Pectoral Sandpiper

Scolopacidae

Oct 14

Calidris melanotos (Vieillot, 1819) (74, 70)

Photo © Rob Stonehouse - Shibdon Pond, Co. Durham, 30 August 2014

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1962

STATUS

Nearctic and Eastern Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

This is one of the commonest migrant waders to Britain and is to be found mainly at freshwater pools with vegetated shores. There is a spring passage, but the autumn passage which peaks in early September is the heaviest. 1948 proved to be an excellent year for the species with 14 birds, all but one in the autumn.

RECORDS

1). 1830 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, female, obtained, 17th October.

(Jenyns, 1835; Eyton, 1836; Eds., Magazine of Zoology & Botany 1: 200; J. D. Hoy, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 116; Yarrell, 1845; J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1375; Newman, 1866; C. R. Bree, Field 7th Dec., 1867: 466; Stevenson, 1870; Seebohm, 1883-85; Babington, 1884-86; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 404; W. Cole, Essex Naturalist 7: 148-151; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Jenyns (1835) says: 'Mr. Yarrell informs me that a single individual of this species, which is not uncommon in the United States, has been killed at Yarmouth. It is at present in the possession of Mr. Hoy of that place. Its identity with the T. pectoralis of America was confirmed by Mr. Audubon, to whom the specimen was submitted for examination.'

Eyton (1836: 42) says: 'Mr. Jenyns, in his useful work, just published, The Manual of British Vertebrate Animals, mentions, on the authority of Yarrell, that a specimen of this bird has occurred at Yarmouth, is now in the possession of Mr. Hoy, of that place, and has been identified by Mr. Audubon, with the T. pectoralis of America.'

In an Editorial (1837) in the Magazine of Zoology & Botany, Vol. I. p. 200, it says: 'The same gentleman [Mr. Hoy] has also in his possession a specimen of the Pectoral Tringa, killed upon the borders of Breydon Broad, near Yarmouth. Upon dissection it proved a female. Mr. Audubon who examined the specimen, pronounced it to be the Tringa pectoralis of the United States.'

J. D. Hoy of Stoke Nayland (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 116, dated 12th January, 1837, says: 'The occurrence of the Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa pectoralis, near Yarmouth, is noticed and a plate given, by Eyton, in his continuation of Bewick's Birds. I am not aware of a more recent instance of its occurrence, and have thought it might be interesting to some of your readers to know something more respecting the capture of the above-named specimen. This Tringa seems allied to Tringa variabilis and T. subarquata; and in the form of the bill shows some affinity with the Knot (T. canutus). In size, it is superior to the Curlew tringa (T. subarquata).

It was killed on Oct. 17, 1830, on the borders of Breydon Water, an extensive sheet of water near Yarmouth, rather celebrated for the numerous rare birds which have, at different times, been observed and shot on its banks and waters. The person who killed it remarked that it was solitary, and its note was new to him, which induced him to shoot it. It proved a female on dissection. It was preserved by the late Mr. J. Harvey of Yarmouth, as a curious variety of T. variabilis, with some doubts as to whether it might not be a new species. I detected the bird in Mr. Harvey's collection, and felt convinced it was an undescribed species of Tringa. I also received from him the particulars above stated. This specimen has been examined by M. Audubon, and identified by him with the Tringa pectoralis of North America.'

Yarrell (1845 (3): 77-78, 2nd ed.) says: 'This bird was killed 17th October 1830, on the borders of Breydon Broad, an extensive sheet of water near Yarmouth in Norfolk, rather celebrated for the numerous rare birds which have at different times been observed and shot on its banks and waters. The person who killed it remarked that it was solitary, and its note was new to him, which induced him to shoot it. The bird on dissection proved to be a female, and was preserved by the late Mr. J. Harvey. It soon afterwards passed into the possession of Mr. J. D. Hoy, who believing it to be undescribed as a British bird, had selected it and sent it up to me for inspection. Mr. Audubon being then in London, I exhibited the bird to him as a good authority for American species, and he immediately confirmed the previous notion that the bird was an example of this species of America.'

J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1375, say: ‘A specimen was killed on Breydon, October 17th, 1830.'

C. R. Bree (1867) in The Field of 7th Dec., Vol. XXX. p. 466, says: '...This was the first recorded British example of this bird, but I regret to say it is not in the collection. I understand, however, that Mr. Hoy's surviving brother has some of the birds, and probably this may be among them.'

Accepted locally (Stevenson (1870). Admitted nationally as the first for Britain (Seebohm (1885) Vol. III. p. 201).

Babington who admits to having seen the specimen (1884-86: 240) says: 'Dr. Bree, in his 'Catalogue of the Hoy Collection', said that this bird had been lost; but it is in Mrs. Lescher's possession, who has kindly permitted an autotype from it to be made for this work.'

Further, in a footnote he adds: 'Mrs. Lescher allowed me to send this bird to Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., who identified it as the Pectoral Sandpiper.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 404, add: '...a figure of it is given in Babington's Birds of Suffolk (plate iv).'

W. Cole, Editor (1893) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 148-151, says: 'By the courtesy of Mr. J. F. Lescher, J.P., over forty members of the Club visited Boyles Court, near Brentwood, on this day, for the purpose of inspecting the interesting and valuable Hoy Collection of British Birds. The party – which included several ladies - met at Harold Wood Railway Station. The directors were Mr. J. E. Harting, F.L.S., Mr. Miller Christy, F.L.S., and Mr. Walter Crouch.

The walk to Boyles Court is about two miles....Passing up into the Museum, where the collection is now very nicely displayed, an inspection of the birds was made, and then Mr. J. E. Harting, F.L.S., Editor of The Zoologist, gave a short account of the late Mr. Hoy, and, walking round the cases, pointed out the more interesting specimens, making observations upon them and their habits.

Mr. J. D. Hoy, by whom this very fine and interesting collection of birds was formed, was born in 1797, and resided at Stoke Priory, Stoke-by-Nayland, which (though close to the Essex border) is in Suffolk. He was a first-rate shot and a skilled bird-preserver. Dr. Bree has declared that "as a working naturalist he was almost unequalled in his day in this country". He collected chiefly upon the coasts of Norfolk and Suffolk, and his collection therefore contains few or no Essex specimens of importance....Another very interesting bird in the collection is the first British-killed specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa pectoralis) which was shot on Breydon Broad on October 17th, 1830, and recorded by Mr. Hoy in the Magazine of Natural History for 1837 (N.S., Vol. I. p. 116). See Stevens's [sic] Birds of Norfolk, Vol. II. p. 367, and Babington's Birds of Suffolk, p. 240, where the specimen is figured.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 349; Piotrowski 2003).

2). 1840 Isles of Scilly Annet, shot, 27th May.

(E. H. Rodd, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1840: 73-74; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1843: 141; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; J. J. Dalgleish, Bulletin of Nuttall Ornithological Club 5: 146; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd (1840) in the Report of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, pp. 73-74, had the following read on 6th November 1840, and also reprinted in The Zoologist (1843) 1st series, Vol. I. p.141, 'I have ascertained that the following rare British birds may now be included in our Cornish catalogue. The first is the Pectoral Sandpiper, or more properly speaking, perhaps, Tringa (Tringa pectoralis), which is an American species. A figure of this bird is given in Eyton's Rarer British Birds.

The present, I believe, is the only instance of its capture in Cornwall, and the second, authenticated instance of its occurrence in Britain. The specimen here alluded to was killed on the beach of Annet, one of the Isles of Scilly, and is now in the valuable collection of David Mitchell, Esq., of this town. A correct coloured drawing of the individual was submitted to Mr. Yarrell, and he coincided with the opinion which we had formed of its being Tringa pectoralis. I examined minutely the specimen after it was preserved, and on comparing it with specimens of the common Dunlin (Tringa variabilis) in summer plumage, I observed that the general aspect of the bird, as well as the colours on the back and upper parts, were very similar to those of that species. The total absence of the black on the belly, which, at this season, is more or less developed in the Dunlin, shows a striking difference; and on further examination, I found some minor variations in form and dimensions, which indicated unequivocal marks of distinction. The shape of Tringa pectoralis is longer and narrower, and appears more compressed and rail-shaped than that of Tringa variabilis. In its mode of flight and character on the ground, it bore great resemblance to the Common Sandpiper, and taking into consideration its greater length of tail, the length of the tibiae and shape of the bill, which is more slender and compressed at the base than in the Dunlin, it appears to me that there are affinities observable in this species to both the Tringae and Totani, which are calculated to show, in a gradual and beautiful point of view, the intermediate link in the chain of Nature which unites the two families.'

Yarrell (1845 (3): 78, 2nd ed.) says: 'D. W. Mitchell of Penzance sent me in June 1840 a coloured drawing of the natural size, and a fully detailed description, with measurements, of a Sandpiper, shot by himself on the 27th of the previous month, while the bird was resting on some seaweed within a few yards of the water, on the rocky shore of Annet, one of the uninhabited islands at Scilly. On the following day another example was seen, but became so wild after an unsuccessful shot, that it took off to another island and escaped altogether.'

J. J. Dalgleish (1880) in the Bulletin of Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. V. p. 146, admits one individual.

Harting, Editor (1880: 104) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'So long ago as May 1840, a specimen of this American Sandpiper was shot by the late Mr. D. W. Mitchell, of Penzance, on the rocky shore of Annet, one of the uninhabited islands of Scilly. He found it resting on some seaweed within a few yards of the water, and on the following day another was seen, but became so wild after an unsuccessful shot that it took off to another island and escaped altogether.'

Further, pp. 189-191 under 'Annual Summaries' presented to the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Rodd adds: 'This specimen was killed on the beach of Annet, and came into the possession of the late Mr. David W. Mitchell, then resident at Penzance. A carefully coloured drawing of the bird was submitted to Mr. Yarrell, who coincided with the opinion which we had formed of its being a veritable Tringa pectoralis. I examined minutely the specimen after it was preserved, and on comparing it with specimens of the common Dunlin (T. variabilis) in summer plumage, I observed that the general aspect of the bird, as well as the colours of the back and upper parts, were very similar to those of that species in the spring plumage. The total absence of the black band on the belly, however, which in the summer plumage is always to be found more or less in the Dunlin, is a striking character, and on further examination I found a difference in the colour of the bill and legs, and some minor variations in regard to dimensions. The shape of Tringa pectoralis is longer and narrower, and appears more compressed and Rail-like than that of T. variabilis.

In its mode of flight and character on the ground it bore great resemblance to our Common Sandpiper; and taking into consideration its greater length of tail, the length of tibia, and shape of the bill, which is more slender and compressed at the base than that of the Dunlin, it appears to me that there are affinities observable in this species to both the Tringa and Totani, which are calculated to show in a gradual and beautiful point of view the intermediate link in the chain of nature which unites the two families.'

3). 1841 Cleveland/Co. Durham Near Hartlepool, Durham, shot, October.

(J. Hogg, Zoologist 1845: 1175; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4765; Yarrell, 1871-85; Temperley, 1951).

History J. Hogg (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 1175, says: 'An American species. Mr. Yarrell states (Preface, p. xi.) that "Dr. Edward Clarke wrote me word that he shot a specimen of this rare sandpiper very near Hartlepool, in Oct., 1841". Some naturalist's have doubted the migration of birds from any part of the New World to our own coasts. The appearance, however, with us of the present species, which is truly a native of America, may be quoted as proof of the fact. If we consider the passage from America to England, there is nothing in it impossible, or exceedingly difficult, for the flight of a strong-winged bird. For I may remark, that a migrating bird most probably comes from the other districts of America by Greenland, to Iceland, and the Faeroe Isles, thence to the Shetland Islands and Orkneys, and so down the east coast of Scotland to our eastern shores of Durham.'

Yarrell (1845 (3): 78, 2nd ed.) says: 'Dr. Edward Clarke, who is well acquainted with British birds, sent me word that an example of this rare sandpiper was killed near Hartlepool in October 1841.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4765, says: '...Mr. Hancock also only gives one occurrence of the Pectoral Sandpiper: but I can refer to two others instances - one near Hartlepool in October, 1841 (Yarrell, British Birds, 1st ed., Preface), and one in or near the Tees-mouth, August, 1853 (Morris's Naturalist, 1853, p. 275).

The existence of Mr. Hancock's work may perhaps not be generally known to your readers. It is by far the most complete catalogue which has yet appeared on the birds of the North of England: yet I have seen no reviews of it, and it was only on entering Quarritch's shop the other day that I accidentally learnt of its existence.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Temperley (1951) adds: 'This record seems to have been doubted by some naturalists at the time, but Yarrell would not have quoted the record had he not been satisfied that Clarke was competent to determine the species correctly.'

4). Pre 1851 Cornwall Gyllyngvase East, near Falmouth, obtained, undated.

(W. P. Cocks, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 1: 137; Bullmore, 1866; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 17: 133; J. Clark, Zoologist 1907: 286; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267).

History W. P. Cocks of Falmouth (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 137, says: 'Gwyllyn Vase, east: rare.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 369, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. p. 133, under 'American Birds in Cornwall', says: 'Dr. Cocks, of Falmouth, in his 'Contributions to the Falmouth Fauna', in The Naturalist for 1851, mentions that it had been obtained at Gyllyngvase East in the early forties.'

James Clark (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 286, says: 'No fewer than eleven examples of the Pectoral Sandpiper have been obtained in the county, nine at Scilly and two on Mainland. One of the latter was obtained at Gyllingvase, Falmouth, in the early forties (Cocks).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Two have been obtained on the mainland of the county, the last at Porthgwarra on April 30th, 1906 (J. Clark, l.c., 1907, p. 286).'

Locally, Penhallurick (1969) is unaware of it.

5). 1853 Cleveland/Co. Durham/Yorkshire Near Redcar, Yorkshire, shot, 30th August.

(T. S. Rudd, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 275-276; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4765; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Temperley, 1951; Stead, 1964).

History T. S. Rudd of Redcar (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 275-276, dated 25th October, 1853, says: 'Two specimens of this extremely rare bird have occurred near here lately, one was obtained in or near the Tees-mouth last August, and fell into the hands of the landlord of the Mason's Arms in this place, who stuffed it and hung it up in his parlour as an ornament.'

Probably they were both really killed at Tees-mouth, which is very near West Hartlepool, and which at low tide presents a wide expanse of mud, formerly (before Middlesbrough sprung into existence) more attractive to waders than it is now. The existence of Mr. Hancock's work may perhaps not be generally known to your readers. It is by far the most complete catalogue which has yet appeared on the birds of the North of England: yet I have seen no reviews of it, and it was only on entering Quarritch's shop the other day that I accidentally learnt of its existence.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 74; Nelson 1907 (2): 607; Mather 1986).

6). 1853 Norfolk/Suffolk Near Great Yarmouth, juvenile female, shot, 30th September.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1853: 4124; T. Southwell, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 4: 88; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1865: 9807-08; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1870; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History J. H. Gurney of Easton (1853) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XI. p. 4124, dated 21st October, 1853, says: 'The above rare bird was recently obtained in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, on the 30th of September. I had the opportunity of examining the sandpiper in the flesh: it was a female, and apparently a bird of the year: it was not fat, but in very fair condition. The stomach contained some small seeds, and the remains of a few insects, but too mutilated to be recognizable with clearness.'

Thomas Southwell of Fakenham (1854) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 88, dated 11th February 1854, says: 'I saw a specimen of this rare bird, which was shot on the 30th of September last, near Yarmouth, Norfolk.'

H. Stevenson of Norwich (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. pp. 9807-08, dated 30th September 1865, adds: 'The second [for Norfolk], in Mr. J. H. Gurney's collection, was also procured near Yarmouth, on the 30th of September, 1853.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 369, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

7). 1853 Cleveland/Yorkshire Near Coatham, shot, 17th October.

(T. S. Rudd, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 275-276; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History T. S. Rudd of Redcar (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 275-276, dated 25th October, 1853, says: 'Two specimens of this extremely rare bird have occurred near here lately...The other was shot on Monday, the 17th instant, in a grass field near the Lobster Inn at Coatham, near this place, and was brought to me on the 21st for inspection. The first I have succeeded, after some trouble, in procuring, for the owner was fully aware that it was a rara avis.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally for Yorkshire (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 74; Nelson 1907 (2): 607; Mather 1986).

8). 1855 Northumberland Whitley Bay, adult female, shot, 27th June.

(T. J. Bold, Zoologist 1855: 4808; Newman, 1866; Hancock, 1874; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1912: 142-143; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1980).

History Thomas John Bold of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1855) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIII. p. 4808, dated August, 1855, says: 'A mature female of that rare bird, the Pectoral Sandpiper was shot by Mr. R. Duncan, of Newcastle, on the Northumbrian coast, near Whitley, on the 27th June last. It agrees in every respect with the description of that species by Mr. Yarrell, and, as in his instance, it showed a great partiality for sitting on sea-weed, always, when disturbed, flying from one heap to another, uttering at the same time a loud and peculiar note.'

Hancock (1874: 117) says: 'The only authenticated individual that has occurred in the district was shot on Whitley Sands, on the 27th June, 1853, by Robt. Duncan, and is now in the possession of Mr. C. M. Adamson; it is in summer plumage. Notice of this capture appeared in The Zoologist, 1855, p. 4808.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

J. M. Charlton (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. pp. 142-143, says: 'Whitley Sands claim a specimen of this bird as the only one of this species recorded for Northumberland. On June 27th, 1853, Mr. Robert Duncan shot a bird, which, after considerable examination, was identified as belonging to this species. Mr. Duncan and his father first noticed it as they were walking along the shore to the island; it flew up in front, and they at once saw it was something out of the ordinary. His father fired several shots at it, and each time it flew a little further on or back along the shore.

At last it perched on a mass of seaweed at the mouth of Briar Dene Burn, and Mr. Duncan, Junior, walked up and shot it as it flew away. It was purchased from him by Mr. C. M. Adamson, who perceived it was a bird he did not know, and after much discussion it proved to be the American Pectoral Sandpiper.'

Comment One can only assume that Charlton copied Hancock and made an error with the date. It clearly states June last.

9). 1870 Isles of Scilly Tresco, five, shot, early September.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2346; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2405; F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1872: 2899; Harting, 1880; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2346, under 'Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Scilly', dated 5th September 1870, says: 'This, with two additional Pectoral Sandpipers, also from St Mary's, Scilly, one of which, the male, is so superior in size to the other that it seems that I am supported in the opinion that in this, as well as the Buff-breasted Stint, the male is the largest.'

E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2346, under 'Pectoral Stint or Sandpiper at Scilly', dated 8th September 1870, says: 'Since I wrote to you with a few notes on the visits of the sandpipers to the Scilly Isles this autumn, furnished by my friend Mr. Jenkinson, who returned from the islands yesterday, I am enabled to add the occurrence, for the second time, of the Pectoral Sandpiper, which he shot just before he left the islands, and which he brought with him for my inspection.

It is in very fine plumage, but presenting no feature of difference from the one obtained from the same locality by the late Mr. D. Mitchell, and referred to by Yarrell, in his article on the Pectoral Sandpiper in his British Birds. Perhaps the breast presents a rather greater tendency to summer plumage, from the prominence of dark markings: the feet and legs were brownish yellow.'

E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2346, under 'Pectoral Sandpiper at Scilly', dated 12th September 1870, says: 'I merely wish to add to my former communication that another specimen, and apparently one amongst a flock, has been captured at Scilly. I suppose therefore that this species may be regarded as having hitherto escaped observation, and that vigilant eyes may find the species more generally spread about as one of our autumnal visitors than was anticipated. The legs may be described as greenish yellow: this is a good mark of distinction from the Dunlin at all times.'

Further, in a postscript on the same page, dated 16th September 1870, Rodd adds: 'As a supplement to my former letters on the occurrence of the Pectoral Stint or Sandpiper at Scilly, I write to inform you that a fine male specimen was kindly sent to me as a present by my friend Mr. Augustus Pechell, whose name has frequently appeared in The Zoologist as having contributed rare British birds to the Cornish Avifauna. This specimen appears larger than the others I have seen, and it is a character at variance with the Tringa generally, as the females (especially in the Dunlin and when old) are much the largest.'

E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2405, dated 1st November 1870, adds: 'Since the 1st of September, 1870, we have had: - Pectoral Sandpiper (5).'

F. R. Rodd (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 2899, says: 'September 1st to 15th...five Knots were shot between the 5th and 8th, and about the same time five Pectoral Sandpipers.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 104) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'In September 1870 the Rev. J. Jenkinson, while on a visit to the Scilly Islands, fell in with a bird of this species which he shot, and very kindly brought over for my inspection. It was in good plumage and, although obtained in autumn, did not differ in any marked degree from the specimen which Mr. Mitchell had procured in May. The feet and legs were of a brownish yellow colour, in that respect resembling our well-known Purple Sandpiper. A few days later a fourth example was secured at the same place, which I also had an opportunity of examining, and before a week had elapsed I received another, a very fine specimen, from my friend Mr. Augustus Pechell, to whom I have been frequently indebted for information or specimens of some of our rarer British birds detected by him in the county of Cornwall.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 369, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'In September, 1870, the Rev. J. Jenkinson, while on a visit to the Scilly Islands, shot a bird of this species, which he brought to the late Mr. E. H. Rodd, who a few days later had an opportunity of examining another example secured at the same place; and before a week had elapsed he received another from his friend Mr. Augustus Pechell (B. of Cornwall, p. 104).'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 339, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'In September, 1870, no less than five were secured. - one by Jenkinson on Tresco, and one by F. Jenkinson, and three by Pechell on St. Mary's.'

J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. p. 133, under 'American Birds in Cornwall', says: 'In September, 1870, no less than five were secured at Scilly - one by J. H. Jenkinson on Tresco, one by F. Jenkinson a few days later, and three by A. Pechell on St Mary's less than a week later.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who add: 'Ten are recorded in place of four mentioned in the Manual.'

14). 1870 Sussex Eastbourne, shot, September.

(Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Harting (1872: 141) says: 'One, Eastbourne, Sept. 1870: hitherto unrecorded.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who states that it was obtained.

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 228) who quotes from Harting, and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 171) who says: '...This treasure was promptly acquired by Mr. T. J. Monk. On his death it was taken over by the Booth Museum, Brighton.'

15). 1870 Suffolk Thorpe Mere, Aldeburgh, male, shot, 5th October.

(N. F. Hele, Field 15th Oct., 1870: 329; Yarrell, 1871-85; Babington, 1884-86; J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1900: 557-558; Ticehurst, 1932).

History N. Fenwick Hele of Aldeburgh (1870) in The Field of 15th Oct., Vol. XXXVI. p. 329, dated 7th October, says: 'A male specimen of the above was obtained by myself in the Further Mere at Thorpe, on Wednesday, the 5th inst. The note of the bird is quite peculiar, and this, together with its strange flight, first drew my attention to it. This sandpiper had been feeding near a large flight of Dunlin and Pigmy Curlews [Curlew Sandpipers], but did not appear to associate with them when on wing. The stomach contained small particles of quartz and some organic matter of a dark colour.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Babington who admits to havinf seen the specimen (1884-86: 240) says: 'One shot on Thorpe Mere, Oct. 5, 1870 (Field, Oct. 15, 1870, quoted in Harting's Handbook, p. 141).

Further, he adds, A male specimen obtained in the further mere, Aldeburgh, Oct. 1870 (Ipswich Museum).'

Julian G. Tuck of Tostock Rectory, Bury St Edmunds (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. pp. 557-558, says: 'Mr. Arnold may be interested to know that his Pectoral Sandpiper (ante p. 521) is the fourth specimen of Tringa maculata obtained in the county, all of which have occurred in the same locality. The first, shot by the late Mr. N. F. Hele in Thorpe Mere, on Oct. 5th, 1870, is now in the Hele Collection in the Ipswich Museum.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

Comment I presume these are one and the same record.

16). 1871 Devon Braunton Marsh, two, shot, 12th September.

(M. S. C. Rickards, Zoologist 1871: 2808-09; J. E. Harting, Field 30th Sept., 1871: 281; Yarrell, 1871-85; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895; Moore, 1969).

History Marcus S. C. Rickards of Clifton (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. pp. 2808-09, dated 19th September, 1871, says: 'I have to record the occurrence of this North-American species at Braunton Burrows, North Devon, a pair having been shot there by me on the 13th instant. I discovered them on the margin of a large fresh-water pool in a marshy field, and, as they allowed of a near approach, had ample opportunities of observing their movements before putting them up. They presented a peculiar and interesting appearance as they marched about the grass with a very measured and stately walk, occasionally elevating the feathers on the top of the head into the form of a crest, much after the fashion of the Sky Lark, of gigantic specimens of which bird their whole appearance was, strange to say, at a little distance, strikingly suggestive, the markings on the breast and general coloration of the plumage helping to complete the similarity.

"When they rose they uttered a peculiar note, rather weak and feeble for the size of the bird, and reminding me more of the note of the Curlew Sandpiper than that of any other species that I have heard. When flying one of them was mobbed and pursued by the swallows which frequented the pond. They never flew to any great distance, and after the female was shot the male described a circle round, her and pitched a short distance off, rising and repeating the evolution as I approached within range. The only other bird at the pond at the time was a Little Stint, which closely consorted with them, but was wilder and more difficult of approach: I pursued it for some time afterwards without success, and was at last compelled, from the lateness of the hour, to leave it, but returning the next day found it at the same place and shot it.

I took the Pectoral Sandpipers next day to the Rev. W. S. Hore, of Barnstaple, who takes much interest in inspecting all local captures. We found the weight of the male bird to be just two ounces and three-quarters, and that of the female to be three ounces and three-quarters; the former measuring eight inches and a quarter, and the latter nine inches and a quarter.

Remembering the opinion expressed by Mr. Rodd (Zool., s.s. p. 2346), that in this species, as well as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, the male bird is larger than the female (thus exhibiting a character at variance with the usual rule prevalent amongst the Tringae), I gave strict injunctions to the birdstuffer (Mr. Rowe, of Barnstaple) to observe the sex of the two specimens on dissection: he, however, informs me, and I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of his report, that the larger bird (and it appears so much the larger as to render it almost difficult to understand that the two birds can, belong to the same species) is a female, the smaller one being a male".'

P.S. - Since writing my last letter I have received a letter from Mr. Rowe, to the effect that, owing to an unfortunate mistake of his assistant who stuffed the Pectoral Sandpipers, the labels indicating the sex were transposed, and that, in point of fact, the larger specimen is the male. I can readily believe this to be the case from the superior brightness of the colouring, and generally from the appearance of this specimen; and it is very satisfactory to me to be thus able to corroborate, rather than to have to attempt to disprove, the theory enunciated by Mr. Rodd in this particular.'

J. E. Harting (1871) in The Field of 30th Sept., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 281, says: 'As the attention of sportsmen and naturalists is more and more directed to the various species of waders and wildfowl which they meet with in their shooting excursions, we are gradually becoming aware that the presence of American species on our shores is not so unusual as we used to suppose.

Last week Mr. Rodd recorded the occurrence of the American Yellowshanked Sandpiper (Totanus flavipes) at Penzance. The same week, and, by a curious coincidence, on the same day, Sept. 12 (as I learn from Mr. M. S. Rickards, of Clifton, shot a pair of Pectoral Sandpipers (T. pectoralis) near Braunton Burrows, North Devon. As he has been devoting himself to "shore-shooting" for some time past, and is well acquainted with our British wading birds, and has moreover American skins for comparison, I have no doubt that he has correctly identified the species. The birds in question, he informs me, were feeding on the edge of a small pool in company with a Little Stint (Tringa minuta), which he subsequently contrived to shoot.

On dissection, it appeared that the Pectoral Sandpipers were male and female; but, contrary to what has usually been observed amongst this class of birds, the male was the larger of the two. Apropos of my remark with reference to the frequent occurrence of late years of American species in this country, I may add that of the sixteen recorded instances of the Pectoral Sandpiper shot in Great Britain, seven have occurred within the last three years. No previous instance has been recorded since 1853.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 369-370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

Locally, D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 331, 2nd ed.) add: 'This pair of Pectoral Sandpipers, still in beautiful condition, are now in our collection, and we also possess another, shot some years ago out of a flock of Purres [Dunlin] on the Northumberland Coast (M.A.M.).'

Comment The only previous record for Northumberland occurred in 1855, however, that specimen belonged to Charles Murray Adamson, who died late in 1894, when you would expect the specimen to become available.

18). 1872 Suffolk Thorpe Mere, Aldeburgh, 14th September, now at Bury St Edmunds Museum.

(J. G. Tuck, Field 28th Sept., 1872: 301; J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1872: 3307; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. G. Tuck of Bury St Edmunds (1872) in The Field of 28th Sept., Vol. XL. p. 301, dated 23rd September, says: 'On the 14th inst. I was lucky enough to kill a very good Pectoral Sandpiper in the Thorpe Mere, near Aldeburgh, Suffolk. It flew past me in company with two other birds, which may have been of the same species, or Curlew Sandpiper. I could not, owing to the shot marks, ascertain the sex; from the plumage it seems a bird of the year. This is, I believe, only the second record of this species in Suffolk, and curiously enough, my specimen was obtained in almost the same place where Mr. Hele shot one in October, 1870 (Field Oct. 15).'

J. G. Tuck of Tostock House, Bury St Edmunds (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3307, dated 21st September, 1872, says: 'September. 14th. Today I was lucky enough to shoot a Pectoral Sandpiper in the North Mere. Three birds skimmed past me within a longish shot, and I shot at them and killed this one, thinking that they were Curlew Sandpipers. It is evidently a bird of the year, from the light-coloured margins to the feathers; the sex I could not ascertain with certainty, owing to the shot-marks. The legs and base of lower mandible were light yellowish-brown, and irides dark brown; the body was loaded with fat. The wind had been blowing rather freely from the west for some days, and I fancy that this bird must have been blown over to the east from Norway or Iceland, and then have joined a flock of Knots or Curlew Sandpipers on their way southward. This is the second recorded occurrence of the Pectoral Sandpiper in Suffolk (Mr. Hele has one, which he shot in the same place, Oct., 1870).'

Babington (1884-86: 240) adds: '...now in J. G. Tuck's collection.' Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 349) who adds: '...and two more thought to be with it.'

Comment The other two are not worthy of consideration.

19). 1880 Isles of Scilly Tresco, shot, October.

(T. Cornish, Zoologist 1880: 495; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339).

History Thomas Cornish of Penzance (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 495, says: 'There are at present in the hands of our taxidermist, Mr. W. H. Vingoe, for preservation...a Pectoral Sandpiper shot at Scilly.'

[We should be glad of further information respecting this American sandpiper. - Ed.]

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 339, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'In October, 1880, one was shot by David Smith.'

20). 1882 Clyde Ross Priory, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, female, shot, 24th November.

(G. H. L. Buchanan, Field 2nd Dec., 1882: 791; Anon., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 291-292; R. Gray, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 7: 240-241; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1883: 177; Eds., Field 24th Mar., 1883: 404; Yarrell, 1871-85; McWilliam, 1936; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History George H. Leith Buchanan of Ross Priory, Alexandria (1882) in The Field of 2nd Dec., Vol. LX. p. 791, says: 'On Nov. 24 I shot a specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper of America. It rose from some rushes, and I took it for a Jack Snipe till I picked it up. As it was blowing hard at the time, with snow and rain, I could not see distinctly. I was not sure of the identity of the bird, but believed it to be the Pectoral Sandpiper, which turns out to be the case, as I have this morning received a not from Mr. Small, taxidermist, Edinburgh, saying so.'

[If, when the bird is properly preserved, our correspondent would kindly entrust it to the Editor's care for a short time, for exhibition to naturalists, doubtless many would be glad to see a British-killed specimen of this American sandpiper. - Ed.]

Anon. (1883) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. pp. 291-292, says: 'Mr. James Lumsden, F.Z.S., in exhibiting a Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, shot at Loch Lomond by Sir George H. Leith Buchanan, Bart., Corresponding Member, said that during the year 1881 several new species had been added to the list of Loch Lomond birds, but for 1882 there was only one to add, and that the Pectoral Sandpiper.

On 24th November, 1882, Sir George H. Leith Buchanan obtained a specimen of this rare species when out Snipe-shooting on the banks of Loch Lomond, near the mouth of the Ettrick; and he (Mr. Lumsden) trusted the following extract from Sir George's letter would satisfy those naturalists who object to any rare birds being shot, that the present specimen was obtained by accident. "On the 24th November I shot a specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper of America. It rose from some rushes, and I took it for a Jack Snipe until I picked it up. As it was blowing very hard at the time with snow and rain, I could not see distinctly".

The specimen was a female, and its stomach contained small insects. This species has only once been recorded from any part of Scotland, a specimen having been shot at the mouth of the Don, in Aberdeenshire, in October, 1867, as mentioned by Mr. Gray in the Birds of the West of Scotland, who includes it on the authority of Mr. Angus.'

Robert Gray (1883) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. VII. pp. 240-241, read 21st Feb., 1882, says: 'The specimen of this bird now on the table was shot on 28th of last month on the banks of Loch Lomond by Sir George Leith Buchanan. It rose along with several snipe from a strip of marshy ground frequented by these birds, but did not seem to be accompanied by others of its own species. The bird is a female, and on dissection its stomach was found to contain the remains of beetles, etc.

The Pectoral Sandpiper, or Jacksnipe of American authors, is well known to sportsmen on the other side of the Atlantic, and, according to Dr. Elliot Coues, is frequently sought after both on account of its habit of lying till flushed like a true snipe and of its being an excellent bird for the table. It is found in considerable numbers throughout the United States, where, however, according to the author just named, it is chiefly, if not entirely, a bird of passage. It is very abundant in summer in Labrador, where it frequents muddy flats and salt marshes. Audubon states that, like the snipe, this sandpiper is partial to damp meadows and marshes, and refers to the fact that, unlike other sandpipers, it does not gather in flocks to any extent, but is found for the most part singly or in pairs.

According to Professor Kimlein, it breeds abundantly in Wisconsin; and Professor Reinhardt mentions that it has occurred in three instances in Greenland. The species is likewise found in Central and South America and the West Indies, and Captain Blakiston includes it in his list of the birds of Northern Japan.

In Great Britain about twenty specimens altogether have been obtained, but, so far as I am aware, this specimen from Loch Lomond is but the second example that has occurred in Scotland, the first having been met with at Donmouth, Aberdeen, on 2d October 1867. I am indebted to Mr. Small, George Street, for an opportunity of exhibiting the bird, and I have pleasure in drawing attention to it as an interesting addition to our ornithological records for the present year.'

J. E. Harting (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 177, says: 'I have recently had an opportunity of inspecting a specimen of the American Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, Vieillot, which was shot by Sir George Leith Buchanan on the 24th November last in the neighbourhood of his residence, Ross Priory, Alexandria, N.B. In a note which he addressed to the Editor of The Field, published in that journal on the 2nd of December last, referring to this bird, he says: - "It rose from some rushes, and I took it for a Jack Snipe until I picked it up. As it was blowing very hard at the time, with snow and rain, I could not see distinctly".

It is a rare straggler to the British Islands, and from the dates recorded of the few specimens which have been procured here (some sixteen in number) it would seem to have been almost invariably met with in autumn, generally in September and October.'

In an Editorial (1883) in The Field of 24th Mar., Vol. LXI. p. 404, he says: 'In The Field of Dec. 2 last appeared a note from Sir George Leith Buchanan, reporting the fact of his having shot, on the previous Nov. 24, a Pectoral Sandpiper in the neighbourhood of his residence, Ross Priory, Alexandria, Dumbartonshire [sic] (by mistake in the former notice stated to be in Perthshire). He has just been good enough to send the bird in question to The Field Office for inspection, and we may therefore take the opportunity of stating that the species has been correctly identified, and is without doubt the Pectoral Sandpiper of America.

It is a rare visitant to this country, and from the sixteen instances of its occurrence mentioned in Mr. Harting's Handbook of British Birds (p. 140), it would seem to have been most frequently met with in autumn, ten out of the sixteen having occurred in September and October.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Lastly, one was shot by Sir G. Leith Buchanan, Bart., near Loch Lomond, on the 24th November, 1882, during very boisterous weather; and the correctness of its identification has been confirmed by Mr. Harting (Zool., 1883, p. 177), to whom the specimen was very properly submitted.'

McWilliam (1936: 117) adds: 'It was examined by J. E. Harting, and was exhibited at a meeting of the Glasgow Natural History Society.'

21). 1883 Isles of Scilly No locality, killed, September.

(T. Cornish, Zoologist 1883: 495; Yarrell, 1871-85; Harting, 1901; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339).

History Thomas Cornish of Penzance (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 495, says: 'There are at present in the hands of our taxidermist, Mr. W. H. Vingoe, for preservation, a specimen of...also a Pectoral Sandpiper, shot at Scilly.' [We should be glad of further information respecting the American Sandpipers. - Ed.]

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 443, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and further in a footnote, adds: 'Mr. Harting has shown to the Editor a letter from Mr. T. Cornish...with the capture of a Pectoral Sandpiper in the Scilly Islands.'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 339, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'One was killed in September, 1883.'

22). 1883 Suffolk Thorpe Mere, Aldeburgh, shot, 8th November.

(Babington, 1884-86; J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1900: 557-558; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Babington (1884-86: 240) says: '...and a third [for Thorpe Mere] in Nov., 1883 (Hele in litt.).'

Julian G. Tuck of Tostock Rectory, Bury St Edmunds (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. pp. 557-558, says: 'Mr. Arnold may be interested to know that his Pectoral Sandpiper (ante p. 521) is the fourth specimen of Tringa maculata obtained in the county, all of which have occurred in the same locality....the third was shot by Mr. C. Clarke, of Aldeburgh, in what we used to call the "First Mere", Nov. 8th, 1883, but I am unable to say in whose possession it now is.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

23). 1888 Yorkshire Near Kilnsea, adult male, shot, 2nd October, photo.

(J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 14: 354; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 15: 1; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 366; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 23: 352; British Birds 5: plate 31; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1888) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XIV. p. 354, dated 3rd November, 1888, says: 'An example of this American Sandpiper (Tringa maculata Vieillot), one of two, supposed to be of the same species, was shot on the coast near Kilnsea on October 2nd, and left with Mr. Philip Loten, of Easington, for preservation.

Mr. Loten was good enough to forward the skin for identification, with the information that after dissection he came to the conclusion it was an adult male; its maturity is also perhaps suggested by the plumage, the feathers being much abraded and worn; the markings on the breast are also of a sagitate character, although not so pronounced as in some examples of the bird I have seen from America....The Pectoral Sandpiper has previously been recorded in Yorkshire, twice in 1853 and once in 1854 (see Clarke and Roebuck's Handbook of the Vertebrate Fauna of Yorkshire, p. 74).'

J. Cordeaux (1889) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 1, adds: 'The American Pectoral Sandpiper, of which a notice has already appeared, was shot on the beach near Kilnsea, by Mr. T. W. Pool, of Hull. At the time it was in company with another, presumably of the same species.'

J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 366, reiterates the same. John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1897) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIII. p. 352, dated 23rd October 1897, says: '...The Pectoral Sandpiper figured in Lord Lilford's Illustrations of British Birds, was a Yorkshire specimen shot near the same place [Easington] on Oct. 2nd, 1888.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 608) says: '...The skin was forwarded to the late J. Cordeaux for identification, with the information that it was a male. This specimen is now in the possession of Riley Fortune, and was figured by the late Lord Lilford in his magnificent work on British Birds (Vol. V. pl. 31).'

Comment The mention of another bird of this species has been ignored through want of adequate details.

24). 1888 Cumbria Edenhall, Penrith, three seen, one shot, 18th October, one remaining to 22nd October, one now at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle.

(H. A. Macpherson, Ibis 1889: 136-137; Macpherson, 1892; H. A. Macpherson, Zoologist 1896: 294; Harting, 1901).

History H. A. Macpherson of Carlisle (1889) in The Ibis, Vol. XXXI. pp. 136-137, dated 9th November, 1888, says: 'I beg leave to state that, on the 18th of October last, three examples of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) were observed in a grass-meadow near Penrith. One of them fell into a snipe-pool and was eaten by rats; the other was safely secured, and within half an hour was placed in the hands of my friend Mr. Tandy, a young but zealous ornithologist. The third bird lingered in the neighbourhood until the 22nd, but escaped scatheless. Mr. Tandy's bird proved on dissection to be exceedingly fat; its stomach contained the remains of vegetable substances. It is in immature plumage.

I may add that Mr. Bidwell and other friends [including Mr. H. Seebohm] have examined the specimen, which is the first authenticated example of the species obtained in the northwest of England.'

Macpherson (1892: 379-380) says: 'The autumn of 1888 witnessed the arrival of this Nearctic species both upon the eastern coast of England and also in Lakeland. I sent the following letter to The Ibis of January 1889: "Carlisle, Nov. 9, 1888. - Sir, - I beg leave to state that, on the 18th of October last, three examples of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) were observed in a grass-meadow near Penrith. Two of the birds were shot. One of them fell into a Snipe-pool and was eaten by rats [our subsequent search only yielded a few feathers]; the other was safely secured, and within half-an-hour was placed in the hands of my friend Mr. Tandy, a young but zealous ornithologist. The third bird lingered in the neighbourhood until the 22nd, but escaped scatheless. Mr. Tandy's bird proved on dissection to be exceedingly fat; its stomach contained the remains of vegetable substances.

It is in immature plumage. I may add that Mr. Bidwell and other friends [including Mr. H. Seebohm] have examined the specimen, which is the first authenticated example of the species obtained in the northwest of England".

This notice may be supplemented by the remark that Mr. Tandy, being unaware of the rarity of his specimen, proceeded to skin it before I had examined it in the flesh. I saw it, however, while the legs were still quite soft and flexible.

The person who shot this bird was Robert Raine of Edenhall. He at first saw two of the birds running over the grass like Dotterel, and took them for that species in the distance. He then flushed them, when they rose in the air, and, wheeling round, dropped into a neighbouring Snipe-pool. He then flushed them again with a third bird which he had not previously seen, and shot two of the three, but lost one in the water. He had no retriever with him, and, as evening was coming on, he went home with the bird that he had secured, postponing until the morrow the recovery of the second bird, which he would not have done had he been at all aware of its rarity. Mr. Tandy happened to call at his father's house the same evening, and at once recognized that the Sandpiper was unknown to him, and therefore took it home and skinned it for himself. Raine saw the third bird subsequently in the same neighbourhood, but it was too wild to admit of his securing it.'

H. A. Macpherson of Carlisle (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 294, says: 'Mr. Edward Tandy was good enough to give the Museum [Tullie House, Carlisle] the only Cumbrian specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper.'

27). 1889 Orkney Loch of Buness, Westray, adult female, shot, 26th August, now at Ipswich Museum (IPSMG 1918.60.130).

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1889: 452-453; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1890: 77, corr.; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1985; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. pp. 452-453, says: 'On the 28th August I received a freshly skinned example of the Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, Vieillot, together with the body, for dissection, from Mr. F. Menteith Ogilvie, and as this species is of rare occurrence in the British Islands the following particulars of its capture, kindly furnished by Mr. Ogilvie, will be of interest: - "This bird was secured when Snipe-shooting round the edge of a loch in Westray, Orkney, Aug. 26th, 1887, strong W.N.W. breeze week before. It rose in company with two or three full Snipe, without calling, and I imagined it was a Jack Snipe which had arrived earlier than usual. I shot at two of the full Snipe, missing the second one, and I then became aware that the bird flushed with the Snipe was calling a note which I did not recognise; it seemed to be a short double note, or perhaps a single one repeated twice in quick succession. I watched the bird, and after a long flight it pitched straight down, as Snipe will generally do, into the rushes at the east end of the loch. I walked round, but finding the ground extremely boggy, took of my boots and stockings, and struggled along as well as I could, often sinking over my knees in the soft mud, towards the spot where I had marked it down. The "going" grew worse at every step, and just as I was about to turn back, fairly beaten, the bird rose behind me, and but for its curious call would have escaped. As it was, I could only turn round with the greatest difficulty, owing to both my legs being firmly embedded in the mud, but a rather lucky shot brought it down, and without much further trouble it was brought to bag.

The bird was thin and in poor condition; unfortunately I was unable to weigh it, as the only obtainable scales had no weight under a ¼ lb. I took the following measurements: - length from tip of bill to end of tail, 9-9⅛ in., and from carpal joint to end of longest primary, 5¼ in.; irides very dark brown; legs and toes yellowish green, rather more yellow than green. I send you a sketch, showing colour a few hours after death, and the body of bird for dissection".

In plumage the bird appeared to be adult, having the arrow-pointed markings on the breast feathers, the principal distinction between the adult and immature of this species (see Yarrell, 4th ed., Vol. III. p. 372). The tail consists of twelve feathers, the two centre ones extending about a quarter of an inch beyond the others. The legs, as stated by Mr. Ogilvie, were decidedly yellowish green, which differs from Mr. Saunders's description, who states these parts to be yellowish brown.

The bird, on dissection, proved to be a female, the ovary containing a large number of minute eggs. The stomach contained remains of small Coleoptera and grit.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1890) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIV. p. 77, says: 'In my note on the Pectoral Sandpiper, see The Zoologist for December last (p. 452), there occurs a misprint in the date. For "Aug. 26th, 1887", read "Aug. 26th, 1889.'

Accepted locally by Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 214-215) who add: '...the bird was identified by Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., who also came to the conclusion it was an adult female. The body has been preserved in spirits.'

28). 1890 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, three immatures: male, shot, 10th September, male and female, shot, 12th September.

(E. A. Butler, Field 18th Oct., 1890: 599; E. A. Butler, Ibis 1891: 149; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1891: 136; A. Patterson & B. Dye, Zoologist 1891: 316; T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 203-204; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History E. A. Butler of Herringfleet Hall, Lowestoft (1890) in The Field of 18th Oct., Vol. LXXVI. p. 599, says: 'Two beautiful specimens of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata, Vieill.) were shot about three weeks ago on Breydon Water, near Yarmouth, and have been nicely mounted by Mr. Lowne, of that town. Strange to say, the first authenticated specimen previously recorded from the British Isles was shot in October, 1830, on the same piece of water.'

E. A. Butler of Herringfleet Hall, Lowestoft (1891) in The Ibis, Vol. XXXIII. p. 149, dated 21st October, 1890, says: 'On the 11th of September last a Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) was shot on Breydon Water, Great Yarmouth, by a tourist, who forwarded it in the flesh to Mr. Southwell for identification, through an amateur birdstuffer. On the 12th Sept. two more were shot in the same locality, on the marshes adjoining Breydon, by Mr. F. Smith, but one of them, being only wounded, was not recovered till the following day.

All three specimens are in immature plumage. The last two proved on dissection to be a male and female, which were nicely mounted by Mr. Lowne, naturalist, Yarmouth, in whose shop I saw them shortly after they were killed.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 136, says: 'A Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, Vieillot, was shot at Yarmouth on September 10th, respecting which, and two others subsequently, Mr. Southwell has sent the following note: - "On the 10th Sept. Mr. B. Dye, of Yarmouth, sent me, for determination of species, a Pectoral Sandpiper which had been killed on Breydon the same morning. It proved, on dissection, to be a male, the striated markings on the throat and chest and the wing-coverts broadly margined with chestnut seeming to indicate immaturity. On the 13th of the same month Mr. Lowne, of Yarmouth, was kind enough to inform me that he had received two other specimens of this bird, which were seen together, on the 12th, on a marsh between the North River and Breydon; one was killed and the other wounded, and found the next day near the same spot still alive. I examined these at Mr. Lowne's shop a few days after, and found them in the same state of plumage as Mr. Dye's specimen, and was informed that they had proved by dissection to be a male and female. The first mentioned example is in Mr. Dye's collection, and the two others were purchased by Mr. Bellin, for whom they were set up by Mr. Lowne".'

A. Patterson & B. Dye (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 316, says: 'During the shooting season of 1890-91 the following birds have been shot or seen in the vicinity of Great Yarmouth: Three Pectoral Sandpipers on Sept. 10th, 12th, and 13th.'

Thomas Southwell (1889-94) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. pp. 203-204, read 24th February 1891, says: 'In September of the past year, three others (making eight in all) [for Norfolk] were killed near the same spot [near Yarmouth]. The first was shot on the 9th September, 1889, and the other two on 12th and 13th of the same month. Through the kindness of Mr. B. Dye and Mr. Lowne, I had the opportunity of examining these three birds, the first in the flesh and the other two shortly after they were set up. On comparing these with each other, and with two specimens in the Norwich Museum, I was much struck by the great disparity in size, and this was not characteristic of age or sex. Mr. Stevenson's bird [1865 Norfolk, which turned out to be a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper], which showed greater signs of maturity than either of the other Norfolk specimens, measured in the flesh 200 mm. in total length, whilst two immature examples, the first a male, and the second a female, measured 227 mm. and 221 mm. respectively.'

Dutt (1901: 73-74) on a visit to Arthur Patterson at his houseboat Moorhen in late August 1899, says: 'After breakfast we walked across the marshes to the banks of the Bure, arriving, after an hour's easy strolling, at Mautby Swim, where lives Fred Smith, an intelligent millman who is also an enthusiastic sportsman and observer of wild life. Although still only a young man, he can boast of having shot no less than nine Spoonbills. One of these is said to be the finest specimen ever procured in England; and judging from an excellent photograph in Smith's possession, I should say there are grounds for the assertion.

In addition to a stuffed Kingfisher, which unfortunately is too common a feature of the marshman's home, the millman pointed out to me a white-tailed starling and a handsome Merlin. Among the rare birds which have fallen to him of late years were a Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhynca) only about half a dozen of which species have been taken in England, and four of these on Breydon; and a Pectoral Sandpiper (Heteropygia maculata) an American species.

About two months before the date of my visit he had seen a Roller (Coracias garrulus) at Mautby.'

Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 349) who adds: '...male, Breydon, 10th September 1890 (two on Norfolk side about the same time).'

Comment Two on Norfolk side of Breydon at Mautby Mill and one in Suffolk.

31). 1891 Yorkshire Bridlington, shot, 15th August.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 608) says: 'At Bridlington one was shot on 15th August 1891, and has been submitted to me for examination by its owner, Mr. S. Smith, of York.'

32). 1891 Isles of Scilly Tresco, obtained, September.

(Anon., Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888-92: 294; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267).

History In an Editorial (1888-92) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, new series, Vol. II. p. 294, it says: 'Mr. T. A. Dorrien-Smith has during the past year shot or observed at Tresco, Scilly, a Pectoral Sandpiper.'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 339, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: '...the last recorded specimen by Dorrien-Smith in September, 1891.

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Ten are recorded in place of four mentioned in the Manual. The last was shot by Captain Dorrien-Smith in September, 1891 (J. Clark and F. R. Rodd, t. c. 1906, p. 339).'

33). 1897 Norfolk Breydon Water, adult female, shot, 18th August.

(J. L. Newman, Zoologist 1898: 25; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History J. L. Newman of Cambridge (1898) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. II. p. 25, says: 'While punting on Breydon, Norfolk, on Aug. 18th, 1897, with my brother, we procured a female Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata). It was near the mouth of the large dyke known as the "Ship Run", and was in company with some Ring Plovers and Dunlin. The whole flock rose, and we killed several. The sandpiper remained on the flats alone, and on being flushed flew very fast and low, making no noise whatever, and was secured by my brother. It is an adult female, and shows the arrow pencillings on the breast. In measurement it is slightly less than the Caister specimen in the Norwich Museum. Through the kindness of Prof. Newton I have been able to compare it with a set of skins, both of T. maculata and T. acuminata, and am convinced that my bird belongs to the American race.'

Accepted erroneously for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

Comment "Ship Run" is on the northern side of Breydon Water.

34). 1897 Yorkshire Easington, obtained, 28th September.

(J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 23: 352; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1897) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIII. p. 352, dated 23rd October, 1897, says: 'A very fine adult male of Tringa maculata Vieill., in summer plumage, was shot by a coastguard on September 28th at Easington, Holderness, from a pond on the fitties at the Humber side. It was alone at the time. This bird was seen an hour after it was shot by Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke, Mr. Howard Saunders, and myself. It has been set up by Mr. Philip Loten, of Easington, and presented to the Edinburgh Museum by Mr. Clarke. The Pectoral Sandpiper figured in Lord Lilford's Illustrations of British Birds, was a Yorkshire specimen shot near the same place on Oct. 2nd, 1888. This American sandpiper is in all probability a more frequent visitor to this country in the autumn than is generally supposed, easily escaping observation when in company with Dunlin or other small waders.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 608) adds: '...The irides were dark coloured, and the legs and feet ochreous yellow. This individual is now in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

35). 1900 Norfolk Breydon Water, seen, 29th July.

(A. H. Patterson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 180; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History A. H. Patterson (1901) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 180, says: 'On the 29th July I saw a solitary Sandpiper actively feeding in a corner of the rond a few paces from my house-boat. I have little hesitation in describing it as a Pectoral Sandpiper.'

Accepted erroneously for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

Comment Locality is on the northern side of Breydon Water.

36). 1900 Suffolk Thorpe Mere, Aldeburgh, shot, 13th September.

(E. C. Arnold, Zoologist 1900: 521; J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1900: 557-558; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267; Ticehurst, 1932).

History E. C. Arnold of Winchester (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 521, says: 'I bagged a Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) at Aldeburgh on Sept. 13th. I flushed it from a tussock in the Thorpe mere. It looked darker and a bit larger than a Dunlin, uttered a somewhat harsh double note, and flew more like a Snipe. The wind was north-east at the time.'

The first, shot by the late Mr. N. F. Hele in Thorpe Mere, on Oct. 5th, 1870, is now in the Hele Collection in the Ipswich Museum; the second was shot by myself not far from Thorpe Haven, Sept. 14th, 1892, and is still preserved in our collection here; the third was shot by Mr. C. Clarke, of Aldeburgh, in what we used to call the "First Mere", Nov. 8th, 1883, but I am unable to say in whose possession it now is.

Our specimen was obtained quite by chance; three birds flew low over the mere within a long shot of me, and I fired at them, thinking them to be Curlew Sandpipers. A good many years have passed since then, but I well remember the intense delight with which I recognized my prize. It is just possible that Mr. Arnold's bird may prove to be the Siberian Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa acuminata), of which two specimens have been obtained in Norfolk (Zool., 1892, pp. 356, 405).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899' and locally (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

37). 1904 Suffolk Southwold, shot, 2nd September.

(J. Cooper, Field 10th Sept., 1904: 408; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1905: 96; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267; Ticehurst, 1932).

History John Cooper of London (1904) in The Field of 10th Sept., Vol. CIV. p. 408, says: 'It may be of interest to some of your readers to know that on Sept. 3 I received from Mr. Gowing, at Southwold, for preservation, a very nice specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper, which he shot here on the previous day.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 96, quotes from The Field.

H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', placing the record in square brackets, say: 'A "Pectoral Sandpiper" was reported in The Field to have been shot at Southwold on September 2nd, 1904 (J. H. Gurney, i.e., 1905, p. 96).'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 349).

38). 1906 Cornwall Porthgwarra, male, exhausted, killed, 30th April.

(J. Clark, Zoologist 1907: 286; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 17: 133; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 267; Penhallurick, 1969).

History J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. p. 133, under 'American Birds in Cornwall', says: 'On the 30th of April, 1906, a male, in a most emaciated condition, was killed at Porthgwarra, and was sent in the flesh to the writer for identification.'

39). 1907 Sussex The Crumbles, shot, 21st September.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 21: 28; E. C. Arnold, British Birds 1: 230; E. C. Arnold, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 192; E. C. Arnold, Zoologist 1909: 69; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1907) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club, Vol. XXI. p. 28, at the 136th Meeting of the Club held on 20th November 1907 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. H. F. Witherby exhibited, on behalf of Mr. E. C. Arnold, a specimen of the American Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata). Mr. Arnold was in company with Mr. L. E. Dennys, on the Crumbles, near Eastbourne, on the 21st of September, when the bird rose from some shingle and was shot by the latter gentleman.'

E. C. Arnold (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 230, says: 'On September 21st last I was on the Crumbles, near Eastbourne, in company with Mr. L. E. Dennys, when a bird rose from some shingle and uttered a low note. I called to Mr. Dennys to shoot, and he secured what proved to be a specimen of the American Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata). The legs were greenish-yellow, and there was a little of the same colour at the base of the lower mandible. The bird was exhibited on my behalf by Mr. H. F. Witherby at the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club held on November 20th last.'

E. C. Arnold (1908) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 192, says: '1907. September 21st - Wind S.E. Mr. L. E. Dennys who was shooting with me put up a dark wader, with a strange note. I called out to him to shoot and he knocked over a Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, which was identified by Mr. H. F. Witherby and exhibited at a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on November 20th, 1907.'

E. C. Arnold (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 69, says: '1907. Sept. 21st. There were various small waders, including two Little Stint and two Curlew- Sandpipers, amongst the pots. L. E. Dennys and I put them up, and one dark bird stayed behind. This he subsequently shot, and it proved to be a Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata).

I have now seen this bird three times at least in England, the first time being at Aldeburgh on Sept. 13th, 1900, and the last at Cley several times during September, 1908. In addition, I rather think one passed me in January, 1907, at Pegwell Bay, and Dennys feels sure he saw one at Budleigh Salterton, in August, 1908.

I believe it is commoner than is generally supposed, but it is overlooked owing to its silent habits. Its note is a very low "chup", seldom uttered. It is distinctly larger and darker than a Dunlin, and, though it consorts with these latter on the sands, it generally separates when it rises. Through glasses it looks more like a Green Sandpiper with a dark piece on the upper breast. The Aldeburgh bird flew very like a Snipe.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 171) adds: '...fell to the gun of Captain L. E. Dennys, then, however, an inmate of Eastbourne College.'

40). 1908 Kent Romney Marsh, seen, 14th and 21st July.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 187; M. J. Nicoll, British Birds 2: 205-206; Ticehurst, 1909; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History E. N. Bloomfield (1908) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 187, says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst has most kindly sent me a long list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which Mr. Butterfield has added some notes. In the neighbouring districts - Tringa maculata, Vieill., Pectoral Sandpiper, one seen by the Duchess of Bedford on the Kentish coast.'

M. J. Nicoll (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. pp. 205-206, says: 'A Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) frequented a piece of marshy ground in Kent for several days during July, 1908. This bird was first noticed by the Duchess of Bedford and myself on July 14th. It was very shy, but by careful stalking I obtained a very good view of it through binoculars at about twenty yards' distance. Owing to the somewhat worn appearance of the plumage I take it to have been an adult bird. Its flight was somewhat peculiar, and reminded one of the "soaring" breeding flight of a male Redshank. Her Grace informs me that this bird was still in the same place on July 21st.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 457).

41). 1908 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 7th and 17th September.

(E. C. Arnold, British Birds 2: 206; E. C. Arnold, Zoologist 1908: 393; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1909: 129; Pashley, 1925).

History E. C. Arnold (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 206, says: 'At Cley, between September 1st and 17th, 1908, I repeatedly saw a bird which I judged to be the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata). The first time it got up it uttered the note which I remembered hearing at Aldeburgh, some years ago - a double chirp. I watched it once through glasses at about twenty yards, and thought I made out the pectoral band. It was often with Dunlins, and I could always pick it out by its superior size, but for many days it escaped the notice of the other frequenters of the estuary, mainly, I think, because it uttered its note very seldom, and the note when uttered was so low. It was the last wader I saw before I left the place.'

E. C. Arnold of Eastbourne College (1908) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XII. p. 393, says: 'I am almost sure that we saw a Pectoral Sandpiper several times between the 1st and the 17th. I could always separate it at a glance from a flock of Dunlin, and watched it once through glasses at about twenty yards.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 129, says: 'September 7th. N.W., 1. Mr. E. C. Arnold notes a migration of...a Pectoral Sandpiper, which he saw at intervals up to the 17th.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1908. September 1st-8th. Pectoral Sandpiper seen by Mr. Arnold (has never been taken at Cley)....The Danish artist Mr. Grønvold came for a few days. He is a very keen collector and mounts his specimens beautifully; he worked in my shop during his stay.'

42). 1921 Northumberland Holy Island, shot, 10th October.

(W. G. Watson, British Birds 15: 239; Galloway & Meek, 1980).

History W. G. Watson (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 239, says: 'One was shot on October 10th, 1921.'

43). 1925 Suffolk Blythburgh Fen, seen, 6th September.

(Ticehurst, 1932; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 26: 281).

History Ticehurst (1932: 349) says: 'On 6th September 1925, Mr. F. C. Cook and myself had a splendid view of one on Blythburgh Fen, at close range, as it fed round a splash in boggy ground in company with young Dunlin and Curlew Sandpipers. The redder upper parts, shorter bill and yellow-brown legs as compared with its associates, at once attracted my attention to it. Numbers of waders were "in" that day and we saw no less than eight species on these pools.'

H. F. Witherby (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 281, in a Review of C. B. Ticehurst's A History of the Birds of Suffolk, says: 'A Pectoral Sandpiper is noted as having been clearly identified by the author and Mr. F. C. Cook on September 6th, 1925, at Blythburgh Fen.'

44). 1928 Caithness Dunnet Head, adult female, shot, 3rd September.

(C. B. Ticehurst, Scottish Naturalist 48: 168; Eds., British Birds 23: 44; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 49: 112; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Thom, 1986).

History Claud B. Ticehurst (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 168, says: 'On 5th September I received from Mrs. Wathen a Pectoral Sandpiper (Erolia maculata) with a note saying that her son Mr. G. Wathen had shot it in a snipe bog at Dunnet Head on 3rd September. The bog was situated about a mile from the sea. The bird, which was rather decomposed on arrival, was not too far gone for preservation and was an adult female which had moulted some of its body feathers, and there was still a trace of the incubation patches to be made out. It appears to be the fourth record for Scotland.'

In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 44, they say: 'Caithness. - Dr. C. B. Ticehurst records (Scot. Nat., 1928, p. 168) that an adult female Calidris maculata, sent to him in the flesh, was shot by Mr. M. G. Wathen in a Snipe bog at Dunnet Head on September 3rd, 1928.

This is the fourth Pectoral Sandpiper recorded from Scotland. The three previous examples were stated to be the American bird, but as the distinctions between C. maculata and C. acuminata were formerly not fully understood, it would seem advisable that all old specimens of Pectoral Sandpipers should be critically re-examined. The Orkney example, for instance, is stated by the late T. E. Gunn (Zool., 1889, p. 452) to have had "arrow-pointed" markings on the breast, which rather indicates the Siberian species. The shape of the tail, which is the most important character, is not, however, described in sufficient detail to make the identification clear.'

Admitted nationally by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1929) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIX. p. 112, in the annual report for 1928.

45). 1935 Kent Cottington Court, Deal, two, 25th August.

(Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History Harrison (1953 (1): 380-381) says: 'T. C. Gregory, who has a wide experience of all the common waders, informs me (verbatim) that he saw a Pectoral Sandpiper on more than one occasion at Cottington Court in east Kent. On 25th August 1935 he saw two.'

47). 1935 Dorset Swineham Point, Poole Harbour, seen, 22nd September.

(K. B. Rooke, British Birds 29: 217; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 57: 98; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History K. B. Rooke (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 217, says: 'On September 22nd, 1935, I was able to watch an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) in Poole Harbour. It was feeding on the swampy salt-marsh between the mouths of the rivers Wareham and Frome, known as Swineham Point. The following is a summary of the most important field characters noted; most of these observations were made at a distance of only a few yards through 6x binoculars: -

Size. - Same as, or slightly larger, than a Dunlin - no direct comparison available. Legs. - Yellow, but of a rather dull hue. This was what first aroused my interest in the bird, and I made absolutely certain of it. Bill. - Dark or black, slightly, but quite distinctly, decurved.

Plumage. - Heavy dark streaks on breast contrasting with white abdomen. Crown rather dark, tinged reddish. Back and mantle fairly dark, the majority of the feathers with black centres and edged buffy or whitish. Eyestripe not particularly pronounced. In flight there was no very distinct wing-bar; there were, however, some ill-defined lightish patches on the wing. The most noticeable flight-character was a dark line down the rump, upper tail-coverts and tail, bordered by a pale or white patch on either side. The length of the central tail-feathers was not noticed, as I had no idea at the time what bird I was looking at and did not know what special characters to look for.

Note. - In flight it uttered, at short intervals, a call which I found very hard to put on paper. Totally inadequately, as I was aware at the time, I wrote it as "tch-wee".

Habits. - Rather Snipe-like in some ways. It would creep behind tufts of rushes in a stealthy manner to try and escape observation, and I strongly suspect it actually crouched and hid, after running a short distance, for on one occasion, though I marked it down to an exact spot only twenty yards from me, it was over five minutes before I saw it again. In spite of this rather Snipe-like secretiveness it was reluctant to take wing and allowed of approach to within four or five yards, sometimes continuing to feed unconcernedly. Once it stopped feeding to bathe in a pool of muddy salt water. Next day the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain and I searched in vain for it in the same place. This is the first recorded occurrence in Dorset. The great gale of September 16th-17th was probably the reason for its appearance.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1936) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LVII. p. 98, in the Annual Report for 1935.

48). 1935 Avon Barrow Gurney Reservoir, Somerset, seen, 28th September to 3rd October.

(H. Tetley, British Birds 29: 183; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1935: 29, B. W. Tucker, Report on Somerset Birds 1935: 39-41).

History H. Tetley (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. pp. 183-185, says: 'At No. 1 reservoir, Barrow Gurney, North Somerset, there were, on September 28th, 1935, three waders among a large flock of Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and Black-headed Gulls (Larus r. ridibundus). One was a Reeve (Philomachus pugnax), the second was a Knot (Tringa c. canutus) and the third eventually turned out to be an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos).

The Knot had gone by the following day but the Reeve remained until September 30th, while the Sandpiper was seen on every day up to and including October 3rd. It was first observed by S. H. G. Barnett, J. H. Savory and Mr. and Mrs. Tetley, on the 29th by H. H. Davis, on the 30th by the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt and the writer, on October 1st by W. B. Alexander, B. W. Tucker, W. M. M. Chapman and the writer, on October 2nd by W. R. Taylor, and on October 3rd by A. C. Leach.

There could be no doubt that it was always the same bird as it was lame in the right leg and was continually hopping on the other. It was therefore rather difficult to judge its normal action when feeding. Compared with the Reeve, with which it was closely associated, it was conspicuously smaller, but seemed larger than a Dunlin (Calidris alpina). Its bill was dark, and about the same size as that of the latter bird and was slightly bent down. The legs at any distance seemed dark, but Mr. Taylor, on getting to within about eight yards' range, found that while the injured leg was wholly dark the upper part of the uninjured one was a pale yellow.

The bird was feeding on muddy sand so the legs may have been partly covered in mud. The most striking features of the bird's plumage were the dark head distinct from the light neck, and a light stripe, much more conspicuous when seen at an angle, above the eye, the very dark back, rump and tail, the feathers of the back being fringed with brown or rufous and forming a very distinct longitudinal buff line which, in contrast with the dark colour, gave a very Snipe-like appearance to the bird when seen from above. The edge of the scapulars or wing-coverts also formed another buff line going across the wing when closed. The coverts were very mottled with large dark centres and buff fringes to the feathers, and under the wing was white. Mr. Taylor noted that the centre of the tail was black and pointed and the rest of it much lighter. Beneath, the chin was white, the breast was markedly streaked, and there was a very clear line of demarcation between this and the rest of the underparts, which were white. There was a dusky patch on the flank under the wing. The flight, when the bird first went off, was strong and zigzag, but on the approach of a hawk, as Mr. Taylor saw, "it flew over the water this way and that, and up and down, exactly like a Tern". The primaries were dusky with lighter edges, and the back, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail were dark in flight. The call-note was a sharp double "Trrit-trrit".

The bird was very tame and on two occasions Mr. Blathwayt and Mr. Taylor each approached it in the open up to about six or eight yards, and on the former occasion it was difficult to put the bird up in order to hear its call. It was hoped to get a photograph of it but unfortunately more water had come into the reservoir thus flooding the mud on which it was feeding and the bird was not seen. The above details showed that the bird was a Pectoral Sandpiper and a comparison of skins that it was the American (C. melanotos) and not the Siberian or Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (C. acuminata), as in the latter at this time of year there is no sharp line of demarcation on the underparts, the two blending much more gradually into each other.

This is the first record for Somerset. The weather, previous to September 28th, had been in part very stormy. There was a great gale from the west or south-west on the night of September 16th-17th, and a heavy thunderstorm in the Bristol district in the early morning of the 22nd, and it may be that it was one of these events that caused the appearance of the bird.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1935) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 29, adds: 'This is the first record for Somerset.' Further, pp. 39-41, there is a fuller story.

49). 1936 Kent Cottington Court, Deal, 12th July to 18th August.

(Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History Harrison (1953 (1): 380-381) says: 'T. C. Gregory, who has a wide experience of all the common waders, informs me (verbatim) that he saw a Pectoral Sandpiper on more than one occasion at Cottington Court in east Kent....The following year [1936] he saw another on 12th July and on and off up to 18th August.'

50). 1937 Kent Cottington Court, Deal, 10th August.

(Harrison, 1953).

51). 1937 Cheshire & Wirral Nantwich, seen, 13th September.

(A. W. Boyd, British Birds 31: 237-238; Hedley-Bell, 1962).

History A. W. Boyd (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 237-238, says: 'On September 13th, 1937, Mr. W. B. Alexander and I visited a small mere near Nantwich in south Cheshire. The water level was low and on the muddy margin of the mere a Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris testacea) and an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), a bird previously unrecorded for Cheshire, were feeding together. They flew across the mere and then allowed us to approach within a few yards. In fact, the Curlew Sandpiper went to sleep while I was watching them through a telescope at ten yards distance. The Pectoral Sandpiper was bulkier and perhaps just a shade larger than the Curlew Sandpiper.

The following is a description of its plumage, every detail of which was seen closely: Head and neck dark and streaked; crown with a rufous tinge; pale eye-stripes and parallel with the eye-stripes two tiny pale lines on the crown. Bill black or very dark; slightly decurved and perhaps not quite so long comparatively as a Dunlin's. Iris dark. Breast thickly streaked with fine grey lines which ended abruptly to form a line cutting off breast from pure white belly; these lines extended for a short way on either flank beyond this line of demarcation. Back and wings: feathers dark with pale margins - rather like a hen Pheasant's; across scapulars two pale V's not unlike those on a Little Stint, but less distinct and not so white. Rump and central tail-feathers black or very dark; white patches on either side of the tail; central tail-feathers long and protruding; side tail-feathers paler and much fanned in flight. The central tail-feathers when seen closely through a telescope proved to have reddish-chestnut edges. Legs dirty yellow.

An examination of skins in the Dresser Collection put the identification (of which Mr. Alexander was already confident) beyond any doubt. In the skins of the Siberian Pectoral Sandpiper (C. acuminata) many of the breast-markings differed from those of C. melanotos in being V-shaped, whereas the markings on the breast of the American species were single lines running parallel and close together. When they are seen side by side the differences between the two species are fully apparent.'

52). 1940 Northamptonshire Ecton Sewage-farm, seen, 1st to 2nd September.

(B. W. Tucker, British Birds 34: 182-183).

History B. W. Tucker (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIV. pp. 182-183, says: 'On September 1st, 1940, in company with Messrs. W. B. Alexander, J. Barrington and J. K. Adams at a locality in Northamptonshire, I had a hurried view of a wader which pitched for a few moments and then flew away again uttering several times a distinctive gruff note. It was clearly no European species and I felt sure that the note was much, if not quite, the same as I had heard from an American Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos in Somerset in 1935 (cf. antea, Vol. XXIX. p. 183), a conclusion with which the quite inadequate view I had had of it was at least not inconsistent, so far as it went. We had seen approximately where the bird pitched, but failed completely to find it again.

The next day I was fortunately able to revisit the locality in company with Misses K. L. Price and P. K. Armitage. We found the bird on the same patch of mud and again it rose almost at once, but not before I had seen it well enough for practically certain identification. It must I think, have been sheltering amongst or behind rank grass, for it suddenly appeared just as we had decided it was not there.

Once more we failed to find it where it appeared to pitch and it seems very probable that it was again sheltering amongst vegetation, for American observers have recorded that the species has this habit and Mr. K. B. Rooke (loc. cit., p. 218) noticed it in the case of a bird seen in Dorset in the same autumn as the Somerset one. It was only after some hours, when we had almost given it up, that we found our bird again and were able to watch it for some 20 minutes or so at a range and in a light which could hardly have been more satisfactory.

In plumage it was so nearly identical with the Somerset example, which I described in detail in the Report on Somerset Birds for 1935 (p. 39) and was also described in this Journal by Mr. Tetley (reference above), that it would be pointless to repeat the description, but it may be mentioned that the streaked gorget sharply defined against the white under-parts, which marked the bird as C. melanotos and not the Siberian Pectoral Sandpiper C. acuminata, was very well seen. At close quarters this character was striking, but at longer range was not particularly evident. It is curious that J. T. Nichols, an excellent American observer who wrote the "field-characters" of this species for the Practical Handbook, described it as a stocky, short-necked bird, for the present example, as well as the Somerset one, conveyed precisely the reverse impression.

It was a rather slightly built, graceful bird with the neck appearing rather slender and longer than in the common European members of the same genus, and it may be observed that W. Rowan, who is familiar with the species in Canada, has noted the habit of stretching the neck up as characteristic. The legs could not be described as definitely yellow; they appeared of a rather nondescript colour, a kind of light yellowish-greyish. It fed by quick pecks at the mud or water and never probed at all deeply while we observed it. The flight did not differ from that of related waders, but the call in flight was very characteristic. The note which I heard from the Somerset bird I rendered as "tirrp-tirrp"; that which was used repeatedly by the present example I should reproduce as "trruk-trruk", a curious low-pitched, gruff call.

This is quite in conformity with Nichols's description of the typical note which I have quoted in The Handbook. I did not remark this peculiar gruff quality in the case of the Somerset bird, but I only heard that bird call once or twice and as others have actually described its note as "sharp", it seems likely that it was using a higher pitched variant, though there was enough similarity for the note of the present example to recall my previous impression at once. It is of interest that the present occurrence is easily the farthest inland that has been recorded in the British Isles. Indeed, it is the first record from an entirely inland county, though it is true that the species has been met with well inland in Cheshire, which has only a small seaboard, and in any case counties are artificial units.'

53). 1943 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, 12th and 16th September.

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

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

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

Comment The other two waders were a Dowitcher sp., and a Lesser Yellowlegs.

54). 1944 Berkshire Slough Sewage-farm, seen, 1st August.

(A. D. Cruickshank, British Birds 38: 138-139; B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 33).

History A. D. Cruickshank (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 138-139, says: 'On 1st August 1944, in company with Mr. T. Bispham, of Wembley, and Thomas Smith of the US Army, I saw what was undoubtedly a Pectoral Sandpiper at the sewage-farm near Slough. We were looking over some waders when this bird came flying past. As soon as I heard the note I said that it sounded just like an American Pectoral Sandpiper. Moreover, as the bird wheeled around us and I checked its shape, size, darkness of the central tail feathers and rump, and the sharp demarcation between the dark streaked breast and whitish underparts I repeated several times that the bird looked exactly like our American Pectoral Sandpiper. I have carefully checked every European species and I can see none that might be confused with this one. For twenty years I have studied birds in the United States, where the Pectoral Sandpiper is a common transient. No experienced observer in our region considers it a difficult trick to identify this species in flight, especially when it gives its diagnostic note. I realize that there is always a possibility of error in a sight identification, yet I cannot help feeling certain that the bird we saw on that day was a very familiar species that had strayed to England.'

B. W. Tucker (1944) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 33, quotes from the above.

55). 1947 Somerset Porlock Marsh, seen, intermittently, 6th September to 14th October.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1947: 21; J. A. Nelder, British Birds 41: 220-221; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1947: 48; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 45; Somerset Orn. Soc., 1988).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1947) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 21, says: 'One at Porlock Marsh from Sept. 6 to Oct. 13 was identified by several different observers (see note to be published in British Birds). Very careful identification was made, and full details of plumage noted (A.V.C. & H.J.C.).'

J. A. Nelder (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. pp. 220-221, says: 'On September 6th, 1947, while walking across part of Porlock Marsh, Somerset, I noticed an unfamiliar wader consorting with a Dunlin (Calidris alpina). The light was poor, but I was able to note the most striking characteristics, and on reference to The Handbook I suspected that it might be an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos). On September 7th, assisted by A. V. Cornish and E. W. Hendy, I was able to confirm this after three hours' observation at ranges down to 12 feet.

The following description was noted: - Bill appeared black, but possibly mud-encrusted, slightly lighter at base, slightly decurved; crown brown-black, slightly striated, bordered on each side by buffish-white stripe; back showed pronounced stripy effect when bird bent down while facing observer, stripes being caused chiefly by two fine whitish lines along each side, general colour sepia; the closed wing showed outer primaries nearly black and inner ones with a rufous tinge; wing (spread on ground): secondaries dark brown, fine whitish line bisecting wing laterally; tail (seen on ground) with dark centre feathers bordered by lighter greyish feathers; chin white; breast buff, evenly streaked with grey or grey-brown ending abruptly; under-parts and under tail-coverts white, under-wing (in flight) white or grey-white; legs yellow or greenish-yellow. The bird was longer in the leg than the Dunlin but otherwise only very slightly larger. The flight was snipe-like, but not so erratic; the bird never "towered" and settled again rapidly, probably because of its general tameness. It had two quite distinct stances; one was a hunched position in which it could easily be passed over for a Dunlin in a cursory inspection, the other, which it assumed several times while under observation, was quite different. The neck was raised and extended and the legs straightened; the bird then looked, in shape, like a miniature Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) in winter plumage. The bird was solitary, not associating, except by accident, with other waders; it was less active than most Dunlins, sometimes standing for a minute or two motionless.

On at least two occasions, when it rose without being flushed, no note was heard. The note on rising was a hoarse, sibilant "tweet-tweet" once or more repeated; a faint squawk was heard once when the bird was on the ground. I saw it again on September 8th and 9th (when it was also seen by A. V. Cornish and H. J. Craske), and on a dozen or more occasions during the succeeding month. It was last seen (by E. W. Hendy) on October 14th, 1947.

I might add that the marsh throughout the period was extremely dry and the bird frequented a mud flat left by the retreating water.'

M. Brooks-King (1947) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XX. p. 48, says: 'Porlock Marsh. September 6th, one. Stripy back, grey streaky breast and yellowish legs attracted attention. Identity confirmed on September 7th, with assistance of A.V C. and E.W.H. Remained in area, though disappeared for periods up to nine days, until 14th October, when it was last seen by E.W.H. Very tame, allowing approach up to twelve feet. Did not always call on rising, as stated in The Handbook (J. A. Nelder).'

56.0). 1947 Sussex Thorney Island, seen, 5th to 12th October, when two on last day.

(I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 41: 186-187).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1948) in British Birds 41: 186-187, says: 'Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) at Thorney Island in Sussex, and on the last occasion the spot was visited two of this species were seen. These birds were watched at various times by Messrs. E. A. Blake, G. M. Moll and J. A. Smith, as well as by myself. Once one of them allowed approach to within a few yards for about twenty minutes and I was able to note down the following characteristics.

Legs, possibly rather long in proportion to the size, appeared yellowish-white to greenish-yellow, according to the light. Bill dark brown with yellowish-brown patch at base of lower mandible; shaped rather finely, with a slight but distinct decurved tip. The yellowish patch on the lower mandible was absent in the second bird. Crown dark; sides of face much lighter, with an indistinct white eye-stripe. White beneath chin. Breast buff-coloured, streaked in irregular lines with black, diamond-shaped markings, and very sharply denned from the pure white belly. Mantle and back gave a tortoiseshell effect. Feathers dark, but each one distinctly edged with wide, pale buff border. Tail pale grey with blackish central feathers pointed and projecting beyond the outer ones. Noticeable points in flight. A long, thick black line running down lower back, rump and tail, bordered on the two former by white and on the last by grey. Tail depressed and expanded at start of flight, so that longer central feathers were more noticeable. No markings apparent on the wings in flight. Flight at start was slow and laboured, with a slight zigzag. Once the bird was under way, the action was more rapid and lively and resembled that of a Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus). The voice was a lowish, guttural, two-syllabled "chirrp-chirrp", uttered from two to six times as the bird rose, even if it only new for a yard or so.

It vaguely resembled that of Curlew-Sandpiper (Calidris testacea). The bird was very fond of skulking in the dead sedge, which grew in the small mud-patch which was the only place where the Pectoral Sandpipers were seen. Several times it disappeared under cover as we watched it. It was very tame, allowing approach to within three yards and then only took flight for a few feet. Finally, it had a very marked habit of keeping its neck stretched out - which made it look taller and slimmer and very much like a small Reeve (Philomachus pugnax). Yet the first time I saw it, it appeared dumpy and short-necked. The second bird appeared slightly larger, so that I think it was a male, while the first was a female. In addition, its legs were more of a brownish-yellow. The birds were always alone and always on the same small mud-patch, which is one end of a drain. The last we saw of them was as they flew off over the mud-flats on October 12th. They were not to be found a week later.'

56.1). 1947 Hampshire Near Hayling Island, 12th October; same as one of the individuals in West Sussex.

(Clark & Eyre, 1993).

History Clark & Eyre (1993) state that the first for the county was of one on 12th October 1947 that flew from West Sussex across Emsworth Channel towards Hayling Island.

58). 1948 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, seen, 29th May to 2nd June.

(D. G. Andrew, P. A. J. Ball, R. L. Baxter & J. L. Tasker, British Birds 42: 135-136; A. D. G. Smart, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1948: 28).

History D. G. Andrew, P. A. J. Ball, R. L. Baxter & J. L. Tasker (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 135-136, say 'An American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was present on the Cambridge Sewage-farm from the morning of May 29th to the morning of June 2nd, 1948. It was first seen by D.G.A., whose attention was drawn to it by the unfamiliar combination of size - slightly larger than Dunlin (Calidris alpina) - the absence of any wing-bar, and the pattern of the tail, whose dark centre contrasted with whitish sides. On the following day it was watched by all the undersigned at ranges down to 40 yards. The bird appeared to be in breeding plumage; and the two most striking features were the sharply denned dark bib low down on the breast, and the long, broad, pale superciliary stripe contrasting with the very dark crown and nape, and the dark line to the eye. In build it was slender, especially towards the tail. The legs, which were rather longer than in the Dunlin, were brownish-yellow. In night, which was very strong and often high, it was frequently heard to give a half-trilled "trrupp" often repeated several times. The bird spent most, if not all, of its time in the open, associating with Dunlin, Redshank (Tringa totanus) and Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), and was usually quite as shy as the Redshank. One of its most noticeable habits was that of standing stock-still, with neck stretched out.

This record is not only the first for Cambridgeshire, but it would also appear to be the first in Britain in May or June. The identification was later confirmed by many members of the Cambridge Bird Club.'

A. D. G. Smart (1948) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 28, say: 'One present May 29th to June 2nd (P.E.P. et al.)....'

Comment It was the third spring record, the first being in 1840 in the Isles of Scilly and the second in Cornwall, 1906.

59). 1948 Lothian Aberlady, seen, 10th August.

(A. G. S. Bryson, G. L. Sandeman, J. H. B. Munro, G. Waterston & A. D. Watson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 126-127; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 42: 137; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Thom 1986).

History A. G. S. Bryson, G. L. Sandeman, J. H. B. Munro, G. Waterston & A. D. Watson (1949) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. pp. 126-127, say: 'On 10th August 1948 A. D. Watson noticed an unusual-looking wader in Aberlady Bay, East Lothian, and watched it for several hours. As the bird appeared to be of exceptional interest, he telephoned for reinforcements. A. G. S. Bryson, J. H. B. Munro, G. L. Sandeman and G. Waterston duly arrived, and all had excellent views before the light failed.

Even at low tide it kept to the short grass at the edge of the mudflats, and although it flew out over the estuary when disturbed it quickly returned, and was only once seen to alight on the exposed mud. It stood still or crouched on the grass, even occasionally sitting on the ground and freezing, but on closer approach would run swiftly with neck stretched up and forward like a reeve, showing some reluctance to fly without being as approachable as are many reeves. While feeding among the grass it probed in Dunlin fashion, sometimes with legs very much flexed. It was not seen to feed on the mudflats. It kept very much to itself, so not enabling us to make an exact comparison of size with other waders, but we had the impression that it was perceptibly smaller than a reeve although a little larger than a Dunlin. It was more like a small reeve than anything else, particularly in flight when its slow low wing-beat and the white of the coverts on either side of the base of the tail were noted. It was silent when on the ground, but when flushed it rose with a rather sharp "srreet", and on the wing uttered a weak "treu treu".

The very slightly decurved bill was dark, with paler brownish bases to both mandibles, and seemed relatively shorter and more slender than a Dunlin's. The centre of the crown was dark, an irregular lighter line on either side separating it from dark sides to the crown. Below this was a fairly prominent superciliary stripe. The nape was dark and streaked, the streaks continuing on to the mantle, so that there was no paler area between crown and mantle as in the reeve. The back, mantle, scapulars, and wing coverts were more boldly and less tidily marked than in the reeve; the strongest pattern was made by the dark centres and light creamy-white edges to the longer scapulars, the greater and median coverts showing a like pattern a little less clearly defined; but on the back and mantle the colour was more uniformly dark and the pattern more streaky. Light feather edges tended to form two light lines in the shape of an incomplete V over the upper parts; recalling a little stint. The breast was streaked fairly finely with black or dark grey, these streaks finishing abruptly so as to give the impression of a band contrasting with the whitish underparts. This feature was noticeable and served to remove all possibility of the bird being a small reeve. The legs were also diagnostic. They looked distinctly shorter than those of a reeve, only a little if any longer than those of a Dunlin, and were pale yellow (yellow ochre) in colour.

The American Pectoral Sandpiper has been recorded in Scotland on four previous occasions (Handbook of British Birds), but this is the first recorded occurrence in the Forth area.'

A. G. S. Bryson (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 137, says: 'On August 10th, 1948, an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was found at Aberlady Bay by A. D. Watson and it was seen later in the day by J. H. B. Munro, G. L. Sandeman, G. Waterston and the writer. The bird was thoroughly identified and details have been sent to the Scottish Naturalist.'

60). 1948 Cornwall Camel Estuary, seen, 29th August to 3rd September.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1948: 33; T. J. Willcocks, British Birds 42: 137; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 42: 138; Penhallurick, 1969).

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1948) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 33, with two reports, say: 'On August 29th, I saw a small wader about the size of a Dunlin. I got to within 15 yards and noted that the legs were yellowish and the bill short and almost straight. It was too small to be a Reeve. It had long stripes down the upper breast. The wings were noticeably long in flight, and when folded back the black primaries projected beyond the tail. I put the bird up several times and took particular note of the black-centred tail. The call note was a "trit...trit", altogether different from a Dunlin's. I went straight home and found that the bird tallied with the description in the Handbook in every particular and could be nothing else (T. J. Willcocks). Second report: - "The bird was also seen under good conditions by F.E.C., H.R.K., Mr. E. M. Nicholson and Miss V. Benson. The latter contributes these further details:- Upper parts, strongly marked with brown and black feathers, margined with pale buff or whitish; breast distinctly striated, most boldly at the sides, under parts white, with pale superciliary stripe. The colour of the legs and breast markings ending in a distinct line, were sufficient to distinguish it from the Siberian Pectoral Sandpiper".'

[This is the first record for Cornwall, though the bird has twice been recorded in Scilly. - Eds.]

T. J. Willcocks (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 137, says: 'On August 29th, 1948, in company with Mr. E. F. Pearce, I observed an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) on the Camel Estuary, North Cornwall. As we passed along the salt-marsh by the side of the Amble River channel a smallish wader dropped into the side of the channel. The bird was somewhat larger than a Dunlin (C. alpina), with a shortish bill, blackish except at the gape, where it was lighter. The breast allowed very distinct dark streaks on a buffish ground, forming a distinct "breastplate" with clearly defined borders. The wings were long and when folded reached beyond the tail. The legs were yellow; they appeared to me greenish-yellow, but Mr. Pearce described them as "looking like yellow legs that had got muddy and the mud dried on them".

Both on the first occasion and on our return along the estuary an hour later we put up the bird several times. Each time it called "trit-trit", with a note quite unlike a Dunlin's. We had excellent views at close range of the black-centred tail with very much paler outer tail-feathers, which were either greyish or brownish, with no trace of white. It was very tame and was once observed to catch a mud-worm nearly 2 inches long and take it down to wash at the edge of the water before swallowing. Similar treatment was given to another unidentified invertebrate, and was noted subsequently by other observers. All the particulars given above agree perfectly with Calidris melanotos. The bird was seen at the same place on August 30th by Mrs. Hillier (Miss S. V. Benson) and Mrs. F. E. Carter, who agreed with my identification, and on September 3rd by Mr. E. M. Nicholson and Mrs. H. M. Rait Kerr.'

E. M. Nicholson (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 138, says: 'The bird recorded above was observed for a rather brief period by Mrs. H. Rait Kerr and myself on the late afternoon of September 3rd, when an exceptionally high tide unsettled it and it was not seen again. It alighted on the last remaining bit of its favourite area to be left uncovered by the tide and stood there with little motion for about ten minutes, giving a good side view at about 40 yards range with a 40x telescope and 7x and 8x binoculars in fair light against a background of marsh herbage, but unfortunately it never turned so as to permit the front of the breast to be seen, and after flying off low it was not seen again. The following additional particulars, however, help to confirm the identification. The crown very dark brown; a distinct creamy stripe over the eye; nape finely speckled dark brown on dull earth-brown ground: mantle and wings dull earth-brown with many large blackish and dark brown markings. There was clearly a marked contrast between the buffish upper breast and the white under-parts, but for the reason already given it was not possible to make out details or to decide how sharp the line of demarcation was. Legs ochreous yellow and fairly long, but considerably shorter than a Redshank's.

While we were watching it the bird never relaxed, fed or rested, and with its upstretched neck looked like a small elegant Redshank in form. It was distinctly larger and stood much higher than Dunlins and Ringed Plovers present in the same area. In flight no white marks showed on wings or tail. The flight was rapid and darting, not direct, but not swerving or rocketing in exaggerated style like a Green Sandpiper. The call-note on the wing was a brief double cluttering or chirping call of moderate volume and without unusual emphasis or penetrating quality, with a perceptible pause between the two sounds and definitely unlike the note of any regular British wader. During the time that it was present on the estuary it appears to have been invariably solitary, having nothing to do with other waders present. It was usually busy feeding on the open mud in channels running through the salt-marsh, not frequenting the higher parts on which vegetation is plentiful.'

61). 1948 Sussex Cuckmere Valley, two, seen, 29th August to 1st September.

(J. H. Boswall, D. H. Brown & D. D. Barber, British Birds 42: 141-142; G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948: 22).

History Jeffrey H. Boswall, David H. Brown & D. D. Barber (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 141-142, say: ‘On the morning of August 39th, 1948, we saw an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) by the Old Channel of the River Cuckmere, Sussex. Our attention was first drawn to the bird by a brief view of its distinctive "gorget" and by its call - a hoarse "cheep, cheep" - as it rose.

Later we obtained excellent views of the bird and were able to identify it on the basis of the following features. Size, not very much larger than a large Dunlin (C. alpina) and considerably smaller than a Reeve (Philomachus pugnax). Fortunately a number of Dunlins and a Reeve were seen feeding near the bird on several occasions and thus comparison of size was easy. The upper-parts were streaked blackish and buffish and had a somewhat rufous tinge. The back was darkest in the centre and there was a whitish streak on either side. These streaks appeared as an inverted V when the bird was feeding with its head towards us. Close examination showed that the streaked effect was due to the light margins of the feathers. The crown was more heavily streaked than the rest of the head and there was a narrow buffish superciliary stripe. The neck and breast were covered with dark streaks on a buff background. These markings terminated suddenly, leaving the area sharply contrasted with the pure white belly. The legs were dull yellow with a greenish tinge and were longer than those of a Dunlin.

The bill was dark with a lighter base. It was slightly decurved and relatively shorter than that of a Dunlin. In flight the centre of the tail was seen to be dark and somewhat projecting, giving a pointed effect. When the bird was put up at a short distance the sides of the tail were seen to be light grey, but it was not easy to pick out this feature with certainty at a distance. There was a white line visible on either side of the lower back and rump in flight. In certain lights and from certain angles there was a lightish line visible across the wing, but there was nothing approaching a wing-bar. The flight was rather unusual, especially when the bird first left the ground. Sometimes it was slow and soaring, at others extremely rapid. It tended to twist and turn at first, but later became more direct. It usually landed with a prolonged glide. On the ground the bird stood more erect than a Dunlin, but less so than a Reeve. It often had its neck stretched out and this seemed longer and more slender than that of a Dunlin. On being put up it usually came down again at a short distance, tending to return to the same spot after a short time. On two occasions, however, it rose high and flew off out of sight before returning.

We revisited the area during the afternoon of the same day and then found that a second bird was also present. We had doubtless overlooked this in the morning. One bird was a little larger than the other. The two birds were sometimes seen feeding together, but more often separately. In the morning the bird then seen several times chased away Dunlins which had come too close, and in the afternoon both birds were several times chased by the Reeve when they came near it. About three hours were spent by us watching the birds in the afternoon and on a number of occasions it was possible to get within a few feet of them.

Other observers were informed of the presence of the birds and during the afternoon they were seen by Mrs. M. N. Harber and Messrs. R. T. Brooker, C. M. James, C. St. C. Simmons and B. G. Volk. The birds were seen on August 30th by Mr. G. des Forges and Mr. C. St. C. Simmons and on August 31st by the latter observer. They were last seen by D.H.B. on the evening of September 1st. On September 2nd and subsequent dates they were not found.'

63). 1948 Cheshire & Wirral Altrincham Sewage-farm, seen, 3rd to 12th September.

(P. Foster, British Birds 42: 143; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History P. Foster (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 143, says: 'An American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was observed at Altrincham Sewage Farm on September 3rd, 1948, and remained for over a week, being last seen on' the 12th of the month, and the following details were noted. Length estimated as 7½-8 inches, slightly larger and more slender than neighbouring Dunlins (C. alpina), with legs relatively longer and bill relatively a little shorter and perceptibly decurved at the tip. Crown dark brown narrowly-edged buff, nape light buff with fine dark streaks, mantle and scapulars black-brown with fine whitish and buff tips, broadly edged yellowish buff, forming two broad lines on either side, converging in a V-shaped pattern with apex towards the tail and especially conspicuous when the bird faced the observer and tilted its body to feed. Chin white, a buffish-white stripe above and behind the eye contrasted with the dark crown; throat, face and breast pale buff, finely but profusely streaked dark brown, terminating abruptly on breast, and sharply defined against the white belly. Rump and centre tail-feathers black-brown, outer tail-feathers greyish brown, sides of rump and lateral tail coverts white, showing in sharp contrast to the dark centre as the bird took wing. In flight an ill-defined whitish wing-bar showed against the blackish-brown primaries and secondaries. Bill dark brown, shading to dull greenish at the base; legs and feet dull yellow.

The behaviour was distinct from that of Dunlin; the bird covered a much larger area of ground when feeding, being almost continuously on the move with occasional short pauses, during which the body was held considerably more erect than normally and head up-stretched in a manner recalling that of Ruff. The gait was a fairly brisk walk, with shorter periods of slower, more sedate, progress when feeding, and occasionally running for a short distance at considerable speed. In feeding, it picked from the surface or probed the mud in rapid succession, rarely immersing the beak completely, and turning the body from side to side in a lively energetic fashion. It fed entirely on the mud, not entering the water except to change feeding grounds, keeping mainly to the wetter parts and wandering less frequently to harder ground. It ignored, rather than avoided, Dunlins on the same ground, but tended to avoid some immature Ringed Plover that were intolerant of its close approach and drove it away with some determination. When flushed, it uttered a low husky call "tritt-tritt". The flight was slightly erratic on rising, but soon settled into direct rapid flight similar to that of Dunlin with which it consorted on the wing. During its stay, the bird was seen by a number of observers including A. W. Boyd and W. Ramsden, both of whom have seen the species previously and confirmed its identification.'

64). 1948 Norfolk Salthouse, seen and shot later, 11th to 16th September, photo, now at Cambridge University Museum.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1948: 14, 29, photo; A. H. Daukes, British Birds 42: 138-139, plates 23-25; R. P. Bagnall-Oakeley, British Birds 42: 145-146; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History A. H. Daukes (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 138-139, says: ‘An American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was identified by me at Salthouse, Norfolk, on September 11th, 1948. My attention was first drawn to the bird, which rose with a party of five Dunlins, by its peculiar note and by its larger size. A series of photographs of the bird, taken by Captain R. P. Bagnall-Oakeley and Lieut.-Commander Philip Wayre, accompanies this report and, in view of this, a detailed description is unnecessary, but the following points may be of interest. In flight, the bird resembles a small Reeve with a broad very dark brown line down the back, rump and tail: remainder of back and rump paler brown. Wings brown without any appreciable wing-bar: tail fawny-grey except for the very dark brown, slightly elongated, central feathers: the shape of the tail compared with that of the Siberian Pectoral Sandpiper (C. acuminata), as depicted in The Handbook, was quite evident in flight. Legs yellowish. Bill black or very dark brown, straight and of medium length. Eye black. Breast longitudinally streaked with clearly defined brown markings ending abruptly at the whitish belly and giving the impression of a bib. Rest of under-parts dirty white. Apart from the bib, the most striking feature of the bird is the head, which has a very striped appearance caused by a single very conspicuous broad white stripe over the eyes extending almost to the nape, while on the centre of the crown there is a very dark brown stripe increasing in breadth from the front to the back and separated from the white eye-stripes by paler brown margins; seen from the front this gives the impression of three stripes in addition to the eye-stripes. The neck is long and sinuous. The note is unlike that of any British wader and consists of a triple (usually) "trritt-trritt-trritt" rising, and with the emphasis on the "itt", each "trritt" being clearly separated from the next; the bird occasionally calls from the ground, usually a single "trritt" and the note is then not unlike that of the Curlew-Sandpiper (Calidris testacea). No bobbing was observed.

The bird was invariably to be found in the same place, a boggy grass field largely overgrown with short sea aster and containing a certain number of small shallow freshwater pools. It was observed that while the Dunlin would frequently feed in these pools, the Pectoral Sandpiper practically never did so, seeming to prefer the boggy grassland. The bird was subsequently watched at very close quarters by Lt.-Col. and Mrs. R. F. Meiklejohn, Dr. B. B. Riviere, Miss D. Steinthal, Mr. R. H. Higgins, Mr. R. J. Foster and Mr. W. Bishop. Unfortunately the bird came to an untimely end. A week later another and clearly distinguishable bird was located on Cley marsh and, at the date of writing this report (October 25th), a third bird has put in an appearance.'

C. E. Gay (1948) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 14, says: 'Excitement was caused among visiting ornithologists by a strange wader first seen on September 11th at Salthouse and identified as an American Pectoral Sandpiper. It was feeding on a flooded sea-aster marsh and remained there most of the time for the next days. A second bird of the same species arrived on the Cley marsh on September 19th and was joined by a third bird. They were in different places on that day, but on the following day they were seen together on "Bishop's pool".'

Further, p. 29, C. E. Gay adds: 'On 11th September at Salthouse a bird of this species was identified by Major A. Daukes. The bird was very tame and was seen by a number of visiting ornithologists staying in the neighbourhood.'

65). 1948 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 19th September to 10th October.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1948: 14, 29; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History C. E. Gay (1948) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 14, says: 'Excitement was caused among visiting ornithologists by a strange wader first seen on September 11th at Salthouse and identified as an American Pectoral Sandpiper. It was feeding on a flooded sea-aster marsh and remained there most of the time for the next days. A second bird of the same species arrived on the Cley marsh on September 19th and was joined by a third bird. They were in different places on that day, but on the following day they were seen together on "Bishop's pool".'

Further, p. 29, C. E. Gay adds: 'A second bird arrived on the Cley marsh on September 19th. It was joined by a third on October 10th when both were seen together.'

66). 1948 Suffolk Near Aldeburgh, 19th and 24th September.

(G. C. Varley, British Birds 42: 139-140).

History G. C. Varley (1949) in British Birds 42: 139-140, says: 'Between September 19th and 24th, 1948, frequent visits were made to a flooded meadow half a mile S.W. of Aldeburgh, where large numbers of wading birds were feeding. On most of the visits a bird was seen which, from the notes made at the time, has since been identified by Mr. B. W. Tucker as an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos). The bird was often watched feeding in company with Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and Runs (Philomachus pugnax) at a range of as little as 20 yards, in good light with 6x binoculars and a 20 x telescope. The bird was estimated to be one-fifth larger than the Dunlin. The head was rather small, dark on top, and with a dark eye-stripe, leaving a pale stripe in between. The beak was dark and straight, as long as that of the Dunlin. The back was marked with black and brown much as in a Dunlin, and the breast clearly streaked (especially at the sides) with dark brown, and there was a sharp division between the darker breast feathers and the white lower breast. In flight the rump was centrally very dark, with pale streaks on either side. There were no conspicuous wing markings. The legs were greenish-yellow. Once or twice the bird called in flight, making a rapid "trip trip trip" (about three calls in a second) with a slightly harsh vibrant quality, at a pitch about a sixth below the Dunlin's note.'

67). 1948 Nottinghamshire Nottingham Sewage-farm, seen, 26th and 30th September.

(J. Staton & R. Brook, British Birds 42: 140; J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1946-49: 41).

History J. Staton and R. Brook (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 140, say: 'After a large number of duck and various waders had taken flight from a section of Nottingham Sewage Farm on September 26th, 1948, J.S. was particularly struck by the rufous appearance of a small wader feeding with the two or three Ringed Plover left on a wide mudflat, and after working up to within 40 feet, the two writers, with Mr. S. Birchenough, spent almost an hour in obtaining details of what proved to be an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), apparently an adult still in summer plumage. The following details were written on the spot, and obtained with the help of 6x binoculars and 25x telescope in bright morning sunlight.

A slim, graceful wader of approximately the same body length as adjacent Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), but more lightly built and with longer legs, as well as being longer altogether on account of the longish neck and bill. In general outline it much resembled a small finely-built Reeve, especially as it moved about with neck fully extended. The bill was black, shorter proportionately than that of Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and was slightly, but quite perceptibly, decurved at the extreme tip. The legs were dullish yellow. The rufous appearance of the back as seen in the distance was seen at close quarters to be due to the rather broad rufous edging to the dark brown centres of the feathers of the mantle and median and lesser wing-coverts. In the closed wing the primaries looked blackish-brown, contrasting strongly with the rest of the visible wing. The top of the crown was conspicuously dark brownish, with some very fine paler streaking. Sides of face were pale whitish-buff with some slightly darker stippling from bill to eye and over ear-coverts, leaving a fairly distinct pale stripe over the eye. Chin whitish. Sides and front of neck, throat and upper breast a buffish-grey, most distinctly marked throughout with small blackish streaks, the area thus coloured and marked coming to an abrupt end on the lower breast, giving place to pure white under-parts. The clear demarcation between these two areas was particularly striking, even at long range when finer detail could not be discerned. When the bird flew it went into the light, so that little detail was observable, but the centre of the tail was noted as darker than the sides, and the sides of back and rump and the lateral tail-coverts were white. In flight the wings were long and pointed, giving the bird a surprisingly larger appearance than when on the ground. Call note, uttered in flight, was a quite loud double note written on the spot as "churruc", uttered as a hoarse, slurred chirrup. A shorter single note, written as "churc" was probably a more abrupt version of the same. The bird eventually went up high and off to the SSE.'

68). 1948 Sussex Thorney Island, seen, 26th September to 3rd October.

(I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 42: 141; G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948: 22).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 141, says: 'With reference to my note on two American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) at Thorney Island, Sussex, in 1947 (antea, Vol. XLI. pp. 186-187) I write to record that another bird of this species was found at the same place on September 26th and October 3rd, 1948.

It was seen by 14 observers including Messrs. J. A. Walpole-Bond, J. A. Smith, D. L. Dunkin and G. A. Hebditch and by myself on each occasion. When the bird was first flushed, I at once recognized the low, guttural "chirrup-chirrup", which we had heard the previous year. This Pectoral was never as tame as those seen in 1947, but allowed approach to within about 12 yards before rising. The legs were a green-brown colour and there appears to be considerable variation of leg-colour with this species. The finely-shaped bill was dark brown with a distinct curved tip and lacked the yellow patch at the base of the lower mandible, noticed in one of the 1947 birds. The dark crown, lighter sides of face, white beneath the chin and a not indistinct white eye-stripe could all be seen. The tortoise-shell effect on the mantle was very noticeable and on this bird I was able to see the reversed V effect caused by the light buff edgings to the feathers. The sharp demarcation of the pure white belly from the heavily spotted breast was again characteristic, but I was not struck by the black line down back, rump and tail as in 1947, though this may have been due to the less close approach that was possible.'

69). 1948 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, seen, 7th to 10th October.

(R. J. Foster, British Birds 42: 136-137; A. D. G. Smart, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1948: 28).

History R. J. Foster (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 136-137, says: 'An American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was present at the Cambridge Sewage Farm from October 7th to 10th, 1948. I first saw it at about 15.30 on the 7th, when a good view was obtained at about 80 yards. Later in the day I returned with A. D. G. Smart, but the light was failing and we did not get a satisfactory view on the ground, though once the bird flew round the bed, showing the characteristic tail-pattern and uttering a call - a whistling "chirrip" or "chirrit", resembling that of the Curlew Sandpiper - which I have come to regard as typical after hearing it at Cambridge in the spring and at Salthouse in the autumn.

On the morning of October 8th, I returned with A. S. Thorn and P. A. J. Ball and found the bird on the same bed. The light was excellent and with a powerful telescope we were able to confirm the identification and note the characters in detail. The size was larger than a Dunlin (Calidris alpina) but smaller than the smallest Reeve (Philomachus pugnax) I have seen. Crown dark brown, lightening to almost bun on lower nape. Conspicuous light or white stripe above eye and stretching back behind it, but not on to the nape. Cheeks buff. Rest of upper-parts gave a speckled appearance, the feathers appearing dark brown or black edged with light or whitish, giving an appearance recalling, though not quite as pronounced as, the back pattern of a Little Stint (C. minuta) in autumn. Throat and breast buffish-grey, narrowly but firmly streaked with black and very dark brown, the streaking ending abruptly on lower breast. Rest of under-parts off-white. Bill just decurved at tip; in relation to size of bird longer than in a Reeve, but shorter than in a Dunlin. Legs yellow ochre. In flight there was no apparent wing-bar on this bird, although from the one I saw in Norfolk, I gained a faint suspicion of one at very close range. Central tail-coverts and tail feathers dark, with white or near white feathers on either side. The bird was seen by many others during the next two days, but not, to the best of my knowledge, after October 10th.'

A. D. G. Smart (1948) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 28, say: 'One present...Oct. 8th to 10th (R.J.F. et al.)....'

70). 1948 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, another, 10th October.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1948: 14, 29; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History C. E. Gay (1948) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1948, p. 14, says: 'Excitement was caused among visiting ornithologists by a strange wader first seen on September 11th at Salthouse and identified as an American Pectoral Sandpiper. It was feeding on a flooded sea-aster marsh and remained there most of the time for the next days. A second bird of the same species arrived on the Cley marsh on September 19th and was joined by a third bird. They were in different places on that day, but on the following day they were seen together on "Bishop's pool".'

Further, p. 29, C. E. Gay adds: ‘A second bird arrived on the Cley marsh on September 19th. It was joined by a third on October 10th when both were seen together.'

71). 1948 Lincolnshire Seacroft, Skegness, seen, 12th October.

(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 13: 213; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).

History S. A. Cox (1953) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIII. p. 213, says: 'The Rev. F. L. Higgins saw a bird of this species at Seacroft on Oct. 12th, 1948. Since this precedes the first Gibraltar Point Report, it seems appropriate to publish it in the L.N.U. Transactions. This is the first Lincolnshire record of the species and for that reason full details are given.

The bird was under observation for a long time at 20-30 yards range through a x8 monocular. It was very tame and pitched again immediately when flushed. It only flew when the observer approached within ten yards. The flight was slow and devious. It fed silently and moved slowly. Every now and then it stood erect with neck extended looking very upright. It uttered a strange, rather harsh and grating multiple note deeper in tone than most waders.

The following description was written without reference to books: - Back and upper-parts mottled brown of a regular pattern; colour about that of Whimbrel, toning with muddy grass marsh so as to be almost invisible. Head same colour, but with a rather darker stripe on crown, leaving a pale stripe over the eye. Bill long, dark brown and straight. Breast pale grey-brown, delicately mottled; well defined oval shape, not merging gradually but abruptly into the white belly and underparts; gave the impression of a pale brown dinner-shirt or "dicky" coming well down the breast. Legs rather long and pale yellow - not a bright yellow, rather ochre, colour of a dull lemon. In flight dark down middle of rump. Length not more than 9 inches, but more probably 8 inches.'

Accepted locally (Smith & Cornwallis 1955).

72). 1949 Sussex Thorney Island, seen, 2nd September.

(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1949: 22).

History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1949) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 22, say: 'One at Thorney Island on 2nd September - the third successive year that the species has been recorded there. It was only seen briefly on three occasions by I.J.F.L. and J.A.S. but they were able to note the distinctive call as well as the characteristic breast and back patterns.'

73). 1949 Hertfordshire Marsworth Reservoir, Tring, seen, 14th September.

(E. L. Arnold, British Birds 44: 137-138; Sage, 1959).

History E. L. Arnold (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 137-138, says: 'On September 14th, 1949, at the Marworth Reservoir, Tring, I observed an American Pectoral Sandpiper. It was feeding along the edge of the water within twenty yards of me for over half an hour and later allowed an approach to three yards before taking flight. It returned to the same spot with three Curlew Sandpipers. In size it was only slightly larger than these birds, slim and very Ruff-like in stance, as the neck was often stretched up and slightly forwards. The bill was shorter and thicker than those of the Curlew Sandpipers, with a slight de-curve at the tip. It appeared almost black with a paler base. The legs were yellow-brown. The head had a longitudinal streaked appearance, the crown dark and a paler band passing through the eye. Back boldly patterned like a Ruff, with some chestnut feathers towards the mid-line; chin pale, throat and breast buff, vertically streaked, with abrupt terminations forming the distinctive pectoral band, the lower breast and under-parts being white. In flight the pattern was again Ruff-like, the sides of the tail pale with a dark centre. There was no definite wing-bar. The note was "thrupp" uttered once, twice, or three times on different occasions in flight. When alarmed it several times crouched down low on the water whilst wading; an alternative action was the stretching up of the neck.'

74). 1949 Essex Abberton Reservoir, seen, 18th September.

(A. Marshall & O. Thompson-Smith, British Birds 42: 395-396; Hudson & Pyman, 1968).

History A. Marshall & O. Thompson-Smith (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 395-396, say: 'On September 18th, 1949, while at Abberton Reservoir, Essex, we saw a small wader, which we could not identify. In size, it was a little larger than a Dunlin (Calidris alpina), more upright in posture, and not so squat and compact. The beak was slightly decurved, dark blackish grey, lighter in colour at the base. The legs were pale yellow in colour. The fore-neck and breast were ashy grey, very finely streaked with a darker colour. The belly, sharply divided from this gorget, was off-white. A lighter coloured stripe ran over each eye, the crown of the head being of a much darker brown colour. The back and wings were slightly lighter brown than the crown, each feather seeming to be margined with yellow-gold, giving the bird a noticeable golden colour. The general colour scheme was very reminiscent of a Reeve (Philomachus pugnax), but it seemed to be too small. The bird was very tame, and allowed us to approach within about 15 yards, when excellent views could be obtained with x6 field-glasses. When flushed, it flew for a short distance, calling twice in quick succession, the note being a short trilled whistle. The centre of the back and (I think) tail showed as dark brown, with a whitish patch on either side, rather similar to a Dunlin.

On consulting The Handbook, we both considered the bird to resemble an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotus). Turning up the pictures of an example of this bird in British Birds, antea, p. 144 et seq., our opinions were quite confirmed, our bird resembling almost exactly that shown on plates 23 and 24, except that its breast did not seem quite so strongly streaked. This is the first record for this species for the county of Essex.'

1950-57 RECORDS

75). 1950 Kent Shellness, Sheppey, 21st May.

(Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History Harrison (1953 (1): 381) says: 'Mr. R. H. Ryall sent me a note (in litt., 5.vi.1950) of a wader seen by himself and Mr. J. S. S. Beesley on 21st May, 1950, at Shellness on Sheppey. After prolonged observations, they described the bird as somewhat larger than a Dunlin, of more slender build, with longer legs. The head, neck and mantle were buffish-brown, the feathers with dark centres, giving the bird a streaked appearance. On the breast the striations "ended rather low and quite abrupt". The under parts were white and the throat slightly whitish. The bill, Mr. Ryall adds, "a little shorter than usual in Dunlin and with a slight down-curve". The legs were described as palish yellow.

I personally feel there is little doubt about the bird seen.'

Accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1981).

Comment Fourth spring individual for Britain.

76). 1950 Pembrokeshire Dale, 11th August.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 251-253).

History In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 251-253, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) recorded in 1950 are not quite equal to those reported in 1948, but they are sufficient to constitute an "invasion", though it is quite possible that a single individual was responsible for several west country records. Individuals were again recorded in Norfolk and Cornwall at the same localities as in 1948, and in Somerset at the same locality as in 1947, but some of the other records are the first for the counties concerned....and "dull, pale yellow-buff, darkening to pale sepia about the joints" (Dr. N. W. Cusa)...the Pembrokeshire bird is described by Dr. N. W. Cusa as "rotund and portly, and even when alert it presented a stouter appearance than does a Redshank (Tringa totanus) or even a Reeve; but with its head retracted in repose it was never quite so apparently without neck as a Dunlin (Calidris alpina) can be at times.

The habit of feeding by picking rather than probing was also recorded (Dr. N. W. Cusa; Messrs. B. P. Pickess, W. N. Mitchell and N. H. Pratt).

The records follow in chronological order. Pembrokeshire. - One, Dale, Aug. 11th. (Dr. N. W. Cusa). This is the first record for the county.'

77). 1950 Norfolk Salthouse/Cley-next-the-Sea area, 7th September, two 15th to 20th September, one to 9th October.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1950: 14, 28; Eds., British Birds 44: 251-253).

The records follow in chronological order. Norfolk. - One, Salthouse-Cley area, Sept. 7th, two, Sept. 15th-20th; one, Sept. 20th to Oct. 9th. (per P. W. Hinde). These birds were seen by many observers.'

79). 1950 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 16th to 24th September.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 251-253; C. B. Ashby, London Bird Report 1950: 34; London Natural History Society, 1957; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

The records follow in chronological order. Middlesex. - One, Perry Oaks sewage farm, was seen, but not definitely identified, on Sept. 16th; it was satisfactorily identified on the following day and remained until Sept. 24th. (W. N. Mitchell, B. P. Pickess, N. H. Pratt, C. A. White and many others). This is the first record for the county.'

C. B. Ashby (1950) in the London Bird Report, p. 34, adds: '...to 29th.'

80). 1950 Somerset Porlock Marsh, 22nd September to 4th October.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 252; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 45; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1950: 20).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1950) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 20, says: 'Single bird, Porlock Marsh, Sept. 22 to Oct. 4 (A.V.C.).'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 251-253, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) recorded in 1950 are not quite equal to those reported in 1948, but they are sufficient to constitute an "invasion", though it is quite possible that a single individual was responsible for several west country records. Individuals were again recorded in Norfolk and Cornwall at the same localities as in 1948, and in Somerset at the same locality as in 1947, but some of the other records are the first for the counties concerned....

The records follow in chronological order. Somerset. - One, Porlock Marsh, Sept. 19th-23rd. (Mrs. G. M. Chadwyck-Healey). This bird was also watched by Mr. A. V. Cornish, who reported one at the same place in 1947 (antea, Vol. XLI. p. 220), and by other observers.'

81). 1950 Devon Wembury, 7th to 15th October.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 252; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 45; Moore, 1969).

The records follow in chronological order. Devon. - One, Wembury, near Plymouth, Oct. 7th-14th. (R. M. Curber and O. D. Hunt).'

82). 1950 Devon Lundy, 12th October.

(D. Lea, British Birds 44: 235; Eds., British Birds 44: 252; D. Lea, Lundy Field Society Report 1950, 14, 18; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 45; Moore, 1969).

The records follow in chronological order. Devon. - one, Lundy, October 12th. (David Lea).'

D. Lea (1951) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 14, says: 'One seen on Airfield at a small temporary pond on 12th October; the first record for the island.'

Further, p. 18, he adds: 'The bird seen on 12th October was unexpectedly tame and allowed approach to within seven to eight yards. It was feeding at the edge of a small pond on the airfield and, when alarmed, would run up onto the grass returning to feed after a few seconds. What was probably the same bird was seen at the Lighthouse Field Pond earlier in the day but was then not identified.'

83). 1950 Cornwall Camel Estuary, 15th to 17th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 33; Eds., British Birds 44: 252).

The records follow in chronological order. Cornwall. - One, Camel Estuary, Oct. 15th and 17th. (T. J. Willcocks).'

84). 1951 Devon River Clyst, Topsham, 11th February.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 41; Eds., British Birds 45: 294; Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Devon. - One, River Clyst, Exe Estuary, February 11th (R. F. Moore, S. C. A. Hunt, J. E. Moore).'

Comment First winter record for Britain.

85). 1951 Cornwall Marazion Marsh, 31st May to 1st June.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 22; Eds., British Birds 45: 294).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Cornwall. - One, Marazion Marsh, May 31st-June 1st (Rev. J. E. Beckerlegge; J. C. C. Oliver).'

86). 1951 Suffolk Walberswick, 16th July.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1951: 21; Eds., British Birds 45: 294).

History P. R. Westall (1951) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 21, says: 'On July 16th, at Walberswick, 1 seen (B.A.C., G.J.). Identification made on - size, slightly larger than Dunlin with which it was seen, absence of wing bar in flight, head streaked with brown, noticeably darker on the crown, upper parts chequered dark and light brown and somewhat rufous, breast streaked brown with a definite and abrupt edge, underparts white, short black bill slightly decurved, and legs yellow (G.J.), light (B.A.C.), Call not heard owing to the clamour of Terns nearby.'

In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Suffolk. - One, Walberswick, July 16th (Miss B. A. Coney, G. Jobson).'

87). 1951 Isles of Scilly Tresco, 25th August.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 40; Eds., British Birds 45: 294).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Cornwall. - one, Tresco, Scillies, August 25th (21st Report of Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society).'

Comment Person not in observer list.

88). 1951 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 31st August to 10th September.

(Eds., British Birds 45: 294; G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 16: 25; London Natural History Society, 1957; Wheatley, 2007).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Middlesex. - One, Perry Oaks sewage farm, August 31st-first half September (London N.H.S.).'

89). 1951 Yorkshire Cherry Cobb Sands, 4th to 8th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 77: 85; Eds., British Birds 45: 294; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 85, says: 'A bird occurred at Cherry Cob from September 4th to 8th. First noted by J. M. Laws, it was subsequently inspected by J. Lord, G. H. Ainsworth, H. O. Bunce, and Miss F. E. Crackles, who agreed that the bird was typical of its species as described and illustrated in The Handbook. The bird associated at different times with Ruff, Dunlin and Green Plover. It was seen to peck on several occasions at Salicornia.'

In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Yorkshire. - One, Cherry Cob Sands., River Humber, September 4th-8th (John M. Laws, Miss F. E. Crackles, G. H. Ainsworth, H. O. Bunce, J. Lord and others).'

Accepted locally (Mather 1986).

90). 1951 Devon Exe Estuary, 15th to 19th September.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 41; Eds., British Birds 45: 294; Moore, 1969).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 294, they say: 'Numbers of American Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) reported in 1951 are nearly equal to those reported in the previous year when we considered that a minor "invasion" occurred (vide antea, Vol. XLIV. pp. 250-252). Records for 1951 are spread more widely through the year and include one for February in Devon and one for the end of May in Cornwall, both very unusual months for the species to occur in Britain. These two records may possibly refer to birds "left over" from the 1950 invasion or on return migration....Devon. - one, Exe Estuary, September 15th to 19th (R. G. Adams, R. F. Moore, F. R. Smith, W. K. Welton).'

91). 1952 Essex Abberton Reservoir, three, possibly five, 26th to 31st August.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 16; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History G. A. Pyman (1952) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 16, says: 'Abberton Reservoir: at least 3, probably 5, birds were present on August 26th and remained for a few days (A.R.S.). One was also seen by A.P.S. on the 31st. One bird was trapped and ringed on the 26th - the first for the British Isles - and recovered a day or two later. This is only the second occasion on which the species has been observed in Essex and at the reservoir.'

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

94). 1952 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 28th August to 5th September.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 22; R. A. Richardson, British Birds 46: 432).

History R. A. Richardson (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 432, under 'Cley Bird Observatory, 1952', says: 'Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos). One from August 29th-September 5th, an unusually shy and unapproachable individual.'

95). 1952 Greater London/Surrey Epsom, 30th August to 9th September, trapped 2nd September.

(G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1952: 21; F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1955: 38; London Natural History Society, 1964; Parr, 1972).

History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1952) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVII. p. 21, say: 'Epsom, a solitary bird frequented a rubbish tip pool from Sept. 1-7. On Sept. 2 the bird was trapped and ringed by I.C.T.N., possibly the second bird ringed in this country - the first having been ringed at Abberton, Essex, on Aug. 26. Full plumage details were taken (J.A.B., P.J.H., I.C.T.N., A.W.W.).'

F. H. Jones (1955) in the London Bird Report, p. 38, under 'Additions for previous years', adds: '1952, the bird reported at Epsom from Sept. 1st to 7th was seen also on the 8th and 9th (MJC).'

London Natural History Society (1964) add: '30th August to 8th September.'

Comment J.A.B. is not in the list of names.

96). 1952 Suffolk Reydon, 31st August to 2nd September.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1952: 5).

History P. R. Westall (1952) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 5, says: 'One, Reydon, Aug 31st (P.R.W.), still there Sept. 2nd (D.A.T.M.).'

97). 1952 Somerset Durleigh Reservoir, 4th September.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1952: 21-22; Eds., British Birds 47: 318).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1952) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXIX. pp. 21-22, says: 'One, very tame and reluctant to fly, seen at Durleigh Res., Sept. 4, by E.G.R., who in a fully detailed description, mentions the following diagnostic characters - blackish and slightly decurved bill; crown closely streaked black; blackish-brown mantle, with feathers edged buffish-white and so blended as to form the characteristic stripes; and the closely streaked neck and breast revealing a gorget, contrasting sharply with the white belly. The pointed central tail feathers were clearly seen to project beyond the others when the bird was viewed at very close range. Legs described as brownish-yellow, and flight note as a rather quiet "tritt trrit".'

98). 1952 Cornwall Camel Estuary, 5th to 7th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 28; Eds., British Birds 47: 94).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII, p. 28, say: 'September 5th, 6th, 7th. One on the Camel, near Trewornan Bridge. It was quite tame and seen on successive days by:- F.E.C., I.G.N., E.M.W., T.J.W.'

In an Editorial (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 94, in a review of the above report, they say: 'Cornish extreme rarities are an odd assortment of American stragglers such as the Pectoral Sandpiper, which are almost in danger of becoming common-place...'

99). 1952 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 7th to 11th September.

(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society 1952: 193; Eds., British Birds 47: 279; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History E. Cohen (1952) in the Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society, p. 193, says: 'September 7th-11th, Farlington Marshes, one (D.F.B. and G.H.R.). Full description sent to me and to B.B., but at the time of writing I do not know whether the record has been accepted by B.B. If it were it would be the first accepted record for the County (Ed.).'

In an Editorial (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 279, in a review of the above report, they say: '...Pectoral Sandpiper, Farlington...'

100). 1952 Lancashire & North Merseyside Inner Ribble Marshes, 21st to 26th September.

(K. G. Spencer, Lancashire Bird Report 1949-59: 56; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).

History White, McCarthy & Jones (2008) say: 'Lancashire's first record was a juvenile found at Freckleton sewage works on 21-26 September, 1952. (N.H., P. E.).'

101). 1952 Yorkshire Spurn, 10th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 78: 90; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 46: 428; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1953) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 90, says: 'A snipe-sized wader with a strange call-note (a double "clip-clip") was flushed at Spurn on October 10th. Bill shorter but bird larger than Dunlin. Rump dark-centred with white-edged tail. When it alighted at a distance the dark back and breast contrasted sharply with the white underparts (G.R.E.).'

G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 428, under 'Spurn Bird Observatory, 1952, say: 'Other unusual species seen included a Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis) on August 10th and a Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) on October 10th. Many more details are contained in the Yorkshire Ornithological Report for 1952 copies of which can be obtained (price 2s.) from either of the writers.'

Accepted locally (Mather 1986).

102). 1952 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 22nd October.

(I. C. T. Nisbet & A. E. Vine, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1952: 13; Eds., British Birds 47: 319).

History I. C. T. Nisbet & A. E. Vine (1952) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, Vol. XXVI. p.13, say: 'Cambridge S.F., Oct. 22nd, 1 (M.J.M.L.). A full description supplied, stressing in particular the dark crown and prominent eyestripe, conspicuous gorget, and yellow legs.'

In an Editorial (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 319, in a review of the above report, they say: '...Pectoral Sandpiper in October...'

103). 1953 Leicestershire & Rutland Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland, 1st August.

(R. A. O. Hickling, Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report 1953: 34; Eds., British Birds 49: 371; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. A. O. Hickling (1953) in the Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report, p. 34, say: 'At E.B. Res. on August 1st, one was seen on the Rutland bank in fairly good light. The most conspicuous feature of the plumage was the sharp truncation of the posterior margin of the dark breast. The back was strongly mottled, and the rest of the plumage streaky. Tail centre dark. There was a not very obvious eye stripe. Legs were a yellowish-buff, bill black and tapering. The bird repeatedly froze after running and crouched with legs flexed and breast almost down to the ground. Rose several times but only once gave its creaking note (J.F. and Julian Huxley). J.F. had recently returned from Alaska, where he had become familiar with the bird on its breeding grounds. This is the first record for the Counties.'

Accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

104). 1953 Kent Hacklinge, 6th August.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 20-21; D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 363).

History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. pp. 20-21, says: 'One at Hacklinge on Aug. 6 (A.P., J.N.H., D.F.H.). Size: much smaller than a Wood Sandpiper, being relatively shorter legged. Back: a general grey-brown, feathers light tipped giving a very spotted appearance. Head: buffish, eyestripe slightly lighter than cheeks; ear coverts grey flecked darker; a dark line apparent through eye. Crown appeared very dark due to heavy markings on the grey-brown feathers and was darkest towards bill. Sides of face and neck whitish grey; pectoral band very clearly defined shading from pale grey and darkening downwards to finish abruptly in a rounded "V" shape; rest of underparts whitish and undertail coverts conspicuously white. Rump, tail coverts and central tail feathers were dark and the outer tail feathers greyish white. There was no wing-bar. Leg colour was variable in differing light, e.g., reddish ochre in good sunlight and ochre in dull light. Bill short and dark with paler base and very slightly decurved toward tip; wing beats strong and regular while the note in flight was a quiet trrrp or turrup. The above details have been taken mainly from notes submitted by D.F.H. who was asked by the other observers to confirm the record. Excellent sketches have also been received. A.P. considered bird to be about Wood Sandpiper size but with shorter legs; colour of legs described as greeny-yellow. A faint, almost unnoticeable, wing-bar is also described.'

105). 1953 Suffolk Walberswick, 20th October.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1953: 210; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 410).

History P. R. Westall (1953) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 210, says: 'One, Walberswick, Oct. 20th (R. M. Garnett, MVO) - satisfactory details received.'

D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 410, in a review of the above report, says: '...A Pectoral Sandpiper on 20th October which should have been described....'

106). 1954 Suffolk Walberswick, 2nd August.

(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1954: 11; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 411).

History F. K. Cobb (1954) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 11, says: '1 Walberswick, Aug. 2nd (C.B., B.P.P.). Full details received.'

D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 411, in a review of the above report, says: '...a Pectoral Sandpiper on 2nd August, again without supporting details though these are stated to have been received....'

107). 1954 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 3rd to 11th September.

(I. T. C. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1954: 13; Bircham, 1989).

History I. T. C. Nisbet (1954) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 13, says: 'Cambridge S.F., 1 from Sept. 3rd-11th (D.D.H. et al.).' It was accepted locally (Bircham 1989).

108). 1954 Somerset Minehead Marshes, 8th to 16th September.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 26; G. H. E. Young, Report on Somerset Birds 1954: 22; Eds., British Birds 49: 333).

History M. Brooks-King (1954) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 26, says: 'Minehead Marshes, Sept. 8 to 16, one very tame, slightly larger than Dunlin, legs lemon-yellow and longer, bill greenish-black and slightly decurved and shorter; crown, nape and back boldly streaked brown with feathers edged buffish-white and forming characteristic stripes, very pale eye-stripe, whitish chin, neck and breast closely streaked on greyish ground with sharp demarcation from whitish underparts, dark centre to tail seen in flight, neck stretching seen when alarmed, once gave a single 'trit' note from ground, double note in flight, appeared to be a young bird (A.V.C.).'

109). 1954 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, 13th to 15th September.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 19: 25; London Natural History Society, 1957; Wheatley, 2007).

History F. H. Jones (1954) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XIX. p. 25, says: 'Perry Oaks S.F., one which arrived in the afternoon of Sept. 13th was last seen in the morning of Sept. 15th (H.P.M., D.K.M., N.H.P., H.T.M.W.)....Full details of bird have been received.'

110). 1954 Greater London/Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-farm, Middlesex, another, 20th to 21st September.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 19: 25; London Natural History Society, 1957; Wheatley, 2007).

History F. H. Jones (1954) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XIX. p. 25, says: '...a second, more heavily streaked on the breast and with a less prominent eyestripe, was seen on Sept. 20th and 21st (H.P.M., D.K.M., C.A.W.). Full details of bird have been received.'

111). 1954 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 2nd October.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1954: 32).

History M. J. Seago (1954) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 32, says: 'One at Cley, October 2nd (W.F.B., A.H.D.).'

112). 1954 Lothian Aberlady, 16th October.

(M. I. Kinnear, W. M. Logan Home & G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 67: 114).

History M. I. Kinnear, W. M. Logan Home & G. Waterston (1955) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVII. p. 114, say: 'In the afternoon of 16th October 1954 we watched an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) at Aberlady Bay, East Lothian. The bird was feeding among grassy pools above high-water mark. It was very tame and allowed an approach to within 10 yards so that a good view of its field characteristics was possible. In size it appeared slightly larger than a Dunlin. The mantle was very strikingly patterned, like a Snipe's, with white edges making a V-shape with the apex towards the tail. Crown dark brown with lighter streaks; light superciliary stripe. Bill black with yellowish base and very slightly decurved. Eye dark and fairly large. Tail dark brown - almost black. No wing-bar visible in flight, when the black centre of tail, with lighter edges on either side, was seen. Breast greyish-white with thin dark grey streaks ending abruptly above the belly. Legs yellow. Uttered a call when flushed: "chir-r-r, chir, chir". It was very active on the ground, creeping about among the tussocky grass and wading through pools. It frequently stretched its head up, giving it a very Reeve-like appearance. It had disappeared the next day.'

113). 1955 Northamptonshire Earl's Barton Gravel-pits, 21st August.

(R. Felton, Journal of the Northants. Natural History Society 1955: 97).

History R. Felton (1955) in the Journal of the Northants. Natural History Society, p. 97, says: 'One bird seen at E.B.G.P. Aug. 21st at 12.15 p.m. 10 binoculars and 25-40 telescope. Visibility good. Extracts from field notes: - Size - as common sandpiper but more erect. Head and neck - Buff with dark brown streaks, bill blackish, slight eyestripe. Back - Buff with dark brown streaks, and blotches increasing in size down the back, seemed to fan out from the head. Chin - White, no markings. Legs - Dark straw. Chest - greyish, streaked dark brown, with abrupt ending at white belly. White edges on mantle on right hand side very distinct, but left hand side not so pronounced. Tail - Central pair of feathers longer than outside ones, well defined in flight against lighter outer tail feathers, R.F., R.J.'

114). 1955 Devon River Clyst, Topsham, 30th August to 5th September.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 29; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1955) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVIII. p. 29, says: 'R. Clyst, Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, one seen at close range and watched during its stay by a number of observers (R.F.M.).'

115). 1955 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 5th September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 42).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 42, says: 'One at Cley, September 5th (W.F.B.).'

116). 1955 Sussex The Midrips, 6th September.

(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1955: 13).

History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1955) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 13, say: 'One September 6th. J.R. found one at the Midrips and later the same day it was also seen by several visitors from Dungeness Observatory, two of whom had previous experience of this species. The following points are taken from the descriptions given: slightly larger than a Dunlin; bill slightly decurved and relatively short, greyish brown with yellow at base; legs yellowish; chest band easily seen, even in flight, contrasting with white belly; "back a beautiful mottled golden-orange until at close range when patterning of feathers could be closely seen"; two white Snipe-like stripes on back; in flight not noticeable wing bar and pattern of rump "rather like Ruff but with much darker centre"; at rest wings slightly longer than tail; call "a kind of "crick" with emphasis on "r".'

Comment Locality is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5).

117). 1955 Cornwall/Devon Tamar Lakes, two, immatures, 15th to 24th September.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 29; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King (1955) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVIII. p. 29, says: 'Tamar Lake, Sept. 15 to 24, two immatures, male and female judging by the size (F.E.C.).'

119). 1955 Leicestershire & Rutland Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland, 18th September to 1st October.

(R. A. O. Hickling & R. E. Pochin, Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report 1955: 6; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. A. O. Hickling & R. E. Pochin (1955) in the Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report, p. 6, say: 'E.B.R., one bird was present from September 18th to October 1st, and was seen by many observers, most of whom submitted detailed descriptions.' Accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

120). 1955 Lincolnshire/Norfolk Wisbech Sewage-farm, 30th October to 12th November.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 42; I. C. T. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1955: 15).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 42, says: 'Fens: Wisbech Sewage Farm: One, October 30th - November 12th (C.B.C. - to whom full details submitted).'

I. C. T. Nisbet (1955) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 15, says: 'Wisbech S. F., 1 from Oct. 30th - Nov. 12th (J.M., I.C.T.N., A.E.V.). Full details have been submitted by observers familiar with the species.'

121). 1955 Lothian Gosford Bay, 19th November.

(W. K. Richmond, Scottish Naturalist 68: 58-59).

History W. K. Richmond (1956) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVIII. pp. 58-59, says: 'On 19th November 1955, in Gosford Bay, East Lothian, I observed a medium-sized wader, not unlike an outsize Dunlin, associating with a flock of Redshanks. The light was poor at the time, but I had several good views of the bird at a distance of 30 yards, using 10 x binoculars, and had no difficulty in identifying it as an American Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), a species which I have seen several times in the U.S.A. The upper parts were brown, variegated with darker markings, which gave a generally streaky appearance. The neck and upper breast were also streaked, forming a distinct "apron" in contrast with the white of the belly. The crown was darker, with a light eye-stripe, and the bill (straighter and more slender than that of the Dunlin) was black. In flight, the blackish central tail feathers and the lack of any clear wing-bar were very noticeable. The legs were definitely pale but the light being so poor I should not like to say what their precise colour was. I was particularly struck by the sharpness of the distinction between the apron and the white of the lower body, which is why I ascribe it so confidently to C. melanotos rather than to the Siberian species.'

122). 1956 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 24th to 26th May.

(D. I. M. Wallace, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1956: 18; Bircham, 1989).

History D. I. M. Wallace (1956) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 18, says: 'Cambridge S.F., 1 from May 24th-26th (J.F.W.B., G.M.S.E., I.C.T.N. & D.I.M.W.).'

123). 1956 Lincolnshire/Norfolk Wisbech Sewage-farm, 11th to 15th June.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 38; D. I. M. Wallace, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1956: 18; R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1956: 20; R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 14: 144).

History D. I. M. Wallace (1956) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 18, says: 'Wisbech S.F., 1 June 11th-15th (J.A.W.M.).'

R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1956) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 20, add: '...The third Lincolnshire record.'

124). 1956 Suffolk Walberswick, 2nd August.

(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1956: 17).

History F. K. Cobb (1956) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 17, says: 'One at Walberswick, Aug. 2nd. Feeding with Knot and Dunlin, the bird appeared to be about 1¼ times the size of a Dunlin. The following points were noted: pale legs, black bill, sharp demarcation between brown breast and white belly, rather long neck; in flight no wing-bar could be seen, centre of rump dark, centre of tail dark with whitish at sides (D.J.P.).'

125). 1956 Devon River Clyst, Topsham, 6th September.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 26; Moore, 1969).

History S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 26, says: 'Topsham, Sept. 6, one in similar plumage to the one I saw in the same area in 1955 (P.W.E.).'

126). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Epsom Sewage-farm, 19th to 24th September.

(P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1956: 16; F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 21: 23; Parr, 1972).

History P. Bond (1956) in the Surrey Bird Report, p. 16, says: 'On Sept. 19th and 20th K.D.E. saw a Pectoral Sandpiper at Epsom S.F. He described it as in appearance not unlike Dunlin but rather slimmer and slightly larger. In general upper parts very dark brown and underparts white; "throat and breast off-white, very heavily streaked brown ending abruptly to form a gorget. Rest of underparts were white with no streaking". In flight the tail looked a fairly pale grey with a conspicuous dark centre formed by the two central feathers which projected slightly beyond the others and were the same colour as the upper-parts.'

F. H. Jones (1956) in the London Bird Report, p. 23, says: 'One at Epsom S.F., on Sept. 19th and 20th (K.D.E.). Satisfactory details have been received.'

127). 1956 Sussex Sidlesham Ferry, 7th, 13th to 14th October, photo.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 17).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 17, says: 'One at Sidlesham Ferry on October 7th (S.F.K.), 13th (M.H.P., G.A.S.) and 14th (G.d.F. et al.). This bird which was lame in one leg was successfully photographed by the last mentioned observer who in any case was previously familiar with the species. A description seems therefore unnecessary though one has been recorded.'

128). 1956 Lincolnshire Sleaford Sewage-farm, 13th to 20th October.

(R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1956: 20; R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 14: 144).

History R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1956) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 20, say: 'Sleaford S.F., 13-20/10 (W.M.P. - also seen by A.D.T., C.T.B., E.I.A.). This is the fourth Lincolnshire record.'

129). 1956 Bedfordshire Dunstable Sewage-farm, 14th October.

(H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 11: 35; D. White & R. White, Bedfordshire Naturalist 11: 44; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History H. A. S. Key (1956) in the Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 35, says: 'This addition to the County list was observed at D.S.F. on 14th October by D.R.W.'

D. White & R. White (1956) in the Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 44, say: 'On October 14th, 1956, a wader with an unfamiliar call was flushed from some wet ground at Dunstable sewage farm. This proved to be a Pectoral Sandpiper. It flew round calling with a husky trill for some time but was lost amongst some flying Snipe, the sizes being almost the same. It was found again, however, ten minutes later on some mud at the edge of a pool, but was not seen soon enough and it flew back to the spot where. it was originally seen. It was noted that in flight there was no distinct white wing-bar, and the tail pattern, with a dark central area, was distinctive. When it was again located, good views down to distances of twenty feet. were obtained.

A detailed description was taken down and ten feet of colour cine film were used. The bird was under observation for about one hour. In size it was larger than a Dunlin but definitely smaller than a Ruff. Its bill was black,. quite long and slightly decurved, and its legs a dull yellow, although the colour was often obscured by mud. the crown was a darkish brown with black streaks and a light stripe extended from the base of the bill over the eye and a short distance behind it. Actually it was more of an "area" than a stripe. A thin dark line extended from the base of the bill to the eye, which was black. The throat and breast were buffish and delicately speckled grey, the speckling coming to quite an abrupt end on the breast. The back was a darkish brown, the feathers being edged light and rufous. From behind and even the side at times a distinct light chevron was visible. The back of the bird was therefore very similar to that of a Little Stint. The belly was white. In flight there was no. distinct wing-bar although the primaries were slightly lighter.

The flight was characteristic more of .the larger type of wader, e.g., Ruff, than of the Dunlin class. This is well seen on the cine film taken. The bird was attached to this small area and always returned immediately when flushed, uttering its call each time. In general the bird appeared very slim due to the constant extension of the neck, which was then very slender. It fed chiefly by picking off the surface of shallow water, turning its head from side to side at it did so. It was last seen heading westwards about noon. The Pectoral Sandpiper is a North American species, a few of which have occurred annually in the British Isles in recent years. This, however, is the first record for Bedfordshire.'

130). 1956 Devon Ernesettle Marsh, Plymouth, 21st to 23rd October.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 26; Moore, 1969).

History S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 26, says: 'Plymouth, one seen at Ernesettle Marsh on Oct. 21, by A. M. Common and on Oct. 22 and 23 by F.C. and J.R.F.C.; similar in build to a Dunlin but rather larger and more upstanding with a shorter blackish beak; the legs were dull yellow and longer; back and wings dark brown mottled buff-yellow and cheeks, crown and nape darkly streaked with a broad, pale stripe above the brown eye; chin and throat white; dark streaked distinct bib on breast, clearly and evenly demarcated from white underparts; tail dark with white side patches. The bird was very tame and allowed approach to within five yards several times; when flushed it pursued a zig-zag course during the first part of its flight uttering a fairly high-pitched "treet-treet".'

131). 1957 Warwickshire Alvecote Pools, 4th to 6th June.

(J. Lord, West Midland Bird Report 1957: 36; Harrison et al., 1982).

History J. Lord (1957) in the West Midland Bird Report, p. 36, says: 'A bird, the first for the county and area, was seen at Alvecote from June 4th to 6th. (G.A.A., D.E.J.). Details noted were: Pale but bold stripe over eye, black bill, light brown legs, fairly well-defined streaked pectoral patch, mottled brown back and wings, tail pattern somewhat like Ruff, slight wing-bar in flight, size rather larger than Ringed Plover and "tirrup-tirrup" call.'

Harrison et al. (1982) say: 'One at Alvecote from 4th to 6th June 1957 was the first record for the Region. It was also an unusual date for this regular transatlantic vagrant.'

132). 1957 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, 14th to 20th August.

(J. F. W. Bruhn & A. E. Vine, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1957: 13; Bircham, 1989).

History J. F. W. Bruhn & A. E. Vine (1957) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 13, say: 'Cambridge S.F., 1 from Aug. 14th (G.M.S.E., D.F.) to 20th.' Accepted locally (Bircham 1989).

133). 1957 Isles of Scilly Periglis, St Agnes, 6th to 13th September, trapped 7th September, photo.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 39, photo).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 39, say: 'September 6th. One was first seen on Priglis Beach, St. Agnes; it stayed until the 13th. It was ringed on the 7th. Obs., H.M.Q.'

134). 1957 Essex Hanningfield Reservoir, two, 9th September.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1957: 21; London Bird Report 1957: 19; Sage, 1959; Hudson & Pyman, 1968).

History G. A. Pyman (1957) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 21, says: 'Hanningfield R.: two together, July 27th. Diagnostic characters were noted...and full and satisfactory details have been received.' Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968).

136). 1957 Greater London/Hertfordshire Rye Meads Sewage-farm, 9th September.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 22: 19; Sage, 1959).

History F. H. Jones (1957) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XXII. p. 19, says: 'Rye Meads S.F., one on Sept. 9th (T.W.G.). Satisfactory details submitted.'

137). 1957 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea/Salthouse area, one/three, 10th September to 14th October.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 32).

History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 32, says: 'North coast: 1-3 at Cley and Salthouse from September 10th - October 14th (many observers).'

140). 1957 Cornwall Ponsandane, Penzance, 15th to 18th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 21).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p.21, say: 'September 15th - 18th. In a wet field at Ponsandane, Penzance, one. In flight uttered frequently a note "trikup", reminiscent of, but easily distinguishable from that of Curlew Sandpiper. M.J.J., A.G.P., N.R.P., A.N.S. (Full plumage details submitted. - Eds.).'

141). 1957 Yorkshire Easington Lagoon, 15th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 55; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 55, says: 'A wader at Spurn (lagoon area) on September 15th was markedly larger than Dunlin, and some two-thirds the size of the Redshanks with which it was seen occasionally, and had a fore-neck and upper breast streaked dark grey-brown abruptly meeting the white of the belly on a definite line. It was inspected through binoculars at close range by C. Winn, J. Cudworth, W. E. Dickinson, M. Ridsdale, B. Armitage, and A. H. B. Lee and is described in detail in the Spurn log. No doubt it was of the American species.'

Accepted locally (Mather 1986).

142). 1957 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, 20th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 39).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 39, say: 'September 20th. One seen in a pond beside the road in St. Mary's. It was so unconcerned, that we walked all round it and could see that it was not ringed, so it was not the St. Agnes bird. We noted the dull yellow legs and the sharp demarcation between speckled breast and white belly, and the wing pattern when it was finally induced to fly. M.H.'

143). 1957 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 29th September to 6th October.

(E. Cohen, Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 20: 26; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History E. Cohen (1957) in the Papers & Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, Vol. XX. p. 26, says: 'One at Farlington Marsh from 29th September to 6th October was seen by many observers (P.G.). "Generally resembled Ruff. Bill black and slightly decurved; head buff with crown and nape closely streaked dark brown and pale superciliaries nearly meeting at the nape. Upper parts sandy buff with dark centres to the feathers and two conspicuous longitudinal white stripes on the back. Dark centre to tail, light/white at sides. Under parts: chin light buff, almost white; sandy buff upper breast finely striated with dark brown, these forming a distinct pectoral band where they sharply terminated; lower breast and remainder of under parts pure white. Legs described from "yellow" to "ochre". A little larger than Dunlin but slimmer and longer legged. Flight rapid and call not, always uttered on rising, was a sharp but squeakey "queerk".'

144). 1957 Sussex Sidlesham Ferry, 6th to 20th October.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1957: 13).

History D. D. Harber (1957) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 13, says: 'One at Sidlesham Ferry was first seen by S.F.K. on October 6th. It remained until October 20th, this being the latest autumn date for the county and was seen by many observers, including G.d.F., D.D.H., M.H.P., M.S., G.A.S. Most of those who saw it were already familiar with the species and therefore it is not necessary to give a description here, though one has been recorded.'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1839 Shetland Unst, adult, obtained, 20th June, now at Yorkshire Museum, York.

(Denton, 1995).

[KAN].

History Denton (1995) states that an adult was obtained on the Isle of Unst, Shetland on 20th June 1839.

Not in Pennington et al. (2004) for he knew nothing of the reference at the time. E-mailed to him. From a reply it would appear a John McCormick was involved with it, of which I have no data on. Further, e-mail reply from Mike, Dec, 2007: We seem to have come across a brick wall as far as this bird is concerned. There were 143 John McCormacks (or variations thereof) in Scotland in 1841, excluding children. Only 11 have the same spelling (but that would depend on many factors) but none of the 143 lived in Shetland. There were 4 people named John McCormick in Uist (that spelling but of course it would depend partly on who wrote or transcribed the census or, indeed, the data label). My conclusion at the moment is that, if the data labels are correct, the specimen is more likely to have originated in Uist than Unst. However, given the significance of the record (first Scottish, second British) it should be regarded as of unknown provenance unless further information on the source of the Yorkshire Museum specimens or the identity of the collector is forthcoming.

Comment Not acceptable.

0). 1840 Isles of Scilly Annet, another, seen, 28th May.

(Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Penhallurick, 1969).

[J. J. Dalgleish, Bulletin of Nuttall Ornithological Club 5: 146].

History Yarrell (1845 (3): 77-78. 2nd ed.) says: 'On the following day [28th May 1840] another example was seen, but became so wild after an unsuccessful shot, that it took off to another island and escaped altogether.'

J. J. Dalgleish (1880) in the Bulletin of Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. V. p. 146, admits only the individual that was shot. Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 267, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Ten are recorded in place of four mentioned in the Manual.'

Comment Rodd in the original report of it made no mention of another, and as it was probably only seen without optical aid it is safer to reject this record. The general rule of the day was to accept the specimen only, and disregard the embellishments. Not acceptable.

0). 1846 Greater London Kingsbury Reservoir, shot, 2nd September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.530).

(Glegg, 1935; Watson, 2010; Self, 2014).

[Glegg, 1935].

History Glegg (1935: 151) recording the record in square brackets, says: 'J. H. Gurney in March 1891 informed J. E. Harting that he had seen a Pectoral Sandpiper, sold with the Rev. H. T. Frere's Norfolk birds, the case bearing the inscription at the back (written in a very uneducated hand): "shot by Mr. Goodhall at Kingston Reservoir near Kilbourn in 1846". The name Kingston is probably a misspelling of Kingsbury. Gurney was of the opinion from the bird's appearance that it had been stuffed from the flesh.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen from Kingston Reservoir, Kilbourn, obtained on 2nd September 1846, adding that it was bought at the sale of the collection of the Rev. H. T. Frere of Burston Rectory, Norfolk, on 12th March 1891.

Comment Kingston Reservoir is in New York state, whereas the Kingsbury Reservoir is near Kilburn, London. Anyway, Glegg found it unacceptable, and why not as Gurney two years later was imposed upon in buying a foreign skin.

0). 1848 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, shot, late September.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1849: 2392).

[J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1849: 2568; Riviere, 1930].

History J. H. Gurney (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2392, dated 2nd February, 1849, says: 'I have recently purchased, of the man who shot it, a specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper, which was killed on the Denes, near Yarmouth, in the last week of September, 1848. The plumage is in a state of transition from the nuptial to winter dress: the sex unfortunately was not ascertained by dissection, and therefore cannot be given.'

However, J. H. Gurney (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2568, dated 14th August 1842 [error for 1849], adds: 'Sometime since I communicated to The Zoologist (Zool. 2392) that I had purchased a specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa pectoralis), which was said to have been killed at Yarmouth, in September last: I now much regret to say that, I fear that I was imposed upon with respect to this specimen; and that it is, in reality, a foreign one.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 368) adds: 'Subsequent enquiry has confirmed this impression, but the bird in question will be found in the British series (No. 246) at the Norwich Museum.'

Comment Misidentified. It is a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1854 Yorkshire Filey, shot, undated.

(Morris, 1851-57; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907).

[KAN].

History Morris (1854 (4): 316) says: 'In Yorkshire one, of which Thomas George Bonney, Esq., of St. John's College, Cambridge has written me word, was shot near Filey, in the East Riding, a small and quiet seaside place.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 74) say: 'Filey, one (Morris, B. Birds, 1854, IV, 316).'

Nelson (1907 (2): 607, 608) says: 'It is somewhat strange that, since the early records of this North American species in Yorkshire in the years 1853 and 1854, there should be no notice of its visit to this county until 1888...One at Filey is recorded by the Rev. F. O. Morris (British Birds, 1854, IV. p. 316).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1863 Lincolnshire Great Cotes, two seen, one shot, 12th October.

(F. O. Morris, Field 7th Nov., 1863: 460).

[Harting, 1872].

History F. O. Morris (1863) in The Field of 7th Nov., Vol. XXII. p. 460, says: 'A specimen of that rare British bird the Pectoral Sandpiper occurred in the parish of Great Cotes, near Ulceby, Lincolnshire, on Oct. 12th, so I have been informed by a letter from Mr. J. Cordeaux of that place; two had been seen.'

Harting (1872: 141) says: 'I am informed, however, by Mr. J. Cordeaux, who shot it, that it was only an unusually small example of the Reeve (Ruff).'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1865 Norfolk Caister-on-Sea, killed, 16th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1865: 9807-08; Stevenson, 1870; Yarrell, 1871-85; Eds., Field 24th Sep., 1887: 486; Harting, 1901).

[Riviere, 1930].

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. pp. 9807-08, dated 30th September, 1865, says: 'September 16. The present season would appear to be somewhat prolific in rare Tringae, as a fine specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper was killed on the above date, at Caister, near Yarmouth, and was sent, in the flesh, to a Norwich birdstuffer for preservation. Unfortunately a shot had rendered the sex indistinguishable by dissection, but the bird is somewhat smaller than some I have seen, and has still much trace of the summer plumage on the head and back. This is the third example known to have occurred in Norfolk.

The first, a female (as also the first known British specimen), was shot on Breydon muds on the 17th of October, 1830, and came into the possession of the late Mr. J. D. Hoy. The second, in Mr. J. H. Gurney's collection, was also procured near Yarmouth, on the 30th of September, 1853.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 369, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

In an Editorial (1887) in The Field of 24th Sep., Vol. LXX. p. 486, they say: 'On the 12th inst. Messrs. Spelman sold by auction, at Norwich, the collection of Norfolk birds formed by Mr. H. Stephenson [Stevenson], the well-known ornithologist.

Among the buyers were Mr. T. Southwell, representing the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, and Mr. Tuke, representing the Saffron Walden Museum. Among the principal lots sold during the day the following may be mentioned: Pectoral Sandpiper, caught at Caister, near Yarmouth, in 1865, £7.17s.6d. (Mr. Southwell).'

Comment Misidentified. It is a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Riviere 1930). Not acceptable.

0). 1867 North-east Scotland Donmouth, Aberdeenshire, immature, shot, 2nd October.

(Gray, 1871; Yarrell, 1871-85; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 374; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[Sim, 1903; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007; C. J. McInerny, Scottish Birds 30: 27-29].

History Gray (1871: 321-322) says: 'I am indebted to my correspondent Mr. Angus for an opportunity of introducing this rare British bird into the Scottish fauna, and have much pleasure in inserting here a description of a specimen shot in Aberdeenshire, and examined by that gentleman immediately afterwards.

"The specimen", writes Mr. Angus, "is an immature bird, and was shot by Mr. Mitchell, at Don mouth, on the 3d October, 1867". Having examined it while it was in the flesh, I carefully noted the following description in my note book: - Plumage compact, more so than that of other sandpipers. Weight, 2¼ oz. Bill, olivaceous, duller at the point; upper mandible, from the gape, 1½ inches. Wing, from carpus, 5¾ inches; extent, 18 inches. Bare part of the tibia, five-eighths of an inch. Feathers of the head, blackish brown, edged with reddish brown. From the eye to the lower edge of the upper mandible, a dark line; a lighter line above. Chin, white. Neck and breast reddish grey, with dark longitudinal streaks; belly, vent, and under tail coverts, white, the latter having a faint dusky line along the shafts. Wing feathers, dusky, first quill white, edged and tipped with dull white; the margin broader on the inner feathers. The coverts on the larger wing feathers, dark and glossy, those innermost being tipped with white. Rump and upper tail coverts, black, the latter tipped with reddish. Tail feathers grey, edged with white; the central feathers longest, darkest, and edged with reddish. Space between the shoulders, blackish brown, edged with reddish, the outer edges of the large feathers white. Scapulars with broad reddish brown edges; some of the wing coverts broadly tipped with white. Legs and feet greenish yellow; claws black; inner edge of the greater toe serrated. Iris, dark brown. Contents of stomach, coarse sand and the softened remains of small crustacea.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 370, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 374, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record, however, the record was placed in square brackets (Sim 1903: 173).

C. J. McInerny (2010) states that this specimen is not generally accepted due to its association with the taxidermist Alexander Mitchell, who in 1867, also, had two Spotted Sandpipers and a White-throated Sparrow as well.

Comment Gray called this the first for Scotland. Most of Mr Angus' records have been found wanting. Not acceptable.

0). 1868 Norfolk Terrington Marsh, immature female, killed, 9th January, now at King's Lynn Natural History Museum.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1868: 1128; Stevenson, 1870; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 404; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 22: 328).

[Riviere, 1930].

History J. H. Gurney (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1128, says: 'Through the kindness of Dr. Lowe, of Lynn, I had the opportunity of examining a specimen of this rare American sandpiper (making the fourth known to have occurred in Norfolk), which was caught in a net on Terrington Marsh, on the 8th of January. This bird proved on dissection, a female, and in immature plumage, but from the reddish margins to one or two of the feathers indicated already a state of change.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 368) adds: '...was netted by a man named Hornigold, in Terrington Marsh, on the 9th of January, 1868. This bird, which was preserved for the Lynn Museum by Mr. Wilson, of that town, proved to be a female, and, judging from the plumage, a young bird of the previous year. Through the kindness of Dr. Lowe, I had the pleasure of examining this bird soon after it was mounted, and of comparing it with my own and Mr. Gurney's specimen.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 404, say: 'Since that time [1830] three more have occurred, of which the last was caught in the Wash, in the nets which are there in use for catching Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, etc., on January 9th, 1868 (Zoologist, 1868, p. 1128); a very singular time of year for such a bird. G.'

Riviere (1930) says: 'It was originally regarded as a Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (Stevenson 1870) until Mr. H. F. Witherby and B. B. Riviere re-examined it in 1929 (British Birds 22: 328) and found it to be a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.'

0). Pre 1872 Northumberland Coastal locality, shot, undated.

(Harting, 1872).

[Hancock, 1874].

History Hancock (1874: 117) says: 'In Harting's Handbook of British Birds, p. 141, is mentioned the occurrence of one "on the Northumberland coast, shot by Mr. W. Proctor, of Durham: hitherto unrecorded". Mr. Proctor in a letter dated date June 25, 1873, says: "I do not recollect ever shooting one. A good many years ago, a person sent to me several birds to stuff for him, which had been shot near Boulmer Point, on the Northumberland coast, such as Dunlin, Purple Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Pigmy Curlews [Curlew Sandpipers], etc., and there was one which we thought to be the Pectoral. I cannot say whether it was or not it. The person got them back, he is now dead, and I do not know where the birds are now".'

Comment Misrecorded. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1873 Co. Durham Near Bishop Auckland, shot, undated, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Hancock, 1874; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

[Temperley, 1951].

History Hancock (1874: 117) says: 'A specimen in my collection, presented to me by Mr. Henry Gornall, of Bishop Auckland, was said by him to have been shot near that town.'

Temperley (1951) adds: 'This specimen is now in the Hancock Museum and is labelled: "A few years before 1873". There is some doubt, however, as to where this specimen was actually obtained, so the record should be accepted with reserve.'

Comment Although Bowey & Newsome have accepted it, in my mind if someone has cast a doubt then the record is unacceptable. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Norfolk Bure Marshes, shot, 8th September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.4254).

(R. W. Chase, Zoologist 1887: 433; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1888: 86; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1889: 109; Allard, 1990; Watson, 2010).

[KAN].

History R. W. Chase of Edgbaston (1887) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XI. p. 433, says: 'On Sept. 8th a specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, was shot on the banks of the River Bure, near Yarmouth. The man who shot it, not knowing what it was, took it to Mr. G. Smith, of that town, who identified the species, and sent the bird on to me. Sex, male; length from end of tail to tip of bill, 10 in.; extent of wings, 18½ in.; weight, 2½ oz., but fat. Contents of stomach undistinguishable, owing to its being badly shot. I may add that the bird was examined by Canon Tristram in the flesh. It has been beautifully set up by Cullingford, of Durham, and is a welcome addition to my collection.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 86, says: 'Mr. G. Smith informs me that a Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa maculata, Vieillot, was shot on the Bure marshes, near Yarmouth, on Sept. 8th, and is now in the collection of Mr. R. W. Chase who has already recorded it (Zool., 1887, p. 433).'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 109, says: 'Referring to the question which has arisen (p. 73) as to the weight of the Pectoral Sandpiper, I may remark that one which was shot in Norfolk, in September, 1887, weighed 2½ oz., as reported by Mr. R. W. Chase (Zool., 1887, p. 433), in whose collection that specimen is preserved.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen from Caistor Marshes and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was shot on the banks of the River Bure. Weight 2.5 oz., length 10", extent of wings 18.5". Examined in the flesh by Cullingford. Vide Zoologist 1887, p. 433; Trans. Norfolk & Norwich Nat. Hist. Soc., Vol. V. p. 646.

Comment Smith was an untrustworthy dealer. It would appear that from Smith (Great Yarmouth) it went to the Chase collection (Birmingham) who then sent it to Cullingford (Durham), where Canon Tristram saw it. Not acceptable.

0). 1895 Lincolnshire Wyberton, Boston, two, shot, August.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 63).

[F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 63].

History F. L. Blathwayt (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 63, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Messrs. Fieldsend and Nash, lately birdstuffers in Lincoln, informed the writer that they received two examples of this species to preserve, shot in August, about the year 1895, near Wyberton, Boston.'

0). 1898 Kent/Sussex Romney Marsh, adult male, killed, 2nd August.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 8: 6; N. F. Ticehurst, Zoologist 1898: 480; Ticehurst, 1909).

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

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1898) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. VIII. p. 6, at the 55th Meeting of the Club held on 19th October 1898 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. N. F. Ticehurst exhibited a Pectoral Sandpiper (Heteropygia maculata) obtained between Lydd and Rye, in Kent, on the 2nd of August, 1898.'

N. F. Ticehurst of St Leonards-on-Sea (1898) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. II. p. 480, says: 'I had the pleasure of exhibiting, at the last meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, the first Kentish specimen of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata). The bird was shot, from a flock of Dunlin, on Aug. 2nd last, along the seashore between Lydd and Rye Harbour; it is an adult male, and its dimensions agree almost exactly with those of Mr. Gurney's specimen given in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, Vol. II. p. 370. The bird is the property of Mr. Whiteman, of Rye, to whom I am indebted for allowing me to examine and exhibit it.'

Ticehurst (1909: 457) adds: '...was shot from a flock of Dunlins by Mr. J. Riddell....It was stuffed by Mr. Catt, of Iden, and exhibited for some time at the shop of Mr. Whiteman, of Rye, where I had the opportunity of examining it some six weeks later. I was afterwards allowed to exhibit the bird at a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club. It remains in the collection of Mr. Riddell at Brayborough Hall, Rugby.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 171) says: '...Dr. N. F. Ticehurst annexed this bird for his county, but Nicoll maintained that it was killed just within the Sussex boundary.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Sussex Near Rye Harbour, two, seen, 1st August.

(N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 230; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 230, says: 'A Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) was shot at Rye Harbour on September 19th, 1906. It was an adult bird just commencing to moult into winter plumage; the long scapular feathers were much abraded, and several of them had already been replaced. Mr. M. J. Nicoll wrote me that he saw and recognized two at this place amongst a flock of Dunlin, on August 1st of that year, and the present specimen is probably one of them.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 171).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Sussex Rye Harbour, adult, 19th September, now at Leicester Arts & Museums (Acc. No. Z28.2006.124.11).

(N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 230; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 124-125; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938; A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 111: 228-230).

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

E. N. Bloomfield (1907) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 124-125, says: 'I am again indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst, W. Ruskin Butterfield and Walter Field for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the Hastings district - Tringa maculata, Vieillot, Pectoral Sandpiper, Rye Harbour, September 19th, 1906.'

Ticehurst (1909: 457) adds: '...A week after it had been shot I saw it at Mr. Bristow's shop, and found that it was an adult bird...'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 171).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Sussex Winchelsea, two: male, shot, 14th April, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.54); female, shot, 17th April.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 206; J. B. Nichols, British Birds 3: 339; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

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

History E. N. Bloomfield (1909) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 206, says: 'We are again indebted to Dr. N. F. Ticehurst for a long list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which Mr. Butterfield has made some good additions. In the Hastings district - Tringa maculata, Vieill., Pectoral Sandpiper, near Winchelsea, male and female, April 14th and 17th, 1909.'

J. B. Nichols (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 339, says: 'A male Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) was shot near the Ship Inn, Winchelsea, Sussex, on April 14th, 1909. I examined it in the flesh two days afterwards. A female example of the same species was shot on April 17th, 1909, at the same place, and was seen in the flesh by Mr. L. A. Curtis Edwards.'

Locally, Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 172) adds: 'The former specimen passed to Mr. J. B. Nichols, who had already examined it in the flesh, whilst Mr. L. A. C. Edwards had done the same with the latter.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen that was shot by Mr. J. Simpson at the Ship Inn, Winchelsea, Sussex, on 14th April 1909, adding that it was bought from J. B. Nichols sale.

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Pevensey, immature female, 25th August, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.53).

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 8: 148-149; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. pp. 148-149, says: 'At Pevensey, Sussex, on August 25th, 1914, an immature female of the American Pectoral Sandpiper (Erolia m. maculata) was obtained. I saw the bird in the flesh the following morning, and it was in splendid condition, which gave me the idea that it had not been in the locality for long, as owing to the continued drought nearly all the feeding grounds are dried up, with the result that most of the birds usually met with have gone farther afield.' Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 172).

Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen that was obtained at Pevensey, Sussex, on 23rd August 1914, adding that it was bought from J. B. Nichols sale.

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1915 Sussex Rye, adult female, shot, 6th August.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 9: 97; W. Ruskin Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 201; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 97, says: 'An adult female of the American Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa maculata) was shown me in the flesh on August 7th, 1915, having been shot the previous day at Rye Harbour, Sussex. It was in very worn plumage.' Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 172).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1922 Sussex Broomhill, Romney Marsh, seen, 22nd August.

(W. R. Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 6).

[W. R. Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 6].

History W. Ruskin Butterfield (1924) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 6, says: 'A bird which Mr. E. Catt considers was a Pectoral Sandpiper was seen by him among Dunlins at Broomhill on August 22nd, 1922.'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1927 Cumbria Silloth, 4th to 8th May.

(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 125).

[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 125].

History E. Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 125, recording the record in square brackets, under 'Pectoral Sandpiper', says: 'On 4 May 1927 William Nichol came upon a strange sandpiper on the Solway shore at Silloth, Cumberland. Its characteristics, including a white rump and a dark, pointed tail, led him to regards it as a Bonaparte's Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (Vieill.). This stranger gave ample opportunity for observation, as, after taking wing, it shortly returned in company with some Swallows which it left to alight again near the same place.'

Comment Recorded under Pectoral Sandpiper and regarded as a White-rumped Sandpiper by the observer. Not acceptable.

0). 1929 Sussex Rye, female, shot, 19th October.

N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History N. F. Ticehurst (1931) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 85, says: 'A female shot at Rye, October 19th (G.B.).'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 172).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1943 Oxfordshire Sandford, seen, 19th August.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 18).

[B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1944: 18].

History B. W. Tucker (1943) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 18, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A wader which appeared to be this was seen by W.B.A. and J.K.A. at Sandford on Aug. 19. It allowed approach to within ten yards before flying a short distance, but uttered no note. It was larger than a Dunlin, which was in the vicinity for comparison. It had a rufous-brown cap, broad light superciliaries and cheeks, with a darker patch on the ear-coverts. The mantle and wing-coverts were strikingly patterned with buff and blackish and the tail showed a dark centre with white at sides. The chest was suffused with buffish down to a very definite line, below which the underparts were pure white. The sides of the breast and flanks had fine dark flecks and these continued on the flanks beyond the buffish area on to the white. The whole of the legs, however, appeared black, instead of more or less yellowish, and when it flew it appeared to W.B.A. to show a white wing-bar like a Common Sandpiper, though we understand that J.K.A. disagrees on this point, and it was not seen to fly again. In view of these points it seems desirable to square-bracket the record, though it is difficult to see what else the bird could have been. Unfortunately it had gone next day.'

0). 1948 Yorkshire Leeming Reservoir, Bradford, two, April.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 75: 71; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

[Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986].

History Ralph Chislett (1949) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV.p. 71, under 'Annual Yorkshire Report' for 1948, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Two birds at Leeming Reservoir for some days in early spring were thought to be of this species by A. W. Swaine. Unfortunately shortage of petrol prevented corroborative visits.'

Chislett (1952: 247-248) says: 'A. W. A. Swaine, of Bradford, saw two birds at Leeming Reservoir in the early spring of 1948 and was confident they were of this species.'

Comment Early spring would be an unusual time for this annual autumn vagrant. Misidentified.

0). 1956 Fair Isle No locality, 28th to 29th May.

(Bannerman, 1953-63).

[Pennington, et al., 2004].

History Bannerman (1953-63 (9): 303) one was reported in the Scottish Naturalist, 1957, p. 145.

Comment This reference refers to a Semipalmated Sandpiper. Pennington et al. (2004: 225) says: '...the first acceptable record was on Foula in 1961.' Misrecorded. Not acceptable.

0). 1957 Essex Abberton Reservoir, seven, 22nd September.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1957: 21; Hudson & Pyman, 1968).

[Cox, 1984].

History G. A. Pyman (1957) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 21, says: 'Abberton R.: a party of seven on September 22nd. Diagnostic characters were noted...and full and satisfactory details have been received. Although 1957 was possibly the best year yet for Pectoral Sandpipers, the number of birds at Abberton is a remarkable one and is understood to be without precedent in the British Isles.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968). However, Cox (1984) stated that the record was now considered doubtful.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor