is now in the Hancock Museum.

Bowey & Newsome (2012) state that a bird reported as having been shot at Blaydon (Co. Durham) on 12th May 1810 was in error and actually referred to this record of the one shot at Blagdon on the same date.

Comment Some discrepancy in the date, but I believe Hancock would have been meticulous in the detail of the record and go along with him.

9). 1819 Norfolk Near Burlingham, killed, winter.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, 1827; Stevenson, 1870; Yarrell, 1871-85; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 41, say: 'We are assured by Mr. Hunt that a Little Bittern was killed at Burlingham in the winter of 1819.' Same story in Stevenson (1870) and the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, (1879-84) Vol. III. pp. 252-253.

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 201, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Accepted locally as the first for Norfolk (Dye, Fiszer & Allard 2009).

Comment Strange time of year again.

10). 1820 Wiltshire Stourton, adult male, killed, undated.

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 218; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 218, says: 'I have various notices of its occurrence. Mr. Baker tells me one was killed at Stourton, in 1820, by Jacob Riddick, a gamekeeper of Sir R. C. Hoare, a mature male bird.' Accepted locally (Smith 1887; Buxton 1981).

11). 1822 Norfolk South Walsham, male, killed, May.

(Lombe, MS.; Stevenson, 1870).

History Stevenson (1870 (2): 155) says: 'Next in point of date is most probably the male bird, stated by Mr. Lombe in his MS. notes, to have been killed at South Walsham, in May, 1822.'

Further, in a footnote, same page, Stevenson adds: 'There is no evidence to show whence Mr. Lombe procured the pair, which are still preserved in his fine collection at Wymondham.'

12). 1822-23 Norfolk Hickling Broad, immature, caught by a dog, winter.

(Paget & Paget, 1834; Yarrell, 1845; Stevenson, 1870; Yarrell, 1871-85).

History Paget & Paget (1834: 7) says: 'One shot at Ludham, now in Mrs. J. Baker's collection.' Yarrell (1845) 2nd ed. Vol. II. p. 534, says: 'The Rev. Richard Lubbock, however, sent me word that the specimen mentioned by Mr. Paget, in his Sketch of the Natural History of Yarmouth, page 7, as in the collection of Mrs. J. Baker, is in immature plumage; was caught by a water-dog at Hickling, Norfolk, during the extreme frost of 1822-23 and was given by himself to Mrs. Baker's brother, the late Mr. Girdlestone.'

Accepted locally (Stevenson 1870) and admitted nationally by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 201, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

13). 1826 Berkshire River Thames, near Windsor, immature, shot, summer.

(W. Yarrel, Zoological Journal 3: 88; Yarrell, 1845; E. Newman, Field 17th Nov., 1866: 108; Morris, 1868; Clark Kennedy, 1868; Yarrell, 1871-85; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996).

History W. Yarrell (1827-28) in the Zoological Journal, Vol. III. p. 88, dated October 1826, says: 'Ardea minuta, Linn. A young specimen of the Little Bittern was shot during the summer on the banks of the Thames near Windsor; it was believed to have been bred there from the situation being favourable, and the circumstance of a second bird in the same state of plumage being seen about the same spot for several days at that time.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 535, 2nd ed.) says: 'Early in September 1839, Mr. Heysham of Carlisle, sent me word...that in the summer of 1826, a young specimen of the Little Bittern was shot on the banks of the Thames, near Windsor; it was believed to have bred there from the situation being favourable, and the circumstance of a second bird in the same state of plumage being seen about the same spot for several days at that time.'

Morris (1868 (5): 108, reissue) says: 'Also in Berkshire, one, in the summer of 1826, on the banks of the Thames, near Windsor.'

Clark Kennedy (1868: 187) says: 'I was informed by Mr. Gould that he had a fine Little Bittern brought to him, which was shot by Simon Wilder, a fisherman, forty years ago, on the River Thames, just above Monkey Island.'

Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern only mentions one bird.

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally (Radford 1966; Swash 1996) with the latter accepting both individuals.

Comment These two statements may refer to this record. The bird that was seen lacks adequate details, is not known to have been seen by a competent authority and is not acceptable.

14). 1827 Oxfordshire Otmoor, female, shot, undated.

(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2601; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2601, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: 'A specimen of the Little Bittern, a female, was shot on Otmoor, in 1827.' Accepted locally (Aplin 1889; Radford 1966).

15). 1830 Suffolk Oulton Broad, female, shot, May or June.

(Paget & Paget, 1834; Stevenson, 1870; Babington, 1884-86; Eds., Field 24th Sep., 1887: 486).

History Paget & Paget (1834: 7-8) say: 'Another Lowestoft, June, 1830, in Mr. C. A. Preston's.' Stevenson (1870) Vol. II. p. 155, says: 'The specimen formed part of the late Mr. C. A. Preston's (now in the possession of Mr. E. S. Preston, of Yarmouth), is described by Messrs. Paget as having been killed at Lowestoft in June, 1830, and is, very probably, the same mentioned in Mr. Lombe's MS. notes as shot at Oulton, near Lowestoft, in May of that year.'

Babington (1884-86: 164) adds: 'A female shot near Lowestoft in June 1830 was found to contain a perfect egg...now in the collection of Mr. Stevenson (Stevenson MS.).'

In an Editorial (1887) in The Field of 24th Sep., Vol. LXX. p. 486, they say: 'On the 12th inst. Messrs. Spelman sold by auction, at Norwich, the collection of Norfolk birds formed by Mr. H. Stephenson [sic], the well-known ornithologist. Among the buyers were Mr. T. Southwell, representing the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, and Mr. Tuke, representing the Saffron Walden Museum. Among the principal lots sold during the day the following may be mentioned: adult Little Bittern, shot on Oulton Broad in 1830, from Preston's collection, £3.10s (Mr. Wilson).'

16). Pre 1831 Greater London Uxbridge Moor, Middlesex, adult male, shot, undated.

(W. Yarrell, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 4: 118; Yarrell, 1845; Yarrell, 1871-85; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History William Yarrell of London (1831) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. IV. p. 118, dated January, 1831, says: 'An adult male in fine plumage, shot on Uxbridge Moor.' Later, Yarrell (1845 (2): 536, 2nd ed.) says: 'A specimen in my own collection was killed some years since on Uxbridge Moor in Middlesex.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935: 112).

17). 1832 Cornwall St Mawgan, shot, 19th May.

(Anon., Royal Cornwall Gazette 26th May 1832: 3; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Anon (1832) in The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 26th May 1832, p. 3, says: 'A bird of this species called "Little Bittern" and which is rarely seen in this county, was shot, on Saturday last, by Mr. Michael Cayzer, of Morland, in the parish of Mawgan, and has been by him presented to the Museum of the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, at Truro.'

Penhallurick (1969: 63) says: 'One shot at St Mawgan-in-Pydar (Royal Cornwall Gazette 25th May 1832).'

18). Pre 1835 Essex Near Billericay, undated.

(Parsons MS.; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History Glegg (1929: 159-160) says: 'In Mr. C. Parsons MS. held in Southend Public Library it is stated that on 5th June 1835 he saw this bird in the collection of Mr. Clayton, which had been obtained near Billericay.'

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

19). 1835 Devon Locality in the North, male, shot, undated.

(E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 321).

History Edward Moore of Plymouth (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 321, dated May, 1837, says: 'Two years since, a male was obtained by Bolitho from North Devon.'

Comment Bolitho was a collector from Devonport.

20). c. 1836 Flintshire Talacre, shot, undated.

(Dobie, 1893; Forrest, 1907; Birch et al., 1968).

History Dobie (1893: 319) says: 'One killed at Talacre about 1836. Capt. Mostyn [F.A.].' While, Birch et al. (1968) adds that it is now in Sir Pyers Mostyn's collection.

21). 1836 Lothian River Tyne, Tyninghame, shot, undated.

(P. Walker, Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society, 7: 492; Gray, 1871; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History P. Walker (1836) in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society, Vol. VII. p. 492, read 9th January, says: 'Sir Patrick Walker then read notices regarding the occurrence, near Edinburgh, of several native birds, generally regarded as extremely rare...and the Ardea minuta, killed at the mouth of the Tyne in East Lothian.'

Gray (1871: 278) says: 'In the Transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh mention is made of a Little Bittern having been shot in the Tyne estuary in 1836, and exhibited at one of the society's meetings, by Sir Patrick Walker.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Rintoul & Baxter 1935).

22). 1838 Herefordshire Shobden Court, shot, spring.

(Yarrell, 1845; Morris, 1856-62; Yarrell, 1871-85).

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 536, 2nd ed.) says: 'H. E. Strickland, Esq., sent me notice of one that was shot in the spring of 1838, at Shobden Court, in Herefordshire.'

Morris (1856 (5): 108, reissue) says: 'One in Herefordshire, at Shobden Court, the seat of Lord Bateman, in the spring of 1838.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Locally, Bull (1888: 146) says: 'The Rev. F. O. Morris in his British Birds, states that a specimen was shot at Shobden Court, the seat of Lord Bateman, in the spring of 1838.'

23). 1838 Cornwall Newham Moors, near Helston, male, killed, undated.

(Johns, 1874; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Johns (1874, 2nd ed.) says: 'Male killed in Newham Moors, near Helston, in 1838.'

Penhallurick (1969: 63) says: '1838, a male killed on Newham Moors near Helston (Johns 1874).'

Comment In Penhallurick's Bibliography, C. A. Johns 1874 version of A week in the Lizard contained a catalogue of birds by F. V. Hill of Helston.

24). c. 1838 Staffordshire King's Bromley, killed, undated.

(Mosley, 1863; McAldowie, 1893; Smith, 1939; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History Mosley (1863: 228) says: 'One was killed at King's Bromley about twenty-five years ago.' Accepted locally for Staffordshire (McAldowie 1893; Smith 1939; Harrison & Harrison 2005).

25). 1839 Norfolk South Walsham, adult pair, shot, July.

(Yarrell, 1845; Stevenson, 1870; Yarrell, 1871-85).

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 535, 2nd ed.) says: 'Early in September 1839, Mr. Heysham of Carlisle, sent me word that about two months previous to the date of his letter, a beautiful pair of adult Little Bitterns were shot at or near South Waltham [sic], where it was supposed they had a nest.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 156) says: 'To Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., I am indebted for the following extract from a letter addressed to Mr. Henry Doubleday, of Epping, by the late Mr. Heysham, and dated Carlisle, September 25th, 1839: - "From a letter which I received a day or two ago from a friend (Mr. J. H. Gurney senior, at that time in frequent correspondence with Mr. Heysham) in Norfolk....I find that a very fine pair of adult Little Bitterns were killed at or near South Walsham, about two months ago. It is generally supposed that these birds had a nest when captured". Mr. Yarrell also records this pair on Mr. Heysham's authority; and, as Mr. Gurney (in whose possession they still remain) informs me, they were killed by the marshman [Samuel Ebbage], who then had the care of South Walsham broad; the man, I believe, who killed on the same broad the pair of Savi's Warblers, in the Norwich Museum. By him they were sold in the flesh to Mr. G. Johnson, then a birdstuffer, of Norwich, and it was from Ebbage's statement to Johnson that the birds were supposed to have had a nest.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

27). 1840 Dorset Preston, near Weymouth, adult male, killed, undated.

(F. Fane, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 106; Mansel-Pleydell, 1873, 1888; W. R. Thompson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 62: 118).

History Frederick Fane of Corfe Mullen, Wimborne (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 106, dated 29th March 1853, says: 'I saw, the year before last, a very beautiful specimen of the Little Bittern killed at Preston, near Weymouth, which is now preserved in the collection of A. B. Foster, Esq., at Warmwell.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1873: 28) says: 'Another was killed at Preston, near Weymouth, in 1849, which passed into the possession of Capt. Foster of Warmwell (Mr. [W.] Thompson).' Later, Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) now says: 'One killed at Preston, near Weymouth, in 1840, is now in the possession of Mr. Montague Guest.'

W. R. Thompson (1941) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXII. p. 118, under 'List of Species of Birds in the Dorset County Museum', says: 'Little Bittern - adult male, Weymouth, 1840 (Mr. Montague Guest).'

Comment In the original statement he only saw the specimen in 1851. Presumed one and the same. I would imagine that the details by the grandson, W. R. Thompson, are correct.

28). 1840 Greater London/Hertfordshire Aldenham Reservoir, Elstree, male, obtained, undated.

(Harting, 1866; Swann, 1893; A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 9: 156; Glegg, 1935; Sage, 1959; Self, 2014).

History Harting (1866: 165) says: 'A male Little Bittern, in good plumage, shot at Elstree Reservoir in 1840, is in the collection of Mr. Bond….'

A. F. Crossman (1898) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. IX. p. 156, says: 'In the Birds of Middlesex, Mr. Harting mentions a male of this species in good plumage, then in the collection of Mr. Bond, which was obtained at Elstree Reservoir in 1840.'

Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935), for Hertfordshire (Sage (1959) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

29). 1840-46 Devon Kingsbridge, two: male and female, shot, undated.

(H. Nichols, jun., Zoologist 1847: 1694-1695; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History H. Nichols, jun., of Kingsbridge, Devon (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. pp. 1694-1695, says: 'From seeing your circular, inviting persons to transmit you any rare occurrences relative to Natural History, suited for the pages of The Zoologist. I beg to hand you a list of rare birds which have come into my possession, and have been shot in this neighbourhood within the last seven years: - Two Little Bitterns, male and female.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892) note the reference mentioned.

31). 1841 Cornwall Newham Moors, near Helston, female, killed, undated.

(Johns, 1874; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Johns (1874, 2nd ed.) says: 'Male killed in Newham Moors, near Helston, in 1838, and a female killed there in 1841.' Penhallurick (1969: 63) says: '1841, another bird, a female killed on Newham Moors near Helston (Johns 1874).'

Comment In Penhallurick's Bibliography, C. A. Johns 1874 version of A week in the Lizard contained a catalogue of birds by F. V. Hill of Helston.

32). 1842 Sussex Pulborough, adult male, shot, 7th May.

(A. E. Knox, Zoologist 1843: 225; Knox, 1849; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History A. E. Knox of Petworth, Sussex (1843) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 225, dated June, 1843, says: 'The general cultivation of waste lands, and the drainage of extensive pieces of water (the natural consequences of an increasing population and an improved system of agriculture), are gradually banishing from the interior of the county most of the scarcer wading and swimming birds, and has rendered many, which were once numerous, comparatively rare. I have therefore much pleasure in recording the occurrence of the Little Bittern in Sussex. The specimen to which I refer, is an adult male, and was shot on the 7th of last May near Pulborough, on the banks of a pond abounding in aquatic plants, in the grounds of the Rev. Mr. Austin, the Rector of the parish, through whose kindness the bird has since come into my possession.'

Knox (1849: 222, 1st ed.) says: 'An adult male specimen of this scarce British bird was killed at Pulborough in May, 1842, on the banks of a pond abounding in aquatic plants, in the garden of the Rev. J. Austin, the rector of that parish, who kindly presented it to me. To this gentleman I am indebted for many valuable ornithological acquisitions procured in his immediate neighbourhood.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 318) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) who says: 'Our original specimen was killed...in May, 1842, according to Knox (Orn. Rambles, all eds.), though on Mr. E. Newman's (Field, 17/xi/1866, wherein the actual day of demise is given, namely, May 7th) authority not until a year later.'

Comment Even Walpole-Bond missed the original reference in The Zoologist. Knox six years later had changed the year to 1842, when in his original article in The Zoologist dated June 1843, he says: '7th of last May.'

33). c. 1842 Yorkshire Birdsall, near Malton, shot, undated.

(Allis, 1844; Morris, 1851-57; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History T. Allis (1844: 61) under 'Report on the Birds of Yorkshire' prepared for the British Association meeting at York (unpublished, but held at the Yorkshire Museum, York), says: 'Little Bittern, shot at Birdsall, near Malton.'

Morris (1856 (5): 107) says: 'One at Birdsall, near Malton, the seat of Henry Willoughby, Esq., about the year 1842.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - at Birdsall, near Malton, about 1842.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 396-397) says: 'Probably the earliest allusion to this, as a Yorkshire bird, is in Thomas Allis's Report, 1844: - One was shot at Birdsall, near Malton, the estate of Henry Willoughby, Esq., about two years since.'

34). 1845 Kent Sandwich, shot, September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(Harrison, 1953).

History Harrison (1953 (1): 103) says: 'One shot by Lord North at Sandwich in September, 1845, is in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

35). 1847 Greater London River Lea, near Enfield, Middlesex, immature, killed, 18th September.

(F. Bond, Zoologist 1848: 1969; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1889: 416; Harting, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History Frederick Bond of Kingsbury (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 1969, dated 11th October, 1847, says: 'I have lately received a specimen of the Little Bittern, killed September 18th, 1847, on the River Lee, near Enfield, by a bargeman. It is a young bird of the year, and I think has been bred in the neighbourhood, as there is some remains of the nestling down, and it is not fully fledged.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 202, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds. Further, p. 205, he adds: 'A young bird in its first plumage, and with some down still remaining upon it, - in which state it has been obtained on the banks of the Lea River, near Enfield, - has the top of the head of dark brown; the feathers of the neck white at the base, pale yellow-brown towards the end, with a streak of dark brown in the line of the shaft; the feathers of the back dark brown, with buff-coloured edged; the wing-primaries and tail-feathers greyish-black; the outer web of the first quill-feather chestnut; the carpal surface of the wing and the tertials reddish-brown; the wing-coverts buff; breast pale buff, with long streaks of dusky-brown in the line of the feather; thighs in front pale buff, without streaks, but varied with brown streaks behind; vent, under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts, pale buffy-white; legs, toes, and claws, reddish-brown. The dark-coloured streaks on the neck and breast, and the broad light-coloured margins of the feathers on the upper surface of the body, are lost by degrees.'

J. E. Harting (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 416, on Frederick Bond's bird collection, says: 'A female Little Bittern (Case 44) is noteworthy, as having been shot on the Lea, near Enfield, on the 10th September, 1847 (Zool., 1848, p. 1969).'

Glegg (1935: 112) adds: 'This specimen from Bond's collection was sold at Stevens' for £3.10s. on 22nd May 1890.'

Accepted locally (Self 2014).

Comment I assume Saunders description was of this bird. Harting probably made a typo with the date.

36). 1847 Cumbria River Petteril, near Carlisle, immature female, shot, 18th October, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(J. T. T. Reed, Naturalist 13: 77; Macpherson, 1892; Howse, 1899; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 1946: 138-139; Hutcheson, 1986).

History J. T. T. Reed (1887) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XIII. p. 77, under 'Local Specimens of Rare Birds in the Museum at Newcastle-on-Tyne', says: 'Little Bittern. River Petterel [sic], Carlisle; specimen, in first plumage, caught by a dog, 1850.'

Macpherson (1892: 226) says: 'The late Mr. John Hancock informed me that a specimen of the Little Bittern preserved in the Newcastle Museum was captured on the River Petteril, in the year 1850. A stray note of T. C. Heysham, dated 27th March, 1850, corroborates this, while assigning a rather earlier occurrence to the bird. The note says: "Little Bittern. Mr. Losh this day informed me that a specimen of this bird was caught close to the River Petteril near Carlisle, about three years ago, in July and in female dress. He sent it to John Hancock of Newcastle, in whose possession it now is".'

Howse (1899: 92) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says 'Case 89. No. 5 (inner left). First plumage. This bird was caught by a dog on the River Petterel [sic], Carlisle, 1850. Presented by Mr. Losh.'

Ernest Blezard (1946) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VII. pp. 138-139, says: 'Macpherson in his Fauna says John Hancock informed him that a Little Bittern was captured on the River Petteril, Cumberland, in 1850, and that a note by T. C. Heysham placed the date about three years earlier, in July. The history of this bird has been cleared by G. W. Temperley who has come across the following entry in some old notes from a diary of John Hancock: - "Little Bittern. A specimen of this bird was shot in Cumberland near Woodside about 18 October 1847, which I saw fresh in the hands of Mr. Duncan, birdstuffer".

After fully describing the bird in first plumage, the note goes on: - "No shot marks on the body in any part. Said to be shot by Mr. Losh at Woodside about 18 October 1847". The specimen is labelled "First plumage, Carlisle, 1850", and in R. Howse's Index Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, 1899, there is the further note about it: - "This bird was caught by a dog on the River Petteril".

Heysham's note goes back to 1847, the year in which Hancock examined the fresh specimen but, as Mr. Temperley points out, July would be too early to find a juvenile bird in this country and Hancock's "about 18 October" much more likely to be correct. He adds as probable that the year 1850 on the data label refers to the time the specimen was given to Hancock. The date of the occurrence can now be given as October 1847.'

Comment Hancock's collection later went to the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

37). 1847 Oxfordshire Near Bampton, killed, undated.

(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2601; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2601, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: '... and in 1847 a fine specimen was killed near Bampton.' Accepted locally (Aplin 1889; Radford 1966).

38). 1848 Cambridgeshire Ely, male, shot, spring, now at Cambridge University Museum.

(Marr & Shipley, 1904; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History A. H. Evans (1904: 80) under 'The Birds of Cambridgeshire' in Marr & Shipley's Handbook to the Natural History of Cambridgeshire, says: 'There can be little doubt that this species has nested of comparatively recent years on the Norfolk Broads, but as regards Cambridgeshire the fact is less certain. Still it is at least probable that a pair which were shot near Ely in the spring of 1848....of which the male is still preserved in the University Museum, were intending to breed with us.'

Locally, Lack (1934: 81) says: 'A specimen in the Cambridge University Museum from Ely, 1848, was according to Evans (1904) one of a pair.'

Accepted locally by Bircham (1989) who adds: 'This bird was accompanied by a female which was also shot.'

Comment The other bird is ignored through lack of detail.

39). c. 1848 Berkshire Near Newbury, shot, undated.

(Clark Kennedy, 1868; Swash, 1996).

History Clark Kennedy (1868: 186) says: 'One was killed near Newbury about twenty years since.'

Accepted locally (Swash 1996).

40). 1849 Norfolk Potter Heigham, adult female, killed, 18th May.

(J. Smith, Zoologist 1849: 2528; Morris, 1868; Stevenson, 1870).

History John Smith of Great Yarmouth (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2528, dated 11th July, 1849, says: 'Three specimens of the Little Bittern have been shot on our marshes during the past spring. I cannot give you any particulars respecting them.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 158) says: 'In a recent visit, however, to the Bury Museum, I found an adult female of this species amongst Mr. Dennis's birds, which, in the memorandum attached, was said to have been killed at Potter Heigham, on the 18th of May, 1849, and it was also stated that a male had been shot, at the same place, on the following day. These I have no doubt are two of the birds referred to by Mr. Smith.'

41). 1849 Greater Manchester Near Gorton Reservoir, shot, 19th May.

(T. Webster, Zoologist 1849: 2499; Mitchell, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History Thomas Webster of Manchester (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2499, dated 11th June, 1849, says: 'On the 19th of May last, a gentleman, who was out with a gun in the immediate vicinity of the Water-works Company's reservoir at Gorton, shot a very fine specimen of the Little Bittern, which is now in the possession of Mr. Harrop, bird and animal preserver, 13, Cooper Street, where it may be seen. There is no instance of this bird having been previously met with in this neighbourhood.'

Accepted locally (Mitchell 1892; Oakes 1953).

42). 1849 Norfolk Potter Heigham, male, shot, 19th May.

(J. Smith, Zoologist 1849: 2528; Morris, 1868; Stevenson, 1870).

History John Smith of Great Yarmouth (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2528, dated 11th July, 1849, says: 'Three specimens of the Little Bittern have been shot on our marshes during the past spring. I cannot give you any particulars respecting them.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 158) says: 'In a recent visit, however, to the Bury Museum, I found an adult female of this species amongst Mr. Dennis's birds, which, in the memorandum attached, was said to have been killed at Potter Heigham, on the 18th of May, 1849, and it was also stated that a male had been shot, at the same place, on the following day. These I have no doubt are two of the birds referred to by Mr. Smith.'

43). 1849 Norfolk South Walsham, male, shot, 11th June.

(H. T. Frere, Zoologist 1849: 2499; J. Smith, Zoologist 1849: 2528; J. O. Harper, Zoologist 1851: 2989; Morris, 1868; Stevenson, 1870; Patterson, 1905).

History H. T. Frere of Blofield (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2499, dated 14th June, 1849, says: 'A specimen of the Little Bittern has recently been killed at South Walsham in this county [not stated, but Norfolk]. On two or three successive nights, when sailing on the broad, we had heard a noise in the marsh at the side, resembling the bark of a dog, or more nearly the grunt a paviour gives when dropping his rammer. Though all the party were tolerably well acquainted with the notes of the marsh birds, this was a novelty to us. A marsh-man, however recognized it as the note of the Little Bittern, one of which (at present in the possession of Mr. Jary, of South Walsham) he had shot some thirty years before. I sent him a message offering him a price for the bird, and on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning he shot it, but took it to another person and sold it for the price I had offered, much to my annoyance and disappointment.

It is something, however, to have heard this rare bird. When he shot the other it was after several attempts to get it to rise, in which he had failed: he then waited, and about four o'clock in the morning it rose spontaneously. The marsh is very shaky and wet; but, unless I had made certain of obtaining the bird from the shooter, I should have watched on Friday night myself.'

John Smith of Great Yarmouth (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2528, dated 11th July 1849, says: 'Three specimens of the Little Bittern have been shot on our marshes during the past spring. I cannot give you any particulars respecting them.'

J. O. Harper of Norwich (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 2989, dated 4th December 1850, says: 'A beautiful male specimen of this bird was shot at South Waltham [sic] on the 11th June, 1849, and was preserved by Mr. Knights, of this city.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 157) adds: '...in the possession of the Rev. J. Burroughes, of Lingwood.'

Comment John Smith's statement refers to the two at Potter Heigham and this record.

44). 1849 Devon Budleigh Salterton, undated.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 188) say: 'One at Budleigh Salterton in 1849 (R.G.).' Further, p. Ixxvi, they add: 'Robert Gumming, St. David's Hill, Exeter. An excellent ornithologist and taxidermist, to whom W. S. M. D' Urban is indebted for his kind assistance and much valuable information on the birds of the neighbourhood of Exeter, imparted during a long friendship of forty years. His beautiful collection of birds mounted by himself is in the A. M. M. [Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter].'

45). Pre 1850 Cornwall The Lizard, killed, undated.

(E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1: 418).

History E. H. Rodd (1850) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 418, dated May 1850, says: 'A specimen was killed in the Lizard district, and is now in Mr. Magor's collection of birds at Redruth.'

46). 1850 Suffolk Near Bury St Edmunds, killed, undated.

(Bilson, Journal Suffolk Institute 46; Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One killed near Bury in 1850 by the late S. Newham, Esq. (Bilson in Journ. Suff. Inst., 46).'

47). 1850 Wiltshire Seend, killed, undated.

(A. C. Smith, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 12: 57; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

History A. C. Smith (1870) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XII. p. 57, and in (1887: 404) says: 'I have information of several undoubted specimens being taken in this county: one killed about 1850 in the parish of Seend, and in the possession of Mr. Taylor, of Baldham Mill, as I was informed by the late Mr. Withers.'

48). c. 1851 Wiltshire Britford, shot, June.

(A. C. Smith, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 12: 57; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 218-219; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

History A. C. Smith (1860) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XII. p. 57, says: 'The other shot by Mr. Jervoise's keeper at Britford, near Salisbury, about ten years since in the month of June; for the knowledge of which I am again indebted to my good friend, the Rev. George Powell, Rector of Sutton Yeny.'

A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 218, says: 'I have various notices of its occurrence....One very good adult specimen was killed here in the parish by James Butler, the keeper, about 1850-1. This is now in the possession of F. M. E. Jervoise, Esq., at Herriard Park; but is a good deal faded in its plumage.'

Smith (1887: 404) says: 'I have information of several undoubted specimens being taken in this county: another shot by Mr. Jerroise's keeper at Britford, near Salisbury, about 1851, in the month of June; for the knowledge of which I am again indebted to my good friend, the Rev. George Powell, rector of Sutton Veny.'

49). 1851 Hampshire Hilsea, obtained, undated.

(P. W. West, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 6: 93; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History P. W. West of Cosham Lodge, near Portsmouth (1856) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. VI. p. 93, dated 24th January, 1856, says: 'A Little Bittern was shot at Hilsea, Hants., in 1851; now in my collection.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'One was obtained at Hilsea in 1851 (West, Naturalist 1856).'

50). 1852 Devon Prawle, male, caught alive, 23rd April.

(C. Prideaux, Zoologist 1852: 3474; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Charles Prideaux of Kingsbridge (1852) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. X. p. 3474, dated 24th April, 1852, says: 'I append a list of a few very rare birds which have lately occurred for the most part in this neighbourhood....A fine male Little Bittern, captured yesterday at Prawle, apparently asleep, was brought to Mr. Nicholls unhurt. He placed it in an empty room, where it appeared quite at home, and amused us much by its grotesque attitudes. It seldom stretched out its neck, excepting in the act of striking, which it did with much force, drawing blood from the hand of a boy who ventured too near it. I can safely say I never saw a stuffed specimen in a correct attitude. I have one in my collection, shot at Slapton, a few miles from Prawle, a younger bird, and have secured this one.'

Accepted locally (Pidsley 1891: 89; D'Urban & Matthew 1892).

Comment The Slapton individual is without data so is unacceptable.

51). 1852 Norfolk Somerton, immature male, killed, 17th May, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1852: 3503-04; J. 0. Harper, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 2: 252; Stevenson, 1870).

History J. H. Gurney of Norfolk (1852) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. X. pp. 3503-04, dated 19th May, 1852, says: 'A Little Bittern was killed on the 17th instant at Somerton in this county. It was a young male, but had very nearly completed the assumption of the adult plumage. The bird was fat, and the stomach contained the caudal moiety of a roach, the anterior portion of which appeared to have been digested, but which, when entire, must I think have been four inches in length, besides the tail.'

J. O. Harper of Norwich (1852) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 252, dated 17th June 1852, says: 'A male specimen of this exceeding rare bird was shot at Somerleyton, near Lowestoft, on Tuesday, May 18th. It was purchased for the Norfolk and Norwich Museum.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 158) adds: '...This specimen is preserved in Norwich Museum (No. 207).' Further, in a footnote of the same page, Stevenson says: 'This is evidently the same bird which was erroneously recorded in The Naturalist of that year (p. 252) by Mr. J. O. Harper, as killed at Somerleyton, near Lowestoft, a far less likely locality.'

52). 1852 Sussex Oving, male, shot, 18th May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3984).

(Knox, 1855; Morris, 1851-57; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

History Knox (1855: 227, 3rd ed.) says: 'During the summer of 1852 a male Little Bittern, in very fine plumage, was shot at Oving. This bird is now in the possession of Dr. Tyacke, of Chichester.'

Morris (1856 (5): 107) says: 'One was shot in April, 1852, in the parish of Oving, in the county of Sussex, as Mr. George Jackson informs me.'

Locally, Borrer (1891: 318) says: 'Mr. Knox (O. R., p. 227)...mentions another male shot at Oving, in the summer of 1852, which passed into the possession of Dr. Tyacke, of Chichester.'

It was accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 345).

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen, dating it as 18th May 1852, and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was formerly in Dr. Tyacke's possession upon whose card the above particulars are written. Vide Borrers Birds of Sussex, p. 318; vide Morris British Birds 2nd ed., Vol. IV. p.155 - he gives April instead of May in error.

53). 1852 Cleveland/Yorkshire Redcar, Yorkshire, shot, 20th September.

(Morris, 1851-57; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Stead, 1964; Mather, 1986).

History Morris (1856 (5): 107) says: 'In this county, Yorkshire, one was procured near Redcar, which is on the sea-coast, on the 20th of September, 1852.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - at Redcar, Sept. 20, 1852.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'On 26th [sic] September 1852, one was procured at Redcar.'

Comment Difference in the date.

54). 1853 Leicestershire & Rutland Groby Pool, shot, summer.

(M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 197; Browne, 1889; Hickling, 1978).

History Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 197, says: 'A very rare visitant, which, according to Harley, "...has occurred, namely on the banks of Groby Pool at the close of the summer of 1853".'

Still accepted (Browne 1889: 124).

55). 1854 Surrey Near Guildford, female, shot, June.

(J. W. G. Spicer, Zoologist 1854: 4366-67; Field 17th Nov., 1854: 398; Bucknill, 1900).

History John W. G. Spicer of Farnham (1854) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. pp. 4366-67, dated 12th June, 1854, says: 'I beg to record a Little Bittern shot in the neighbourhood of Guildford, in Surrey, and now at Mr. Mansell's, Farnham, to be preserved. It is a female, in good condition, and with eggs in her when killed.'

Accepted locally (Bucknill 1900: 210).

56). 1855 Surrey Wintershall, near Godalming, female, shot, 25th March.

(Bucknill, 1900).

History Bucknill (1900: 210-211) says: 'Mr. Stafford, in his "Private Notes" refers to a specimen shot at Wintershall, near Godalming, by the late Mr. G. Barrett. The present Mr. G. Barrett, in whose possession it now is, to whom I applied for particulars, has kindly forwarded me the following account. It was first seen by himself in the early morning of March 25, 1855 (the Thanksgiving-day after the Crimea), and shot by his father in the afternoon. It was a female, and also contained eggs, but no male bird was seen in company with it.'

57). c. 1856-58 Berkshire Monkey Island, River Thames, near Maidenhead, shot, undated.

(Clark Kennedy, 1868; Swash, 1996).

History Clark Kennedy (1868: 186) says: 'Another was shot on the Thames, near Monkey Island, ten or twelve years ago, and was brought to Eton for preservation.' Accepted locally (Swash 1996).

58). c. 1856 Ceredigion Near Talybont, shot, undated, now at University College, Aberystwyth.

(J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1895: 184; Ingram et al., 1966).

History J. H. Salter (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 184, says: 'An example, shot about forty years ago, near Lodge Park by the late Mr. Jeffreys, of Glandyfi Castle, is now in the possession of the Viscountess Parker.'

59). 1858 Nottinghamshire Sutton Reservoir, Mansfield, male, shot, March, now at Mansfield Museum.

(J. Whitaker unpublished MS.).

History A male was shot on Sutton Reservoir, Mansfield, during March; the specimen is now at Mansfield Museum (Whitaker MS.).

60). 1858 Cornwall Tudallit Farm, Looe, shot, 21st May.

(S. Clogg, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 8: 266).

History Stephen Clogg of Looe (1858) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 266, dated 7th September, 1858, says: 'On the 21st of May, a beautiful specimen of the Little Bittern was shot on Tudallit Farm, about two miles from this place; it was brought to me for preservation, in excellent condition, but unfortunately at that time I had a large abcess on my thumb, which prevented my setting it up. I sent it to Plymouth, to a taxidermist, who, I believe, has preserved it, but it has not yet been returned to me.'

61). 1858 Cambridgeshire Waterbeach Fen, obtained, undated, now at Saffron Walden Museum.

(Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History Lack (1934: 81) says: 'A specimen labelled Waterbeach Fen, 1858, is in the Saffron Walden Museum.' Accepted locally (Bircham 1989).

62). 1859 East Glamorgan Near Cardiff, adult female, caught alive, February.

(R. Drane, Zoologist 1859: 6562-63; Mullens et al., 1920).

History R. Drane of Cardiff (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. pp. 6562-63, dated 18th May, 1859, says: 'A female specimen of the Little Bittern was run down and captured by some harriers on the moors west of this town, in February last. During its short and miserable captivity, at which period I could not gain possession of it, it was remarkable fierce, darting its beak with extraordinary activity, virulence and pertinacity at anything brought within reach.

By its unamiable disposition and refusal to take food (which, however, was of an unnatural kind), it soon gained the dislike and ill will of its master, became neglected and starved to death. The ovaries were considerably developed, but it had not assumed its fully adult plumage, if I am correct in supposing that the breast should have lost its brown markings, and that the shoulder, instead of being rusty brown, and the feathers slightly edged with buff, should in the adult be shining bluish-black, as are the top, the head, occiput and tail-feathers of this specimen. Again, the back of the neck of this bird is bare, and the feathers on the base of neck in front are elongated as in the adult, but the outer web of the first quill-feather is buff-coloured, and the wing-coverts are rich deep brown.'

63). 1859 Northumberland Denton Hall, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, killed, April.

(Hancock, 1874; R. Duncan, Naturalist 15: 217; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Hancock (1874: 127-128) says: 'Another example was killed in April, 1859, in the garden at Denton Hall, three miles west of Newcastle, and is in the possession of Mr. Hoyle.'

R. Duncan (1889) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 217, says: 'Little Bittern. An extremely rare visitor. In April 1859 I saw one alight on a tree, on which it sat for a short time, and then skimmed off low across the moor and disappeared. A few days after a specimen was shot in the garden at Denton Hall, three miles off. This is recorded by Mr. Hancock.'

Accepted locally (Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

64). 1860 Berkshire Queen's Eyot, near Windsor, shot, summer.

(Clark Kennedy, 1868; Swash, 1996).

History Clark Kennedy (1868: 186) says: 'Mr. Wolley kindly informed me of a fine specimen which was shot by a person named Brion, on Queen's Eyot, near Windsor, in the summer of 1860.'

Comment Clark Kennedy refers to a Rev. Charles Wolley on another page, possibly the person above, and not the more famous oologist.

65). 1860 Somerset River Tone, near Taunton, shot, 20th August.

(W. F. Dewey, Zoologist 1860: 7274; Smith, 1869; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 219; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History W. F. Dewey of Taunton (1860) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVIII. p. 7274, dated 15th October, 1860, says: 'On the 20th of August last a specimen of the Little Bittern was shot as it rose from a bed of rushes on the River Tone, about a half mile below this town. It is now preserved, and in the possession of Mr. Haddon, the person who shot it.'

Smith (1869: 356) says: 'Mr. Haddon, of Taunton, has one in his collection, which was shot by him near that town, on the banks of the River Tone, in Priory Fields.'

A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 219, says: Another specimen - a young bird in its immature garb - was shot by Mr. Haddon, of Taunton, not far from where he procured the larger Bittern mentioned before; about the same time as the other.'

66). 1860 Essex Near Coggeshall, shot, undated.

(C. E. Smith, Magazine of Natural History 1860; H. O. Jackson Southend Standard 10th Oct. 1889; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 185) says: 'C. E. Smith, of Coggeshall, in 1860, mentions one (31. 52) "shot by Mr. Sach of Abbey Farm".' It was accepted locally (Glegg 1929: 160; Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007).

Comment Cannot find the early references quoted by Christy (31. [Various] - The Magazine of Natural History and Naturalist. Edited by Rev. F. O. Morris, 9 numbers (Jan. to Sept.) only published, 8vo, London).

67). c. 1860 Greater London/Kent Near Lullington Castle, shot, undated.

(Ticehurst, 1909; J. M. Harrison, British Birds 25: 272; Harrison, 1953; Self, 2014).

History Ticehurst (1909: 314) says: 'One, for the knowledge of which I am indebted to the Rev. J. B. Hale is preserved at Lullington Castle. Sir W. Hart Dyke informs me that it was shot about 1860, and that he watched it for many days whilst he was fishing there.'

J. M. Harrison (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 272, says: 'At the auction at Lullingstone Castle, the seat of the late Sir William Hart Dyke, which was held on December 9th and 10th, 1931, there were two lots of ornithological interest. The first was a male Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the second a duck Goosander (Mergus merganser). The Little Bittern was killed on the lake at Lullingstone about 1860 and is in good condition, but the Goosander is sadly faded. Both birds are recorded by Dr. N. E. Ticehurst in his book A History of the Birds of Kent, and are now in my collection.'

Accepted locally for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

68). c. 1860 Somerset Glastonbury, undated.

(Tucker Notebook; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History Palmer & Ballance (1968) list one at Glastonbury, about 1860 (Tucker Notebook).

Comment Bernard W. Tucker (1900-1950) was one of the Editors (Witherby et al. 1940-52).

69). 1861 Suffolk Barton Mills, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'Barton Mills, 1861 (Bilson MS.).'

70). 1862 Dorset Heron Court, Christchurch, Hampshire, male, shot, 26th April, now in Malmesbury Collection.

(G. F. Berkeley, Field 3rd May 1862: 387; Wise, 1863; J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1869: 1510; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Morrison, 1997; Clark, 2022).

History Grantley F. Berkeley (1862) in The Field of 3rd May, Vol. XIX. p. 387, says: 'There has been killed within the last week, by George Bacon, one of the keepers at Heron Court, a splendid specimen of the Little Bittern. It is now in the possession of Mr. William Hart, of Christchurch, who has it to preserve for Lord Malmesbury.'

Wise (1863: 316, 1st ed.) says: 'Mr. Hart, to whom I am under so many obligations for notices of our stragglers, informs me that a fine male bird was shot, April, 26, 1862, on the borders of the Forest, at Heron Court, by one of Lord Malmesbury's keepers.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1510, in a 'List of the Rarer Birds obtained by Mr. Hart in the vicinity of Christchurch, Hants.', says: 'Little Bittern - April 26th 1862.' Further, p. 1512, he summarises 'Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'One was killed at Heron Court, on April 26th, 1862. It is now in the Earl of Malmesbury's collection.' Morrison (1997: 17) adds: 'One at Hurn on 26th April 1862.'

71). 1862 Sussex Southbrook, near Chichester, immature, shot, 18th August.

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

History Borrer (1891: 318) says: 'Mr. Jeffery (p. n.) says that he shot an immature male or young female at Southbrook, between Ratham and Ashling, in August 1862.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) says: 'One from Southbrook, in the vicinity of Chichester, on August 18th, 1862, (Borrer contented himself with just August (1862)).' Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'W. Jeffery, "Private Notes". Jeffery himself slew this specimen.'

72). 1862 Somerset Langport, caught, October, now at Taunton Castle Museum.

(Smith, 1869; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

History Smith (1869: 356) says: 'There is one in the museum at Taunton, which was caught in a Snipe-net near Langport, in October, 1862.'

73). 1863 Suffolk Benacre Broad, seen, 1st May.

(T. E. Gunn, Young England 3: 59; Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'Another seen there [Benacre Broad] May 1, 1863 (T. E. Gunn in Young England, III. 59).'

74). 1863 Yorkshire Scarborough Mere, immature female, shot, August.

(W. W. Boulton, Zoologist 1863: 8770; Cordeaux, 1872; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History W. W. Boulton of Beverley (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8770, dated 31st August, 1863, says: 'On August 22nd I called upon Mr. Roberts, birdstuffer, of Scarborough. He had just set up an immature, but beautiful, female specimen of this rare bird. It was still quite soft and fresh, and was shot on the mere close to Scarborough.'

Accepted locally (Cordeaux 1872: 104) but not later (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 50).

Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'At the Scarborough Mere one was obtained in August 1863, while perched on a tree in a garden at Black House, and came into the possession of Mr. Taylor (A. Roberts, MS.; Zool., 1863, p. 8770).'

75). 1864 Devon Near Start Lighthouse, female, March.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'A female, near the Start Lighthouse, in March 1864.'

76). 1864 Norfolk Horsey Mere, shot, 3rd September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1865: 9405; Stevenson, 1870; Patterson, 1905).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9405, dated 14th November, 1864, says: 'A very fine specimen, in perfect plumage, of this rare species, was killed off a "rand" on Horsey Mere, on the 3rd of September.' Later, Stevenson (1870 (2): 159) adds: '...This bird, which was in perfect plumage, was sent to London by Mr. Rising, to be stuffed, but he assures me that the specimen returned to him, as his own, had not the slightest resemblance to the one he forwarded, which he has never been able to recover.'

Patterson (1905) says: 'On 3rd September 1864, a beautiful example was shot off a rand on Horsey Mere; it was despatched to London for preservation, and a "very poor specimen" eventually returned instead!'

77). 1865 Devon Near Plymouth, two, seen, adult male killed, 7th May.

(J. Gatcombe, Field 20th May 1865: 360; J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1865: 9628; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History John Gatcombe of Plymouth (1865) in The Field of 20th May, Vol. XXV. p. 360, says: 'A pair of Little Bitterns were seen near Plymouth about a week since, one of which, a male in fine plumage, was captured by a boy, who said it was entangled in a bramble bush, but that the other flew away. I examined the captured bird when quite fresh.'

J. Gatcombe of Stonehouse (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9628, dated 14th May, 1865, says: 'Two Little Bitterns were seen in the neighbourhood of Plymouth on Sunday last [7th], one of which was captured by a boy, who said he found it by the side of a small stream, entangled in a bramble-bush, and that another flew away as he came up. I examined the captured bird, and found it to be a male in adult plumage.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'Two near Plymouth, May 7th, 1865, one, a male, being killed (J.B.R. [Rowe]).'

79). 1865 Buckinghamshire Monkey Island, River Thames, near Maidenhead, shot, late August.

("T.M." Field 7th Oct., 1865: 254; M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1866: 200, figure; Clark Kennedy, 1868; Lack & Ferguson, 1993).

History "T.M." of High Wycombe (1865) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. XXVI. p. 254, dated 27th September, says: 'In the latter end of August last I shot a specimen of the Little Bittern, which flew out of an osier ait just below Monkey Island, on the Thames, near Maidenhead. Being in good condition, I have had the bird preserved. Can you tell me whether this bird is rare in the present day?' [The Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus) is an extremely rare bird in England. We seldom hear of an instance of its occurrence. It is regarded as a summer visitor, but more observations are required before we can arrive at any satisfactory conclusions on that subject. - Ed.]

M. C. Cooke, Editor (1866) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. II. p. 200, says: 'The specimen figured was shot by Mr. Thomas Marshall, of High Wycombe, at the latter end of last year: it was killed as it flew from a well-known island in the river Thames, called Queen's Ait, about halfway between Maidenhead and Windsor, and just within the confines of the county of Bucks: the island is said to be admirably adapted for its nidification.'

Accepted locally (Clark Kennedy 1868: 187; Lack & Ferguson 1993).

80). 1865 Devon Witheridge Moor, September.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'One at Witheridge Moor, North Devon, Sept. 1865, is now in the collection of the late Mr. Marsh-Dunn at Teignmouth.'

81). 1865 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 30th September.

(H. Hart, Field 7th Oct., 1865: 254; M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1866: 200; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

History Henry Hart of Christchurch (1865) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. XXVI. p. 254, says: 'On Saturday last [30th September] I shot one of those exceeding rare birds, a Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus), an adult male.'

M. C. Cooke, Editor (1866) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. II. p. 200, says: 'At about the same time [as the Buckinghamshire record of 1865] another specimen was shot at Christchurch, Hants, by Mr. Hart; in which locality the Little Bittern had previously occurred.' Not in Morrison (1997).

82). 1865 Avon Bleadon, immature, killed, mid-October.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1865: 9454; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1865: 9457; Smith, 1869; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; A. H. Davis, Avon Bird Report 1993: 15; H. E. Rose, Avon Bird Report 2000: 169).

History Murray A. Mathew of Weston-super-Mare (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9454, undated, says: 'A Little Bittern was flushed and killed out of a withy-bed at Bleadon, a small village near Weston-super-Mare, one day about the middle of last October. Its plumage agreed with the description given in Morris's British Birds of a bird of the year.'

Murray A. Mathew (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9457, dated 17th October 1865, says: 'I have just seen in the possession of Mr. Stone, birdstuffer, of this town, a specimen of the Little Bittern, which was shot at Bleadon, a village four miles distant, a few days since. Its plumage corresponds with the description given in Morris's British Birds of a young bird of the year.' While, A. H. Davis (1993) in the Avon Bird Report, p. 15, erroneously says: '1864.'

83). 1865 Worcestershire Near Badsey, adult, shot, undated.

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

History Tomes (1901 (1): 161) in the Victoria County History of Worcestershire, says: 'An adult Little Bittern was shot more than thirty years since on a brook between the villages of Aldington and Badsey, and in close proximity to the latter place. I have no knowledge of any other specimen having been met with in Worcestershire, but an immature one was shot in Warwickshire, and brought to Stratford-on-Avon for preservation.'

Accepted locally for Worcestershire (Harthan 1946; Harrison & Harrison 2005).

84). Pre 1866 Nottinghamshire River Trent, near Newark, female, killed, June.

(Felkin, 1866: Whitaker, 1907).

History Felkin (1866: 52) says: 'A female was killed in June, amongst some flags by the Trent side, near Newark; now in Mr. Hadfield's possession.' Accepted locally (Whitaker 1907: 179).

85). 1866 Northumberland Benridge, near Woolsington, adult male, 31st May.

("C.M.A." Field 1st Sept., 1866: 183; J. Hancock, Natural History Transactions of Northumberland and Durham 1867: 283; Hancock, 1874; Adamson, 1879; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History "C.M.A." of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1866) in The Field of 1st Sept., Vol. XXVIII. p. 183, and Adamson (1879) says: 'Mr. Surtees, of Benridge, has given me a male Little Bittern, in perfect plumage, which was shot by his keeper on the 31st of May last; it has been preserved by Duncan, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Bewick's figure of the bird was taken from one procured within a few miles of the same place, and on the same stream, upwards of half a century since, a little earlier in the same month....'

Hancock (1874: 128) says: 'A third [for Northumberland] individual was shot at Benridge, Woolsington, Northumberland, in 1866, and is in the collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson: this specimen is a mature male.'

Bolam (1912) adds: 'One shot at Benridge, near Woolsington, on 31st May, 1866, was a mature male, and was in the collection of the late Mr. C. M. Adamson; and is referred to in his most interesting Sundry Natural History Scraps, published in 1879.'

86). 1866 Isles of Scilly Tresco, adult male, shot, 10th June.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1866: 311; E. H. Rodd, Field 23rd June 1866: 513; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2243; Harting, 1880; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 302; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 311, says: 'I was presented yesterday, by Mr. Smith, of Trescoe Abbey, with a very beautiful adult male specimen of this little heron, in the highest possible perfection of plumage, and with the neck-ruff much fuller and bittern-like than any specimen I had seen before or in any representation of the bird in books. Its length is exactly 15¼ inches. I am very glad that I ascertained its weight, no reference having been made to its weight by any ornithological author in my library. Its weight was exactly three ounces, and there was no waste from loss of blood or mutilation. The bird was, contrary to any of the Ardeidae that I have handled, full of flesh, with some fat on the breast; so that, when in low condition (probably its average state) it would not exceed 2¼ or 2½ ounces. It was observed on the banks of a large pool near the Abbey on Trescoe Island, where there is an abundance of sedge and covert adapted to the economy of the heron tribe. The sex was quite apparent on dissection; the diminutive size of the body was quite remarkable, not exceeding that of a Missel Thrush.'

E. H. Rodd (1866) in The Field of 23rd June, Vol. XXVII. p. 513, says: 'The island of Trescoe, one of the Scilly Islands, has this week supplied a beautiful adult specimen of this little heron, with its adult plumage fully developed, and his neck ruff in more extended form than I have ever seen in any specimen in or out of book. It is a male bird, weighing (in first-rate condition) exactly three ounces; length, fifteen and a quarter inches. It was observed in the large sedgy pool on the island a day or two since.'

E. H. Rodd (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2243, says: 'An adult male killed at Tresco, Scilly, in June 1866 (in my collection).'

Harting, Editor (1880: 133-134) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'On the 13th June 1866, Mr. Smith of Trescoe Abbey sent me a very beautiful male specimen in adult plumage, which had just been shot in this neighbourhood. It had a much better ruff, and was more Bittern-like in appearance than any specimen I had previously seen, and although in good condition and with apparently no loss of blood, it weighed only 3 oz., the body being about the size of that of a Missel Thrush. It had been observed about the large pool near Trescoe Abbey, where there is an abundance of sedge and covert well adapted to afford both concealment and food. The date at which it was found is noteworthy as being in the height of the breeding season, and it is not unlikely that "while this male bird was moving about in search of food, the female may have been sitting on her eggs in the immediate neighbourhood".'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 302, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'The Little Bittern is represented by an adult male in fine condition, shot about June 8th, 1866.'

87). 1866 Essex North Bridge, Colchester, female, shot, 13th August.

(C. R. Bree, Field 25th Aug., 1866: 148; C. R. Bree, Zoologist 1866: 517; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History C. R. Bree of Colchester (1866) in The Field of 25th Aug., Vol. XXVIII. p. 148 and in The Zoologist (1866) 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 517, quoting from The Field, says: 'A fine specimen of this bird (Botaurus minutus) was shot on the 13th of August, just above North Bridge, Colchester, and has come into my collection. The specimen is a female, in good plumage, like that of the male bird. There were two small eggs for next year in the ovarium.'

Accepted locally (Christy 1890; Glegg 1929; Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984).

88). 1866 North-east Scotland Aberdeen Harbour, Aberdeenshire, on board a ship, 21st October.

(G. Sim, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1866: 277; Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 2: 166; Gray, 1871; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 367; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History George Sim of Aberdeen (1866) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. II. p. 277, says: 'A fine specimen of the Little Bittern, Ardea minuta, Linn., flew on board a vessel while entering this port on the 21st of October last. Can any of your correspondents inform me if it has been previously captured in Scotland?' [Dr. Fleming mentions one shot in the Orkneys in 1805, and MacGillivray says, "I am not aware of its having been obtained on any part of the mainland of Scotland". - Ed.]

Anon. (1871) in the Proceedings of the Glasgow Natural History Society, Vol. II. p. 166, at the meeting held on 31st October 1871, says: 'Mr. James Thompson, of the Kelvingrove Museum, exhibited a specimen of the Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus), which had been captured in Aberdeenshire in October, 1866. Mr. Gray remarked that it was the second specimen exhibited before the Society, the first having been forwarded about three years ago by the Earl of Haddington, who procured it in East Lothian.'

Gray (1871: 278) says: 'Since that time no other Scottish specimen had occurred until 1866, one having been caught on board a vessel entering the harbour of Aberdeen, on the 21st of October, as I have been informed by Mr. G. Sim of that city.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 367, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, erroneously says: 'Mr. Sim reports one, brought to him alive in 1856 [1866] in Aberdeen, others have since been found in that county. (Gray's, Birds W. of Scot., p. 283).'

Sim (1903: 138) says: 'On October 21st, 1866, a specimen of this rare bird flew on board the vessel Ellen of Dysart in company with a Water Rail while the vessel was entering the port of Aberdeen, and was presented to me by Mr. Thompson, the master and owner of the ship. The stomach of the bird contained fragments of beetles.'

89). 1867 Cornwall St Hilary, adult male, killed, about 11th April.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1867: 759; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 759, dated 12th April, 1867, says: 'I have just received another specimen of the Little Bittern, in fine plumage, in fact exactly the same as the one I received about this time last year from Scilly, which is noted in The Zoologist (Zool., s.s. 311). The present bird was killed in an orchard in the parish of St. Hilary, near St. Michael's Mount. Its weight is just under three ounces; the Scilly bird was three ounces exactly.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 134) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'The following year [1867], on the 12th April, I received another adult example of this bird, which was captured in an orchard in the parish of St. Hilary. It was in very similar plumage to that last referred to [adult male], and weighed a little under 3 oz.'

90). 1867 Cornwall Coverack, The Lizard, adult female, picked up exhausted, c. 20th April.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1867: 829; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 829, undated, says: 'Mr. Frederick V. Hill, of Helston, writes me word that he has obtained a good specimen of an old female Little Bittern, which was picked up in an exhausted sate on Coverack beach, near The Lizard. He does not describe the plumage, but if there is any material variation from the plumage generally recognised as that of the female I will communicate the same to The Zoologist.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 133) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Mr. F. V. Hill of Helston informed me that one which he had preserved, an adult female bird, was picked up in an exhausted condition on Coverack Beach, near the Lizard.'

91). 1867 Berkshire Wargrave, female, killed, 4th May.

(G. B. Ashmead, Zoologist 1867: 829; Clark Kennedy, 1868; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996).

History G. B. Ashmead of Bishopgate Street (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 829, undated, says: 'A specimen of this occasional visitor has been sent me for preservation, having been captured on Mr. Holmes' pond at Walgrave [sic], Henley-on-Thames, on the 4th of May. The bird proved on examination to be a female; eggs in process of formation. The bird was observed sleeping on the banks of the pond, and being cautiously approached was killed by a well-directed stroke from a punt pole.'

92). 1867 Essex No locality, two, obtained, 15th June.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1869: 1511; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1511, under 'List of the Rarer Birds obtained by Mr. Hart in the vicinity of Christchurch, Hants'., says: 'Little Bittern - Two, 15th June, Essex.'

Further, p. 1512, he summarises 'Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.' Accepted locally (Glegg 1929: 160; Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984).

94). 1867 Lothian Luffness, male, shot, 23rd June.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 1: 186; Gray, 1871; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History Anon. (1858-69) in the Proceedings of the Glasgow Natural History Society, Vol. I. p. 186, at the meeting held on 26th November, 1867, says: 'Specimens exhibited. A specimen of the Little Bittern (Ardea minuta), shot at Luffness, in East Lothian, in June last, and forwarded by Lord Binning, corresponding member.'

Gray (1871: 279) says: 'I am enabled, through the kindness of the Earl of Haddington, to record the occurrence of a very perfect male bird, at Luffness, in East Lothian, on 23rd June 1867. This specimen, which was exhibited at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow shortly afterwards, is now in the Mellerstain Collection.'

95). 1867 Oxfordshire River Cherwell, near Banbury, immature, shot, 27th October.

(C. M. Prior, Zoologist 1877: 232; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History C. Matthew Prior of Bedford (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 232, says: 'When in Banbury one day in December, I was asked to go and see a specimen of the Little Bittern which had been shot near that town, on the Cherwell, by one Frederick Murray, a boatman, on the 27th October, 1867. It was much knocked about, having been shot the moment it rose, but the shattered bits were collected together and stuffed by W. Wyatt for its captor.'

Aplin (1889: 186) says: 'One in immature dress, which was shot on the 27th October, 1867, on the Cherwell, a little way below Banbury, is now preserved in that town.'

96). c. 1867 Meirionnydd Near Arenig Bach, two, shot, undated.

("R.J.L.P." Field 16th Jan., 1875: 46; Forrest, 1907; Jones, 1974; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Pritchard, 2012).

History "R.J.L.P." (1875) in The Field of 16th Jan., Vol. XLV. p. 46, says: 'A pair of Little Bitterns were killed on the Arenig Bach Mountain some eight years ago, but, with these exceptions, the appearance of members of the bittern family in Merionethshire is, we believe, unknown.'

Forrest (1907) says: 'Mr. Ruddy informs me that two were shot on Arenig Bach in either 1867 or 1868; he had his information direct from the late Dr. Lloyd Williams, of Llandderfel, who shot them himself, and who had a good knowledge of birds. He told Mr. Ruddy about them in 1875, but had not got the specimens then. Mr. R. J. Lloyd Price of Rhiwlas recorded them in The Field 16th January 1875.'

Accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

98). 1868 Sussex St Leonards-on-Sea, female, caught alive, 2nd May.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1868: 1293; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History J. H. Gurney of Darlington (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1293, undated, says: 'During the past month I have had the following, in the flesh: - May 2. Little Bittern (female) taken alive in a field at St Leonards.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 345).

99). 1868 Devon Braunton Marsh, shot, early May.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1868: 1295; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Murray A. Mathew of Weston-super-Mare (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1295, dated 19th May, 1868, says: 'I have been informed that, in the first week of May, a Little Bittern was killed at Braunton, near Barnstaple, by one of the keepers of Sir W. Williams, Bart.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'One, the beginning of May 1868, at Braunton, near Barnstaple, shot by Mr. Williams's keeper (M.A.M., Zool., 1868, p. 1295).'

100). 1868 North-east Scotland River Don/Ury confluence, Aberdeenshire, shot, 28th May.

(Gray, 1871; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Gray (1871: 278) says: 'Mr. Angus, in referring to this specimen in one of his letters, states that a second Aberdeenshire specimen of this rare British bird was shot by Mr. A. Bowie, on the 28th May, 1868, at the junction of the Don and the Ury below Keith Hall, the residence of the Earl of Kintore. "This bird", writes Mr. Angus, "which is now in my collection, was in the water when observed, and on being disturbed, alighted on the branch of a tree, along which it ran with great speed. It flew like a grey heron, but with a quicker motion of its wings. The specimen is an adult female, deep in the moult, incubation having almost bared the lowest parts of the feathers. The stomach contained a solitary minnow".'

Accepted locally (Sim 1903; Phillips 1997).

101). 1868 North-east Scotland Near Fintray House, Aberdeenshire, immature male, 23rd September.

(Gray, 1871; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Gray (1871: 278) says: 'A third specimen killed in this county has been notified to me by the same gentleman [Mr. Angus]; - "An immature male was shot on the marsh, near Fintry [sic] House, on the 23d September, 1868, Its manner of flight is described as resembling that of a heron; the stomach, which is remarkably large, contained email worms, a stickleback, and the legs of a common frog. The bird was sent by Sir William Forbes, Bart., to Mr. Mitchell, for preservation, and has been added to that gentleman's valuable collection".'

Accepted locally (Sim 1903; Phillips 1997).

102). c. 1868 Cornwall Near Penzance, adult male, obtained, undated, now at Penzance Museum.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2224; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2224, dated 30th May, 1870, says: 'An adult female of this species was procured at Skewjack, adjoining the Land's End, a few days since. It is in high condition, and will be an interesting feature in the Penzance Museum, along with an adult male procured in the neighbourhood a year or two since.'

103). 1869 Sussex Runcton, Chichester, adult male, shot, 11th April.

(W. Jeffery, jun., Zoologist 1870: 2059; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History W. Jeffery, jun., of Ratham, Chichester (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2059, dated 5th February, 1870, says: 'April, 11, 1869. An adult male Little Bittern, in fine plumage, shot at Runcton, near Chichester: I saw this bird a few days after it was killed.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 318) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) who in a footnote, adds: 'W. Jeffery, "Private Notes". Jeffery himself slew this specimen.'

Comment Walpole-Bond would apparently have his details wrong for if Jeffery saw it a few days after it was killed he couldn't have been the killer, unless it was recovered from some inaccesible spot, whereby, later, he did see it later.

104). 1869 Hampshire Bickton Meadows, Fordingbridge, male, shot, 15th April.

("Fordingbridge" Field 1st May 1869: 360; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History "Fordingbridge" of Fordingbridge (1869) in The Field of 1st May, Vol. XXXIII. p. 360, says: 'A beautiful male specimen of the Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus) was shot at Bickton Meadows, near Fordingbridge, Hants, on Thursday, April 15. It was purchased and stuffed by Mr. Haydon, chemist, who has placed it in his shop for inspection.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'One was obtained at...Fordingbridge in April, 1869.'

105). 1869 Devon Seaton, female, flew ashore and caught, 20th May.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'A female flew ashore and alighted on a small boat, where it was captured alive, at Seaton, May 20th, 1869 (J.G.).'

106). 1869 Devon Near Start Lighthouse, female, May.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'A female, near the Start Lighthouse, in May 1869.'

107). 1869 Dorset Parley Court, near Christchurch, Hampshire, adult female, shot, May, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/122).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 219; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 219, says: 'He [E. Hart] is fortunate also to be possessed of another equally good pair, the female of which was shot by Mr. E. Elliot, in May, 1869, while the male bird was killed by Hart himself, at Gargoinge, on Easter Monday, April 22nd, 1878.'

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult female was shot at Parley Court, near Christchurch during May 1869 by me and mounted by me.

108). 1869 Dorset Claypool, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, pair, bred, 5th June, all now at Chilcomb House, Winchester (Acc. No. HMCMS: Bi1983.2.16).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 219; Morrison, 1997; Hampshire Cultural Trust).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 219, says: 'While at Christchurch a good pair were shot on June 15th, 1869, by Cull, a gunner, which are now in Mr. Hart's collection. He is fortunate also to be possessed of another equally good pair, the female of which was shot by Mr. E. Elliot, in May, 1869, while the male bird was killed by Hart himself, at Gargoinge, on Easter Monday, April 22nd, 1878.'

Morrison (1997) says: 'A pair bred in a large reedbed at Claypool in Christchurch Harbour in 1869. The birds were obtained, including the nest and three fledglings by T. M. Pike during May, who in turn presented them to E. Hart on 5th June 1869. The female and nestlings are housed in the Red House Museum, Christchurch.'

Comment Hampshire Cultural Trust add that they were taken by Mr. Gardner, Claypool, Christchurch Harbour on 5th June 1869 and the cased specimens were prepared by Edward Hart during the 1870s.

110). 1869 Dorset Christchurch area, Hampshire, shot, 8th September.

(W. Hart & Son, Field 16th Oct., 1869: 335; W. Hart, Zoologist 1869: 1917).

History William Hart & Sons of Christchurch (1869) in The Field of 16th Oct., Vol. XXXIV. p. 335, says: '... We also send a list of some of the rarer birds which we have received during the past month: Sept. 8, Little Bittern.'

William Hart & Sons of Christchurch (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1917, dated 30th September, 1869, under 'Rare Birds at Christchurch', say: 'Little Bittern 8th September.'

Comment Hart was a taxidermist in Christchurch whose collection is still housed there.

111). 1869 Wiltshire Wilton, caught, September.

("J.G.W." Field 18th Sept., 1869: 238; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 219; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

History "J.G.W." of Wilton (1869) in The Field of 18th Sept., Vol. XXXIV. p. 238, says: 'While walking over some marshy land, my dog, who was beating through some thick sedge, &c., bordering a small stream running through the marsh, caught and brought to me a fine specimen of the Little Bittern, which I have sent to W. Hart & Son, Christchurch, Hants, to be mounted. Is the Little Bittern a rare visitor to this part of England?'

[The Little Bittern is a very rare visitor in England. In earlier numbers of The Field will be found a record of the few that have been killed. These have occurred in widely separated localities, and almost invariably during their vernal and autumnal migrations. They are said to breed in the marshes near Paris, but we believe have never done so in Britain. - Ed.]

A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 219, says: 'A fifth specimen was procured at Wilton, by Mr. C. Parham, on September 8th, 1869.'

Accepted locally (Smith 1887; Buxton 1981).

112). c. 1869 Co. Durham Between Stanhope and Frosterley, immature, shot, undated.

(H. H. Slater, Zoologist 1884: 101; Temperley, 1951).

History Henry H. Slater (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 101, under 'The Ornithology of Riding Mill on Tyne and Neighbourhood', says: 'I am not able to record this bird from Riding Mill, but I possess an immature example which was shot on the Wear, between Stanhope and Frosterley, in or about the year 1869, and brought in the flesh to Messrs. Tinkler, the Stanhope birdstuffers, who afterwards kindly gave it to me.'

Temperley (1951) says: 'This specimen in the collection of the Rev. H. H. Slater, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.'

113). 1870 Dorset Christchurch, Hampshire, male, shot, 22nd April, now at Red House Museum, Christchurch.

(Morrison, 1997).

History Morrison (1997) says: 'A male shot on 22nd April 1870 at Christchurch is now housed in the Red House Museum, Christchurch.'

114). 1870 Kent No locality, adult female, killed, 29th April.

("S.E. Coast" Field 7th May 1870: 407; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History "S.E. Coast" (1870) in The Field of 7th May, Vol. XXXV. p. 407, under 'Golden Oriole, Little Bittern and Norfolk Plover in Kent', says: '...The Little Bittern was shot in an apple tree on April 29; and the Norfolk Plover on some newly made potato furrows. The last two are sent to that clever taxidermist, Mr. Gordon, of Dover, for preservation.'

Ticehurst (1909: 314) says: 'An anonymous writer in The Field states that one was shot in an apple tree in Kent on April 29th, 1870, and sent to Gordon, of Dover, for preservation.'

115). 1870 Norfolk Flitcham, adult female, shot, 2nd May.

("East Anglia" Field 14th May 1870: 416; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1870: 2364).

History "East Anglia" (1870) in The Field of 14th May, Vol. XXXV. p. 416, says: 'A very good female specimen, in adult plumage, was shot on April 29, at Flitcham, in this county, and is now being preserved by Willson, King's Lynn.'

H. Stevenson of Norwich (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2364, dated 27th September, 1870, says: 'May. An adult female is said to have been shot at Fincham, on the 2nd, by a gamekeeper of Sir William Ffolkes, and preserved by Mr. Wilson, of Lynn.'

Comment "East Anglia" definitely says: Flitcham, so Stevenson must have had another source for his version, including spelling Wilson differently. Both Flitcham and Fincham are near King's Lynn, Norfolk.

116). 1870 Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire Worksop/Gainsborough area, male, shot, 20th or 24th May.

(F. Boyes, Zoologist 1870: 2308; Cordeaux, 1872; Sterland & Whitaker, 1879; Whitaker, 1907; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History F. Boyes (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2308, undated, under 'Little Bittern in Nottinghamshire', says: 'On or about the 24th of May last a Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus) was shot near Worksop, in the above county: it was a male in fine plumage, and was received here for preservation by Mr. Richardson, taxidermist, by whose kindness I was enabled to add the sternum and trachea to my collection.'

Sterland & Whitaker (1879: 50) say: 'A male bird, was shot near Worksop on May 24th, 1870.' Cordeaux (1872) p. 104, says: 'A recent appearance of this rare bird in this county was in the spring of 1870, when an adult male was shot on the 20th of May, near Gainsborough, by a gamekeeper. Mr. Richardson, of Beverley, received this bird in the flesh.'

Whitaker (1907) says: 'Killed on May 24th, 1870 near Worksop.' Smith & Cornwallis (1955: 57) say: 'An adult male was shot near Gainsborough on May 20th, 1870.'

Comment This is probably the same record as Lincolnshire 20th May 1870. The area is where the two counties meet.

117). 1870 Cornwall Skewjack, adult female, killed, late May, now at Penzance Museum.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2224; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2224, dated 30th May, 1870, says: 'An adult female of this species was procured at Skewjack, adjoining the Land's End, a few days since. It is in high condition, and will be an interesting feature in the Penzance Museum, along with an adult male procured in the neighbourhood a year or two since.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 134) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'One in the Penzance Museum, an adult female bird, was procured towards the end of May 1870, at Skewjack [Farm], near the Land's End.'

118). c. 1870 Yorkshire Rivelin Valley, Sheffield, obtained, undated.

(Nelson, 1907).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'At Collta, in the Rivelin Valley, one, taken about 1870, was sent to Webster's [Sheffield] to be stuffed. For this information I am indebted to Mr. A. S. Hutchinson of Derby.'

Comment Rivelin Valley has been hard to find on the map near Worksop, Nottinghamshire, but one exists west of Sheffield, and is clearly in South Yorkshire. It could possibly be the one recorded in Notts./Lincs., classed as near Worksop/Gainsborough, and where all three counties meet. However, the Yorkshire record refers to a different taxidermist. It would have been amazing for three Little Bitterns to have landed within thirty miles of Worksop.

119). 1871 Northumberland River Aln, Hawkhill, Alnwick, adult male, killed, May.

(T. H. Gibb, Zoologist 1872: 3008-09; T. H. Gibb, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 6: 248; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History T. H. Gibb of Alnwick (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. pp. 3008-09, dated January, 1872, and the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VI. p. 248, with an identical story, says: 'A fine male of this rare species was captured early in May, in a belt of timber contiguous to the Cawledge, a small rivulet which flows into the River Aln, about two miles from the town of Alnwick. The plumage is that of an adult bird, and is in great perfection. Weight four ounces and three-quarters; length fifteen inches and a half; expanse of wings twenty inches; tail two inches long, composed of eight feathers. Iris dark chrome; eyelids and bare parts surrounding the eyes pale yellowish-green. The legs very powerful and looking disproportionately thick. It was flushed from the ground by Mr. Chrisp, of Hawkhill, and another gentleman, and after a short flight alighted on a tree, where it remained for nearly an hour before it was shot, displaying meanwhile such immobility as to appear more like an offshoot of the branch on which it was perched than a thing possessing life. The proneness of the bitterns to remain inactive when disturbed or threatened with danger, in localities offering ready and safe retreats, seems strange; nevertheless, it is a notable trait in their character, and one that I have often seen practised in North America by their congener, A. lentiginosa.'

Bolam (1912: 329) says: 'An adult male was shot by the late John Chrisp, near Hawkhill, about two miles east of Alnwick, in May, 1871, and came into my possession some years later.'

Comment It would appear this bird was shot in exactly the same spot as the Night Heron in November 1870.

120). 1872 Yorkshire Wintersett Reservoir, female, shot, 26th August.

(T. Lister, Field 4th Jan., 1873: 3; W. Talbot, Naturalist 1876: 6; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Thomas Lister of Barnsley (1873) in The Field of 4th Jan., Vol. XLI. p. 3, dated 24th December, says: 'During the late changeful autumn many birds rare to South Yorkshire have been observed in this neighbourhood. The most noteworthy of these were the Little Bittern, at Cold Hiendley Reservoir, Aug. 26.'

William Talbot (1876) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 6, says: 'A female was shot at Cold Hiendley, on the 20th August, 1872, by Mr. S. Wilson, of Winterset; it subsequently came into my possession, and now it is in Mr. G. W. Marsden's collection.'

Locally, Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - at Cold Hiendley Reservoir, near Wakefield, Aug. 26, 1872.' Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'On 25th August, 1872, an individual occurred at Cold Hindley [sic] Reservoir, near Wakefield, and is recorded in Talbot's Birds of Wakefield as forming part of the collection of the author.'

121). 1872 Derbyshire Draycott, female, shot, August.

(J. Whitaker, Zoologist 1872: 3316; Sterland & Whitaker, 1879; Whitlock, 1893; Frost, 1978).

History J. Whitaker, jun. (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3316, undated, says: 'A fine specimen of the Little Bittern was shot the first week in August on the canal-side at Draycott, by a gamekeeper of Mr. Towls. The bird is a female, and in good plumage; it was beautifully killed for preserving, only one shot going through its neck. This is the second specimen of this rare British bird killed in this county up to the present time.'

Sterland & Whitaker (1879: 50) say: 'A female was shot at Draycot [sic] in August 1872.'

Whitlock (1893: 155) says: 'In the case of the third example, the evidence is fortunately precise. In August, 1872, the keeper of the late Mr. J. H. Towle, of Draycott, flushed a curious bird from some reeds by the canal; it alighted on some neighbouring hedge, when he shot it. On examination, it proved to be a female Little Bittern. It is now in the possession of Mr. J. R. Towle, who was kind enough to show it to me.'

Comment The title of the article had Draycott in Nottinghamshire but it is actually in Derbyshire.

122). 1872 Suffolk Cornard meadows, adult, shot, August.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'Another, a mature bird, shot there [Cornard meadows] by Mr. F. W. Taylor in Aug., 1872 (in my Collection).'

123). 1872 Suffolk Near Bungay, shot, 15th October.

(H. Stevenson & J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1873: 3356; Babington, 1884-86).

History H. Stevenson & J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norfolk (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. p. 3356, say: 'October. On the 15th a Little Bittern was shot near Bungay, by Mr. Mann. - G.'

Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One taken near Bungay, in the possession of Mrs. Bedingfield (Freeman v. v.); one shot Oct. 15, 1872, near Bungay (the same bird ?).'

124). c. 1872 Devon Near Axminster Station, killed, undated.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'One was killed in the allotment ground close to Axminster Railway Station about 1872 (Pulman's Book of the Axe, p. 25).'

125). 1872 Oxfordshire Otmoor, shot, undated.

(Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History Aplin (1889: 186) says: 'On Otmoor a Little Bittern was shot by F. Goom, and brought in the flesh to Smith, the birdstuffer, in St. Clement's, Oxford, in 1872. After passing through several hands, it was in 1882 in the possession of Mr. Pearce, of Blackfriars Road, Oxford (H. A. Macpherson in litt.).'