Little Bittern (2/3)

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

Photo © By Ferran Pestaña from Barcelona, España - Avetorillo - Martinet menut - Little bittern - Ixobrychus minutusUploaded by snowmanradio, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20079095

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RECORDS (cont.)

126). 1873 Devon Near Erme Bridge, killed, 26th May.

(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1873: 3630; J. Gatcombe, Field 5th July 1873: 7; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History John Gatcombe of Plymouth (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. p. 3630, dated 3rd July, 1873, says: 'May 26th. A fine male Little Bittern was obtained near the River Erme, which I examined just after it had been stuffed. This bird was observed to frequent the river for a fortnight before it was killed.'

J. Gatcombe of 8, Lower Durnford Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth (1873) in The Field of 5th July, Vol. XLII. p. 7, says: 'In answer to your correspondent "J.N.R." I beg to say that both the Night Heron and Little Bittern have been seen on the River Erme in Devonshire during the past May.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'One was killed near Erme Bridge, May 26th, 1873, having been observed for a fortnight previously (J.G., Zool., 1873, p. 3638).'

127). 1873 Sussex Nutbourne, near Chichester, August or September.

(W. Jeffery, jun., Zoologist 1874: 3823; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History W. Jeffery of Ratham, Chichester (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IX. p. 3823, dated 6th December, 1873, says: 'In August or September a Little Bittern was killed at Nutbourne and sent to Chichester for preservation. I did not see it, but have good authority for the statement.' It was accepted (Borrer 1891: 318).

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) says: 'Nutbourne, near Chichester, goes sponsor for the following specimen, and there is no question about 1873 having been the year of capture. But, as regards further dating, there is a rare muddle. Thus, in The Zoologist (1874, p. 3823) Mr. W. Jeffery gives "August or September" as meeting the matter, though in his "Private Notes" I find registered "about October 26th", whilst Borrer, borrowing from the "Notes", says: "October 1st!".'

128). 1874 Yorkshire Easington, adult male, shot, 25th May.

(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1874: 4063; F. Boyes, Zoologist 1874: 4118; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IX. p. 4063, dated 31st May, 1874, says: 'Little Bittern. I recently examined a bird of this species shot in the parish of Easington, in Holderness, not far from the Spurn promontory. It was shot about the 25th of May, and, for obvious reasons, the name of the person by whom it was killed did not transpire. One side is very much injured - in fact, nearly shot away. The sex was undetermined; I should say, however, it is undoubtedly a mature male, and in very perfect plumage.'

F. Boyes (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IX. p. 4118, says: 'A fine specimen of the Little Bittern was shot near Easington, in this Riding [East Yorkshire], on the 25th of May last. It was unfortunately so shattered by the shot as to render it impossible to examine it internally.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - Easington, near Spurn, May 25, 1874.' It was accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (2): 397).

129). 1874 Dumfries & Galloway River Kirtle, between Kirkpatrick and Kirtlebridge, Dumfriesshire, male, shot, June.

(Macpherson, 1892; Gladstone, 1910, 1923).

History Gladstone (1910: 232-233) says: 'I have found no records of its occurrence in the county previous to 1874, when one was obtained. The following is the history of this bird as given by the late H. A. Macpherson in a letter to Mr. R. Service: "It is probable that I may have told you that I have heard of a local Little Bittern, killed in your faunal area, but whether or not, you will understand that as soon as I heard of it, I undertook to investigate its character for you. To-night, I met the man who had told me of it, and got him to take me to see it. Undoubtedly, it is a Little Bittern, a lovely bird in full male dress. It was shot at a place called the "Woodhouse", on the Kirtle River, between Kirkpatrick and Kirtlebridge, by its present owner, Mr. Sharp, of Hodgson's Court, Cumberland Street, Carlisle, in the early summer of 1874. It was brought to Carlisle and stuffed by Sam Watson, the verger of Carlisle Cathedral. You may therefore rely entirely on the character of its pedigree.'

Gladstone (1923) adds: 'This bird is also described by H. A. Macpherson in his Vertebrate Fauna of Lakeland (p. 236) as shot in June, 1874; and the name of the man who shot it is there given as Steel, in whose possession it is then (1892), said to have been.'

130). 1874 Essex/Greater London Passingford Bridge, immature, shot, 15th August.

(H. Doubleday, Zoologist 1874: 4199; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Self, 2014).

History Henry Doubleday of Epping (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IX. p. 4199, dated 10th September, 1874, says: 'A specimen of this rare bird was shot, on the 15th instant, at Passingford Bridge, about five miles from Epping. It was first observed by Miss Stevens, daughter of Mr. Stevens, miller, and a few days after was shot by his man. It appears to be a young bird which had just completed its first autumnal moult; it is probably a male, but in consequence of injury by shot, the sex could not be ascertained. It is in beautiful plumage.'

Locally, Christy (1890: 185-186) adds: '...shot on Sept. 15th, 1874...It is now in the possession of Sir Charles C. Smith of Suttons.' Accepted locally for Essex (Glegg 1929: 160; Cox 1984) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

Comment Christy (1890) and Glegg in the October issue of The Zoologist, erroneously state the date as 15th September 1874.

131). 1875 Greater London River Colne, near Uxbridge, Middlesex, killed, autumn.

(Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History Glegg (1935: 112) says: 'T. Cook, taxidermist, of Oxford Street, received an immature bird in the autumn of 1875, which had been shot on the Colne, near Uxbridge.' Accepted locally (Self 2014).

132). 1876 Devon Near Plymouth, adult, caught exhausted, late April.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1876: 5046; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Murray A. Mathew of Bishop's Lydeard (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5046, dated 4th July, 1876, says: 'Towards the end of April a Tauntonian had occasioned to visit Plymouth, and, taking a walk just outside the town, noticed a curious bird in a field, which permitted him to approach it. This was an adult Little Bittern, which was standing on the ground with its head and bill pointed upwards (a favourite bittern attitude), and so exhausted by hunger that it allowed itself to be taken up by the hand. It was brought to Taunton alive, but died the next day, being reduced almost to a skeleton from starvation. The occurrence of the Little Bittern in adult plumage in this country is very rare.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'An adult was taken alive by hand near Plymouth, exhausted by starvation, April 1876 (M.A.M., Zool., 1876, p. 5046).'

133). 1876 East Glamorgan Ely Rise, shot, 22nd September.

(S. Andrews, Field 21 Oct., 1876: 471; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 21; Heathcote, 1967).

History S. Andrews of Swansea (1876) in The Field of 21 Oct., Vol. XLVIII. p. 471, says: 'Mr. Cording, of Cardiff, received a Little Bittern, which was shot on the coast near there.'

Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 21, say: 'One was killed at Ely Rise, September 22nd, 1876.'

Comment Not sure if these two articles refer to this individual.

134). 1877 Yorkshire Ruswarp Dam, caught, May, now at Whitby Museum.

(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - at Ruswarp, near Whitby, May, 1877.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'In the Whitby Local Museum is a specimen captured in May 1877, by T. Fletcher, at Ruswarp Dam, near Whitby (T. Stephenson, MS.).'

135). 1877 Kent Mersham, Ashford, adult male, shot, June.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 315) says: 'In the Prentis collection at Rochester there is an adult male, which we learn from the MS. catalogue was shot at Mersham, near Ashford, in June, 1877.'

136). 1878 Dorset Gasgoine Meadow, Christchurch, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 22nd April, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/122).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 219; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

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.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'In the Hart collection is a specimen procured in the district [Christchurch] on April 22nd, 1878.'

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot on Gasgoine Meadow, Christchurch on 22nd April 1878 by me and mounted by me.

137). 1879 Yorkshire Scalby Beck, Scarborough, adult female, obtained, 25th February, now at Mansfield Museum.

(E. V. Thompson, Land and Water 27th Dec., 1879; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1884: 52; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - a female at Scalby Beck, near Scarborough, Feb. 25, 1879.'

Oliver V. Aplin (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 52, under 'Note of some Rare British Birds in the Collection of Mr. J. Whitaker', says: 'Ardetta minuta - Scarborough, February 25th, 1879.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 397-398) says: 'At Scalby Beck, near Scarborough, a mature female was procured on 25th February 1879, by Mr. Wood, of Huddersfield; it was afterwards in Mr. E. Thompson's possession, and is now in the collection of Mr. J. Whitaker of Rainworth Lodge. A paragraph in The Naturalist (1890, p. 210), stating that a Little Bittern from the collection of Mr. J. Whitaker, obtained at Scalby Beck, 16th May 1866, was sold at Stevens' rooms on 22nd May 1890, is incorrect. Mr. Whitaker informs me that the individual reported in 1879 is the only one he ever possessed. This is the same as recorded by Mr. E. V. Thompson in Land and Water, 27th December 1879, "shot off Filey Brigg".'

Comment The specimen, which I have seen, is now at Mansfield Museum, Nottinghamshire, with the Whitaker Collection.

138). 1879-80 Essex Ashdon, obtained, winter.

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

History Christy (1890: 186) says: 'In the winter of 1879-1880, Mr. Travis received for preservation one shot at Ashdon.'

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

139). Pre 1880 Yorkshire Cottingham, killed, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Not accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 50).

Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'The late W. W. Boulton of Beverley stated (MS., 1880), that an example was killed at Cottingham "several years ago". At Mr. Boulton's death this specimen was purchased by Mr. Thomas Boynton of Bridlington, and is now in his collection.'

140). 1880 Shropshire Cole Mere, killed, 19th May.

(W. E. Beckwith, Field 19th Dec., 1885: 876; W. E. Beckwith, Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological and Natural History Society 4: 327; Forrest, 1899; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History W. E. Beckwith of Wellington (1885) in The Field of 19th Dec., Vol. LXVI. p. 876, under 'Notes on Shropshire Birds', says: 'A very fine specimen of the Little Bittern was killed near Ellesmere on the 19th of May, 1880.'

W. E. Beckwith (1881) in the Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, Vol. IV. pp. 327-328, says: 'A fine and nearly adult male specimen of this small Bittern is the possession of Mr. W. Sparling, Potton Hall. It was shot by his gamekeeper on the 19th of May, 1880, near Crosemere Mere. The first recorded British example of this Bittern appears to have been obtained in Shropshire. Pennant, in his British Zoology, published in 1812, thus mentions it: - "This species was shot as it perched on one of the trees in the Quarry, or Public Walk, in Shrewsbury, on the banks of the Severn; it is frequent in many other parts of Europe, but is the only one we ever heard of in England".'

Accepted locally by Forrest (1899: 140) who says: 'One occurred at Crosemere, 19th May, 1880', while the correct locality is Cole Mere (Smith et al. 2019).

141). c. 1880 East Glamorgan Pontypridd, immature, picked up dead under wires, undated.

(D. S. W. Nicholl, Zoologist 1889: 170; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 21).

History D. S. W. Nicholl of Cowbridge (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 170, says: 'I am able to record five examples of the Little Bittern, one being quite a young bird, found dead under the telegraph-wires, by flying against which it had probably been killed: from this it would appear that its parents had bred in the neighbourhood.'

Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 21, say: 'And a very young bird was picked up near Pontypridd in an advanced state of decomposition by Mr. Drane about 20 years ago under the telegraph wires.'

142). 1881 Sussex North Mundham, near Chichester, obtained, 14th April.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345-346) says: 'As for this specimen - having pushed inquiries home, I am convinced that but one bird is at stake - secured by the old canal at North Mundham, a hamlet somewhat south of Chichester, there is clearly sore confusion of dates. For whereas Mr. A. F. Griffith told me that the date of death should be April 14th, 1870, Mr. H. L. Guermonprez (in litt.) (citing in support of his contention Mr. C. Knight, who handled the trophy when freshly killed) affirmed that, whilst April 14th is correct the year should read 1881!'

143). 1881 Cheshire & Wirral Marbury Mere, female, shot, July.

(W. E. Beckwith, Field 19th Dec., 1885: 876; Forrest, 1899; Coward, 1910; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History W. E. Beckwith of Wellington (1885) in The Field of 19th Dec., Vol. LXVI. p. 876, under 'Notes on Shropshire Birds', says: '...and in July, 1881, another was shot on the borders of Cheshire.'

Forrest (1899: 140) says: 'In July, 1881, a pair was sent to Shaw for preservation; shot at Petton and Marbury. The female was full of eggs, and would doubtless have bred here if unmolested.'

144). 1881 Shropshire Petton, male, shot, July, now at Ludlow Museum (Acc. No. Z/2006/208).

(Forrest, 1899; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History Forrest (1899: 140) says: 'In July, 1881, a pair was sent to Shaw for preservation; shot at Petton and Marbury. The female was full of eggs, and would doubtless have bred here if unmolested.'

Smith et al. (2019) state the specimen is now at Ludlow Museum (Z/2006/208).

145). 1881 Yorkshire Near Goole, immature male, caught alive, 23rd September.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux && P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 29; T. Bunker, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 7: 66; W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck, Naturalist 9: 169; W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck, Zoologist 1884: 177; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 365; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History T. Bunker (1881) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 66, says: 'A fine specimen of the Little Bittern (male) was captured alive near Goole on the 23rd ult., it is being set up for Mr. W. E. Clarke's collection.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 29, say: 'One, a male, Sept. 23rd, was shot near Goole, Yorkshire.'

W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck (1883) in The Naturalist, Vol. IX. p. 169, and The Zoologist, 1884: 177, add: '...now in the collection of W. E. Clarke.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 398) says: 'A male specimen, caught alive on the Dutch river bank, near Goole, on 23rd September 1881, was in Mr. W. Eagle Clarke's collection, and was recorded by Mr. Thomas Bunker in The Naturalist (1881, p. 66).'

146). 1882 Carmarthenshire Near Johnstown, shot, 6th June.

(Barker, 1905; Ingram & Salmon, 1954; Welsh Orn. Soc.).

History Barker (1905: 12) says: 'Mr. Browne, in a note dated 6th June, 1882, mentions having seen in Mr. Jeffreys' shop a Little Bittern, which had been shot in the marsh near Johnstown. Mr. Jeffreys confirms this, and has told me who the man who shot it is. He also says that another specimen was shot on the banks of the Towy about thirty years ago.'

Accepted locally (Ingram & Morrey Salmon 1954).

147). 1882 Suffolk Lowey Abbey, Leiston, immature female, shot, 25th August.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1884: 9-10; Babington, 1884-86).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. pp. 9-10, says: 'An immature female specimen of this rare species was shot on the marshes at Lower Abbey, Leiston, in Suffolk, on August 25th, 1882, and was sent to me the following day for preservation. I noted the measurements as follows: - "Total length, from tip of beak to end of tail, 15½ in.; fully-extended wings to extreme tips, 21½ in.; wing, from carpus to longest primary, 5¾ in.; tibiae, 2⅞ in.; tarsus, 1⅞ in.; weight, 5 oz. The eye was of straw-yellow, with a fine circle of a paler tint around the black pupil. The upper mandible on its upper surface was dark horn, the sides paler, merging into a greenish yellow from the nostril to the gape; the under mandible of a pale horn, with a greenish yellow tinge at gape, the circle round the eye yellowish green; a stripe of pale brown in front of the eye divides the circle from the gape; tongue and mouth flesh colour. On skinning this bird I found the body exceedingly fat, and the stomach distended with the remains of several specimens of the water boatman (Notonecta), including three in so perfect a state as to admit of their being pinned out; also two small pike, each measuring 3¾ in. in length. The heads of these were decomposed; their bodies still, however, exhibited a certain degree of freshness, providing the rapid action of the gastric juice. Each fish was nipped across the middle, and the sharp point of the bird's mandibles had penetrated the softer part (abdomen) of the fish".'

Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One shot at Leiston in Aug., 1882; seen by Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., at Mr. Gunn's (J. H. Gurney, jun., in litt.).'

148). 1882 Anglesey No locality, immature, shot, 11th September.

(T. Pickin, Field 23rd Sept., 1882: 441; Forrest, 1907; Hope Jones & Whalley, 2004).

History T. Pickin of Manchester (1882) in The Field of 23rd Sept., Vol. LX. p. 441, says: 'A young bird of this species (Botaurus minutus), which was shot in Anglesea, Sept. 11, has been sent me for preservation; as the occurrence is rare, I consider it worthy of record.' Accepted locally (Forrest 1907; Hope Jones & Whalley 2004: 149).

149). 1883 Shetland Whalsay, shot, mid-August.

(H. Raeburn, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 11: 72-73; H. Raeburn, Scottish Naturalist 11: 93; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Venables & Venables, 1955).

History H. Raeburn (1890-92) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. XI. pp. 72-73, says: 'About the middle of August 1883 Mr. John Laurenson of Whalsay shot a bird in a meadow close to his croft, which his brother, Mr. Laurence Laurenson, describes as being like a haigrie (heron), but much smaller. This bird was stuffed, and lay upon the rafters of the house till this winter, when Mr. L. Laurenson, having mentioned it to me under the name of the Little Egret, I asked him to forward the remains. These were much dilapidated, the head and neck being completely gone, but its legs and feet, small size, and the fact of there being only ten tail feathers, showed it could be nothing else than Ardetta minuta. Mr. J. E. Harting, to whom I submitted the specimen, confirmed my identification. This is the first time the Little Bittern has been recorded from Shetland, though Selby (Illustrations of British Ornithology, p. 36) records, from Dr. Fleming, one killed at Sunda [sic], one of the Orkney islands, in 1805.'

H. Raeburn of Romford (1891) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 93, says: 'An example of this bird killed in the island of Whalsay so far back as 1883, was recently forwarded to me for identification. The sender was under the impression that it was a Little Egret, but though the specimen was in a very dilapidated condition, Mr. Harting, who kindly compared it for me, had no hesitation in confirming my identification of it as Ardetta minuta. It was shot by John Lawrenson, on Whalsay, in the "middle of August, 1883", and roughly stuffed by him. This is the first record as far as I have been able to ascertain of the occurrence of this bird in the Shetland Islands.'

Evans & Buckley (1899: 126) say: 'The bird was stuffed but no care was taken of it. Mr. Raeburn subsequently secured its remains, and it proved to be a Little Bittern, the identification being confirmed by Mr. J. E. Harting.'

Comment It is a shame the age and sex was not mentioned. Sunda should read Sanda.

150). 1884 Greater London/Hertfordshire Carthagena Weir, Broxbourne, female, shot, 13th October.

(E. N. Beningfield, Field 1st Nov., 1884: 597; A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 9: 156; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986; Self, 2014).

History E. N. Beningfield of Broxbourne Bridge (1884) in The Field of 1st Nov., Vol. LXIV. p. 597, says: 'Whilst shooting on the 13th ult. in the Lea (river) marshes at Broxbourne, in Hertfordshire, I killed a Little Bittern, which I sent to Mr. Gunn of Norwich, to be preserved. On dissection it proved to be a female, the body being exceedingly fat. In its stomach were found the remains of two small fish, one of which was recognised as a perch. It also contained some bits of reed and vegetable fibre, doubtless swallowed by accident. The bird weighed 4½ oz., and measured 15 in. from the tip of its beak to end of tail, and 22 in. from tip to tip of fully extended wings.'

A. F. Crossman (1898) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. IX. p. 156, says: 'There is one other record of this bird in Hertfordshire. On 17th October, 1884, one was shot near the Carthagena Weir near Broxbourne.'

Accepted locally for Hertfordshire (Sage 1959; Gladwin & Sage 1986) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

151). 1884 Essex Colchester, picked up dead under wires, autumn.

(H. Laver, Zoologist 1884: 342; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History Henry Laver of Colchester (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 342, says: 'On visiting our local birdstuffer, Mr. Ambrose, a short time since, I saw a specimen of the Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus) on his shelf. He informed me it was picked up under the telegraph wires, having probably killed itself by contact with them. This is the second specimen captured here within the last few years.'

Locally, Christy (1890: 186) adds: 'Dr. Salter has this specimen', and accepted (Glegg 1929: 160; Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984).

152). 1885 Devon South Milton Ley, male, shot, 2nd June.

(Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Pidsley (1891: 90) says: 'Dr. Elliot has a beautiful male, shot June 2nd, 1885, near Kingsbridge, as also a female previously obtained.' D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'A very handsome male bird was shot at South Milton, June 2nd, 1885, and is now in "Mr. E. A. S. Elliot's collection".'

153). 1885 Suffolk Mutford, near Oulton, immature, killed, 15th September.

(E. J. Poyser, Field 26th Sept., 1885: 467; Babington, 1884-86; Payn, 1978).

History Edwin J. Poyser of Beccles (1885) in The Field of 26th Sept., Vol. LXVI. p. 467, says: 'Whilst shooting in the parish of Mutford on Sept. 15, one of the dogs killed a Little Bittern in some gorse bushes. It is a bird of the year, as some of the down is still showing above the feathers on the crown of its head.'

Babington (1884-86: 253) says: 'One immature, having down on the head, shot at Mutford, Sept., 1885, by Mr. Poyser, who has it; it may probably have been bred in this country (W. M. Crowfoot in litt.).'

154). 1885 Yorkshire Mickleton-in-Teesdale, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 398) says: 'In Teesdale, Mr. W. Walton informs me of one at Mickleton in 1885.'

155). Pre 1886 Suffolk Glevering, killed, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'Killed at Glevering, on Lady Huntingfield's estate (Lord Huntingfield in litt., and seen by me).'

156). Pre 1886 Suffolk Yoxford, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One shot at Yoxford, in the Seckford Reading Room, Woodbridge (E. Cobbold in litt., to whom it belongs).'

157). 1886 Dorset Coombe Farm, Langton Matravers, adult male, shot, 25th March.

("J.A." Field 3rd Apr., 1886: 428; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; J. Andrews, Field 17th June 1893: 876; J. Andrews, Zoologist 1893: 397; N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 16: 185-186; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 188).

History "J.A." of Swanage Bay (1886) in The Field of 3rd Apr., Vol. LXVII. p. 428, says: 'A Little Bittern was caught on March 24 by Mr. W. Edmunds, of Coombe Farm, Swanage, about one and a half miles from the sea. It flew into a cow shed on his farm, where it was secured, and has been sent to Hart, of Christchurch, to be preserved.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) says: 'On March 25 of that year [1866] [sic], one was shot at Coombe Farm, Langton Maltravers [sic].'

Jas. Andrews of Swanage (1893) in The Field of 17th June, Vol. LXXXI. p. 876, and in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVII. p. 397, says: 'The Little Bittern (a specimen of which I recorded in The Field as having been taken near here seven years ago), was also captured in a stable or cowshed. This bird (an adult male) is still on view in the town.'

Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1895) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XV. pp. 185-186, says: 'The only rare bird noticed in the Returns this year is the Bittern (Great or Common). A specimen of this bird in very good plumage was shot by Mr. W. Edmunds of Coombe Farm, Swanage, in Dec., 1894, and it is somewhat singular coincidence that in 1886 Mr. Edmund's father secured that rarer bird, the Little Bittern, on the same farm (J.A.).'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 188, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

Comment Jas. Andrews of the Bank, Swanage.

158). 1886 Northumberland Howick Hall, adult male, seen, 8th to 18th May, when shot.

(Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Bolam (1912: 329) says: 'A male, in full mature plumage, was obligingly sent to me, in the flesh, by Mr. Donald Campbell on 22nd May, 1886, having been seen by him for about ten days frequenting the lake at Howick Hall, before it was shot on the 18th. I prepared the specimen myself, and it had all the indications of a breeding bird, the testes being very fully developed. Mr. Campbell flushed it from the side of water on several occasions, but it generally sought the shelter of the adjoining trees, and concealed itself so effectually amongst the boughs that it could never be found a second time. He thought that there were a pair of the birds about, but the second (if it had been present) was never seen again after the first one was shot.'

159). 1886 Dorset River Frome, Wareham, three, shot, spring.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; Morrison, 1997).

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) says: 'In 1866 [1886] three, which had been shot on the Wareham river, passed through the hands of Mr. Hart of Christchurch.'

162). 1886 Suffolk Kessingland, shot, 11th November.

(Ticehurst, 1932).

History Ticehurst (1932) says: 'One shot on the Kessingland marshes on 11th November 1886.'

163). 1887 Suffolk Oulton Broad, female, killed, early March.

(G. Mason, Field 5th Mar., 1887: 311; Ticehurst, 1932).

History G. Mason of Wherry Inn, Mutford Bridge, Lowestoft (1887) in The Field of 5th Mar., Vol. LXIX. p. 311, says: 'A good specimen of the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), and one also of the Little Bittern (Botaurus minutus), have just been added to my collection, both birds having been shot in the neighbourhood of the Broad.'

Ticehurst (1932) says: 'A female was killed in early March 1887 on Oulton Broad and now resides in the Waveney Hotel there.'

164). 1887 Devon Pamflete, adult male, shot, 14th May.

(G. C. Green, Field 24th Dec., 1887: 969; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History G. C. Green of Modbury (1887) in The Field of 24th Dec., Vol. LXX. p. 969, says: 'It may be remembered that I recorded in The Field some time ago that I had this year flushed a Common Bittern, while fishing on the banks of the Erme, three times in one day, viz., April 14. I did not record it for some weeks, in order to give the bird a better chance of escape, as I had some hope that it might find a mate and breed in the neighbourhood, as the spring was so far advanced. Just after I had sent my notice, however, I learnt from my friend and neighbour, Mr. J. Bulteel, of Pamflete, that he had shot what he supposed was the same bird a week before on his pond, having been struck by the strangeness of its appearance. After hearing of the hopes which I had entertained, he expressed regret at having shot it, and promised to send it to me as soon as it was stuffed. On Dec. 10 the bird was sent to me, but proved to be an adult male Little Bittern. So, after all, the Common Bittern which I saw on April 14 has very possibly escaped, and may return to its old haunts next year, when I have a promise that it shall be protected.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'Another, a lovely male in full plumage, shot at Pamflete on his pond there by Mr. John Bulteel, May 14th, 1887, is now in the collection of Rev. G. C. Green, of Modbury (R.P.N.).'

165). 1888 Sussex Eastbourne, caught, 31st October.

(R. Morris, Zoologist 1889: 390; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Robert Morris of Eastbourne (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 390, says: 'On the 31st October, 1888, a Little Bittern, Botaurus minutus, was taken, at about 7.30 a.m. on the Esplanade, Eastbourne, and lived some hours after capture. It is now in the possession of Mr. C. H. Simmons, of this town. Knox, in his Ornithological Rambles in Sussex, records the capture of an adult male at Pulborough.'

Borrer (1891: 318 says: 'Mr. Thomas Parkin, of Halton, near Hastings (p. n.), states that on October 31st, 1889 [sic], a Little Bittern was taken on the Parade at Eastbourne.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 346).

166). c. 1888 Devon Teignmouth, caught after coming ashore, undated.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 189) say: 'Within a year or two [of 1887] a Little Bittern was blown ashore one stormy night at Teignmouth, and was captured alive, but soon died (W.R.H.J., in litt.).'

167). Pre 1889 Kent Elmstone, killed, undated.

(Dowker, 1889; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 314) says: 'A specimen which Dowker states was in the late W. B. Delmar's collection, was killed in the Rectory pond at Elmstone, prior to 1889.'

168). 1889 Derbyshire Langwith, male, shot, spring.

(J. T. T. Valentine, Zoologist 1890: 357; Frost, 1978).

History J. T. Tristram Valentine of Kensington (1890) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIV. p. 357, says: 'In the spring of 1889 - I cannot ascertain the actual date, but believe it was April - a Little Bittern, a male in good plumage, was obtained on one of Mr. Burkitt's trout-ponds at Langwith, in Derbyshire, being shot by his keeper, Unwin. I believe this capture has not been recorded.'

169). 1889 Sussex Petworth, pair, shot, spring.

(Millais, 1905; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Millais (1905 (1): 287) in the Victoria County History of Sussex, says: 'I also have two in my collection that were obtained near Petworth in the spring of 1889.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 346) says: 'During the spring of 1889 - no conciser date is forthcoming - a pair of these birds was shot at Petworth (J. G. Millais, V.C.H., I. p. 287). Unmolested, would they have bred?'

171). 1889 Nottinghamshire River Trent, between Dunham and Marnham, shot, 21st August.

(B. Kershaw, Field 31st Aug., 1889: 325).

History Bertram Kershaw of Fledborough Rectory, Newark (1889) in The Field of 31st Aug., Vol. LXXIV. p. 325, says: 'It may interest your readers, as the bird is a comparatively rare one, to know that a Little Bittern was shot on August 21st close to the banks of the Trent, between the villages of Dunham and Marnham. From its plumage it would appear to be an immature or female.'

172). 1889 Norfolk River Bure, Runham, shot, 10th October.

(W. Lowne, Field 19th Oct., 1889: 545; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1890: 58; Riviere, 1930; Allard, 1990).

History W. Lowne of Great Yarmouth (1889) in The Field of 19th Oct., Vol. LXXIV. p. 545, says: 'A female specimen of the Little Bittern was brought to me for preservation on the 10th inst. It was shot that day at Runham, about three and a half miles from here, by the River Bure (north River), by Mr. J. R. Kersey, who was out snipe shooting, and was flushed from a reed bush by his dog.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1890) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIV. p. 58, says: 'On the 10th [October] a Little Bittern was shot at Runham.'

173). 1889 Co. Durham Gateshead, immature, found dead under wires, November, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Anon., Natural History Transactions of Northumberland, Durham and Newcatle-on-Tyne 11: 177; Howse, 1899; Bolam, 1912; Temperley, 1951).

History Anon. (1894) in the Natural History Transactions of Northumberland, Durham and Newcatle-on-Tyne, Vol. XI. p. 177, under 'List of Donations', says: '1891. June 27. Little Bittern, immature. (This bird was picked up under the telegraph wires near Gateshead Railway Shops, November, 1889. Another was caught near Sheriff Hill about the same time.) Mr. William Brack, Raby Street, South Byker.'

Howse (1899: 92) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says: 'Case 89. No. 6 (right). First plumage. Killed at Gateshead against telegraph wires, Oct. or Nov., 1889. Presented by Mr. Wm. Brack, S. Byker, June, 1891. Stuffed by J. Jackson.'

Bolam (1912) says: 'In the following month another, in a similar state, was picked up dead beneath some telegraph wires at Gateshead. It was presented to the Newcastle Museum (Nat. Hist. Trans. Northumb. and Dur., Vol. XI. p. 177).'

Temperley (1951) says: 'A specimen in the Hancock Museum bears the label: "Killed at Gateshead against telegraph wires, Oct. or Nov. 1889. Presented by Mr. Wm. Brack, S. Byker, June 1891. Stuffed by J. Jackson". It is a young bird in first plumage. In the list of accessions to the Hancock Museum under date June 27th, 1891, the following note on this specimen occurs: "Little Bittern, immature. This bird was picked up under the telegraph wires near Gateshead Railway Shops, November 1889. Another was caught near Sheriff Hill (Gateshead) about the same time". No further information is forthcoming about the Sheriff Hill specimen. (N. H. Transactions, Vol. XI. p. 177.).'

Comment The Sherif Hill individual is rejected for lack of evidence.

174). 1890 Hertfordshire Oughtenhead Common, near Hitchin, shot, undated, now at Hitchin Museum.

(A. H. Foster, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 16: 209; Sage, 1959; James & Sawford, 1983; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History Sage (1959) says: 'One mounted by Stratton, the local taxidermist, is in Hitchin Museum and was shot near that town by Mr. F. Latchmore.'

James & Sawford (1983: 32) say: 'Shot by F. Latchmore about 1890, mounted by T. Stratton of Hitchin and donated to Hitchin Museum by F. Passington, late of West Mill, Hitchin, in 1939.'

175). 1891 Dorset Winfrith, spring.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 188; Morrison, 1997).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 188, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset', says: 'One Winfrith, spring, 1891.'

176). 1892 Sussex Eastbourne, caught, 15th October.

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

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 346) says: 'On October 15th, 1892 (Arnold in his "Private Notes" and B. of Eastbourne (p. 53) gives the year as 1891), as Mr. B. Bates informed me, an example was caught in a garden at Eastbourne.'

177). 1892 Yorkshire Sandal, near Wakefield, shot, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 398) says: 'In 1892 an example was procured at Sandal, near Wakefield, as reported by Mr. Joseph Morley of Scarborough.'

178). 1893 Dorset River Stour, Blackwater Ferry, Hampshire, male, shot, 9th June, now at Bournemouth Natural Science Society Museum.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1894: 345; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Morrison, 1997; Clark, 2022).

History Murray A. Mathew of Buckland Dinham, Frome (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 345, says: 'I lately had the privilege of visiting the collection of stuffed birds at Heron Court, in company with Mr. Edward Hart, of Christchurch. The collection was formed by the late Earl of Malmesbury, and all the birds were secured on this interesting and beautiful estate....We saw a Squacco and a Little Bittern that had been shot together at one bend of the river.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'A male, was shot on the River Stour, on June 9th, 1893. It is now in the Earl of Malmesbury's collection.'

Comment This specimen in Earl Malmesbury's collection at Heron Court is in a case with the 1893 Hampshire (now Dorset) Squacco Heron which was also killed in June.

179). 1893 Norfolk Rollesby Broad, two, males, one shot, 3rd July, the other, shot, 4th July.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1894: 88; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 88, says: 'July 3rd. A Little Bittern was unfortunately killed at Rollesby, and on the 4th another, by the same keeper, who thought he was doing a clever thing in shooting them! Mr. Lowne reports that the second, which had been feeding on perch, "had the appearance on the under parts of having been sitting", but that they were both males.'

181). 1893 Norfolk Near Watton, seen, summer.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1895: 98).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 98, says: 'When recording the two Little Bitterns at Rollesby Broad last year (Zool., 1894, p. 88), I was not then aware there was also another on a small lake near Watton, thirty-two miles west. More fortunate than its relatives, it was carefully protected, and the owner was rewarded by the same or another returning about, about May 21st, to spend the summer on his water....'

182). 1893 Cheshire & Wirral Near Wallasey, Wirral, male, shot, 29th October, now at Grosvenor Museum, Chester.

(J. Gibson, Field 18th Nov., 1893: 791; Dobie, 1893; Coward, 1910; W. Griffiths & W. Wilson, North Western Naturalist 20: 41; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History James Gibson of Seacombe (1893) in The Field of 18th Nov., Vol. LXXXII. p. 791, says: 'On Oct. 24, on the Wallasey Marshes, near Liverpool, I shot a male specimen of the Little Bittern. It is in the hands of Mr. Wm. Cox, of Liverpool, for preservation.'

Dobie (1893: 319) says: 'On October 24, 1893, a male specimen was shot on the Wallasey Marshes by Mr. James Gibson of Seacombe, and reported in The Field (Nov. 18, 1893, p. 791). It was purchased by subscription for the Grosvenor Museum, where it now is.'

183). 1894 Norfolk Near Watton, 21st May, two, late June to 22nd August.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1895: 98; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 98, says: 'When recording the two Little Bitterns at Rollesby Broad last year (Zool., 1894, p. 88), I was not then aware there was also another on a small lake near Watton, thirty-two miles west. More fortunate than its relatives, it was carefully protected, and the owner was rewarded by the same or another returning about, about May 21st, to spend the summer on his water. Invited to come and hear its curious note, I acquiesced in its resemblance to the sound made by a paviour ramming stones, or the distant barking of a dog. Nothing would induce it to rise....By the end of June it was clear to the owner of the lake that there were two Little Bitterns, unless they are marvellous ventriloquists, for one "barked" on one side of the mere, and one on the other. On the morning of July 25th Mr. P. reported that after a heavy rain one of them sat on the top of the Duck's enclosure, sunning himself and "barking" for ten minutes. I did my best to stimulate search, and a nest of some kind was found, but its ownership was not proved, and no eggs were laid. By the 22nd of August the birds had gone.'

185). 1894 Shropshire Ditton Priors, shot, 29th May.

(Forrest, 1899; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History Forrest (1899: 140) says: 'One at Ditton Priors, 29th May, 1894, now in Mr. Watkin's collection.'

186). 1894 Sussex Hove, immature male, caught, 3rd September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 207542).

(A. F. Griffith, Zoologist 1894: 454-457; J. T. Carrington, Science Gossip 1: 258; Booth, 1901; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

History A. F. Griffith (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. pp. 454-457, says: 'A young male of the Little Bittern, Botaurus minutus, was caught alive on the morning of Sept. 3rd, in a stable at Hove, on the outskirts of Brighton. It was first seen about daybreak flying round an enclosed yard. Later on it was observed sitting motionless in a stable which leads out of the yard, and was there caught, after causing its captor some misgivings from the uncanny way in which it kept its long neck, head, and beak bolt upright, with its bright yellow eyes always turned towards him, but otherwise motionless. When he at last plucked up courage to lay hands upon it, it lunged viciously with its beak against his hand.

He then took it to Messrs. Pratt & Son's where I saw it the same afternoon. We placed the bird under a large glass shade, where we could observe its movements at very close quarters. First it stretched out its left wing downwards to touch the ground, craning its long neck to its full length, sometimes directly upwards, sometimes swaying it forward or sideways, sometimes stretching it out, still at full length, and inclined downward, till the tip of the beak just rested on the ground. In all these movements the head and beak were kept in a nearly continuous straight line with the neck when the latter was extended. Then it would sink down with its long neck folded against its breast, and its head and beak directed straight upward, in which position the "ruff" of feathers on the throat formed a smooth, regular, keel-shaped projection from chin to breast. Directly we put our faces near it, it gave a vicious lunge straight for an eye, which made us glad of the intervening glass. But though it could never resist such an opportunity, it would not, while I was there, trouble itself to attack a finger or hand held out toward it.

To thoroughly appreciate the eerie look of the bird, it was necessary to look up at it from underneath while its head was stretched straight up. Its bright eyes with their light yellow irides glared down straight at me in a most unaccountable way, and as I moved to one side or the other, its throat and eyes seemed automatically to turn facing me, so that I could somewhat sympathise with any wretched young frog or other prey that, in a similar position to mine, might try to steal away unobserved.

The tarsi were usually inclined upward and backward, and the bird appeared sometimes to rest with the proximal ends of the tarsi on the ground. The toes have a most remarkable prehensile power, and when Mr. Pratt took the bird in his hand, it curled its hind toes up so that the point of each not only touched the base, but actually curled half-way up upon itself in a most extraordinary way. It sat firmly on the perch of a Blackbird's cage, in which it was placed when first caught, and closed its hind toe firmly and closely round the tape which formed the fastening of the birdstuffer's apron.

The attitudes were so remarkable that I prevailed on Mr. Pratt to allow me to have it photographed; and though it was 6 o'clock in the evening, and there was none too much light, his neighbour Mr. Norman managed to get a few striking portraits, two of which (reproduced in Plate III) may interest you readers. Allowance must be made for lack of daylight and other difficulties, but the drawings give a very fair idea of two of the most grotesque attitudes indulged in. The second figure, showing the bird with its beak resting on the ground, does not do full justice to the efforts of the bird to be peculiar.

When free to do so, it stretched its neck at full length, resting the tip of its beak on the ground and looking for all the world like a half-fallen and rotting stump of a bush. But on this occasion it was too near the glass to be able to fully extend its neck, and the waning light compelled us to be satisfied with that position. I may add that both this bird and the Baillon's Crake reported last month (p. 427) have been purchased by Mr. Henry Willett, of Brighton, and presented by him to the Booth Museum, in which the collection of birds is being gradually extended, care being taken to case all additions in a manner worthy of the original collection, and yet to distinguish them from the cases prepared under Mr. Booth's personal direction.'

J. T. Carrington (1894) in Science Gossip, new series, Vol. I. p. 258, says: 'Additions since Mr. Booth's death include the following more or less rare species from the county of Sussex....The Little Bittern having been taken alive near the Dyke Road, and not far from the Museum. The bird is a beautiful specimen, though somewhat immature. It was photographed whilst alive and set up in most natural attitude from the picture.'

Booth (1901: 203, 3rd ed.) says: 'Case No. 317. This species formerly nested in England, but is now a rare visitor only. The specimen is a young male, captured alive in a stable at Hove on the morning of September 3rd, 1894. It was presented by Mr. Henry Willet.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 346; James 1996).

Comment It is now at the Booth Museum, Brighton.

187). 1894 Bedfordshire Near Castle Mills, Goldington, female or immature, shot, September.

(Steele-Elliott, 1901; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 168-169) says: 'We have at least one reliable record of the occurrence of this now uncommon visitor to the British Islands within our county. A female or immature specimen which was obtained in September, 1894, was shown to me by Mr. G. Postell, which some youths whilst boating down the river had shot as it sat upon the head of a pollard-willow near Castle Mills. For an example of the regrettable and useless destruction of rare birds this is a striking instance. When the lads returned to the host-yard, this bird was thrown and kicked about until almost valueless before it was recognised by one of the hands there as something out of the common, it was taken by him to a local public-house, the landlord of which took an interest in bird-life, but he refused to purchase owing to its condition at the price of a quart of beer, and it passed into the hands of its present owner who has certainly made a very creditable specimen of the bird's remains.'

Accepted locally (Trodd & Kramer 1991).

188). 1894 Breconshire Llangorse Lake, shot, undated.

(Cardiff Museum Report, 1897; J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1904: 70; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 349; Massey, 1976).

History J. H. Salter (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 70, says: '1903. September 13th. Had the pleasure of meeting Mr. E. Cambridge Phillips, the veteran Breconshire ornithologist. Heard details of a recent occurrence...of a Little Bittern at Llangorse Lake.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 349, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Brecon. One at Llangorse Lake in 1903 (J. H. Salter, Zool., 1904, p. 70).'

Massey (1976: 19) says: 'There are three records, all of single specimens shot at Llangorse Lake: in 1894 (Cardiff Museum Report, 1897); 1903 (Zool. 1904) and on 2nd August, 1907. A male specimen, in the Brecknock Museum, may be the 1903 individual.'

Comment I believe that the 1894 and 1903 records are one and the same. There was never any mention of any date regarding the 1903 record.

189). 1895 Yorkshire Near Pocklington, killed, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 398) says: 'Mr. George Steels of Pocklington states (MS.), that one, killed during very hard weather, within two miles of that town, was brought to him for preservation in 1895.'

190). 1896 Norfolk Saham Toney, heard, 13th July.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 130).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 130, says: 'July 13th. Little Bittern heard at Saham Toney, where its grunting note is known.'

191). 1896 Norfolk Horsey Broad, immature female, shot, 1st or 9th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 134; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 414).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 134, says: 'October 1st. Immature female Little Bittern shot on Horsey Broad (E. Daily Press).'

A. H. Patterson (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 414, says: 'One, Oct. 9th, 1896.'

192). 1897 Shropshire Claverley near Bridgnorth, adult male, shot, September.

(Forrest, 1908; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 414; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History H. E. Forrest (1908 (1): 186) in the Victoria County History of Shropshire, under 'Addenda' says: 'An adult male was shot at Claverley near Bridgnorth in September 1897; this record only came to the writer’s knowledge recently.'

H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 414, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', say: 'An adult male shot at Claverley, near Bridgnorth, in September, 1897, is the fifth record for Shropshire (H. E. Forrest, in litt.).'

193). 1897 Isle of Wight Blackgang, shot, undated.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'Mr. A. V. Willett has a record of one shot at Blackgang, in 1897.'

194). 1898 Kent Near Sandwich, obtained, early October.

(A. J. Copeland, Field 29th Apr., 1899: 602; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History A. J. Copeland of Ramsgate (1899) in The Field of 29th Apr., Vol. XCIII. p. 602, says: 'On Saturday last I saw a specimen of the Little Bittern, set up in a case of birds shot at various times by my friend, Mr. E. Ralph, of Bethlem Farm, Cliff's End, Ramsgate. This bird was knocked over with a stone near the coastguard station on the Sandwich road early in October, 1898, by someone who let Mr. Ralph have it. I think this bird is so rarely seen that it is worthy of record.'

Ticehurst (1909: 315) says: 'A bird referred to by Mr. Byron was recorded by Colonel Copeland, of Ramsgate, in The Field (April 29th, 1898)....It came into the possession of Mr. E. Ralph, of Bethlem Farm, Cliffsend, Ramsgate, where it was afterwards seen by Colonel Copeland.'

195). 1899 Norfolk Hickling Broad, 3rd June.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 107; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 739; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 349; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 107, says: 'June 3rd. A Little Bittern at Hickling (Bird).' J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 739, read 29th March 1904, add: 'On June 3rd, 1899, a Little Bittern was observed at Hickling by Rev. M. C. H. Bird.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 349, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Comment The Rev. Maurice C. H. Bird of West Rudham, Norfolk, who Gurney was acquainted with.

196). 1899 Norfolk Brettenham, shot, 12th August.

(Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) say: 'One shot at Brettenham on 12th August 1899.'

197). 1899 Pembrokeshire Off the coast, male, caught, October, now at Cardiff Museum.

(Lockley, 1949).

History Lockley (1949: 53) says: 'A male received at the Cardiff Museum, was captured off the Pembrokeshire coast in October, 1899.'

198). 1899 Kent Preston Marshes, adult, shot, undated.

(http://www.kentos.org.uk/Records/LittleBittern.htm).

History No further information.

199). 1900 Herefordshire Near Hereford, female, obtained, April.

(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1900: 59).

History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXII. p. 59, say: 'A specimen was taken near Hereford in April, 1900, and was seen in the flesh at our local bird-stuffer's in Cardiff, where it had been sent for preservation. It was a female in beautiful plumage; no shot marks were found in it, and it was difficult to say how it was killed. A specimen found in this county many years ago was picked up under the telegraph wires. It is possible the Hereford bird suffered a similar fate. Mr. Drane, who examined the carcase after it was skinned, found that the crop contained three minnows, a catkin from a willow, and a small ball of fur.'

200). 1900s Lincolnshire Ludford, male, shot, undated, now at Louth Museum.

(R. K. Cornwallis & A. D. Townsend, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 15: 69; Cornwallis, 1970).

History R. K. Cornwallis & A. D. Townsend (1960) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XV. p. 69, say: 'A male shot at Ludford in the early 1900’s by Mr. Fred Done has been presented to Louth museum (per CLO).'

Cornwallis (1970) says: 'An early additional record is of a male shot in the early 1900s at Ludford.'

201). 1901 Devon Near Newton Abbot, picked up dead, 27th April.

(W. H. Scott, Field 11th May 1901: 671; Moore, 1969).

History W. H. Scott of Newton Abbot (1901) in The Field of 11th May, Vol. XCVII. p. 671, says 'You may be interested to hear that I picked up dead a specimen of the Little Bittern on April 27 last. It was lying on the ground in a fir plantation which borders on a large stretch of boggy land on Dartmoor. It had apparently died of starvation, as it was very emaciated.'

Comment What a shame the sex was not given.

202). 1901 Sussex Billinghurst, picked up dead, 6th May.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 346) says: 'In 1901 a Little Bittern was found dead at Billinghurst on May 6th (A. L. Attwater, in litt.).'

203). 1901 Cornwall The Parade, Lostwithiel, adult male, caught, 30th June.

(H. M. Evans, Zoologist 1901: 354-355; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 349; Penhallurick, 1969).

History H. M. Evans of Plymouth (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. pp. 354-355, says: 'On June 30th last a Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta), with a broken leg, was taken to the public resort at Lostwithiel, Cornwall, known as "The Parade", after being seen about the same spot for some days. It was in a very weak condition, and efforts to revive it having failed, the bird was preserved by a local taxidermist named Higgs, and very well set up. The sex was not noted by him, but the black crown, nape, and back indicate an adult male. The River Fowey encircles a great part of "The Parade", and is bordered by a good deal of marsh land. The railway runs close to the river, many water-birds being maimed by flying against the telegraph-wires, and it is probable that the injury to this one was caused in the same way. It seems lamentable that the Little Bittern cannot regain its status as a nesting species in England. The specimen I am recording has been acquired for the Devonport Public Museum.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 349, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

204). 1902 Yorkshire Near Scarborough, picked up long dead, 7th January.

(Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 349; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 398) says: 'Mr. Gerald Heaton reports (in litt., 1903), that he picked up the remains of a Little Bittern on 7th January, 1902, about two miles south of Scarborough. The body had been eaten by vermin, but sufficient remained to enable him to identify the species.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 349, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

205). 1903 Devon Hatherleigh, early April.

(D'Urban, 1906; Moore, 1969).

History W. S. M. D'Urban (1906 (1): 315) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says: 'One at Hatherleigh early in April 1903.' Accepted locally (Moore 1969).

206). 1903 Norfolk Whiteslea, Hickling Broad, immature, obtained, 28th August, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3985).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was shot by J. T. Bowing. Ex. R. S. Watling of Gt. Yarmouth collection, through E. C. Saunders, naturalist, Gt. Yarmouth.

207). Pre 1904 Warwickshire Between Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, immature, shot, undated.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History Tomes (1904 (1): 201) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'An immature bird of this species was shot between Warwick and Stratford some years since and brought to the latter town for preservation, where it was seen by the writer.' Accepted locally (Norris 1947: 44; Harrison & Harrison 2005).

Comment It would have been useful if Tomes had stated the year he saw the specimen.

208). 1904 Borders Near Eyemouth, Berwickshire, adult female, picked up under wires, 18th May.

(G. Bolam, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 19: 69; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History G. Bolam (1903) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XIX. p. 69, says: 'By the courtesy of Mr. Liddell-Grainger, of Ayton Castle, I have had the opportunity of examining, and identifying, the following rare birds, which he has preserved at Ayton, and a note of whose occurrence in the district it is desirable to place upon record in the Club's Proceedings....And lastly, a Little Bittern, Ardetta minuta (L.), which had been picked up disabled, beneath the telegraph wires, near Eyemouth, on the 18th May 1904. It is in the female plumage. This is another addition to the 'Birds of Berwickshire'.

Evans (1911: 142) says: 'On May 18th, 1904, a disabled female was picked up below telegraph wires, near Eyemouth, in Berwickshire, and secured by Mr. Liddell-Grainger of Ayton Castle for his collection (Hist. Ber. Nat. Club Vol. XIX. p. 69).'

Bolam (1912: 329) says: 'On 18th May, 1904, an adult female was found, in a disabled state, beneath the telegraph wires near Eyemouth, and brought on the following day to the late Mr. Henry Liddell-Grainger, of Ayton Castle, who very kindly apprised me of the fact, and in whose possession I afterwards saw the specimen. This is, I believe, the first, and only, occurrence of the Little Bittern in Berwickshire.'

209). 1906 Derbyshire Marston-on-Dove, juvenile female, obtained, 1st October, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z1.20).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a juvenile female specimen obtained at Marston on Dove, Derbyshire, on 1st October 1906, adding that it was killed by J. M. Spurrier out of an osierbed (second record for the county).

210). 1907 Highland Lentran, Inverness-shire, female, picked up dead, 9th June.

(W. Milne, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 248; Eds., British Birds 1: 265; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 199).

History William Milne (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 248, says: 'It may be of interest to your readers to know that I found a Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta), a female, at Lentran station, six miles from Inverness, on the 9th of June. The bird was alive, but one wing was broken, it having evidently come in contact with the telegraph wires.'

[The Little Bittern is of rare occurrence in Scotland, and has not hitherto been known to visit the Moray area. - Eds.]

Admitted in an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 265, and by John Paterson (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 199, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology'.

211). 1907 Breconshire Llangorse Lake, adult female, shot, 2nd August.

(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1907: 43; Massey, 1976).

History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1907) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XL. p. 43, say: 'An adult female of this species was shot at Llangorse Lake on August 2nd. It had the bare breast and general indications of having recently incubated. It would be of great interest to know definitely if it had really nested in the large reed beds which border this lake.' Accepted locally (Massey 1976).

212). 1908 East Glamorgan Cadoxton, female, picked up dead, 8th April.

(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 41: 52; Heathcote, 1967).

History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1908) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XLI. p. 52, say: 'A female of this species was picked up dead on April 8th, 1908, in a brick field at Cadoxton. The bird had evidently struck the overhead wires. We have several records of a similar fatality happening to this bird, due probably to its nocturnal habits.'

213). 1909 Orkney Loch of Stenness, Mainland, adult male, caught alive, 14th May.

("Orkney Herald" 19th May 1909; Eds., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 183; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 136; W. Cowan, British Birds 3: 58; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History In an Editorial (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 183, they say: 'According to the Orkney Herald for 19th May, Mr. Cowan, Tankerness House, received a Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta) from Binscarth, where it was caught alive. It died soon after capture and was forwarded to Edinburgh for preservation, and is an adult male. It is said to be the second known occurrence of this species in Orkney. The only other example was shot as long ago as 1806, in the Island of Sanday.'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 136, under 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909', say: 'The second known occurrence of the Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta) in Orkney is recorded, an adult male having been taken alive at Loch Stennis on 14th May.'

W. Cowan (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 58, says: 'On May 14th, 1909, a servant of Mr. Scarth, of Binscarth, Orkney, when passing the opening into the sea of the Stennis Loch in Orkney, caught alive an adult male Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta). Mr. Scarth tried to keep the bird alive, but it only lived a few hours. It was sent to Messrs. Small and Son, of Edinburgh, to be stuffed. There seems to have been only one other specimen recorded in Orkney and that was from Sanday (at Lopness), in 1806.'

214). 1909 Oxfordshire Somerton, female, picked up with broken wing under wires, 27th June.

(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1909: 468-469; Eds., British Birds 3: 342; Radford, 1966).

History O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. pp. 468-469, says: 'A Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta), with one wing shattered close up to the body, was picked up under the telegraph-wires at Somerton (in the Cherwell Valley), Oxon, on June 27th, 1909. I examined it three days later while it was still in the flesh. The bill was then brown and yellow; legs greenish yellow. It appears to be adult, and was afterwards carefully sexed and found to be a female. The ovary was to have been sent to me, but bad weather intervened, and it went bad before I could see it. It was said to contain rudimentary eggs of the size of sweet-pea seed, but whether this points to the bird having already deposited its eggs or not I cannot say. I should have preserved the ovary in spirit, and submitted it to an authority had I been able to do so; but there is hardly any doubt that the bird would have laid by the end of June if it was going to lay at all, and had a mate....There are plenty of suitable breeding places (weed- and rush-grown osier and withy beds) in the Cherwell Valley, in the neighbourhood of Somerton.'

In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 342, they say: 'A female Ardetta minuta, with its wing shattered by contact with a telegraph wire, was picked up at Somerton, in the Cherwell Valley, on June 27th, 1909 (O. V. Aplin, Zool., 1909, p. 468).'

215). 1910 Cornwall Near Land's End, adult male, caught by dog, April.

(H. J. Welch, Field 23rd July 1910: 200; Eds., British Birds 4: 126; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Harry J. Welch of Sennen (1910) in The Field of 23rd July, Vol. XC. p. 200, says: 'I have in my possession a Little Bittern which was caught by a dog in April last near Land's End. It is a male in nuptial plumage, and weighed a little over 2 oz. As a rare straggler it is worth recording.'

In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 126, they say: 'Mr. H. J. Welch records in The Field (23. vii. 1910, p. 200) that he has a male adult specimen of Ardetta minuta which was caught by a dog near Land's End in April, 1910.'

216). 1910 Cornwall New Mill, Gulval, male, shot, about 3rd November.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 30: 270; Harvey, 1915; Penhallurick, 1969).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1912) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXX. p. 270, on the unexpected occurrences for 1910, says: 'Male shot near Penzance (Cornwall), about November 3rd.'

Penhallurick (1969: 63) says: '1910, one shot near New Mill, Gulval in November (Harvey, 1915).'

217). Pre 1911 Somerset Kingston St Mary, undated.

(Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society 1911; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History Palmer & Ballance (1968) say: 'Kingston St Mary, before 1911 (SBR 1).'

218). 1911 Buckinghamshire Near Olney, male, picked up dead under wires, 15th August.

(A. Allen, Field 19th Aug., 1911: 474; Eds., British Birds 5: 116; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

History Archibald Allen (1911) in The Field of 19th Aug., Vol. CXVIII. p. 474, says: 'A male specimen of the Little Bittern was picked up under the telegraph wires near Olney a few weeks ago. Is not this an unusual visitor in this part of the country?'

[The Little Bittern is one of our rarer summer visitors, and in a great measure escapes observation from its small size, retiring habits, and the nature of its haunts, generally amongst fens and reed beds. Several instances of its occurrence are noted in Clark Kennedy's Birds of Berks and Bucks, as well as in other county bird books. - Ed.]

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 116, they say: 'Mr. A. Allen records in The Field (19/viii/11, p. 474), that a male Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta) was picked up under telegraph-wires near Olney, "a few weeks ago".'

219). 1912 Avon Between Puxton and Banwell, Somerset, female, caught by dog, 20th May, now at Exeter Museum.

(F. H. L. Whish, British Birds 6: 123; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 179; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History F. H. L. Whish (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 123, says: 'A female Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) was captured by a dog in one of the water-courses of the North Marsh between Puxton and Banwell, in north Somersetshire, on May 20th, 1912. It was identified by the Rev. C. R. Blathwayt, who has had it preserved, and it is now on view in the Exeter Museum.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 179, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Female caught, between Puxton and Banwell (N. Somerset), May 20th.'

220). 1912 Northamptonshire Naseby, adult male, shot, 2nd October.

(J. Crisp, Field 4th Jan., 1913: 45; Eds., British Birds 6: 284; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 276).

History John Crisp of Eaglethorpe, Warmington, Oundle (1912) in The Field of 4th Jan., Vol. CXXI. p. 45, says: 'In November last I wrote to inform you that a Little Bittern had been obtained in this county, and have since been able to ascertain more particular information concerning it. It was shot by Mr. H. Atterbury, of West Heddon, at Naseby, on Oct. 2, and was an adult male.'

[When the late Lord Lilford, in 1895, published his beautiful work The Birds of Northamptonshire he was unable to mention any recent instance of this bird having been met with in that county, and only included it in his list of on the strength of one shot at Maidford so long ago as 1798, as recorded in Baker's History of Northamptonshire (Vol. II. p. 42). The recent occurrence, therefore, of a specimen at Naseby is a notable addition to the county avifauna. - Ed.]

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. 6. p. 284, they say: 'Mr. J. Crisp records the occurrence of an adult male Ixobrychus minutus, which was shot at Naseby, Northamptonshire, on October 2nd, 1912 (Field, 4.i.13, p. 45).'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 276, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Male, shot, Naseby (Northampton), October 2nd.'

221). Co. Durham Near Gateshead, adult male, seen, 27th July.

(G. Bolam, Vasculum 2: 75).

History G. Bolam (1916) in The Vasculum, Vol. II. p. 75, says: 'Mr. J. W. H. Harrison tells me that whilst exploring for insects in the dense bushes and herbage round a small lake near Gateshead, on 27th July, he disturbed a Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta, or Ixobrychus minutus as it is now called), which circled closely round him and his companion for quite a long time, enabling him to identifiy it with confidence as an adult male. This is a record of such exceptional interest that it is hoped that something further may yet be seen of the bird.'

222). c. 1916 Pembrokeshire Near Fishguard, shot, undated.

(Lockley, 1949).

History Lockley (1949: 53) says: 'One shot about 1916 is preserved at a farm near Fishguard.'

223). 1917 Shetland Burrafirth, Unst, adult female, caught alive, 29th May.

(T. E. Saxby, Scottish Naturalist 37: 214; Eds., British Birds 11: 142; Scottish Naturalist 38: 150; Venables & Venables, 1955).

History T. Edmondston Saxby of Halligarth, Unst (1917) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 214, says: 'On the evening of 29th May a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) was captured at alive at Burrafirth, Unst. It was being mobbed by Herring Gulls, and had been severely punished. I forwarded the bird to Dr. Eagle Clarke for the Royal Scottish Museum, where the specimen proved to be a welcome addition to the collections, which did not contain a Scottish example of this species. Dr. Eagle Clarke informs me that the bird is an adult female, and, so far as he is aware, the third recorded visit of this Central and Southern European breeding bird to the Shetlands.'

In an Editorial (1917) in British Birds, Vol. XI. p. 142, they say: 'Dr. T. Edmondston Saxby states (Scot. Nat., 1917, p. 214) that an adult female example of Ixobrychus minutus was captured alive at Burrafirth, Unst, on May 29th, 1917. The bird had been mobbed and severely punished by Herring-Gulls. This appears to be the third occurrence of the species in Shetland.'

224). 1918 Kent Near Wateringbury, juvenile, caught and released, 2nd September.

(W. W. Blest, Field 14th Sept., 1918: 258; Harrison, 1953).

History W. W. Blest of Bloomscroft, Wateringbury (1918) in The Field of 14th Sept., Vol. CXXXII. p. 258, says: 'When walking up Partridges on Sept. 2 on a short stubble adjoining a low-lying, swampy meadow with plenty of rushed and bordered by pollard willows, I picked up a young Little Bittern, incapable of extended flight, which, after examining, I released. This may interest bird lovers.'

[A great many instances have been reported from time to time of the occurrence of the Little Bittern in Kent (two of them in the month of June), but in no case was there any evidence of this bird having nested in the county. From the statement that the example above mentioned was "incapable of extended flight", we may reasonably conclude that it was bred in the neighbourhood. This would not be unprecedented, for immature birds of this species with some of the nestling down adhering to their plumage have been reported from other counties - for instance, Middlesex and Norfolk. - Ed.]

225). 1921-22 Buckinghamshire Shardeloes Lake, Amersham, shot, winter.

(E. Tyrwhitt-Drake, Field 28th Oct., 1922: 714; Eds., British Birds 16: 256; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

History E. Tyrwhitt-Drake of Shardeloes, Amersham (1922) in The Field of 28th Oct., Vol. CXL. p. 714, says: 'With reference to Mr. Frohawk's letter in The Field of Oct. 28 I may state that a Little Bittern was shot on my lake here last winter and has been preserved.'

In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 256, they say: 'Mr. E. Tyrwhitt-Drake states (Field, 28/x/1922, p. 714) that a bird of this species was shot in the winter of 1921-2 on his lake at Amersham.'

Comment Winter would be a strange date. Most probably a small Bittern.

226). 1922 Cornwall Near Mousehole, female, caught exhausted, 9th or 10th May, died in captivity.

(F. W. Frohawk, Field 28th Oct., 1922: 655; B. H. Ryves, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report; Eds., British Birds 16: 256; Eds., British Birds 38: 20; Penhallurick, 1969).

History F. W. Frohawk (1922) in The Field of 28th Oct., Vol. CXL. p. 655, says: 'Although the Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta) has, from time to time, made its appearance in most of the English counties, it is one of the rarest of our summer migrants....In the south-west of England and Wales it is of very rare occurrence. Therefore the capture of a fine female example of this species last May near Penzance, under unusual circumstances, is of especial interest.

For the following interesting particulars regarding its capture I am indebted to Mr. A. W. H. Harvey. In his letter to me dated Sept. 30, he states: "The Little Bittern was found by two ladies on either the 9th or 10th of May last on the cliff near Mousehole (a village two or three miles from here). When found it was crouching in somewhat of the attitude in which Messrs. Rowland Ward have so well mounted the bird, and around it was a circle of Jackdaws (chocks), evidently with intent to commit a felony. It was taken by the ladies (one of whom seized it by the nose when handled) to a large wild garden in the hope that it might recover and be restored to its liberty, but it died on the afternoon of May 11 about an hour or so before I saw it.

I was informed that during its short captivity it often assumed the rigid attitude, with bill pointed directly upwards, and when in the garden was very difficult to discover, and occasionally ran very swiftly when attempts were made to capture it to save it from the attentions of the numerous cats which frequent the garden it was kept caged at night".

Through the courtesy of Messrs. Rowland Ward I have been enabled to make the accompanying drawing of this bird, which has been admirably set up in a characteristic attitude assumed by the bitterns. The crown, rump, and tail are black, the mantle and scapulars chocolate-brown, finely edged with buff, primaries and secondaries dusky; wing coverts buff shading into grey; sides of neck buff blending into chestnut down the nape; underparts - neck, breast and flanks mostly creamy-buff and white streaked with chocolate-brown; the lores black, irides golden, bill olive yellow-green, legs and feet olive-green, claws black....'

In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 256, they say: 'Mr. F. W. Frohawk records (Field, 28/X/1922, p. 655), that a female Ixobrychus m. minutus was captured alive on May 9th or 10th, 1922, near Mousehole, near Penzance, and was kept in captivity for a few days, when it died.'

227). 1922 Sussex Fen Place Mill Pond, near Grange Road, mid-May.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 347) says: 'Mr. H. L. Miller tells me that for two or three days during mid-May, 1922, a Little Bittern frequented the margin of Fen Place mill-pond, near Grange Road. The keeper saw it on several occasions; and Miller himself, on the 18th inst., at a range of only two yards. The latter commented on its curious twisting flight and alarm-cry of "gett-gett".'

228). 1928 Norfolk Wroxham, seen, 10th May.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 22: 250; Riviere, 1930).

History B. B. Riviere (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 250, under 1928 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'Little Bittern (Ixobrychus m. minutus). - One was seen by a pond at Wroxham on May 10th by Major S. Trafford, who managed to flush it no less than three times.'

229). 1928 Oxfordshire Near River Windrush, Beard Mill, seen, 24th May.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1928-29: 17; Eds., British Birds 24: 231; Radford, 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet, 1992).

History B. W. Tucker (1928-29) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 17, says: 'One was seen at close quarters on the Windrush by Dr. A. T. Waterhouse, who sends the following particulars: On May 24th, 1928, near the Windrush between Beard Mill and Cut Mill a bird flew out of a willow on the bank of a side-stream and settled again in some bushes 30 or 40 yards away. It flew slowly, rather resembling in its flight a Landrail, but it was brightly and distinctly marked, fawn-coloured and black, or nearly black. I put it up a second time and it returned to the tree from which it had first been flushed. I then crept up to it, and though I had no glasses, I was able to see that its beak was tapered like a Heron's beak, that its head, neck and body were fawn-coloured, and its wings appeared to be nearly black. It climbed about in the willow and finally flew off and was seen no more. I searched for it again on May 27th and on June 3rd, but without success. The locality was also searched by G.T. and B.W.T. at the end of May, but the bird had evidently gone. Jourdain mentions about six occurrences for the Oxford district.'

In an Editorial (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 231, in a Review of the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1928-29, they say: 'A Little Bittern was watched at close quarters near the Windrush on May 24th, 1928.'

Accepted locally (Radford 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet 1992).

230). 1929 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 27th March.

(S. H. Long, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 12: 686; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 23: 285; Riviere, 1930).

History S. H. Long (1929) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XII. p. 686, says: 'A Little Bittern was seen flying across the broad by one of the reed cutters on March 27th.'

B. B. Riviere (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 285, under 1929 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'One was flushed at Hickling on March 27th (J. Vincent).' Accepted locally (Riviere 1930).

231). 1929 Flintshire Near Connah's Quay, female, shot, 7th May.

(R. Charlton, British Birds 23: 39).

History R. Charlton (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 39, says: 'On May 7th, 1929, a keeper, being attracted by the noise of several small birds and thinking that a stoat or hawk was about, entered a wood, about a mile and a half from Connah's Quay. A bird got up which he did not recognize and he shot it. It proved to be a female Little Bittern (Ixobrychus m. minutus).'

232). 1929 Norfolk Holme-next-the-Sea, picked up dead, December.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 23: 285; Riviere, 1930).

History B. B. Riviere (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 285, under 1929 Norfolk Bird Report, says: '...another was picked up dead at Holme in December (C. R. H. Ball).'

233.0). 1929 Kent Near Deal, pair, undated.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 65; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984).

History R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 65, says: 'A pair of Little Bitterns have visited a certain district in East Kent for several years, usually remaining for a considerable time. This year they left after a period of hard weather early in the year. When flushed from marsh-land they often alight on stunted willows, and it is noted that they have a habit of grasping branches with the bill until they have obtained a satisfactory foothold. They also do this when moving from tree to tree (T.C.G.).'

Taylor, Davenport & Flegg (1984) say: 'Harrison reports that between 1929-47 there were regular occurrences at Cottington Court (Deal) and, though breeding has been claimed, there is no published evidence.'

235). 1930 Isle of Wight No locality, shot, 3rd October.

("F.B.H.", Field 1st Nov., 1930: 624; Anon., Proceedings of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society 23: 42; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History "F.B.H." of Ryde (1930) in The Field of 1st Nov., Vol. CLVI. p. 624, says: 'A Little Bittern was shot by a member of a partridge shooting party in the Isle of Wight on October 3rd. It was thought to be a Landrail [Corncrake] when it rose, as we had shot several of the latter birds during the day. The last recorded instance of a specimen of the Little Bittern in the Island was in 1822. The bird is being stuffed by Mr. Jeffries [sic], taxidermist, Newport.'

Anon. (1931) in the Proceedings of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society, Vol. XXIII. p. 42, under 1930, says: 'One shot in the Isle of Wight on October 3rd and set up by Jefferies [sic] the Newport taxidermist (F.B.H., Field, 30 Nov. p. 624).'

Comment Presumably the taxidermist is Hugh G. Jeffrey, Newport (Marshall 2009).

236). 1932 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Marshes, 18th September.

(Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) state that this is the first record since Riviere's book of 1930.

233.1). 1933 Kent Near Deal, several, possibly bred, undated.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 65; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984).

History R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 65, says: 'A pair of Little Bitterns have visited a certain district in East Kent for several years, usually remaining for a considerable time. This year they left after a period of hard weather early in the year. When flushed from marsh-land they often alight on stunted willows, and it is noted that they have a habit of grasping branches with the bill until they have obtained a satisfactory foothold. They also do this when moving from tree to tree (T.C.G.).'

Taylor, Davenport & Flegg (1984) say: 'Harrison reports that between 1929-47 there were regular occurrences at Cottington Court (Deal) and, though breeding has been claimed, there is no published evidence.'

237). 1934 Devon River Tavy, Denham Bridge, seen, late April.

(M. J. Ingram, British Birds 28: 53; Moore, 1969).

History Mervyn J. Ingram (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 53, says: 'While fishing on the Tavy in Devonshire during the last week in April, 1934, I saw on two occasions a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), on one of which it flew past me at close range in bright sunlight. It had been noticed several times previously by other fishermen and on one occasion it was seen to perch in a tree. There are usually a good many people fishing on the Tavy and no doubt the open nature of the river and the lack of reeds accounted for the bird being so often disturbed.'

238). 1934 Sussex Near St Leonards-on-Sea, immature or female, seen, 17th, 18th and 24th August.

(K. P. Keywood, British Birds 28: 206; N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 5: 95; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History K. P. Keywood (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 206, says: 'On August 17th, 1934, I observed a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) on the banks of a disused reservoir at St Leonards-on-Sea. It was seen again in the same place on August 18th and 24th, 1934. The bird allowed of very close approach and a detailed description was obtained, from which I have no doubt that it was either a hen or an immature specimen of this species. On all three occasions the bird was observed at the water's edge, seemed very reluctant to take wing and, when it did, flew with rather slow, laboured flight across the reservoir to the opposite bank. The banks of the reservoir afforded no cover.' [It is, of course, possible that the bird was an escape from captivity. - Eds.]

N. F. Ticehurst (1934) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. V. p. 95, adds: 'An immature bird seen, Buckshole Reservoir, August 17th, 18th and 24th...'

Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 347) who asks why would it be an escape?

239). 1937 Sussex Hartington Road, Brighton, male, flew into window, April, now at Booth Museum (BoMNH 207305).

(James, 1996).

History James (1996) states that a male in the Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 207305) had flown into a window in Hartington Road, Brighton in April 1937.

240). 1937 Suffolk Shingle Street, male, seen, 19th August.

(Payn, 1978).

History Payn (1978: 57, 2nd ed.) says: 'On 19th August, 1937, whilst at Shingle Street, I flushed a male from some rough grass.'

241). 1940 Wiltshire Gore Cross, Salisbury Plain, 18th March, adult female, caught 19th March, died next day, now at Natural History Museum, Tring.

(Eds., British Birds 33: 339; Buxton, 1981; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

History In an Editorial (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 339, they says: 'Mr. B. W. H. Coulson writes us that a Little Bittern was seen on a farm on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain on March 18th, 1940. On the following day the bird, which was apparently exhausted, was captured and on being released in the evening made no attempt to fly away. It was found dead the next morning and was sent to the Natural History Museum.'

Wiltshire Ornithological Society (2007: 249) state that the specimen now at the Natural History Museum, Tring, is an adult female from the label attached to it.

242). 1940 Fair Isle No locality, female, shot, 10th April.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 230; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; G. D. Joy, Scottish Birds 4: 82-83; Dymond, 1991).

History G. Waterston (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 230, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45', says: 'Little Bittern - A female was obtained by Leslie Anderson on 10th April 1940, which has been examined by George Waterston. First record for Fair Isle.'

243). 1942 Norfolk Rush Hills, Hickling Broad, adult, seen, 2nd August.

(J. Vincent, British Birds 36: 97; J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 12; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History Jim Vincent (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 97, says: 'On August 2nd, when going through some short reeds to get a closer view of the Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria, my Labrador flushed, and nearly caught a Little Bittern about ten yards in front of me. The bird flew across the water to a thick reed clump about sixty yards away. It looked grey and black as if in adult plumage. I did not molest it further. I have seen this species on a few occasions previously.'

Jim Vincent (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1942, p. 12, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'On August 2nd my Labrador flushed and nearly caught a Little Bittern within ten yards of me. As it flew across the water to a clump of thick reeds it looked grey and black and appeared to be an adult.'

244). 1943 Greater Manchester Astley Flash, picked up dead, shot, 27th December.

(J. H. Plumpton, Field 18th March, 1944: 301; Mitchell, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History John H. Plumpton of The Hindles, Atherton (1944) in The Field of 18th March, Vol. CLXXXIII. p. 301, says: 'Many of your readers may be interested though sorry to learn that on December 27th last I picked up a freshly shot specimen of the Little Bittern. The green legs and beak were unmistakeably those of a bittern, though I could not understand the small size until I came to compare the measurements with those given in Coward for the Little Bittern, and found that they agreed almost exactly. The place was near some quite thick bulrushes on the edge of one of the flashes near a local colliery. All and sundry take the right to shoot there.'

Oakes (1953: 203) says: 'One found dead by J. H. Plumptre, of Atherton, at Astley Flash, had been recently shot, was reported in The Field 18th March, 1944. The circumstances were investigated by T. Edmonston who was satisfied with the identification of the bird.'

245). 1945 Greater Manchester Worsley, Lancashire, female, 8th May.

(L. L. Turner, British Birds 39: 218-219; Oakes, 1953; T. Edmondson, North Western Naturalist 3: 237; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).

History Leslie L. Turner (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. pp. 218-219, says: 'On May 8th, 1945, while walking round a reed-bed situated a few miles from Manchester, I noticed an unidentified movement in the reeds, so I sent my dogs in to flush what I at first thought might have been a Water-Rail. For trained dogs these animals behaved in a very peculiar manner; they acted as if they had got hold of a scent, but could not understand why the subject would not break cover. On my wading towards the particular patch of reeds a bird got up which I identified as a Little Bittern Ixobrychus m. minutus. Although this bird was only in view for a few seconds as it flew to another reed-bed, I was able to judge that in size it was rather larger than a Redshank Tringa totanus (a bird I know intimately from the hide). The following details were noted: bill and head shaped like that of a heron, but on a smaller scale, and, like a suddenly startled heron, it appeared to rise with difficulty, legs dangling, but it then flew with fairly rapid wing-beats. Bill was dirty yellow in colour, but the iris was brilliant yellow in comparison (colour like the iris of a Sparrow-Hawk). It had a dark patch on the head; the mantle, back and rump were dark-brown and while flying a lighter-brown pattern was noticed on the wings.'

T. Edmondson (1955) in the North Western Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 237, says: 'The present writer quoted a 1945 Worsley record by L. L. Turner erroneously. The female was recorded on May 8th and not September 8th as stated.'

A. J. Smith (1993) in Birds in Greater Manchester, Vol. XVIII. p. 114, has the locality as Worsley.

246). 1945 Greater Manchester Worsley, Lancashire, juvenile, 26th and 29th December.

(L. L. Turner, British Birds 39: 216; Oakes, 1953; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).

History Leslie L. Turner (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 216, says: 'On December 26th, 1945, while looking over the previously mentioned reed-bed, my friends and I noticed, about 30 feet away, the reeds shaking. We stood quite still and noticed a bird (rather larger than a Redshank Tringa totanus) climbing up the reeds which I again identified as a Little Bittern. The bird was in view for several seconds when a movement on our part caused it to drop from sight. The following details were noted: heron-like head and bill; bill dirty yellow; iris brilliant yellow; neck streaked brown and dark brown; mottled pattern on wing; patch on head not greatly pronounced. The general overall colour of this bird was browner than, though not as contrasting as, the one seen in May. It was noticed that when it was climbing the reeds and making lunges into the foliage with its beak, the wings were beating the whole of the time as if to aid its balance. Although we tried hard the bird refused to be flushed. On December 29th, I saw it again climbing the reeds, but it was in view for only a couple of seconds. On January 1st, A. W. Boyd and I searched the reeds again, but as Mr. Boyd had anticipated, owing to the very severe weather, the bird had passed on.'

A. J. Smith (1993) in Birds in Greater Manchester, Vol. XVIII. p. 114, has the locality as Worsley.

247). 1946 Kent Near Deal, adult male, seen, 23rd June to 6th July.

(R. Whitlock, South Eastern Bird Report 1946: 33; Eds., British Birds 41: 253; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984).

History R. Whitlock (1946) in the South Eastern Bird Report, p. 33, says: 'An adult male frequented an E. Kent marsh from June 23rd to July 6th (T.C.G.).' In an Editorial (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. p. 253, in a Review of the South-Eastern Bird Report, for 1946, they say: 'A Little Bittern frequented an East Kent marsh from June 23rd to July 6th.'

Taylor, Davenport & Flegg (1984) say: 'Harrison reports that between 1929-47 there were regular occurrences at Cottington Court (Deal) and, though breeding has been claimed, there is no published evidence.'

248). 1947 Sussex Carter's Farm, Pett Level, adult male, shot, 16th March.

(G. des Forges, South-Eastern Bird Report 1947: 24; N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 101; des Forges & Harber, 1963; James, 1996).

History G. des Forges (1947) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 24, says: 'One shot at Carter's Farm, Pett, on March 15th (A.D.W.), and identified in the flesh by R.C. on the following day; it was in good condition.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1948) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 101, says: 'An adult male shot, Pett Level, Mch. 16th (R.C).'

Locally, des Forges & Harber (1963) state that the most recent record is of one shot near Pett on 15th March 1947, while James (1996) adds that this is earliest record for Sussex.

Comment A.D.W. is not in the list of observers, however, R.C. is R. Cooke who was involved ? with the 'Hastings Rarities' fraud.

249). 1947 Kent Near Deal, three: two adults and an immature, spring to late July.

(E. M. Cawkell, South Eastern Bird Report 1947: 48; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984).

History E. M. Cawkell (1947) in the South Eastern Bird Report, p. 48, says: 'Birds were present on a N. E. Kent marsh throughout spring and summer (T.C.G.).'

Harrison (1953 (1): 104) states that the birds were again present throughout the spring and summer, as in 1946. Mr. Gregory, in a letter (26.vi.1947) says: "There's an immature present as well as the adults". On 20th July the birds were still present on the marsh.'

Taylor, Davenport & Flegg (1984) say: 'Harrison reports that between 1929-47 there were regular occurrences at Cottington Court (Deal) and, though breeding has been claimed, there is no published evidence.'

252). 1947 Isle of Man Port St Mary, found dying, 26th April, now at Manx Museum.

(W. S. Cowin, Peregrine 1947; H. M. Rogers, North Western Naturalist 22: 107; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History H. M. Rogers (1947) in the North Western Naturalist, Vol. XXII. p. 107, dated 29th April 1947, says: 'A Little Bittern Ixobrychus m. minutus (L.), was found alive but exhausted on Port St Mary promenade, Isle of Man, by Mr. Walter Kelly of Balqueen Hydro on 26th April 1947. It has since died and been sent to the Manx Museum.

This is the first authentic record of this bird in the Isle of Man.'

Accepted nationally as the first record (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

253). 1947 Ayrshire Maidens, male, picked up dead, 30th April, now at Dick Institute, Kilmarnock.

(M. F. M. Meiklejohn & C. E. Palmar, Scottish Naturalist 66: 66; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 3; Hogg, 1983).

History M. F. M. Meiklejohn & C. E. Palmar, Scottish Naturalist 66: 66, say: 'Mr. D. C. Lawrence, Curator of the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, informs us that the Institute possesses a male Little Bittern that was obtained at Maidens, Ayrshire, in the early spring of 1947. This is the only record for the Clyde area and had been published by G. Hughes-Onslow (Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. Collections 1947-1949, series II, Vol. 1: 116).'

Hogg (1983) adds the date as 30th April 1947 (G. A. Richards, A Checklist of the Birds of Ayrshire.Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.Collections. 7ns: 128-169; 1966 supplement).'