Little Egret
Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766) (11, 40)
Photo © Kris Webb
Ex BBRC species 31/12/1990
STATUS
Old World. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
Saunders (1899) stated that all records are more or less unsatisfactory apart from the 1870 Devon record. However, in the next decade he admitted that the 1826 Yorkshire record should be admitted to the British List.
RECORDS
1). 1822 Dorset Winkton, River Avon, Christchurch, shot, 3rd July, now at Horniman Museum, London, (Acc. No. NH. 83.3.120).
(Latham, 1821-28; J. C. Dale, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 9: 598-599; Yarrell, 1845; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1512; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Cohen, 1963; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Hart MS.; BOURC (2023) Ibis 165: 361).
History Latham (1824 (9): 88) says: 'Another near Christchurch, Hants, July 3, 1822.'
J. C. Dale (1836) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. IX. pp. 598-599, says: 'Not having seen an answer respecting the egret (Ardea garzetta), p. 320, I may as well mention that I have a memorandum of one having been shot near the River Stour, at Christchurch, Hants., on Wednesday (I forgot the day of the month), in the beginning of July, 1822, by the late Mr. William Lockyer, who sold it to Mr. Barron of Christchurch, who stuffed and still has it, I believe. I have waited thus long, hoping to have had an opportunity of seeing it; but as I have not, I will wait no longer; trusting you will publish it, or not, as you think proper, till some one has identified the truth of it. Most probably, the bird would have come into my possession had I been in the neighbourhood at the time of its being shot, as Lockyer collected insects for me; or had he thought it would have kept good till I visited that part again, and not been tempted by the picture of his late most gracious Majesty. At a sale of birds, &c., I attended in March 1826, at Southampton, was an egret (a fine specimen), lot 38., sold for £51.5s., probably shot near that place.'
Yarrell (1845 (2): 523, 2nd ed.) says: 'J. C. Dale, Esq., the well known entomologist, has recorded his memorandum of one having been shot near the River Stour, at Christchurch, Hants, in the beginning of July, 1822, by the late Mr. William Lockyer, who sold it to Mr. Barron, of Christchurch, by whom it was preserved.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1512, undated, says: 'Little Egret (Mr. Wise alludes to one shot some years ago at Hale, and I expect that was the specimen Mr. Hart had....Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 183, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, however, fifteen years later it was unacceptable (Saunders 1899, 2nd ed.).
Kelsall & Munn (1905: 199) add: '...It afterwards passed into the hands of Captain Cox, at whose sale Mr. Hart purchased it.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 347, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: '[Hampshire. - Perhaps the specimen mentioned in 'Yarrell' (4th ed., Vol. IV. p. 183) should be admitted (cf. Birds of Hants., p. 199, Zool., 1901, p. 107.)]'
Cohen (1963: 3) erroneously states Kelsall & Munn admit one for 1882 at Christchurch, when in fact it was for 1822. The mistake was further compounded by Cohen & Taverner (1972: 12).
Hart’s notebook which has been located in the Horniman Museum, London (J. Clark, email, September, 2021) reveals that it was shot at Winkton on the River Avon (now Dorset) early July 1822. The specimen is cased at the Horniman Museum (Acc. No. NH.83.3/120).
It was accepted as the first for Britain (Ibis 2023).
2). 1826 Yorkshire Near Paull, male, shot, March, now at Grosvenor Museum, Chester.
(R. Newstead, Zoologist 1901: 70-71; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1901: 107; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 347; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; Mather, 1986).
History Robert Newstead of the Grosvenor Museum, Chester (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. pp. 70-71, says: 'Seeing the editorial note in The Zoologist on the proposed continuation of the publication of the Birds of Yorkshire, I am forcibly reminded of a promise I have times and again made myself that I would publish a record of an unpublished example of the graceful Little White Ardea garzetta. As near as I can ascertain, it is about twenty-five years ago since the Chester Society of Natural Science acquired an almost complete collection of British birds, which, judging from its style of mounting and certain records, had been made during the twenties and thirties of the last century. The whole collection was contained in ordinary box-cases, and almost all the larger sheets of glass used in glazing them were of the old "crown" type, bearing the characteristic nodules. Until the year 1886 this collection was stored in the Society's Rooms in Lower Bridge Street, when it was removed to this Museum. I then found that the majority of the specimens had been so badly attacked by moths and mould that it was desirable to have the greater part of them destroyed. Among the number of those preserved was a fair specimen of Ardea garzetta, and pasted on the back of the case which contained it was a label, turned yellow by age, bearing the following inscription: - "Egret. Male. Shot March, 1826, near Paul, Humberside, Yorkshire". All this is quite clear, but there is no trace of initials or name of the owner or collector. The record is, however, intact and indisputable. It only remains for me to add my apology for having kept ornithologists so long in ignorance of such an interesting fact....Perhaps it may be well to add that the first named species has been remounted, but before I did this I made a photograph of the specimen as it was originally stuffed.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 107, says: 'In Loudon's Magazine of Natural History for 1836, p. 599, Mr. J. C. Dale, of Glanvilles Wootton, in Dorsetshire, mentions that "at a sale of birds &c., I attended in March, 1826, at Southampton, was an Egret (a fine specimen), lot 38, sold for £5. 5s., probably shot near that place". Possibly this is the same specimen alluded to by Mr. Newstead (ante p. 70), as the date is exactly the same, and the locality in Yorkshire may have been subsequently added to the label under the impression that it had been killed in that county. In the same year also a Great White Heron (Ardea alba) is said to have been shot at Hornsea, in Yorkshire (Magazine of Natural History, 1839, p. 31).'
Nelson (1907 (2): 394) says: 'In the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, is a male example of this graceful bird, the particulars of which have been supplied to me by Mr. Robert Newstead, curator. The specimen was in a case, forming part of an extensive collection of British birds bequeathed by the late Thomas Potts of Chester to the Society of Natural Science in that city, and the label on the case, which I have inspected, states the bird was 'Shot March 1826, near Paull, Humberside, Yorkshire.' The writing is all in the same hand, and appears to have been written all at one time; 'Yorkshire' has not been added, as suggested by Mr. J. H. Gurney (Zool., 1901, p. 107), who considers this specimen may be identical with the one sold at Southampton in 1826, and probably shot at that place, but I cannot accept Mr. Gurney's theory. The locality indicated on the case in Chester Museum is positive. Mr. Howard Saunders, who remarks that most of the British records are extremely unsatisfactory, has seen the bird in question, and is of opinion that its authenticity is without doubt.'
H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 347, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', say: 'Little Egret - Yorkshire. A male in the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, stated to have been shot near Paull, Humberside, March, 1826, should be admitted to the list (T. H. Nelson, Birds of Yorks., p. 394).'
3). 1870 Devon River Exe, near Topsham, killed, 3rd June, now at Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.
(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1870: 2308; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895; Saunders, 1899; W. P. Lowe, Ibis 1939: 75; Moore, 1969).
History J. Gatcombe of Stonehouse, Plymouth (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2308, dated 2nd August, 1870, says: 'I have just had the pleasure of seeing, at the house of Mr. Adkins [sic], bird-preserver, South Street, Exeter, a beautiful specimen of the Little Egret, killed on the 3rd June last, at Countess Weir, on the River Exe. It is in perfectly adult plumage, and belongs to Mr. E. H. Harbottle, of Topsham, near Exeter. I also saw the note from Mr. Harbottle, requesting it to be preserved.'
Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'one preserved in the Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, was shot on the River Exe some years ago.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 185, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who says: 'Last, and most satisfactory of all, is the record by Mr. J. Gatcombe (Zool., s.s. p. 2308) of an adult which he examined, recently killed at Countess Weir, on the River Exe, on the 3rd June, 1870, and then belonging to Mr. E. H. Harbottle, of Topsham, near Exeter.'
Pidsley (1891: 87) says: 'This bird is now deposited on loan in the Exeter Museum.'
D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 183, 2nd ed.) say: 'An adult shot below Topsham on the Exe, in May 1878 [sic], was deposited at our request in the A. M. M. by the owner, Mr. E. H. Harbottle, architect, and it has remained there ever since. We saw the bird in the hands of Mr. Atkins, a bird-stuffer in Exeter, to whom it had been sent for preservation, soon after it had bee received by him...All of the published records say it was killed at Countess Weir, but we believe it was obtained about two miles further down the estuary below Topsham. Mr. Howard Saunders considers this specimen the only British-killed example, "about which there can be no doubt".'
Willoughby P. Lowe (1939) in The Ibis, Vol. LXXXI. p. 75, under 'The Bird Collections in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter', says: 'Little Egret from Countess Weir, Topsham, Devon, 1878 [1870], E. H. Harbottle (see Practical Handbook of British Birds, p. 208).'
4). 1909 Pembrokeshire Goodwick Moor, Fishguard, seen, November.
(Lockley, 1949).
History Lockley (1949: 53) says: 'One seen at Goodwick in November, 1909 (Dr. Mills, Haverfordwest, in litt.).'
5). 1930 Devon Axe Estuary, seen, 1st to 7th August.
(W. Walmesley White, British Birds 24: 131-132; Moore, 1969).
History W. Walmesley White (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. pp. 131-132, says: 'On August 1st and 2nd, 1930, by the River Axe opposite to Axmouth, Devon, Mr. J. V. Worthington saw a small, white Heron, somewhat similar to the immature Buff-backed Heron which frequented the meadows near Axminster for so many weeks in June and July, 1930, and which was proved to be an escaped bird, but obviously distinguished from it by having black legs and a black and much longer beak. He took it to be a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and wrote to me to that effect. The Rev. F. L. Blathwayt and I, together with Mr. Worthington, watched this bird for half an hour on August 7th, and we are completely satisfied that the identification is correct. The whole plumage was white, the legs long and black, the beak long, pointed, and practically black. The crest was short and the plumes on the mantle were scanty, the wings broad and the flight rather heavy. We think the bird was either an adult in moult or immature. Also, from its restless and shy behaviour - flying up and down the river, or settling for a few moments in different places - we believe it to be a genuinely wild bird and not an 'escape'. As to this latter possibility, my enquiries so far have met with a negative result.
This Little Egret, then, if acknowledged as a wild bird, is the second definite record for this country, and also for Devon, the only other admitted by the Practical Handbook as 'thoroughly authentic', having occurred near Exeter, Devon, on June 3rd, 1870.'
[Unfortunately, it is difficult to accept as a genuinely wild example any record of such birds as Herons, Cranes and some of the rarer ducks. So many people keep these birds and either give them their liberty intentionally or allow them to escape, that it is becoming a frequent occurrence for such birds to be observed and recorded by ornithologists in the belief that they are wild. Moreover, birds are now imported and kept in such good condition that it is often impossible to judge by their appearance or actions whether they are wild or not. A notable example of this was a Flamingo which was observed to come down at Beaulieu, Hampshire, from a great height and acted in all respects as a very wild bird, being hunted unsuccessfully by gunners for a whole winter, yet this bird was shown to have escaped from captivity (antea, Vol. XX. pp. 156 and 228). - Eds.]
6). 1938 Pembrokeshire Dale Roads, Milford Haven, seen, 25th to 27th May.
(H. Lloyd-Philipps, British Birds 32: 84; Lockley, 1949; T. A. W. Davies, British Birds 43: 89).
History H. Lloyd-Philipps (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 84, says: 'On the afternoon of May 25th, 1938,1 saw in the Dale Estuary, Milford Haven, a small Heron which was undoubtedly a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). I watched the bird again in the evening of the same day, when it stood, preening its feathers, on the mud-flats of the estuary. On the following day, the 26th, one of the men who work in the vicinity, and who was with me when I saw the bird on the previous day, told me that the Egret chased away a Herring-Gull which was feeding in the stream near it. On the 27th, the Little Egret was seen for the last time by the same man flying low across the sea towards the cliffs near the entrance to Milford Haven. I watched the bird from about forty yards with binoculars and was able to observe the following points: - The plumage was pure white and two long plumes from the nape were clearly seen. The bill was bluish-black and the legs were black and when the bird walked out of a stream on to the mud-flats it was noticeable that the toes were yellow. I was very impressed by the speed with which it captured small fish and water insects. At one time a Common Heron settled beside it. The Heron stood with head and neck erect, while the Little Egret walked stealthily about in the stream with its head drawn back, a few yards away from the larger bird which was watching it with great curiosity. I judged the height of the Little Egret to be about two feet. Its flight was slow and Heron-like, with legs held straight out behind.'
Lockley (1949: 53) says: '...though that one seen at Dale, on 25th May, 1938, may have been an escape.'
T. A. W. Davies (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 89, says: 'There is a previous record of a Little Egret on this estuary (antea, Vol. XXXII. p. 84) in May, 1938. In The Handbook it states that this bird may have been an escape, but the reason for this is not given. Mr. H. Lloyd-Philipps, who made the observation, informs me that there was nothing in the behaviour of the bird to suggest that it might not be a genuine wild one.'
7). 1940 Dorset Abbotsbury, seen, 9th May.
(F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 62: 129; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 67: 111; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).
History F. L. Blathwayt (1941) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXII. p. 129, in the Annual Report for 1940, says: 'One seen by F.L. [F. Lexster] at close quarters at Swannery, Abbotsbury, May 9th, on the sand with Bar-tailed Godwits. Several other observers saw the bird too. First Dorset record. One was seen at the end of May in Co. Cork, Ireland, possibly same bird.'
F. L. Blathwayt (1946) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXVII. p. 111, under 'A Revised List of Birds of Dorset', now placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Possibly an escape from captivity.'
8). 1943 Cornwall Hayle Estuary, seen, 8th November to 7th February 1944.
(H. M. Quick, British Birds 37: 179; H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1943: 47-50; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1969).
History Hilda M. Quick (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 179, says: 'On 10th November 1943, I had an excellent view of a Little Egret in company with an immature Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, at Hayle causeway, near St Ives. It was observed at about 30 yards range, with glasses, in an excellent light. The fine, sharp, black bill and black legs and, when it flew, the yellow feet were well seen, and the whiteness of the plumage was remarkable. It had also a slight crest. The two birds kept close together, the Egret taking the lead when they flew. The Egret was first reported by Col. Bolitho, who saw it somewhat doubtfully on the 8th and had an excellent view with glasses on the 9th. The main haunt of the two birds seemed to be a green field or water-meadow, between the main road and the railway embankment, but they flew down on to the estuary when disturbed; they did not appear either unduly nervous or unnaturally tame.'
[We have received a letter to substantiate the same effect from Dr. R. H. Blair, who also had a close view of the birds on 9th. We are informed that none have escaped. Miss Quick informs us that the Egret was still about in early January, 1944 - Eds.]
9). 1946 Dorset Poole Harbour, seen, 23rd February.
(W. R. Thompson, Field 23rd Feb., 1946: 221; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 67: 92; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 67: 111; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).
History W. R. Thompson of Parkstone (1946) in The Field of 23rd Feb., Vol. CLXXXVII. p. 221, says: 'On January 6th, 1946, at about 10 a.m. on a bright and sunny morning, Mr. Alan Bromby, of Poole, saw a Little Egret on Poole Harbour. He was out in his gunning punt and was looking over the sea wall on to a marsh or mud flat on Brownsea Island, when the bird flew over his head from behind at a distance of some 20 yards and, going on, settled on the marsh, amongst some Coots, about 50 yards from him. He observed it walking about for some time through his prismatic glasses, the bird being still there when he left. Mr. Bromby was able to see clearly, whilst in flight, the pure white plumage, retracted neck and the slow beat of the rounded wings. At rest the black or very dark legs and bill, with a greenish area at the base could be seen through his glasses, and some longish feathers on the back when occasionally agitated by a light wind. The body appeared to be about the same size as those of the Coots, the neck very slender and snake-like.'
F. L. Blathwayt (1946) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXVII. p. 92, in the Annual Report for 1945, placing the record in square-brackets, says: 'Lt.-Col. W. R. Thompson reports in The Field, February 23rd, 1946 that one was seen at a distance of 20 yards near Brownsea Island by Mr. Alan Bromby of Poole. More particulars are desirable.'
F. L. Blathwayt (1946) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXVII. p. 111, under 'A Revised List of Birds of Dorset', still placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Possibly an escape from captivity.'
10). 1949 Pembrokeshire Dale Roads, Milford Haven, seen, 8th to 12th May.
(T. A. W. Davis, British Birds 43: 88-89).
History T. A. W. Davies (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 88, says: 'A Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) frequented the estuary at the head of the Dale Roads, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, from May 8th, to 12th, 1949. I saw it on four occasions, and it was seen by Messrs. John H. Barrett and John Say who confirm the identification. I first saw it on the evening of May 8th, standing in a tidal stream. It rose when 1 was more than 100 yards away and was soon lost from view behind a hill. The light was poor, and I could not make out the colour of the bill or legs with any certainty on this occasion, but as I know the species well in India, I felt sure of its identity from its form and action in flight. When I looked up the white herons in The Handbook, it might, from the field descriptions, have equally well been a Buff-backed Heron (Ardeola ibis), a species very familiar to me in India; but I knew the bird I had seen was not this, and on reflection decided that the character that ruled it out was the length of the legs. The measurements given in The Handbook confirm that the difference in the length of the tarsus of these two species is great, and this is, in my opinion, a useful field character. On May 10th, I had a good view of the Little Egret with a x 20 telescope at about 30 yards. It was standing on a seaweed covered stone at the edge of the stream, preening. It was in full summer plumage, with long crest and scapular plumes: the bill was lead grey, tipped black or blackish, the legs black and feet bright yellow. (J.H.B. also noted that the bill was grey and considered the legs greyish black rather than black.) It was with gulls at a place where they regularly rest and bathe, and rose with them on my approach, but settled again on a salt marsh on the far side of the stream and continued preening. The next morning it was in the same place on the marsh. On May 12th at about 7.30 p.m. G.M.T., I saw it for the last time, flying fairly high heading north-west. It appeared to be on a long distance flight, and as it was not seen again this probably was the case.'
11). 1949 Cornwall Camel Estuary, seen, 26th to 28th May.
(A. V. Cornish, H. J. Craske & T. J. Willcocks, British Birds 43: 87-88; B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1949: 26; Penhallurick, 1969).
History A. V. Cornish, H. J. Craske & T. J. Willcocks (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 87-88, say: 'On May 26th, 1949, while looking for waders on the Camel Estuary A.V.C. and H.J.C. put up a large white bird of the heron type which flew some distance out on to the borders of the estuary. The wing-beat was considerably faster than that of a Heron (Ardea cinerea). On this occasion it was possible to decide it was smaller than a Heron, was pure white in plumage, and had plumes on its head. The bill was long, sharp, and dark coloured, and not as thick as that of a Heron. It also appeared to be slightly decurved at the tip. The legs were long and dark, and in flight were stretched out straight behind the bird. The feet were yellow. It associated with Shelduck almost entirely, so comparison of size was difficult.
The following day it was watched again for one and a half hours, and was seen preening and resting. There was a high wind at the time, and all its feathers, including its crests and plumes on the neck, blew about in all directions. As it was decidedly wild we were unable to get nearer than about 100 yards.
Being on holiday, and having no books of reference to refer to, the observers contacted T.J.W. at his home at Wadebridge. He located the bird on the evening of May 28th, in a place where it was possible to study it from very close range with a telescope. He noted the presence of plumes on each side of the back and recorded the bill and legs as dark lead colour, the feet yellow, as already described, and the eyes light, thus clearly establishing its identity as a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). Although the bird had every appearance of being a wild one, A.V.C. felt that the possibility of its being an escape should be investigated. He therefore wrote to the zoos at Paignton, Bristol, London, Whipsnade and Manchester. None of these zoos have lost any Little Egrets during recent years, and Mr. Iles, the Superintendent of the Manchester Zoo, stated that, to the best of his knowledge, the bird is not represented in any of the northern zoos.'
1950-57 RECORDS
12). 1950 Essex Abberton Reservoir, 18th August.
(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 19; Eds., British Birds 45: 147-148; Cox, 1984).
History G. A. Pyman (1950) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 19, says: 'A bird of this species was seen from a range of 20-30 yards by C.F.S.F. and R.V.A.M. near the Layer-de-la-Haye causeway over the Reservoir in the early evening of August 18th. It could not be found later that evening when other observers arrived, nor was it encountered subsequently.
The following description was submitted: typical heron outline but much smaller than Common Heron; white plumage; plumes on breast; black bill and legs; "biliously" yellow feet. This is the first record for Essex and apparently only about the eleventh for the whole of the British Isles.' Accepted locally (Cox 1984).
13). 1951 Devon Erme Estuary, 18th to 20th April.
(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 28; Moore, 1969).
History M. Brooks-King (1951) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. p. 28, says: 'Erme Estuary, 18 and 19 April, one adult with crest and breast plumes well developed, black bill and legs and yellow feet, was seen very actively feeding, running and turning with very short flights; it was first reported by E. Haslehurst on 18 April and watched by D.B.H.[unt] and O.D.H.[unt] later on the same day, a dozen Crows were interested and the Egret was uneasy but there was no mobbing (O.D.H.); the bird was last seen on 20 April (H.G.H[urrell].).'
14). 1951 Devon Axe Estuary, 17th June to 6th August.
(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 28; Moore, 1969).
History M. Brooks-King (1951) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. p. 28, says: 'Axe Estuary, 17 June, one flew upstream and after circling settled in a large reed bed; the black bill and legs with yellow feet were clearly seen ([Mrs.] B.F.D[rewe].); this bird was seen on a number of occasions by F.C.B[utters]. and A. H. Mayo in June and July; Aug. 6, the last record is from W.H.T[ucker]., who made the following notes: "It waded more actively and gracefully than a Heron and often ran, hopped in the air, and moved rapidly in quest of prey with the aid of its wings; it would look quickly backwards over its shoulder, turn and dart swiftly, often spreading of half spreading its wings to maintain balance; it would make sudden stabs after peering intently and seemed to be catching small roundish objects; when it walked it lifted its feet almost, if not quite, out of the water; it spread its tail slightly in flight and, when approaching from a distance, rather brought to mind the flight of a Barn Owl; it would glide some distance before landing.'
15). 1952 Cornwall Camel Estuary, Trewornan and area, 2nd and 5th to 17th March.
(T. J. Willcocks, British Birds 46: 255; B. H. Ryves H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 19; Penhallurick, 1969).
History T. J. Willcocks (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 255, says: 'On March 2nd, 1952, Mr. H. P. O. Cleave and I had splendid views of a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) on the saltings at Trewornan on the Camel Estuary in Cornwall. We are both familiar with the species having together seen many in the Camargue, south France, in 1951, while I had also seen the one on the Camel in May, 1949 (antea, Vol. XLIII. pp. 87-88). In the present instance we clearly noted the snow-white plumage, blackish bill, light eye and blackish legs cut off sharply to yellow feet. What was presumably the same bird was seen on March 5th by Mr. J. N. Hobbs, and some days later I watched it fishing in the little lagoon at Trevilling, near Wadebridge; it was racing through the water and snapping right and left. The bird was still in the same area on March 17th.'
B. H. Ryves H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 19, say: 'March 2nd. One seen on the Camel (T. J. Willcocks). March 5th. On the Camel Estuary. I had excellent views with 25x telescope, at about 200 yards, of a Little Egret. The white plumage, black bill, black legs and yellow feet were seen to perfection. J. N. Hobbs (non-member).'
16). 1952 Norfolk Cley Marshes, adult, 7th to 11th May.
(R. A. Richardson, British Birds 46: 256; R. A. Richardson, British Birds 46: 431; Seago, 1977).
History R. A. Richardson (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 256, says: 'On May 7th, 1952, Mr. W. F. Bishop, Warden of the Norfolk Naturalists' Trust's sanctuary on Cley Marsh, Norfolk, reported a small white heron with yellow feet. The bird, which remained till May 11th was subsequently seen by many observers and proved to be an adult Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) in full breeding-plumage. The entire plumage was dazzling white with a pendant crest of long narrow feathers and, on the upper-parts, the delicate filigree of the nuptial "osprey" plumes. The bill and tarsi appeared blackish, the latter contrasting with the startlingly yellow toes - an unnecessarily garish feature likened by one observer to "yellow chamois-leather gloves".The bird appeared to feed on insects and small aquatic life on a flooded grazing-marsh, walking briskly about and often dashing to one side like a Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) to "snick" at something in the grass and water. It was at all times alert and distinctly wary; its obvious self-assurance and perfect condition served to rule out the possibility of its being an "escape" from captivity. A unique coloured film was taken by Mr. R. P. Bagnall-Oakeley and portrays perfectly the bird's appearance, habitat, feeding-habits, flight and size compared with a Heron (Ardea cinerea).'
17). 1952 Carmarthenshire River Taf, near Laugharne, 6th June.
(W. G. Luton, British Birds 46: 257; Ingram & Salmon, 1954).
History W. G. Luton (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 257, says: 'On June 7th, 1952, while walking between Wharley Point and Craig Ddu, Carmarthenshire, I saw a white heron, which I deemed to be a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), a species which I have seen in Egypt. The following is taken from a description made at ranges down to 30 yards. Bill: dull black, but once when freshly wet with the sun upon it, it looked grey with a black tip. Body: completely white; long, white crests very noticeable in the breeze; the scapular plumes were visible at 30 yards range when, like the crest-feathers, these soft, delicate plumes were stirred by the breeze. Legs: dull black. Feet: a dull unattractive yellow as it walked through very shallow water, lifting its feet clear of the surface, I thought for a moment or two that its feet were coated with sand. Size: two-thirds that of a Heron (Ardea cinerea). It had an oval shaped body, long slender neck, long legs and Heron-like bill. When first seen it was walking up the shallow stony edge of the river making lightning-like lunges, sometimes following upon a short dash of two or three steps, to secure food - during this performance the body was held horizontally with neck drawn in, but when alarmed by my presence the bird set off smartly along the sand with neck straightened and body tilted. It walked for about 30 yards and then further alarmed by my movement flew, with head drawn in and legs laid back beneath the body, to join a group of 5 Herons and sundry gulls ranged round a pool left by the tide - so that I had an opportunity of judging its size. I saw the bird only on the one day as I was unable to visit the place again.'
18). 1952 Sussex Manhood End and area, near Chichester, 10th June to 1st September.
(D. D. Harber, British Birds 46: 257-258; G. W. H. Moule, British Birds 46: 258; Shrubb, 1979).
History D. D. Harber (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. pp. 257-258, says: 'On June 10th, 1952, Mr. S. J. K. Eames identified a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) at some shallow pools at Manhood End, near Chichester, Sussex. On June 12th he again saw the bird and informed The Sussex Bird Report of its presence. On June 13th I went to see this Egret and had very good views of it, both in flight and while it was feeding and resting. In shape and size it was a smaller version of a Heron (Ardea cinerea) with long, slender neck and pointed bill. The whole plumage was pure white with two plumes from the back of the head. The bill and legs were blackish. When the bird was flying away, one could see that the undersides of the feet were yellowish. It flew with neck drawn in and legs projecting. It was a good deal more wary than the Herons present and took to the wing very readily. This bird was not seen between June 13th and July 2nd after which date it was watched on a number of occasions by various observers, including G. des Forges, G. W. H. Moule and C. W. G. Paulson. It was, however, often absent and undoubtedly had an alternative feeding site (or sites), but only once, so far as I am aware, was it found elsewhere than in the pools mentioned above or on the neighbouring mudflats, and that was on August 3rd when Miss R. M. Fynes-Clinton watched it on the mud between Itchenor and West Wittering - about 3 miles away. The latest date which I have for the bird is September 1st. This is the first record of the Little Egret for Sussex.'
[A photograph of the bird in Sussex, taken by John Reynolds, is reproduced on plate 42. As the dates do not overlap it would of course be possible for all four records described above to refer to the same individual, but see remarks on page 252. - Eds.]
G. W. H. Moule (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 258, says: 'On July 14th, 1952, when I was watching the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) in Sussex, I noticed that when feeding it often agitated the water or mud with one foot and then dabbed its bill quickly under the surface. No doubt this trick of stirring up the water, commonly observed in some other species, is perfectly normal, but it is not mentioned in The Handbook.
Further, The Handbook (vide Vol. III. p. 140) says that the Little Egret's gait and manner of feeding are those of a typical heron, but, although this may be usually so, the bird I watched fed at times very actively, running about fast in the shallow water and suddenly changing direction, much more in the manner of some species of wader than of a heron.'
[The behaviour described by the Rev. G. W. H. Moule is typical of the species and indeed the habit of running quickly through the shallows is mentioned by the recorders of all the 1952 Little Egrets, but in view of the fact that it is not brought out in the literature, these extra notes on the Sussex bird are reproduced here. - Eds.]
19). 1953 Devon Otter Estuary, adult, 16th to 24th May.
(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird Watching Preservation Society Report 1953: 8; Eds., British Birds 48: 128; Moore, 1969).
History M. Brooks-King (1953) in the Devon Bird Watching Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 8, says: 'Otter Estuary. An adult bird stayed on the estuary from May 16 to 24, feeding on the mudflats and also at a small pond, it rested occasionally on a small hawthorn tree, the head and breast plumes were well developed and yellow feet very noticeable. It was first seen by G. H. Emerson on May 16, Capt. Lucie on May 19, subsequently by R. M. Cox, F.R.S.; F.C.B.; S.D.G.; R.G.A.; P.J.D.; R.F.M.; V.M.B.; G.S.S-P.; last seen by S.C.A.H. on May 24.'
20). 1953 Cornwall Camel Estuary, adult, 19th May to 8th June.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1953: 17; Eds., British Birds 48: 128; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1953) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIII. p. 17, say: 'May 19th. On the Camel, one seen. T. J. Willcocks. Also seen on June 2nd by F. R. Smith and A. V. Smith.'
21). 1953 Suffolk Minsmere, 19th May.
(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1953: 200; Eds., British Birds 48: 128; Payn, 1978).
History P. R. Westall (1953) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 200, says: 'One at Minsmere, May 19th; it flew out to sea in an easterly direction (RSPB).'
22). 1953 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, adult, 23rd to 24th and 30th May to 4th June.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 16; Eds., British Birds 48: 128; Seago, 1977).
History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 16, says: 'An adult in breeding plumage, Cley, 23rd, 24th and 30th May to 4th June (W. F. Bishop, C.O.).'
23). 1954 Perth & Kinross Near Comrie, Perthshire, 11th May.
(J. Ralston Crawford, British Birds 48: 127; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 2).
History J. Ralston Crawford (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 127, says: 'On 11th May 1954 I was informed by three boys, John Spence, Ian Bell, and Alistair Work, that they had seen that afternoon near Comrie, Perthshire, an unusual bird of a pure white colour and rather like a Heron (Ardea cinerea). I immediately proceeded with the boys to the spot, which is a damp meadow with trees and a stream on one border and a sluggish water-filled ditch on the other. This meadow is very long, and at the bottom of it is a fairly large pond surrounded by rushes, and with tall trees at the edge. The three boys quietly walked down the meadow and had got less than half way when up rose a snow-white heron. In flight the wings gave an impression of being very rounded - one could say like owl's wings in shape, but of course far larger. The bird flew to the pond and alighted in a tall tree, where we had excellent views of it. It was a good bit smaller than a Heron; the whole of the bill and the legs were jet black (I failed to see the colour of the feet); the plumage was of dazzling, spotless, snowy-white, and the beautiful lace-like texture of the upper scapular feathers was very noticeable; the neck was slender and elegant; I could observe little if any crest on the bird. From these details it appears obvious that the bird could have been no other than a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta).'
24). 1954 Shetland Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, 15th May to 21st June.
(T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 177; T. Henderson, British Birds 48: 127-128; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 2; M. G. Pennington, Shetland Bird Report 2002: 42).
History T. Henderson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 177, says: A Little Egret was seen at the west side of Spiggie Loch, near the outlet burn to the voe, by Sinclair Moncrieff on May 15th. My attention was drawn to it by Mr. Moncrieff and Hugh Crawford, who had correctly identified the bird, on the following day. It was an adult in full plumage with breast plumes and crest very long and noticeable. On this and many subsequent occasions I had it under view at close range, once from a boat at a distance of 20 ft. Generally, it was feeding busily and paying little attention to passers-by, and none whatever to cars or boats. In the early days the bird was pure white, strikingly so, but as the weeks went by it became dingier, almost dirty, and gave the impression of being wet. Sinclair Moncrieff was the last to see the bird on June 21st.'
Tom Henderson (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 127-128, says: 'On 15th May 1954 Mr. Sinclair Moncrieff noticed a small, pure-white heron feeding on a reedy patch below his home on the west side of Loch Spiggie, Shetland. On the following morning he pointed it out to Mr. Hugh Crawford, who in turn informed me. Mr. Moncrieff and Mr. Crawford had already identified the bird as a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), an identification which I could confirm without hesitation, having been familiar with the species in both East Africa and Cape Province. The bird was an adult in full plumage and the crest and breast plumes were very long and obvious. Then, and on several subsequent occasions I had the bird under view at close range, and once I was within 20 feet of it in a drifting boat without its taking any notice. When we first saw it, the Egret seemed in fine plumage, dazzlingly white, but towards the end of its stay here it had taken on a bedraggled appearance. It was last seen on 14th June.'
25). 1954 Clyde River Clyde, near Motherwell, Lanarkshire, 13th and 14th June.
(M. F. M. Meiklejohn & C. E. Palmar, Scottish Naturalist 67: 66; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 39-40).
History M. F. M. Meiklejohn & C. E. Palmar (1955) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVII. p. 66, under 'Report on the Birds of Clyde, 1954', say: 'On the evening of 13th June R. Y. Ferguson saw a Little Egret fishing in shallow water off a sandbank in the Clyde near Motherwell. He says: "The bird was very slender. fishing with rapid thrusts of the head. The plumage was pure uniform white, with narrow crest almost touching back and a fine haze of scapular plumage seen to advantage against the dark bank of the river. The legs were black, bill black and feet pale greenish yellow". According to local anglers the bird had been present for at least a fortnight before this date; it was seen again by R.Y.F. and five other observers on the 14th, but seemed to have left by the 17th....This is the first record of this species for the Clyde.'
26). 1954 Highland Between Bonar Bridge and Lairg, Sutherland, 22nd June.
(J. G. McDowell, British Birds 48: 128; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 39-40; Angus, 1983).
History J. G. McDowell (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 128, says: 'On 22nd June 1954, while motoring between Bonar Bridge and Lairg, Sutherland, I saw a white heron standing on a stone in the River Shin. It was raining heavily at the time and visibility was poor, but closer observation showed the bird to be a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). The bird was extremely wary and flew immediately the car door was opened. However, it was later found about 500 yards downstream where the following observations were made before it again flew off, this time out of sight round a bend of the river: pure white plumage with long crest feathers clearly visible; black legs contrasting sharply with the yellow feet; black bill; eye appeared dark with light coloured iris. In flight the yellow feet were very conspicuous, even at some distance, as were the rounded wings and slow purposeful beats. The profile, with slender neck drawn in and legs projecting, was similar to that of the Heron (Ardea cinerea) in flight. This is the first record of the Little Egret for Sutherland.'
[In connection with these three records of Little Egrets in Scotland in 1954 (it is not wise to attempt to say how many individuals were involved), it is worth adding that we understand from Mr. Kenneth Williamson that a Little Egret was recorded in Newfoundland on 8th May 1954, which suggests that it may have been part of the same drift movement.
We did not publish details of the Little Egrets recorded in Britain in 1953, when for the second year running (cf. Vol. XLVI. pp. 255-258) the species was recorded in four counties; so that in 1952/54 there were no less than 11 records of this bird, which before 1952 had only been noted in the British Isles on some twelve occasions. The 1953 records (based on information given in the Bird Reports for Devon, Cornwall, Suffolk, and Norfolk) were as follows: adult, Otter Estuary, Devon, 16th-24th May; adult, Camel Estuary, Cornwall, 19th May-8th June; one, Minsmere, Suffolk, 19th May; adult, Cley, Norfolk, 23rd-24th May and 30th May-4th June. - Eds.]
27). 1955 Cornwall Penrose, Helston, five: three, 7th April, two, 13th April and for two more weeks; Marazion, 10th to 23rd April; Gwithian, near Hayle, 11th April; Ruan Lanihorne, 11th to 12th and 15th April; St Erth, near Hayle, 14th to 23rd April.
(A. G. Parsons, British Birds 48: 319; Penhallurick, 1969).
History A. G. Parsons (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 319, says: 'During April 1955 Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) were identified in various parts of Cornwall, and it seems probable that at least 5 birds (just possibly as many as 7) were involved. On 7th April at Penrose, Helston, Mr. J. L. Rogers and his keeper saw 3 white birds in company with a Heron (Ardea cinerea) at the edge of the Loe Pool. They were not certainly identified as other than white herons before they flew up into a tree. On 9th April Mr. A. N. Sykes and I visited this pool in vain, but on the 13th at about 6.30 a.m., Mr. V. L. Tregenza and I saw 2 Little Egrets there. These remained together at that place for about a fortnight. On 10th April a Little Egret was identified by Mr. L. B. Lewis on Marazion Marsh, where it remained until the 23rd. This bird was filmed in colour by Mr. George Edwards. During 16th-18th April it was joined by an adult Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) and a very fine pair they made. On 11th April, Mr. D. G. Field identified a Little Egret at Gwithian, near Hayle. It was not seen there subsequently. Also on 11th April, Mr. E. A. Rowe saw one at Ruan Lanihorne flats, some 25 miles away. This bird was seen by Mr. A. N. Sykes on 12th April, and it disappeared about the 15th. On 14th April a Little Egret was also seen at St. Erth, near Hayle, by Miss M. J. Jones and Mr. Sykes. It remained about there until the 23rd. At first we thought it was the Marazion bird that had crossed the narrow neck of land between the two places, but with Messrs. Edwards and Sykes I saw it on 17th April when one was known to be at Marazion. We decided later that it was probably the Gwithian bird. It was the finest of them all, having very long head- and breast-plumes, and a well-developed "train". I saw and studied all except the Ruan Lanihorne bird. In each case the characteristic feet were seen.'
32). 1955 Isles of Scilly Tresco, shot, April.
(Penhallurick, 1969; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007).
History Penhallurick (1969) says: 'A bird shot since 1951 and in the Abbey Collection may have been obtained in April that year.' While, Flood, Hudson & Thomas (2007) say: '1955, one shot, possibly Tresco (J. L. F. Parslow pers. comm.).'
33). 1955 Gloucestershire Slimbridge, 8th to 13th and 19th April.
(P. Scott, British Birds 48: 320; G. Charteris & C. M. Swaine, Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report 1955: unpaged; Swaine, 1982).
History Peter Scott (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 320, says: 'On 8th April 1955 a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) was identified by S. T. Johnstone, and others, feeding along the edges of a fresh-water "flash" at the New Grounds, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. It allowed approach to within about 60 yards and spent most of its time fishing. Sticklebacks and small eels were apparently its prey. It appears that it had been seen at least two days before by the farmer, O. W. Fisher, and it was independently identified on 8th April by M. F. R. Jolley. It remained on the same group of waters until 13th April, and re-appeared for one day only on the 19th. During this period it was seen by a large number of ornithologists.'
G. Charteris & C. M. Swaine (1955) in the Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report, unpaged, say: 'One seen behind the sea wall near Frampton on April 9 by D.R.S. was doubtless the bird which frequented the pens of the Wildfowl Trust for a few days in April (see Brit. Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 320). This is believed to constitute the first Gloucestershire record of this species.' Accepted locally (Swaine 1982).
34). 1955 Pembrokeshire Goodwick Moor, Fishguard, 20th to 23rd April.
(K. Smith, British Birds 48: 320; P. Baird et al., Nature in Wales 1: 137).
History K. Smith (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 320, says: 'A Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) was present on Goodwick Moor, near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, between 20th and 23rd April 1955. It was first seen by P. Baird, who reported it to me. Together we watched the bird for a total of some six hours at ranges varying from 30 to 90 yards. It was also seen by Dr. L. H. Terry, Miss M. J. Mugford, W. H. Butt, and Peter Panting. The bird was in breeding-plumage, with a very long, drooping crest (longer than its black bill) and elongated scapulars causing a hazy, curling fuzz above its tail. The long black legs, with the characteristic yellow feet, which in some lights appeared yellowish-orange, were clearly seen. It was a very active bird, continually darting about in the water, sometimes even with outstretched wings and its body held almost horizontal. During the period it was watched, the Little Egret was seen to catch and eat some 25 frogs, 1 newt, 1 small eel, 1 small trout and a number of other items that were unidentified. It was put to flight on several occasions, but each time it merely circled low over the moor and glided back to the place from which it rose. It was last seen at 6.45 p.m. G.M.T. on 23rd April when it took off from the moor, circled to a fair height and flew out to sea in a north-easterly direction. This appears to be the fourth record of this species in Pembrokeshire.'
35). 1955 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, adult, 23rd April.
(A. H. Daukes, British Birds 48: 320-321; M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 32; Seago, 1977).
History A. H. Daukes (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 320-321, says: 'On the morning of 23rd April 1955 a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) was seen at close range on Cley Marsh, Norfolk, by W. F. Bishop and myself and later in the day by a number of other observers. It was not seen on the following day. It appeared, from our experience of Little Egrets in previous years, to be an adult bird in snow-white plumage. The crest and scapulars were fully developed. It had a black bill and legs, and yellow feet. It flew with its head retracted and uttered no note. It remained on Cley Marsh during the day and, as in the case of previous birds, was observed to feed on sticklebacks.'
36). 1955 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 13th May; same, St Mary's, 1st to 2nd June.
(H. M. Quick, British Birds 48: 411; Penhallurick, 1969).
History H. M. Quick (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 411, says: 'On 13th May 1955 on St, Agnes, Isles of Scilly, I watched, flying in from the south, a white, heron-like bird which was soon identified as a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). It landed on the edge of a freshwater pool and promptly went to sleep for a few minutes. On stalking it I had clear views of the crest, and of the yellow feet when it flew. It fed round the pool for a little while, but when, disturbed by our approach, it flew over the beach, it was so violently mobbed by gulls that it flew off in the direction of St. Mary's and I did not see it again. Some days later I had a letter from a resident on St. Mary's, describing a bird which was obviously a Little Egret, and which had been seen in the marshes there. I have since been informed by Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Butcher that they identified a Little Egret on 1st June as it was fishing in Porth Hellick Bay, St. Mary's, and that it was again seen at the same spot on 2nd June.'
[Details of the Little Egrets recorded in Britain during April 1955 appeared in British Birds in July (pp. 319-321). The above two bring the total records for the whole spring to at least 10 - Eds.]
37). 1955 Outer Hebrides Loch Hallan, South Uist, adult, 20th May.
(K. S. MacGregor, F. D. Hamilton & J. D. R. Vernon, British Birds 48: 411; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 39-40; Cunningham, 1983).
History K. S. MacGregor, F. D. Hamilton & J. D. R. Vernon (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 411, say: 'On 20th May 1955 at Loch Hallan, South Uist, we observed a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) in full adult plumage. The bird was first seen flying up the loch being mobbed by Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) and it alighted near the north end which is marshy and no more than two feet deep. The spotlessly white plumage, long head and breast plumes and black legs could be clearly seen in the bright sunlight. The bill was a dark bluish-grey colour and not black as seems to be the case generally. In flight the wings were very rounded and the yellow feet were plainly visible projecting well beyond the tail. When last seen the bird was stalking through some short reeds, head inclined forward, and making occasional quick stabs with its bill at some prey invisible to us. This is the first recorded occurrence of this species in Inverness-shire.'
38). 1955 Norfolk Cley Marshes, adult, 21st May; presumed same, Cley-next-the-Sea, adult, 23rd May.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 32; M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 27; Seago, 1977).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 32, says: 'Cley: single adult May 23rd (W. F. Bishop, A. H. Daukes). This is the fourth for the county.' Later, M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 27, says: 'An unpublished record for 1955 of one at Cley, May 21st (I.F.K.). Satisfactory details submitted.'
39). 1956 Dorset Hengistbury, Hampshire, 8th May.
(E. Cohen, Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1956: 315; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).
History E. Cohen (1956) in the Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 315, says: 'One at Hengistbury on May 8th (F.R.C.) has been accepted for publication in British Birds. Apparently the first record for the county since 1822.'
Cohen & Taverner (1972) say: 'One at Hengistbury on 8th May 1956 (Clafton).'
40). 1956 Kent/Sussex The Midrips/The Wicks, 19th May.
(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 7; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 7, says: 'One at the Midrips-Wicks on May 19th was watched for about an hour at ranges down c. 100 yards. "Pure white plumage, crest, black bill and legs (feet were not noticed as light was unfavourable each time it flew), small size (much smaller than adjacent Herons...)...Heron-like flight and feeding methods". (D.T.E.). The observer has seen the species abroad. The second record for the county.'
41). 1956 Northumberland Catcleugh Reservoir, adult, 25th, 28th and 31st May.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 36-37; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. pp. 36-37, says: 'An adult Little Egret spent at least a week on the shore of Catcleugh Reservoir, Upper Redesdale, N. It was first seen on May 25th, again on the 28th and finally on the 31st. Excellent views were obtained, as it was usually standing at the edge of the streamlet which flows over exposed mud at the north end of the reservoir, within c. 100 yds. of the Newcastle to Jedburgh road. It was also seen in flight and perched on pine trees close to the water. It wore the white plumes of an adult Bird. (A.McR., J.H.A., K.I.). This is the first record for Northumberland.'
42). 1956 Greater London/Hertfordshire Old Parkbury Gravel-pits, Radlett, 1st to 2nd July.
(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1956: 9; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).
History F. H. Jones (1956) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XXI. p. 9, says: 'Herts. Old Parkbury G.P., one on July 1st and 2nd (A.R.M., E.H.W. et al.). Very full descriptions have been received. This is the first record for the London Area in the present century.'
Accepted locally for Hertfordshire (Gladwin & Sage 1986) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).
43). 1957 Devon Lundy, adult male, 2nd to 26th April when found dead.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1957: 8; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1957: 9; Moore, 1969; Davis & Jones, 2007).
History B. Whitaker (1957) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 8, says: 'One April 22nd to 26th when it died. A male in breeding plumage. First record for Lundy. First seen flying in from the south at 11 hours on April 22nd, it landed on Pondsbury where it was mobbed by gulls. Probably its subsequent selection of habitat was influenced by the rather severe mobbing received from gulls and Lapwings, for, although on the first day it was seen feeding on Pondsbury, on the following four days it was usually to be found either on a small artificial pond on the west side near the Devil's Slide or on Egret Pool, a small temporary pool about forty yards north of three quarter wall. It was never seen on the shore. It was found dying on April 26th, probably from starvation as it was extremely light. Wing measurement 274 mm.'
S. G. Madge (1957) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXX. p. 9, say: 'Lundy, 22 to 26 April, one, it eventually died (Lundy Field Society Report 1957).'
44). 1957 Ceredigion River Ystwyth, Aberystwyth, 1st June.
(W. M. Condry, Nature in Wales 3: 484; Ingram et al., 1966).
History W. M. Condry (1957) in Nature in Wales, Vol. III. p. 484, says: 'One on the Ystwyth at Aberystwyth on 1 June. Points noted were: crest, yellow feet, black legs and bill, rounded wings. Mrs. E. H. Chater.'
45). 1957 Hampshire Langstone Harbour and Farlington Marsh, 2nd June.
(E. Cohen, Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 20: 8; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).
History E. Cohen (1957) in the Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, Vol. XX. p. 8, says: 'One in Langstone Harbour and Farlington Marsh on 2nd June. "A small heron, a little larger than a Curlew. It was pure white with black bill and legs. The feet could not be seen when it was down and in flight were not noticeable at all! Against the strong background of a blue sky, this would not be unreasonable if they were of a light colouration, When seen on the ground, it presented a hunched-up appearance but frequently it straightened up to look around and then the long, slender neck was accentuated. It was heron-like in flight with drawn-in neck, trailing legs and rounded wings, but the flight was more reminiscent of an owl's" (D.F.B., P.F.I.B., R.H.D., G.H.R., B.W.R.).'
46). 1957 Gower Oxwich Marsh, two: one, 2nd to 3rd June, two, 4th to 9th June.
(H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1956-57: 19; Heathcote, 1967).
History H. Morrey Salmon (1956-57) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXVI. p. 19, says: 'Dr. C. M. Fenn telephoned the Editor on the evening of June 2nd, 1957, that, shortly after arriving at Oxwich for a holiday, he had seen a Little Egret on the marsh. It was seen again the next day, and on the 4th there were two. They were seen by several other ornithologists and were last observed on June 9th.'
48). 1957 Sussex Pagham and Sidlesham Ferry, 11th to 12th June.
(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1957: 5; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History D. D. Harber (1957) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 5, says: 'One was seen on 11th June at the north end of Pagham Harbour by S.H.C. and J.O. and that evening at Sidlesham Ferry by M.S. and J.V.S. who also saw it there on 12th June. A full description has been given and includes size, half to two-thirds that of adjacent Herons, entirely white plumage, black bill and legs and yellow feet extending beyond tail in flight. The third record for the county.'
49). 1957 Suffolk Aldeburgh, 19th and 21st August; same, Orfordness, 21st to 31st August; same, Havergate, 31st August.
(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1957: 6-7).
History F. K. Cobb (1957) in the Suffolk Bird Report, pp. 6-7, says: 'One at Havergate on August 31st (R.S.P.B.). Flying in close proximity to a Great Black-backed Gull it was seen to be slightly smaller, but with broader, and very rounded wings. The plumage was pure white: bill black, lighter at base, thin and dagger-like, appearing much slighter and sharper than Heron's; legs dark, colour of feet not noted. Both on the ground and in the air gave the impression of being smaller, lighter, and more agile than Heron.
At Aldeburgh, on August 19th and 21st, a bird thought by the observers to be a Great White Heron was seen (N.J.F., V.V.T.F.).
Observed for about twenty minutes at 30 yards range, and again for ten minutes at about 20 yards range. Uniform white plumage: dark legs and feet - "feet on ground not visible but in flight it was clear that they were the same colour as the legs"; bill dark, long and sharp; no crest, but breast feathers appeared fluffed out. General outline similar to Heron, but slightly smaller and slimmer.
Between August 21st and 31st, a white heron was seen on two occasions by the Air Ministry police on the Lantern Marshes at Orfordness. It therefore seems most probable that the same bird was seen on each occasion.'
50). 1957 Kent Murston Clay-pits, near Sittingbourne, 3rd September.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1957: 9; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).
History E. H. Gillham (1957) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. VI. p. 9, says: 'One at Murston Clay Pit on Sept. 3 (D.G.W.) is the first fully authenticated record for the County. Satisfactory details have been given. The bird, which was first seen being chased by a Herring Gull, later passed within 25 yards of observer. Size: Slightly smaller than the Herring Gull. Plumage: pure white. Crest: seen quite plainly, being about the length of the bird's bill, thin and tapered and flowing behind head like a streamer. Bill and Legs: appeared a dark grey-green; colour of feet not noticed as bird had been feeding along sticky light clay ridges of pit.'
51). 1957 Cornwall Gweek, 10th to 18th September.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 14; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 14, say: 'September 10th-18th. At Gweek, one. R.H.M., M.J.M., A.G.P., A.N.S. & T.J.S.'
NOT PROVEN
0). Pre 1812 Anglesey No locality, immature, shot, undated.
(Pennant, 1812; Montagu, 1813; Latham, 1821-28; Jenyns, 1835; Morris, 1851-57; Yarrell, 1871-85).
[Yarrell, 1871-85].
History Latham (1824 (9): 88) says: 'One being shot in Anglesea, some years since (Pennant).' Jenyns (1835) p. 188, says: 'Said to have been shot in Anglesey, many years ago.'
Morris (1856 (5): 89) says: 'One also, mentioned by Montagu, in Anglesea; it was a bird of the second year.'
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 183, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Little reliance can be placed upon the statement in Pennant's British Zoology (Ed. 1812, II. p. 21), "We once received out of Anglesey the feathers of a bird shot there, which we suspect to be the Egret".'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1816 Devon Flatoars, River Dart, shot, undated.
(Yarrell, 1845; Morris, 1851-57; Rowe, 1863; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85).
[Saunders, 1899].
History Yarrell (1845 (2): 524, 2nd ed.) says: 'The Rev. Robert Holdsworth, of Brixham, to whom I am indebted for many valuable communications in Natural History, sent me word that in 1816 a bird was shot on Flatoars, a shoal in the River Dart, dry at low-tide, which exactly corresponded with the description of the Egret in Montagu's Ornithological Dictionary as a bird of the second-year, being tinged with grey on the neck and breast.'
Morris (1856 (5): 89) says: 'In Devonshire, one at Flatoars, on the River Dart, in the year 1816.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 183, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, but fifteen year later Saunders (1899, 2nd ed.) found it unacceptable.
0). 1824 Cornwall Near Penzance, two, shot, April.
(J. Couch, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 3: 177; Jenyns, 1835; Couch, 1838; Yarrell, 1845; Morris, 1851-57; Harting, 1872; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1902: 205; Penhallurick, 1969, 1978).
[Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1899].
History J. Couch (1830) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. III. p. 177, says: 'A. garzetta, Egret. Two specimens were shot near Penzance, in April, 1824, one of which is now in the possession of Mr. John.' Jenyns (1835) p. 188, says: 'More recently, in April 1824, two specimens are recorded to have been killed near Penzance in Cornwall, and one of them to have been preserved.'
Morris (1856 (5): 89) says: 'In Cornwall, two near Penzance, in April, 1854 [1824].'
Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Couch, in his Cornish Fauna (part i. p. 22), refers to two birds of this species as having been met with in Cornwall about the year 1825, but I am unable to confirm the statement, nor have I ever heard of any subsequent appearance of this bird in this county, although one preserved in the Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, was shot on the River Exe some years ago.'
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 183, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The Rev. L. Jenyns, in his Manual of British Vertebrate Animals (p. 188), says: "In April, 1824, two specimens are recorded to have been killed at Penzance, in Cornwall, and one of them to have been preserved"; but Couch, in his Cornish Fauna, only says vaguely that one or two specimens are known, and in the Edition of 1878, the species is omitted from his list.'
J. Clark (1902) in the Royal Institution of Cornwall, p. 205, under 'The Birds of Cornwall', says: 'Two specimens mentioned in Couch's Cornish Fauna as having occurred in Cornwall about 1825. However, Fox, in his Synopsis of the Newcastle Museum (p. 254), quotes a letter from H. Mewburn, dated St. German's, 7th March, 1826, in which he speaks of a pair of Egrets obtained during the past eighteen months.'
Penhallurick (1969: 60) says: 'A letter of Henry Mewburn of St Germans, dated 7 March 1826, says that a pair was taken in Cornwall within the previous eighteen months.'
Later, Penhallurick (1978: 413) adds: 'The birds referred to by Milburn and Couch were not those taken on the Tamar before 1862, but were two shot near Penzance in April 1824 (Magazine of Natural History, 1830).'
Comment Not admitted nationally (Saunders 1899). Not acceptable.
0). 1831 Norfolk Near Sparham, adult, shot, undated.
(Stevenson, 1870; Harting, 1872).
[J. H. Gurney, Transaction Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 565-566; Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1899].
History Stevenson (1870 (2): 150) says: 'In 1864, when staying at Worthing, Mr. J. H. Gurney was informed by Mr. Wells, a local bird-stuffer, that he had recently seen a Little Egret, said to have been killed near Norwich, in the possession of Dr. Diamond, of Twickenham. Further enquiry fully confirmed this statement, and from the particulars kindly forwarded to me by Dr. Diamond, it appears that this specimen was sent to him as a "strange bird" about 1834 or 1835, by Mr. Roger Stoughton, of Sparham, who, as an old schoolfellow, under Valpy, at the Norwich Grammar School, knew his ornithological tastes. The bird was forwarded in the flesh, and was preserved by a bird-stuffer who went to America and subsequently died there.'
J. H. Gurney, jun. (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. pp. 565-566, says: 'The principal authority for including the Little Egret as a Norfolk bird, is a supposed specimen said to have been killed at Sparham more than fifty years ago. Being engaged on a catalogue of Norfolk birds, I took a recent opportunity of being in London to run down to Twickenham, where the specimen is preserved; and through the kindness of its owner, Dr. H. W. Diamond, I was allowed to see it, and compare it with an Egyptian skin bought for the purpose. A careful examination showed immediately that the Sparham bird was not the European Little Egret (Ardea garzetta). It differed from that species in having many occipital plumes - quite a bunch of them - about three inches long, and in other minor points. I concluded it might be the Asiatic species; but subsequent search in the library of the Zoological Society in London, coupled with an inspection of the series of Egrets in Mr. Osbald Salvin's collection, showed that in the Sparham bird we had an adult specimen of the American Ardea candidissima. Whether it was really killed in Norfolk I must leave. It has all the appearance of not having been set up at the time of being skinned, the supple neck, and other signs, which a bird mounted from the flesh generally have, being all wanting. Dr. Diamond, however, informs me that it was decaying when it reached him. It was stuffed by a bird-stuffer named Hobcroft, or Hadcroft, of New Compton Street, Soho, who went to America and died there. It is inscribed on the back of the case: - "Shot by Roger Stoughton, near Sparham, Norfolk, 1831".'
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 184, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'A bird in the collection of Dr. Diamond of Twickenham, labelled as 'Shot by Roger Stoughton, near Sparham, Norfolk, 1831', has proved to be the American species Ardea candidissima (Tr. Norw. Soc., III. p. 565), but the specimen is known to have been stuffed by Hadgraft, who had dealings with America, and an unintentional substitution is more than probable.'
Comment Imported skin. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1836 West Midlands Near Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, shot, undated.
(W. Christy, jun., Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 9: 647; Yarrell, 1845; Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947).
[Yarrell, 1871-85; Saunders, 1899].
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 bird-stuffer, 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. I therefore think there is no doubt of its occurrence in this country, though it must be classed amongst our rarest birds.'
Yarrell (1845 (2): 524, 2nd ed.) says: 'W. Christy, jun., recorded that he had a very fine specimen of this Egret, said to have been shot at or near Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire. I bought it from a very respectable bird-stuffer, who assured me he had received the bird direct from the person who had 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.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 184, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Tomes (1904 (1): 201) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'This is recognized as a Warwickshire bird on the authority of Mr. W. C. Cristie [sic], who in the ninth volume of the Magazine of Natural History (1836), records the occurrence of one which was shot at Sutton Coldfield. Three specimens are indeed mentioned in that communication as having been shot there. To that statement I may now add that all three were taken at different, but not widely separated times to John Spicer of Warwick for preservation, where they were seen by Dr. Lloyd of Warwick, who was then interested in the formation of the museum there, and wished to secure them for the collection. He however failed to do so, and subsequent inquiries made by him in conjunction with the present writer as to their whereabouts were without result.'
Norris (1947: 44) says: 'Was said to have been shot in Sutton Park and recorded by W. C. Cristie [sic]. Three others had also been reported from the same area in the last few years. R. F. Tomes confirmed this statement with Dr. Lloyd, who had seen these three specimens at John Spicer's shop in Warwick, who had them in for preservation.'
Comment The first admitted record for Britain was the 1870 record from Devon (Saunders 1899, 2nd ed). Not acceptable.
0). c. 1840 Yorkshire Aike Carr, near Beverley, obtained, undated.
(Gould, 1862-73; W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck, Naturalist 9: 169; W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck, Zoologist 1884: 177; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
[J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1888: 302; Saunders, 1899; Witherby et al., 1940-52].
History W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck (1883) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. IX. p. 169, and (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 177, say: 'Little Egret. Additional occurrence: Aike Carr, near Beverley, one obtained about 1840 (Ruskin, The Eagle's Nest, p. 170).'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 184, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
J. H. Gurney, jun. (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 302, says: 'I would suggest that the Little Egret alleged to have been obtained at Aike, near Beverley (Zool., 1884, p. 177) fide Mr. Ruskin, endorsed by Messrs. Clarke and Roebuck, was probably an example of the Great White Heron, Ardea alba. The evidence is as follows: - Both captures are said to have been made by labourers of Mr. James Hall, of Scorborough, near Bridlington. Particulars of the capture of the White Heron are given in the 'British Association Report' for 1838 (p. 106), and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1839 (p. 31), but unfortunately we are not sufficiently supplied with the requisite particulars about the Little Egret. In 1871 I corresponded with Mr. Hall, when no mention was made of more than one bird, which he said was killed about two miles from his house, adding: 'I had it here in its dirty, bloody, disfigured state, sending it myself to Read, of Doncaster, who restored it.' In Gould's Birds of Great Britain, and in Yarrell's British Birds, it is alluded to as a Little Egret, the assumption being that there were two Egrets, one said to have been killed about 1835 and one about 1840 - the former Ardea alba, the latter Ardea garzetta. Mr. Gould told me he had the late Lord Hotham's authority for the Egret killed in or about 1840 being a Little Egret, and that he assured him it belonged to the smaller species (A. garzetta); if this was so there were two birds, and the discrepancy in the dates is accounted for.'
Nelson (1907 (2): 394) says: 'Another Yorkshire example is mentioned by Gould (Birds of Great Britain, Vol. IV.), the particulars of which were furnished by the late James Hall of Scorborough, near Beverley, as follows: - "The Little Egret in my possession was killed by a labourer with a stick in Ake [Aike] Carr, near Beverley, about 1840, and was brought to me tied up in a pocket handkerchief, covered with black wet mud and blood, in which state it was sent to Mr. Reed [sic] of Doncaster, who restored it in a marvellous manner".'
Comment Lacks adequate details. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1841 Somerset Bathampton, shot, undated.
(Terry, 1888). F. L. Blathwayt, Victoria County History of Somerset 1: 153
History F. L. Blathwayt (1906 (1): 153) in the Victoria County History of Somerset, says: 'Mr. Terry records another in the Handbook to Bath as shot at Bathampton, 1841.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1844 Somerset Glastonbury Moor, shot, undated.
(Murray, 1844).
[F. L. Blathwayt, Victoria County History of Somerset 1: 153].
History F. L. Blathwayt (1906 (1): 153) in the Victoria County History of Somerset, placing the record in square-brackets, says: 'Mr. Edward Jesse in his Country Life (John Murray, 1844) mentions a Little Egret that was shot on Glastonbury Moor.'
0). 1844 Moray & Nairn Inchbroom, killed, undated.
(G. Gordon, Zoologist 1844: 513; Harting, 1872).
[Not in BOU, 1971].
History G. Gordon (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 513, under 'A Fauna of Moray', says: 'A bird resembling the Egret (Ardea garzetta) was killed a few years ago at Inch-Broom, J. Barclay, Esq.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1849 Cambridgeshire Near Whittlesea, two, shot, undated.
(Lilford, 1895; Lack, 1934).
[Saunders, 1899].
History Lord Lilford (1895 (2): 118-119) says: 'Colonel Strong, in writing to me in the spring of 1889, informed me that he had an idea that two of this species had been killed near Whittlesea many years ago, and had found their way through the late Mr. Holeywell, who shot them, into the hands of Mr. John Evans, the well-known taxidermist of Bourn [sic], on application to whom, I learned that they certainly belonged to this species, and that he had sold them to Dr. Pilcher of Boston, Lincs.
I at once wrote to that gentleman, who wrote in reply: - "Mr. Evans showed these birds to Mr. I. Pilcher on July 31, 1879, and gave their history as having been shot on Whittlesea nearly thirty years before by Holywell of Peterborough, who gave them to Mr. Evans. They were sent up to Mr. I. Pilcher on Dec. 4, 1879". I am not aware that this occurrence has been previously made public, and am glad to have the opportunity of adding this rare bird to our district list....'
Accepted locally (Lack 1934: 81).
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not accepted nationally (Saunders 1899).
0). 1851 Devon Locality in the South, shot, April.
(A. Cleveland, Zoologist 1851: 3116; Morris, 1851-57).
[Saunders, 1899; BOU, 1971].
History A. Clevland [sic] of Barnstaple (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 3116, says 'I have obtained a very fine specimen of the little white heron (Ardea russata), which was shot in the south of Devon last April.'
Morris (1856 (5): 89) says: 'A. Cleveland, Esq. mentions in The Zoologist, page 3116, that one was shot in the south of Devon, in April, 1851.'
Not admitted nationally (Saunders 1899, 2nd ed.).
0). 1851 Lincolnshire Anwick, Sleaford, killed, December, now at Wisbech Museum.
(Gurney, 1876).
[Gurney, 1876].
History Gurney (1876: 284) says: 'This is the most beautiful bird I ever saw in a state of nature, and I should say the handsomest on the British list. Books would have us believe that it has been killed twenty times in this country, but this is not true. There are only five of them, which, like Caesar's wife, are above suspicion. I would not give much for the specimen in the Wisbech Museum, though the inscription on it says that it was killed at Sleaford, Anwick, (South Lincolnshire) in December, 1851. Its history, as far as Mr. Cordeaux and I can learn, is that it was given as a skin by the Rev. F. Latham of Helpringham. I think that the explanation may be that in a general cleaning it has changed tickets with some other bird, but there it stands. It is in winter plumage, and is marked a male.'
Further, in a footnote, 'Rev. Latham informs Mr. Cordeaux in litt., that he thinks he got it in Hampshire.'
Recorded by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 185, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, with the above particulars.
Comment Due to confusion it is unacceptable.
0). Pre 1855 Sussex Warnham Mill-pond, Horsham, shot, undated.
(Knox, 1855; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History Knox (1855: 227, 3rd ed.) says: 'When the first edition of this work was printed I was not aware that the Little Egret was entitled to a place in the Sussex fauna. I have since been informed by Mr. Spencer Dickins, of Coolhurst, that there is a good specimen in the possession of Sir Percy Shelley, which was shot a few years ago at Warnham Millpond.'
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 185, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Mr. A. E. Knox was informed that a specimen in the collection of Sir Percy Shelley was shot a few years prior to 1855 at Warnham Mill-pond, in Sussex.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 339) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'On the hottest day of the summer of 1849 (cf. extract from a letter written by Sir P. Shelley to Mr. Hart, quoted by Borrer, B. Sx., p. 317) (it was in July, I believe) a small Ardea was shot by the mill-pond at Warnham, near Horsham. In 1855 Knox (3rd ed., p. 227) - who, incidentally, was very hazy about the date of demize - described this bird with assurance, fide Mr. Spencer Dickins, as a Little Egret, Egretta garzetta garzetta (L.). But many years later Mr. Hart (Zool., 1889, p. 34) (from whom Borrer (pp. 316-317) took his cue), on the authority of Sir Percy Shelley, recorded it with equal confidence as a Squacco Heron! Saunders clearly favoured the former version, since in both editions of his Manual (1889, p. 361, and 1899, p. 373), when dealing with the Little Egret, he writes: "It is not improbable that one has been obtained in Sussex". That he had the "debatable" in mind there is no semblance of doubt, because no other garzetta has ever been suspected of having occurred in the county, to which, moreover, he allows not a single specimen of Squacco Heron. But equally there is no question that he never inspected it, nor to my knowledge has any really intelligent ornithologist ever done so. Hence I am compelled to contain the Little Egret in square brackets.'
0). Pre 1863 Hampshire Hale, shot, undated.
(Wise, 1863).
[KAN].
History Wise (1863: 316, 1st ed.) says: 'Mr. Rake informs me that one was said to have been shot some years ago at Hale, on the borders of the Forest.'
Comment Third-hand report. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1879 Suffolk Yoxford, male, shot, undated.
(Babington, 1884-86).
[Saunders, 1899].
History Babington (1884-86: 242) says: 'A fine male shot at Yoxford and received in the flesh by Major E. Cobbold about 1879 (Major Cobbold in litt., who has it).'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). 1881 Yorkshire Near Hayburn Wyke, Scarborough, shot, 4th January, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3982).
(R. P. Harper, Zoologist 1881: 213; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; Watson, 2010).
[R. P. Harper, Zoologist 1889: 150; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986].
History Robert P. Harper of Scarborough (1881) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. V. p. 213, says: 'Allow me to record the occurrence of the Little Egret Ardea garzetta, which was shot on January 4th, 1881, near Haybourne [sic] Wyke, four or five miles north of this town, and is now in the possession of Mr. Thompson, a bird-preserver at Scarborough. The specimen is in very fair plumage, but is deficient of the long feathers which form part of the occipital plume.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 50) say: 'Hayburn Wyke, near Scarborough, one, Jan. 4, 1881 (Harper, Zoologist 1881, p. 213).'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 184-185, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who adds: '...a remarkable time of year for a species which hardly winters to the north of the Mediterranean.'
R. P. Harper (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 150, says: 'I take this opportunity to draw attention to a notice of the Little Egret, Ardea garzetta, given by me in The Zoologist (1881, p. 213); I have since had reasons to believe that it was not a British-killed specimen, and I was misled, though at the time confidently assured it was authentic, and I now very much regret such notice should have been sent for publication.'
Nelson (1907 (2): 394-395) says: 'Was imported.'
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 purchased from Thompson, taxidermist of Scarborough, and recorded in The Zoologist 1881, p. 213, by Mr. Robert P. Harper, 2 Royal Crescent, Scarborough. Vide Clarke & Roebuck's Yorkshire Vertebrata, p. 50.
Comment Was proven to have been imported. E. V. Thompson, Taxidermist (Naturalist 69: 100). Not acceptable.
0). 1881 Upper Forth Loch Katrine, shot, June.
(H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 367).
[KAN].
History H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 367, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, says: 'Little Egret. One shot on Loch Katrine, June, 1881 (fide J. A. Harvie-Brown).'
Comment Confusion with the Great Egret shot at the same location in the same year. Not acceptable.
0). 1882 Dorset Christchurch, Hampshire, shot, July.
(Cohen & Taverner, 1963, 1972).
[KAN].
History Cohen (1963: 73) erroneously state Kelsall & Munn admit one for 1882 at Christchurch, when in fact it was for 1822. The mistake was further compounded by Cohen & Tavener (1972: 12).
Comment Duplicate record. Not acceptable.
0). 1934 Norfolk Horsey Staithe, seen, undated.
(A. Buxton, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 13: 471).
[Seago, 1977].
History A. Buxton (1934) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XIII. p. 471, says: 'My millman saw the Little Egret at a range of twenty yards on Horsey Staithe. He had never seen one before, but his description was so accurate that I have no doubt about it myself.'
Seago (1977) lists the first for Norfolk as occurring in 1952.
