Little Bittern (3/3)
Ixobrychus minutus (Linnaeus, 1766) (253, 20)
![LittleBittern[MY].JPG](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600a63ac6068650681dd0dc9/1612433846145-2RX0386PQDDLMUYXH4SH/LittleBittern%5BMY%5D.JPG)
Photo © Mike Youdale
1950-57 RECORDS
254). 1952 Cornwall Hayle Kimbro, The Lizard, adult male, 11th April.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 19-20; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 94; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. pp. 19-20, say: 'April 11th. At Hayle Kimbro Ponds, in the evening, an adult male, about the size of a Rook. Bright yellow bill, dark head and basilisk Heron eye; bronzed dark green back and wings, with a very white oval patch on the wing, visible when it turned away. Breast a buff colour. The bird moved along the water's edge, "melting" into the grass. Twice, when alarmed by us, it faced us standing rather upright; only the breast was then seen and the bird had the appearance of a large dead leaf. A very beautiful bird in a perfect setting. Dr. R. H. Blair & A. G. Parsons.'
255). 1952 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, female, 26th July to 6th November.
(R. A. Richardson, British Birds 46: 431; R. A. Richardson & P. J. Hayman, British Birds 46: 450-451; Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 19).
History R. A. Richardson & P. J. Hayman (1953) in British Birds Vol. XLVI. pp. 450-451, say: 'On July 26th, 1952, while on East Bank, Cley, Norfolk, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Medhurst and R.A.R. saw a very small tawny heron, little larger than a Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and with dark primaries and secondaries, rise out of a narrow belt of reeds beside the bank and fly lightly for a few yards before dropping into cover again. From this brief glimpse of perhaps five seconds' duration at ten yards' range a vivid mental picture of the bird was acquired which left no doubt that it was a female Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus).
Mr. A. H. Daukes and Mr. W. F. Bishop, the marsh warden, were called at once, the latter volunteering to walk through the reeds in an attempt to flush the bird which he soon succeeded in doing twice. Each time it rose steeply out of the reeds and flew quickly away for a short distance to disappear into concealment farther along. The crown, mantle, rump, upper tail-coverts, tail, primaries and secondaries were blackish-brown and the entire under-parts appeared dull buffish-brown, the neck and especially the flanks, streaked darker. The wing-coverts shaded from brownish-buff on the leading edge, through golden-buff to cream on the greater coverts, which, contrasting with the dark flight-feathers, formed a striking wing pattern (see sketches). The colour of the bill could not be ascertained but the feet looked yellowish-green and projected beyond the tail in full flight.
While in the reeds Mr. Bishop had a momentary glimpse of the bird clinging sideways to the stems before it made off. On another occasion Mr. A. Gibbs saw it in bright sunshine pitch into the tops of the reeds and remain there with extended neck for a short while before descending out of sight. One of us (P.J.H.) witnessed a peculiar crepuscular flight at dusk on August 13th, when the bird rose from the reeds by East Bank and passed a few feet overhead, climbing until it reached a height of about forty feet. It kept within an area of approximately thirty feet radius and flew round and round in circles and figures of eight constantly uttering a throaty "ker-ack", quite different from the motor-horn or spawning-toad note, "cock-cock" or "jonk-jonk" heard on August 29th.
The wings during this flight were moving so fast that they appeared almost as a blur but they were moving through a very shallow arc and the bird merely cruising around. Still using this odd flight the bird made off towards Salthouse Marshes and was lost in the gloom. It was last seen on November 6th by Mr. A. H. Daukes.'
Anon. (1952) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 19, says: 'One seen 26th July flying in at Cley by R. A. Richardson. Later when stalked on the marsh by W. F. Bishop it was found clinging to three reed stems three feet above the water level. This bird, a female, was seen by many observers during its prolonged stay, and last noted on 6th November by A. H. Daukes.'
256). 1952 Norfolk Horsey, 11th August.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 19).
History Anon. (1952) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 19, says: 'On 11th August Mr. G. Crees, who is familiar with the bird in Switzerland, had a close view of one at Horsey.'
257). 1952 Norfolk Hickling Broad, 20th September.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 19).
History Anon. (1952) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 19, says: 'On 20th September one was flushed from reed-beds at Hickling by Mr. G. Bishop's dog.'
258). 1953 Norfolk River Wissey, Mundford, 11th August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 16).
History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 16, says: 'One at Mundford by River Wissey, 11th August (L. Warren). Full description supplied, stressing small size and the very noticeable large buff patches in wings bordered by dark edges.'
259). 1953 Lincolnshire Goxhill, immature, trapped, 12th to 16th August, photo.
(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 13: 206; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History S. A. Cox (1953) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIII. p. 206, says: 'An immature bird was at Goxhill, Aug. 12th-16th. It was first flushed from a reed-bed and eventually, while doing a 'freezing' act, allowed itself to be caught, ringed and photographed (R.P., S.van den B., R.M.). The species has only been recorded twice before in Lincolnshire, both records being in the 1870s.'
Smith & Cornwallis (1955) say: 'An immature was caught and released at Goxhill where it stayed from 12th to 16th August 1953.' Accepted locally (Lorand & Atkin 1989).
260). 1954 Essex/Greater London Nazeing Gravel-pit, adult, 30th May.
(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1954: 9; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007; Self, 2014).
History G. A. Pyman (1954) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 9, says: 'Nazeing: an adult male was seen by D. A. Hoy and J. L. F. Parslow at a gravel pit on May 30th. The following details are taken from the field description: a tiny heron about Moorhen size but much slimmer; neck held in shape of "S"; yellow heron-shaped bill and iris; sides of head white contrasting with dark crown; conspicuous white rectangular wing patches; remainder of wing and back dark; legs dark green.'
Accepted locally for Essex (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).
261). 1954 Hampshire Titchfield Haven, adult male, 13th to 14th June.
(E. Cohen, Birds in Hampshire 1954: 80; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 369; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
History E. Cohen (1954) in Birds in Hampshire, p. 80, says: 'An adult male was flushed in Titchfield Haven on June 13th and 14th by R.P., W.T. and C.S.'
D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 369, in a review of the above, says: 'An adult male Little Bittern is stated to have been seen by three observers at Titchfield Haven on 13th and 14th June. No description is given but some confirmation is given by one being found dead on Farlington Marshes two months later.' However, it is accepted locally (Clark & Eyre 1993).
262). 1954 Northamptonshire Ecton Sewage-farm, adult female, 8th August.
(Taylor MS., 1959).
History Taylor MS. (1959) states that one was seen at Ecton sewage farm on 8th August 1954.
263). 1954 Hampshire Eastern Road, Portsmouth, juvenile, found dead, 12th August.
(E. Cohen, Birds in Hampshire 1954: 80; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 369; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
History E. Cohen (1954) in Birds in Hampshire, p. 80, says: 'On August 12th or 13th one was found dead at the edge of Farlington Marshes (A. F. McQ) and a coloured sketch made of it by G.K.'
D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 369, in a review of the above, says: 'An adult male Little Bittern is stated to have been seen by three observers at Titchfield Haven on 13th and 14th June. No description is given but some confirmation is given by one being found dead on Farlington Marshes two months later.'
264). 1954 Greater London/Surrey Richmond Park, immature, 20th to 24th August; presumed same, Beddington Sewage-farm, 27th and 29th August.
(P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1954: 7; F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1954: 10; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).
History F. H. Jones (1954) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XIX. p. 10, says: 'Surrey. Richmond Park, an immature at the Pen Ponds was first identified on 20th August by B. A. Marsh; on the 21st and 22nd it was seen by several observers in the morning and evening perching on willows on the islands and flying from there to the edges of the pond to feed, but spent most of the day in a reed bed, over which it was seen in flight on 23rd and 24th August (G. Beven, P. A. D. Hollom, F. H. Jones & H. P. Medhurst et al.) On 27th and 29th August, an immature, presumably the same bird, was seen at a muddy pool at Beddington S.F. (W. E. Barrett & B. S. Milne). Field notes have been received from both localities.'
Accepted locally for Surrey (Parr 1972; Wheatley 2007) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).
265). 1954 Leicestershire & Rutland Thornton Reservoir, shot, 21st August, now at Leicester Museum (L.Z474.1954.0.0.).
(R. A. O. Hickling & R. E. Pochin, Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report 1955: 10; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).
History R. A. O. Hickling & R. E. Pochin (1955) in the Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report, p. 10, under Additional Records for 1954', say: 'Shot at Thornton R., August 21st, 1954 - now in Museum. First record for Leicestershire.'
266). c. 1954 Hampshire Andover, adult male, picked up and released later at Lechford, Surrey, undated.
(Cohen, 1963; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).
History Cohen (1963) says: 'A male brought from Andover about 1954 and released by Terry Jones at Leckford.' Cohen & Taverner (1972) now add that it was an adult male.
267). 1955 Isles of Scilly Big Pool, St Agnes, male, 7th May.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 36; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 36, say: 'On May 7th, I was informed by Francis Hicks that a very strange bird was by the Pool, on St. Agnes. On stalking it we found, in the rank grass, a male Little Bittern, which remained "frozen" while we approached to within about 12 yards, when it suddenly un-froze and proceeded to feed in the manner of a Heron, with stealthy approach and sudden darts at the prey. Closer approach caused it to fly short distances, giving good views of the conspicuous buff wing-patches. It was not seen after that day. H.M.Q.'
268). 1955 Cornwall Carbeile Mill, Torpoint, female, 9th to 10th May, later found dead.
(S. C. Madge, Birds in Cornwall 1983: 96).
History S. C. Madge (1983) in the Birds in Cornwall, Vol. LIII. p. 96, says: 'An additional record which has not been published anywhere concerns a female (from presence of brown in upperparts) which was flushed several times at Carbeile Mill, Torpoint during its stay of two or three days from 9th May 1955. The bird was discovered by G. S. Leonard and shown to R. Fussell, and was found dead some time later, although not in a state worthy of preservation. Mr. Leonard was not a member of CBWPS unfortunately, but after his death, his notebooks were passed to me and I consider the record important enough not to be forgotten. Although very young at the time, I remember being shown the remains.'
269). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Beddington Sewage-farm, pair, 18th June to 14th July, singles, 6th and 14th August.
(J. L. F. Parslow & H. P. Medhurst, London Bird Report 1958: 52-53; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).
History J. L. F. Parslow & H. P. Medhurst (1958) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XXIII. pp. 52-53, say: 'Beddington S.F., Surrey. A very noisy but excessively shy pair in some heavily overgrown lagoons from June 18th to July 14th and single birds on Aug. 6th and 14th, 1956 (B. P. Austin, B. S. Milne, R. E. Scott). Very full details have been submitted. Although the birds were left undisturbed as much as possible, it seems unlikely that breeding took place. The lagoons which they frequented were flooded by heavy rain on July 16th, and an intensive search after the birds had left failed to produce any evidence of breeding.'
Accepted locally for Surrey (Wheatley 2007) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).
271). 1956 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, female, 7th to 24th August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 27; Gantlett, 1984).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 27, says: 'A female at Cley, 7th to 24th August (R. A. Richardson et al.).'
272). 1956 Lancashire & North Merseyside Marton Mere, Blackpool, 8th to 12th August.
(D. J. McCullagh, N. Harwood & M. Jones, British Birds 50: 119).
History D. J. McCullagh, N. Harwood & M. Jones (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. p. 119, say: 'Between 8th and 12th August 1956, there was a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) at Marton Mere, Blackpool, Lancashire. It was seen by D.J.M. at 9 p.m. (B.S.T.) on the first day, when it appeared to be terrified by about 500 Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) coming over its head to roost in or near the reeds. It came out on to the open water and, with upstretched wings (showing white under-wings), ran frantically about on the tops of lily-pads. This behaviour was not witnessed on other evenings so we assumed that the bird was a new arrival. On 9th August, and subsequently, the bird was seen by N.H., M.J. and four other observers. It was near one end of the mere and could be viewed, at 30 to 40 yards, from a convenient tree on the opposite side. On one occasion four of us in this tree saw the crouching bird, on the water side of the reeds, as a mottled egg-shaped object. [It was small compared with the bodies of Coot (Fulica atra) and Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) which were also present.] Then the long neck emerged slowly from the body and remained at full vertical stretch as the bill took a morsel from the leaves of a willow, and for some seconds afterwards. The throat was warm buff and the under-parts, buff at the sides, had a white vertical area down the centre. Next the bird was seen in side view as it walked a few strides with neck extended horizontally. The cheeks and sides of neck were warm buff. The upper-parts were brown, but there was some black on crown and nape. The light area on the closed wing was not very conspicuous. The bill was yellow. As the bird mounted two or three feet into a willow the legs showed greenish. When it re-appeared it plunged with head, neck and legs into the water and caught a fish or other prey. Finally it flew, with neck extended, for a short distance and struck into the reeds well above water level. During this flight the large light wing-patch was seen to better advantage.'
273). 1957 Yorkshire Marley Sewage-farm, near Keighley, immature female, shot, 27th September.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 44; Mather, 1986).
History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 44, says: 'One was shot over marshes at Marley S.F., on September 27th and inspected by D. F. Walker, R. F. Dickens and A. W. A. Swaine who preserved it; an immature male.' Mather (1986) stated that an immature female was shot at Marley Sewage-farm on 27th September 1957 whereupon it fell into the river and was retrieved later; it was inspected by D. F. Walker, R. F. Dickens and A. W. A. Swaine who preserved it. It was exhibited by Walker at the annual dinner of the Wharfedale Naturalists' Society in March 1967 where I saw the mounted specimen.
NOT PROVEN
0). 1782 Greater London Near London, Middlesex, shot, May, now at Leverian Museum, Middlesex.
(Montagu, 1802; Harting, 1866, Glegg, 1935; Palmer, 2000; Self, 2014).
[E. Newman, Field 17th Nov., 1866: 397-398].
History Harting (1866: 165) says: 'Colonel Montagu mentions one which was shot near London in the month of May, 1782, and was placed in the Leverian Museum. The Rev. L. Jenyns, in his Manual of British Vertebrates, records the occurrence of a specimen at Uxbridge Moor, and adds that this bird has been killed, in more than one instance, near London.'
Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern makes no mention of this record. Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935: 112).
Comment I believe Harting has mixed this species up with the first Night Heron which was recorded in 1782 and was also presented to the Leverian Museum contra to Palmer (2000). Not acceptable.
0). 1798 Northamptonshire Maidford, shot, undated.
(Baker, 1822-41; Lilford, 1895; http://www.northamptonshirewildlife.co.uk/npton/vag1.htm#bnh).
[Lilford, 1895].
History Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern makes no mention of this record. However, Lord Lilford (1895) Vol. II. p. 131, says: 'My only authority for including this very singular bird in these notes is the fact that in Baker's History of Northamptonshire, Vol. II. pp. 131-132, I find the following record with regard to Maidford: - "The Little Bittern was shot in this Lordship about twenty years since, 1798". It is not likely any other bird can have been mistaken for one of this species, and although the above statement leaves a great deal to be desired, I cannot think that there can be no reasonable doubt as to correct identification.'
Accepted locally on their web site.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0) Pre 1799 Dorset Lytchett, undated.
(Pulteney, 1799; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).
[KAN].
History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) says: 'Pulteney mentions...and a third at Lytchett.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.
0) Pre 1799 Dorset River Bere, shot, undated.
(Pulteney, 1799; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).
[KAN].
History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) says: 'Pulteney mentions one shot on the Bere river.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.
0) Pre 1799 Dorset Upton, undated.
(Pulteney, 1799; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).
[KAN].
History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 130, 2nd ed.) says: 'Pulteney mentions...another at Upton.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.
0). 1808 Greater Manchester Near Manchester, Lancashire, killed, June.
(Bullock, 1809; Saunders, 1892).
[Oates, 1953].
History Howard Saunders (1892: 145, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Bullock (Companion to Liverpool Museum, 7th edit., 1809) states: "One was killed perching on a tree near Manchester in June 1808".' Not accepted locally (Oakes 1953: 203-204).
Comment Not accepted locally by Oates, the record occurring in Lancashire at that time.
0). 1816 Lancashire & North Merseyside Foulridge Reservoir, Colne, undated.
(Saunders, 1892).
[Oakes, 1953].
History Howard Saunders (1892: 145, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'In a museum at Burnley is a specimen from Foulridge, Colne, taken in 1816.'
Not accepted locally by Oakes (1953) who states it to be "an alleged occurrence" erroneously in 1810.
0). 1827 Buckinghamshire Uxbridge Moor, killed, undated.
(Jenyns, 1835; Clark-Kennedy, 1868; Lack & Ferguson, 1994).
[KAN].
History Jenyns (1835) says: 'Others have been killed at different times in the Orkneys, in Somersetshire, Shropshire, Northumberland, Hampshire, Suffolk, and, more recently, on Uxbridge Moor, and on the banks of the Thames near Windsor.'
Clark-Kennedy (1868) says: 'It has once occurred in Buckinghamshire, near Uxbridge, on the borders of the county.' Lack & Ferguson (1994) state that one was noted in Buckinghamshire during 1827.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Clarke-Kennedy reported it without a date. Not acceptable.
0). 1833 Norfolk Barnaby Broad, adult male, shot, undated.
(Paget & Paget, 1834; Stevenson, 1870; Allard, 1990).
[A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 61-73].
History Paget & Paget (1834: 8) say: 'One at Barnaby, which Mr. Miller has.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 155) says: 'Said to have been shot at Barnaby to which there is no date attached by the Messrs. Paget, is no doubt, the adult male which, as I learn from Mr. Joseph Clarke, was shot near Yarmouth in 1833, and formed part of Mr. Miller's collection.'
Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One shot at Barnaby Broad in Mr. Miller's possession.'
Comment Stephen Miller has been discredited over the Bufflehead in Norfolk and was unreliable (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 61-73). In my view Clarke is also unreliable (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 66). I cannot find Barnaby Broad. Maybe it is an old name for one of the Broads. Barnby Broad has always been in Suffolk so I would think that Stevenson wouldn't have mentioned it in his Birds of Norfolk. Stevenson also used the words "said to have been". Not acceptable.
0). c. 1834 Norfolk Near Bawdeswell, two, killed, undated.
(Stevenson, 1870).
[KAN].
History Stevenson (1870 (2): 155) says: 'Dr. Diamond, of Twickenham, the fortunate owner of the Norfolk Little Egret, also informs me that he has two Little Bitterns, killed near Bawdeswell, in this county, which were purchased and sent to him by his friend, the late Mr. R. Stoughton, of Sparham, somewhere about the year 1834.'
Comment Stoughton also gave Dr. Diamond the imported Little Egret and is therefore unreliable. Not acceptable.
0). 1835-43 Greater London Kingsbury Reservoir, male, obtained, undated.
(F. Bond, Zoologist 1843: 102-103; Harting, 1866; Self, 2014).
[KAN].
History F. Bond (1843) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I, p. 102-103, dated February 1843, says: 'I have sent a rough list of water-birds, including the waders, obtained or seen near Kingsbury reservoir, a large sheet of water about five miles north of London, on the Edgeware road, which has been made about eight years. Specimens of those marked thus * are in my collection; and I have not put one in the list that I am not sure of its having occurred.
*Little Bittern, Botaurus minutus.'
Harting (1866: 165) says'...and another, also a male, was more recently obtained at Kingsbury Reservoir. The capture of the last-named specimen is recorded in The Zoologist for 1843.'
Comment Although the specimen was in Harting’s collection it lacked a specific date to be a scientific record. Harting was the Editor of The Zoologist and The Field for a number of years and should have known better.
0). Pre 1836 West Midlands Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, two, shot, undated.
(W. Christy, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 9: 647; Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).
[KAN].
History W. Christy, jun. of Clapham Road (1836) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. IX. p. 647, dated 5th Nov. 1836, says: 'In reply to the Rev. Mr. Ventris's query (IX. 319.), as to the occurrence of the Egret (Ardea Garzetta) in Britain, I beg to say that I have a very fine specimen, said to have been shot at or near Sutton Coldfield, in Warwickshire. I bought it of a very respectable birdstuffer, who assured me he had received the bird direct from the gamekeeper who shot it. Still, I confess I had my doubts, and bought the skin more for its beauty than as an authentic British specimen. However, during a visit, in April last, to Lord Mount Norris, at Arley Hall, I happened to meet with a gentleman, who assured me that, within the last few years, he had known of three specimens of the Egret, and two of the Little Bittern, having been shot at Sutton Coldfield.'
Tomes (1904 (1): 201) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'There is also a notice in the ninth volume of the Magazine of Natural History (1836) of one which was shot at Sutton Coldfield.'
Accepted locally (Norris 1947; Harrison & Harrison 2005).
Comment Third-hand report by an unnamed person. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1842 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Marshes, shot, February.
(Stevenson, 1870; Babington, 1884-86).
[KAN].
History Stevenson (1870 (2): 157) says: 'Mr. Rising also informs me that in February, 1842, a Little Bittern was shot on his Breydon marshes, but of this I can find no further record.'
Comment Extremely early. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1844 Yorkshire Doncaster, shot, undated.
(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907).
[KAN].
History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - at Doncaster, prior to 1844.' Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'Hugh Reid of Doncaster informs me that one shot near Doncaster is in his own possession.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1844 Yorkshire Thorp, near Bridlington, undated.
(Allis, 1844; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907).
[KAN].
History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - at Thorp, near Bridlington, prior to 1844.'
Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'Hugh Reid of Doncaster informs me that one was shot at Thorpe [sic], near Bridlington, and is now in the possession of A. Boeville Esq....The first two mentioned are referred to by Allis'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1845 Hampshire Fawley, two, obtained, undated, now at Winchester College.
(Clark, 2022).
[Clark, 2022].
History Clark (2022) states that two specimens on display at Winchester College were labelled Fawley 1845, as were two Night Herons and two Squacco Herons with the same details, all of which is very suspicious. They were not mentioned by Kelsall & Munn (1905) or in the catalogue of the collection (Fearon 1900).
0). 1847 Sussex Sedlescombe, male, shot, January.
(J. B. Ellman, Zoologist 1848: 2147; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History J. B. Ellman (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2147, dated 20th April, 1848, says: 'I have seen a male and female of Ardea minuta which were shot at the above place [Ewhurst and Sedlescombe]. The female about three months ago; the male at the latter place, I believe, about fifteen months ago.'
Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern, says: 'During the winter and early spring months - that is, December, January, February, March, and April, - there is but a single record, and, although I have retained that one, I ought to add that I have sufficient reason for doubting its accuracy - not from any want of truthfulness, but a want of the knowledge of the species; hence it appears to me that the bird never winters here.'
Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 319) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) who says: 'Judging by Mr. J. B. Ellman's (Zool., 1848, p. 2147) verbiage, our next two birds, from Sedlescombe (Spelt errore in Ellman's note Ledlescombe) and Ewhurst (This bird - for I have no doubt it is the same - is in the 1st Suppl. to the Nat. Hist. Hastings (1883) given as from Bodiam, which marches with Ewhurst) respectively, were obtained in January, one in 1847, the other in 1848. Winter, be it noted, is a most unusual season for this species to be present in this country, the very vast majority of its visitations thereto being assignable to spring and summer. Even autumn records are rather rare.'
Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).
0). 1848 Sussex Ewhurst, female, shot, January.
(J. B. Ellman, Zoologist 1848: 2147; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History J. B. Ellman (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2147, dated 20th April, 1848, says: 'I have seen a male and female of Ardea minuta which were shot at the above place [Ewhurst and Sedlescombe]. The female about three months ago; the male at the latter place, I believe, about fifteen months ago.'
Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern, says: 'During the winter and early spring months - that is, December, January, February, March, and April, - there is but a single record, and, although I have retained that one, I ought to add that I have sufficient reason for doubting its accuracy - not from any want of truthfulness, but a want of the knowledge of the species; hence it appears to me that the bird never winters here.'
Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 319) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) who says: 'Judging by Mr. J. B. Ellman's (Zool., 1848, p. 2147) verbiage, our next two birds, from Sedlescombe (Spelt errore in Ellman's note Ledlescombe) and Ewhurst (This bird - for I have no doubt it is the same - is in the 1st Suppl. to the Nat. Hist. Hastings (1883) given as from Bodiam, which marches with Ewhurst) respectively, were obtained in January, one in 1847, the other in 1848. Winter, be it noted, is a most unusual season for this species to be present in this country, the very vast majority of its visitations thereto being assignable to spring and summer. Even autumn records are rather rare.'
Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).
0). Pre 1849 Devon Flete, near Ermington, two, killed, undated.
(C. J. C. Bulteel, Zoologist 1849: 2528; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).
[KAN].
History C. J. C. Bulteel (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2528, says: 'It may be considered a fact worthy of notice, that the gamekeeper at Flete killed two Little Bitterns (Ardea minuta of Linneus), some years since, within a short distance of where the night herons were seen.'
D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 188-189) say: 'Two specimens were killed at Flete near Ermington (C. J. C. Bulteel, Zool., 1849, p. 2528).'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1852 Yorkshire Near York, obtained, September.
(Nelson, 1907).
[Mather, 1986].
History Nelson (1907 (2): 397) says: 'On 26th September 1852…and about the same time a specimen killed in the neighbourhood of York, and acquired by the late Joseph Duff of Bishop Auckland. This individual is now in my collection.'
Comment Misidentified. Was a Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis). Not acceptable.
0). 1852 Avon Radstock, two, shot, undated.
(Terry, 1888)
[KAN].
History C. Terry (1888) under 'Aves' in the Zoology chapter in the Handbook to Bath, p. 255, says: 'Ardeola minuta. Little Bittern; two shot at Radstock, 1852.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No supporting details. Not acceptable.
0). 1853 Sussex No locality, killed, undated.
(Knox, 1855; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History Knox (1855: 227, 3rd ed.) says: 'In 1853 another specimen was killed, in a water-meadow on the property of Admiral Hawker, on the western borders of Sussex.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 345) says: 'Knox tells us that in 1853 another "died" somewhere on our western boundary - that dividing us from Hampshire, of course. It is strange that Knox treats this bird so cavalierly. For at the time he wrote (1855) he could easily have acquired all the information he wanted from Admiral Hawker, on whose estate, ipse dixit, the event betided. Borrer gives this bird without year.'
Comment Admiral Hawker lived at Ashford Lodge, Petersfield, Hampshire, so this record may not even belong to Sussex. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1854 Lancashire & North Merseyside Aigburth, Liverpool, shot, January.
(Byerley, 1856; Saunders, 1892).
[Oakes, 1953].
History Howard Saunders (1892: 145, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'This species is very rare, and generally occurs in summer, though Byerley states that one was shot at Aigburth in 1854 in January.' Not accepted locally (Oakes 1953).
Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1854 Suffolk Benacre Broad, seen, July.
(Babington, 1884-86; Payn, 1978).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One seen by the Rev. H. K. Creed rising out of the sedge close to him, while he was fishing in Benacre Broad in July, 1854 (Creed MS.).'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1856 Norfolk Horning, killed, early December.
(Stevenson, 1870).
[E. Newman, Field 17th Nov., 1866: 397-398].
History Edward Newman (1866) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XXVIII. pp. 397-398, in listing the British occurrences of the Little Bittern and making no mention of this record, says: 'During the winter and early spring months - that is, December, January, February, March, and April, - there is but a single record, and, although I have retained that one, I ought to add that I have sufficient reason for doubting its accuracy - not from any want of truthfulness, but a want of the knowledge of the species; hence it appears to me that the bird never winters here.'
Stevenson (1870 (2): 158-159) says: 'Again, in the first week of December, 1856, another specimen, killed in Mr. Heath's marshes at Horning, was sold in Yarmouth to some local collector.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1859-84 East Glamorgan River Taff, undated.
(Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 20).
[Welsh Ornithological Society].
History Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 20, say: 'One of the specimens in Cardiff Museum was captured near the River Taff, where Temperance-town now stands.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1859-84 East Glamorgan St Fagan's, undated.
(Welsh Ornithological Society).
[Welsh Ornithological Society].
History No further information.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1863 Suffolk Brandon Park, shot, September.
("H." Field 19th Sept., 1863: 297).
[KAN].
History "H" (1863) in The Field of 19th Sept., Vol. XXII. p. 297, says: 'A specimen of the Little Brown Bittern was killed last week by the Baron de Bliss, at Brandon Park. In size it was somewhat less than a Lapwing, with a beautiful white breast and ash-coloured feathers on the back, and covered with very pretty spots on the back and wings. It has a bill about two inches long, and flies very quick. It was shot by the Baron rising from a water-pit, and is considered a fine specimen of its species.'
[We should like to see the specimen: there is no English bird called the "Little Brown Bittern", and the breast of the Little Bittern is not white. - Ed.]
Comment Nothing else was ever heard, so presumably a mistake. Not acceptable.
0). 1865 Cambridgeshire St Ives Staunch, Huntingdonshire, shot, September.
(Peake, 1926).
[J. S. Clark, Cambridgeshire Bird Report 2004: 142].
History J. S. Clark (2004) in the Cambridgeshire Bird Report, p. 143, lists a record for 1865 from St Ives Staunch of one shot in September. Previously he stated that this record listed by Peake (1926) had not been authenticated.
0). 1866 Yorkshire Scalby Beck, North Harburn, Scarborough, female, 16th May.
(H. A. Macpherson, Naturalist 16: 210).
[Nelson, 1907].
History H. A. Macpherson (1890) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVI. p. 210, under 'Auction Sale of North of England rarities', dated 24th May 1890, says: 'The sale of Mr. Whitaker's duplicates at Stevens', Covent Garden, May 22nd, 1890, included a few scarce specimens from the northern counties of England, particulars of which may be useful. Yorkshire. Lot 31, a female Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta), from Mr. Fennell, obtained at Scalby Beck, North Harburn, Scarborough, May 16th, 1866.'
Not accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 50), while Nelson (1907 (2): 397) adds: '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.'
Comment Misrecorded. Not acceptable.
0). 1867 Leicestershire & Rutland Near Billesdon, shot, mid-November.
("R.S." Field 4th Jan., 1868: 6; Browne, 1889; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).
[Browne, 1889].
History "R.S." of Billesdon, near Leicester (1868) in The Field of 4th Jan., Vol. XXXI. p. 6, says: 'I have in my possession a beautiful specimen of the Little Bittern, shot not far from this place about the middle of November. I believe it to be a rare bird in Great Britain. Can you give any information as to its worth? It was very lean when brought to me, probably owing to the severe cold we had in the early part of November.'
Browne (1889: 124) says: 'Mr. Davenport wrote, in January 1886: - "One was shot some dozen years ago by a Mr. Allen of Glenn, sold by him to Potter, and re-sold by Potter to the Rev. J. Shepherd, the then Curate of Billesdon.
Potter, of Billesdon, remarking upon this, gives the date as November, 1867, and seems to be quite sure of the species, but, as the bird cannot be traced, the record must stand upon its merits".'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1868 Dorset Christchurch area, Hampshire, obtained, May.
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).
[Clark, 2022].
History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 200) say: 'In the Hart collection is a specimen procured in the district [Christchurch] in May, 1868.'
Clark (2022) states this to be an error for the record of 1869.
0). Pre 1869 Pembrokeshire No locality, killed, undated, now in Cawdor collection.
(T. Dix, Zoologist 1869: 1676; Mathew, 1894; Donovan & Rees, 1994).
[Welsh Ornithological Society].
History T. Dix (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1676, undated, says: 'A specimen in the Earl of Cawdor's collection was killed, I am informed, in Pembrokeshire.'
Mathew (1894: 61) says: 'There is also a specimen in Lord Cawdor's collection, at Stackpole, that is said to have been procured in the county.'
Comment The reference in The Zoologist probably refers to this record. Mathew used the words "said to have been" placing no faith in the record. Not acceptable.
0). 1870 Yorkshire Loftus Alum Works, seen, January.
(K. McLean, Naturalist 25: 141).
[Clarke & Roebuck, 1881].
History Kenneth McLean of Harrogate (1899) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXV. p. 141, says: 'Has been seen several times, once by myself in January 1870, on the banks facing the sea near Loftus Alum Works.'
Not accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881).
). c. 1870 Bedfordshire No locality, shot, undated.
(Steele-Elliott, 1904).
[Trodd & Kramer, 1991].
History Trodd & Kramer (1991) stated that there were two other second-hand references mentioned by Steele-Elliott (1904) from the nineteenth century: one shot about 1870.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1870 Surrey River Thames, West Molesey, male, shot, undated.
(J. A. Bucknill, Zoologist 1902: 305).
[Wheatley, 2007].
History J. A . Bucknill (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 305, says: 'A male was shot on the Thames, at West Molesey, about the year 1870, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).'
Not in Wheatley (2007) who appears to have overlooked it.
Comment In an e-mail reply Wheatley says the date is too vague so presumably unacceptable to Surrey. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1872 Lincolnshire No locality, adult male, shot, undated.
(Cordeaux, 1872; Booth, 1901; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
[KAN].
History Cordeaux (1872: 104) says: 'Mr. Boulton had a fine mature male in his collection, shot in Lincolnshire, some years ago.' Booth (1901: 217, 3rd ed.) mentions one "Shot in Lincolnshire", with no further details.
Smith & Cornwallis (1955: 57) say: 'Cordeaux cited another Lincolnshire record some years before 1872 but gave no details.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Booth may have been referring to this record. No supporting details. Not acceptable.
0). 1872 Gloucestershire Cheltenham, undated.
(Mellersh, 1902).
[Swaine, 1982].
History Swaine (1982) stated that one mentioned by Mellersh (1902) at Cheltenham in 1872 lacked corroborative evidence.
0). c. 1874 Bedfordshire No locality, two, shot, undated.
(Steele-Elliott, 1904)
[Trodd & Kramer, 1991].
History Trodd & Kramer (1991) stated that there were two other second-hand references from the nineteenth century: Mr. A. Covington the Bedford taxidermist, mentioned that he had received a case for repair that contained two Little Bitterns which 'had been killed in the county many years previously'.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1875 Carmarthenshire River Towy, shot, undated.
(Barker, 1905; Ingram & Salmon, 1954).
[KAN].
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).
Comment Hearsay record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No supporting details. Not acceptable.
0). 1875 Dorset Warmwell, adult, shot, undated, now at County Museum, Dorchester.
(Morrison, 1997).
[KAN].
History Morrison (1997) says: 'Warmwell, one adult male, shot (housed in Dorset County Museum).'
Comment I can't help believing that this is in all probability, a duplicate for the 1840 record that at one time was owned by Capt. Foster of Warmwell, then passed to the Dorset County Museum. Why wasn't it recorded in the journals of the day?
0). 1879 Yorkshire Filey Brigg, winter.
(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
[KAN].
History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'These are the following instances: - Filey Brigg in the winter of 1879.'
Comment Unusual date. Lacks adequate supporting details. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1883 Gloucestershire Bourton-on-the-Water, undated.
(Mellersh, 1902; Swaine, 1982).
[Swaine, 1982].
History Swaine (1982) stated that one at Bourton-on-the-Water in about 1883 lacked corroborative evidence, although it had been seen as a stuffed specimen by Aplin at Burford in 1888.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Cornard meadows, killed, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'A fine specimen killed on the Cornard meadows was in possession of the late Rev. E. Sidney (F. Lambarde in litt.).'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by Babington or a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Herringfleet, pair, killed, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 163-164) says: 'Mr. Rising has a pair which he believes were killed at Herringfleet.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Possibly imported. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Melton, shot, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One shot at Melton; in possession of Mr. Schreiber (T. Carthew in litt.).'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Near Bungay, obtained, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'One taken near Bungay, in the possession of Mrs. Bedingfield (Freeman viva voce).'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Near Orford, pair, killed, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'Mr. Spalding heard of a pair killed near Orford (F. Spalding MS.).'
Comment Third-hand report. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Near Sudbury, two: adult and immature, obtained, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'A mature and an immature bird in Mr. King's Collection, said by Mr. Hills to have been obtained near Sudbury.'
Comment Seen by Babington, but there is uncertainty as to where it was obtained. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1886 Suffolk Sudbury, immature, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86: 164) says: 'An immature specimen, formerly in the Sudbury Museum, may have been obtained in the neighbourhood (now in my Collection).'
Comment Seen by Babington, but there is uncertainty as to where it was obtained. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1888 Herefordshire No locality, male, shot, undated.
(Bull, 1888).
[KAN].
History Bull (1888: 146) says: 'The late Mr. Walcot, of Worcester, had in his collection of birds, a fine specimen of a male bird shot in Herefordshire.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1889 Oxfordshire Bensington, obtained, undated.
(Aplin, 1889).
[Radford, 1966; Brucker, Gosler & Heryet, 1992].
History Aplin (1889: 186) says: 'Mr. W. Newton, jun., informs me that another, procured at Bensington some years ago, is in their collection (in litt.).' Locally, neither Radford (1966: 51) nor Brucker, Gosler & Heryet (1992: 75) mention this record so presumably not acceptable.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Place name unknown. Not acceptable.
0). 1889 Sussex Guldeford Level, near Rye, female, shot, mid-May.
(T. Parkin, Zoologist 1889: 312; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History Thomas Parkin, High Wickham (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 312, undated, says: 'A female specimen of Ardetta minuta was brought to Mr. Bristow, taxidermist, of St Leonard's-on-Sea, for preservation, about the second week in May. It was shot near the Lifeboat House in the Guldeford Level, near Rye Harbour. Mr. Dresser, in his Birds of Europe, makes no mention of its ever having been obtained in Sussex; but Yarrell (4th edition) includes this county amongst others in which it has been met with.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 346) says: '...Borrer turned these two records into one [Eastbourne, 31 Oct., 1888 and this one] - for Morris assured me that only one Little Bittern was ever found on the Eastbourne Front - filing Parkin as testifier and giving as data Eastbourne, October 31st, 1889.'
Comment George Bristow was involved in the Hastings Rarities and possibly so was Thomas Parkin (see British Birds 55: 299-336). I can't understand what Walpole-Bond is about with Eastbourne and Rye, as they are not near each other. Not acceptable.
0). 1889 Devon Near Okehampton, shot, June.
(H. Woollcombe, Zoologist 1890: 105).
[Jenks, 2004].
History H. Woollcombe of Morth Grange, Exbourne (1890) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIV. p. 105, says: 'Last June a Little Bittern was shot by a farmer on the banks of the Okement, near Monk Okehampton, Devon, and sent to our gardener for preservation. It was a fine bird, standing about ten or twelve inches high. I have not heard of one being shot in our neighbourhood for a long time.'
Jenks (2004: 179) states that it was a Common Bittern.
0). 1889 Co. Durham Near Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, immature, caught, October or November.
(Anon., Natural History Transactions of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-on-Tyne 11: 177; Bolam, 1912; Temperley, 1951).
[Bowey & Newsome, 2012].
History Anon. (1894) in the Natural History Transactions of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-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.'
Bolam (1912) says: 'In October, 1889, a specimen, in first plumage, was captured near Sheriff Hill, Newcastle. Unfortunately, it was not preserved.'
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 Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1894 Pembrokeshire Merlin's Bridge, Haverfordwest, adult, caught, undated.
(Mathew, 1894; Lockley, 1949; Donovan & Rees, 1994).
[Welsh Ornithological Society].
History Mathew (1894: 61) says: 'One in the collection of Mr. H. Mathias, and given by him with his other birds to Tenby Museum, was captured beneath the wheel of the mill, near Merlin's Bridge, Haverfordwest. This was an adult.'
Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 53).
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not accepted nationally.
0). 1898 Kent Romney Marsh, shot, 8th June.
(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Ticehurst (1909: 314-315) says: 'One, a very nice adult bird, was in the collection of F. Southerden up till the time of his death in 1894; while a second, shot by another member of the family on June 8th, 1898, was obtained from him by Mr. Chapman, of Rye.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1898 Greater London/Hertfordshire Near Broxbourne Station, shot, undated.
(Haileybury Natural Science Society 1926; H. H. S. Hayward, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 22: 193; Sage, 1959).
[Gladwin & Sage, 1986].
History H. H. S. Hayward (1947) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society, Vol. XXII. p. 193, says: 'One described in the Fauna and Flora of Haileybury as shot "the other side of Broxbourne Station" in 1898 is possibly the one mentioned in the Society's 1904 Bird Report as "shot not far from Haileybury a few years ago" (Trans. Herts. Nat. Hist. Soc., XII. 233).'
Sage (1959) says: 'Another was shot near Broxbourne Station in 1898 (Haileybury Natural Science Society 1926).'
Comment Confusion with the record. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). 1900 At sea Sea area Lundy, male, caught on a vessel in the Bristol Channel arriving at Cardiff, 17th May.
(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, 1900: 59).
[Welsh Ornithological Society].
History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXII. p. 59, say: 'Another specimen of this small species was brought to the same bird-stuffer [Cardiff] on May 17th, 1900, by a sailor who said the bird had come on board a steamer coming up the Bristol Channel, on its way from Liverpool to Cardiff. He caught the bird, and had killed and partly skinned it. It was a male in fine plumage, and was secured for the Cardiff Museum.'
Comment Lacks adequate details. Not accepted nationally.
0). 1901 Sussex Winchelsea, adult male, caught, 19th May, now at the Booth Museum, Brighton.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 346) says: 'In 1901 a Little Bittern was "chopped" by a dog at Winchelsea (G. Bristow, in litt.). It is another Dyke Road Museum treasure.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1901 Staffordshire Hanley, shot, May.
(Smith, 1939; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).
[Smith, 1939].
History Smith (1939: 177) says: 'A Little Bittern, possessed by a birdstuffer, was said to have been shot near Hanley in May 1901, but efforts to trace its origins have failed.'
Comment Smith used the words "said to have been shot", placing no faith in the record. Not acceptable.
0). 1903 Breconshire Llangorse Lake, killed, undated, now at National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
(J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1904: 70; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 349; Massey, 1976).
[KAN].
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. That is why a precise date is required. Duplicate record for 1894. Not acceptable.
0). 1904 Sussex Near Winchelsea, adult, caught by a dog, May.
(H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 349; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History 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', say: 'An adult was caught by a dog near Winchelsea in May, 1904.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 346-347).
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1908 East Glamorgan Sully Moors, shot, 28th January.
(Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1925: 63; Heathcote, 1967).
[WOS, Scarce and Rare Birds in Wales 2019: 43].
History Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1925) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LVIII. p. 63, say: 'Another was shot on Sully Moors in January, 1908 (S.W.W.).'
Comment Strange date!
0). 1912 Fife River Eden, Hill of Tarvit, shot, 17th May.
(J. Campbell, Scottish Naturalist 33: 44; Eds., British Birds 6: 317).
[Smout, 1986].
History John Campbell of Cupar (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 44, says: 'A Little Bittern was shot by W. Ghimming, gamekeeper to F. B. Sharp, Esq., Hill of Tarvit, on the banks of the Eden, on 17th May 1912. I have seen the bird, which is in beautiful breeding plumage, but cannot say whether it is a male or a female. The specimen is now in Mr. Sharp's possession.'
In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 317, they say: 'Mr. J. Campbell reports (Scot. Nat., 1913, p. 44) that a specimen of Ixobrychus minutus was shot on the banks of the Eden, Fifeshire, on May 17th, 1912.'
Comment Should be able to sex this species on external features. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1913 Shropshire Betton Pool, near Shrewsbury, heard only, 14th to 23rd May.
(H. E. Forrest, British Birds 7: 62).
[H. E. Forrest, British Birds 7: 62].
History H. E. Forrest of Shrewsbury (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 62, in a Letter, dated 3rd June 1913, says: 'Sirs, - For exactly a fortnight - May 14th to 27th, 1913 - a mysterious bird was heard calling from the marshy border of Betton Pool, near Shrewsbury. Cartwright, the keeper, an observant man, who is familiar with the notes of all the ordinary water-fowl (which resort to the pool in considerable variety) reported it to me as something entirely different from any bird-note he had ever heard. I went down there several times, and on one occasion (23rd) was fortunate enough to hear the bird call repeatedly. This was between 9 and 10 p.m. The note sounded like "Cuc-cuc-cuc-cuc-gwrr"; the last syllable drawn out and guttural in tone. The number of "cues" varied from three to five. The call was fairly loud, but the long final note the loudest, so that at a distance this alone would be audible. The bird seldom began till dark, but on two days it began about 8 p.m. It often kept calling intermittently all night long.
On the 25th, Cartwright and I went with the punt and searched carefully the marshy covert where it seemed to stay; first silently and then trying various stratagems to alarm it and make it take wing. All in vain, however, and the bird finally disappeared without anyone having had even a glimpse of it. The last time it was heard was on the night of May 27th. I have searched all my available ornithological works, and can find only one species that at all answers to the description - the Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta).
I should be glad of suggestions from other ornithologists, especially any who may have had actual acquaintance with the Little Bittern in other countries. I may add that the species is known to have occurred six times in Shropshire.'
[The note of the Little Bittern seems to me to bear a very close resemblance to the noise made by a man driving a pile with a wooden mallet. Generally about three blows seem to be given at short intervals, and then a pause takes place before the noise is renewed. - F.C.R.J.]
Comment Not known to have been seen/heard by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1914 Wiltshire Whetham, near Calne, male, killed, undated.
(G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 287).
[KAN].
History G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 283, under 'Additional Species', says: 'Since the appearance of the Rev. A. C. Smith's Birds of Wiltshire in 1887 many new county records have naturally occurred. I now propose to give the more interesting of those I have collected, some of which have been published before, but many of which are now published for the first time. Perhaps the presentation of these in a collected form may cause other records to be brought to light. Smith records the occurrence of 235 species, but he was too wont - to use his own words - to "give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt"....Mr. E. Cambridge Phillips writes that "a male was killed at Whetham, near Calne, and until recently was in my brother's collection at Chippenham".'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1914 Sussex Near Winchelsea, adult male, caught, 23rd May.
(W. Ruskin Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 196, 200).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History W. Ruskin Butterfield (1916) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. II. pp. 196, 200, says: 'For the following list of birds I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. H. G. Alexander, Mr. G. Bristow, Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay, Mr. N. Gunther, Miss M. L. Kleinwort, Mr. W. H. Mullens, Mr. J. B. Nichols, Mr. Thomas Parkin, Dr. N. F. Ticehurst, and Mr. Godfrey V. Webster...Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus). An adult male obtained near Winchelsea on May 23rd, 1914, has been presented to the Hastings Museum by Mr. W. H. Mullens.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 347) says: 'Another "died" at Winchelsea on May 23rd, 1914 (H.E.S.N., II. p. 200).'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1916 Avon Ubley, seen, November to December.
(Report of the Wells Natural History Society 1916; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; R. Mielcarek, 2019 An Annotated Checklist [Avon] 2nd ed.).
[KAN].
History Palmer & Ballance (1968) say: 'Ubley, November - December (WSR).'
Comment Rather a late date. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1921 Nottinghamshire Watnall, shot, 22nd March.
(J. Whitaker MS.).
History The Whitaker MS. held at Mansfield Central Library refers to one seen on 22nd March 1921 at Watnall but without details of identification.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.
0). 1921 Kent Near Lydd, male, shot, May, now at Maidstone Museum.
(Harrison, 1953; Borrer, 1960).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Harrison (1953) states that there is a male specimen in the Maidstone Museum that was obtained near Lydd in May 1921 whereas Borrer (1960) states the date as May, 1919.
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1923 Norfolk Heigham Sounds, seen, 14th July.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 17: 269).
[KAN].
History B. B. Riviere (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 269, under 'Norfolk Annual Report', says: 'On July 14th a Little Bittern was seen by a good observer to fly across the river and drop into a reed-bed in the Broads district.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record by an unknown observer. Not acceptable.
0). 1924 Norfolk Heigham Sounds, seen, early June.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 18: 288).
[KAN].
History B. B. Riviere (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 288, under 'Norfolk Annual Report', says 'Early in June a Little Bittern was seen at the same spot in the Broads district where one was seen in July, 1923, and by the same observer, the correctness of whose identification can, I think, be relied upon. This was certainly a curious coincidence, as upon each occasion it was afterwards both watched and searched for, but was never seen again, and hopes that it might have been one of a nesting pair were not realised.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record by an unknown observer. Not acceptable.
0). 1929 Kent Near Deal, undated.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 65; Harrison, 1953; http://www.kentos.org.uk/Records/LittleBittern.htm).
[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.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1931 Sussex Amberley, adult female, seen, 21st April.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 347) says: 'What I at any rate have since felt pretty sure was an adult female Little Bittern was the largish, strange-looking bird dimly seen for a few moments by Dr. Bryant and myself on April 21st, 1931, as it flew away from us in a thick osiery reed-bed at Amberley.'
Comment Not positively identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1933 Kent Near Deal, several, possibly bred, undated.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 65; Harrison, 1953; http://www.kentos.org.uk/Records/LittleBittern.htm).
[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.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1940 Fair Isle No locality, two or three, seen, early summer.
(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 230; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 5 (1): 7).
[Dymond, 1991; Pennington et al., 2004].
History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 230, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45, says: 'Little Bittern - Two or three were seen in the early summer of 1940.'
Dymond (1991) stated this record to be unsubstantiated. Not aceepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).
0). 1944 Oxfordshire River Thames, Sandford, seen, 26th August.
(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 24).
[B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 24].
History B. W. Tucker (1944) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 24, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird which was almost certainly a Little Bittern was seen by two friends of V.B. on the Thames above Sandford on Aug. 26. It was seen, very distinctly and for sometime, at about 9 a.m. on a misty morning at a place where the water was covered with weeds like a carpet and was at first taken for an upstanding broken root or branch. It suddenly turned round to face the observers and assumed the characteristic Bittern attitude with neck extended and beak up. "From complete immobility it whipped round with a curious snake-like motion into another immobile position, except that this time the eyes were fixed on us. Then, with another sudden movement, it rose just into the air to get to the bush near by. We investigated this bush, going as noiselessly as possible; we both saw it again moving stealthily under the bush". It was described as about the size of a Mistle Thrush. The observers believe that they caught glimpses of the bird again on the two following days, but could not be certain.'
0). Pre 1946 Dumfries & Galloway Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, undated, now at National Museums Scotland.
(A. B. Duncan, Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society 1946-47: 49).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 104: 162-166].
History A. B. Duncan (1946-47) in the Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society, p. 49, says: 'Has occurred twice, both occurrences being in recent years, one bird (a male) being in my collection.'
In 2008, Bob McGowan of the Royal Scottish Museum came across a skin of Little Bittern in Sir Arthur Duncan’s collection labelled only 'Castle Douglas' [no date]. The only reference I could find was as follows: "Transactions of the D&G Natural History & Antiquarian Society (1946 - 47) – from 'List of the Birds of the Stewartry' by Sir Arthur Duncan. Little Bittern "has occurred twice, both occurrences being in recent years, one bird (a male) being in my collection".
Chris Rollie (RSPB) has historical papers that were expected to shed light on this but it did not.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1946 Nottinghamshire Nottingham Sewage-farm, August.
(J. Staton, Report on the Birds of Nottinghamshire 1946-49: 24).
[J. Staton, Report on the Birds of Nottinghamshire 1946-49: 24].
History J. Staton (1949) in the Report on the Birds of Nottinghamshire, p. 24, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On August 1946, on Nottingham Sewage Farm a tiny heron-like bird, smaller than Moorhen was momentarily seen by the edge of a tank. Neck was stretched up in Bittern fashion, making bird look like a thin reed. In this position light brown throat and belly, dark tail, yellowish bill and green legs could be seen, elongated height reckoned at 18 inches. Bird then rapidly disappeared into dense vegetation, and in absence of further detail, a definite record is not claimed (R.J.R.).'
0). Pre 1949 Pembrokeshire Near Solva, obtained, undated.
(Lockley, 1949).
[KAN].
History Lockley (1949: 53) says: 'One taken near Solva many years ago was recorded by H. W. Evans.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1953 Hampshire Titchfield Haven, immature, 9th August.
(E. Cohen, Birds in Hampshire 1953; Cohen, 1963; Clark & Eyre, 1993; Clark, 2022).
[D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 369].
History D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 369, in a review of the above, says: 'The following records must be considered doubtful: ...a female Little Bittern on 9th August, from one observer without any description.' However, Cohen (1963) states that an immature was seen by Suffern at Titchfield Haven on 9th August 1953. W. B. Alexander and Moreau read his description and agreed it could be nothing else. Locally it was accepted by Clark & Eyre (1993).
D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. pp. 460-464, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found this record to be unacceptable. However, Clark (2022) lists it as acceptable with Canning Suffern’s description published there.
0). 1957 North Yorkshire Near Hartoft Edge, Pickering, 22nd October.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 44).
[R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 44].
History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 44, says: 'A small, Heron-like bird flew with rounded wings into a ditch near Hartoft Edge on October 22nd and Col. Goodhart is confident it was of this species (E.W.T.).'
Comment It doesn't sound very convincing. No supporting details of identification. Not acceptable.
