Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufina (Pallas, 1773) (95, 84)
Photo © Rob Stonehouse
Ex BBRC species 31/12/1962
STATUS
Palearctic. Mainly Caspian and Aral Seas. Monotypic.
OVERVIEW
Formerly known as the Red-crested Whistling Duck. Nineteenth century records most probably relate to wild vagrants of this Central European species.
At Woburn during the 1930s attempts were made to breed the species, resulting in free-flying young. Breeding took place at a coastal location in Lincolnshire during 1937.
On the continent the species expanded toward Denmark about 1940 and later to The Netherlands, with a further colony in Spain and Morocco. Has bred in Germany since 1920, Italy since 1950.
It is believed that records in Essex during the 1950s were a result of the Dutch birds using mainly Abberton Reservoir during their moulting period, with breeding taking place in Essex during 1958.
Further releases were made at parks in London during the 1950s and with a growing population in Gloucestershire and then Wiltshire from the 1960s it became impossible to realise what were vagrants from the Continent. Also bred in 1933 and 1936 in St James’s Park, London, with a further introduction to that park and Regent’s Park in 1950.
RECORDS
1). 1818 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, female, shot, July.
(Hunt, 1815-22; Harting, 1872; Southwell, 1890; Piotrowski, 2003; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).
History Hunt (1822 (2): 333) says: 'The specimen from which our drawing was made was killed on Breydon in the month of July, 1818, and is now in the possession of Mr. Youell, of Yarmouth.'
Southwell, Editor in Stevenson (1890 (3): 200) adds that it was a female. Dye, Fiszer & Allard (2009) state this as the first British record.
2). 1820 Dorset Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 20th January.
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark, 2022).
History Kelsall & Munn (1905) say: 'In the Hart collection is a male which was shot in Christchurch Harbour, on January, 20th, 1820, by Iram Hiscock.'
3). 1826 Lincolnshire Near Boston, male, shot, January.
(W. Yarrell, Zoological Journal 2: 492-493; Harting, 1872; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).
History W. Yarrell (1826) in the Zoological Journal, Vol. II. p. 492-493, says: 'A male of this beautiful species was shot near Boston, while feeding on fresh-water in company with some Wigeons, and sent to the London Market, on the 21st January, from whence it was purchased for preservation. Though a well known European species, it has not hitherto been recorded to have been killed in England. As new therefore to the catalogue of British Ducks, a short description may be acceptable.
In size it is nearly equal to the common Wild Duck (Anas Boschas) the irides and beak bright vermillion, the nails white, sides of the head and neck chestnut, but lighter in colour at the top of the head, where the feathers are elongated forming a crest, the nape and neck dark-brown, upper part of the back and scapularies light-brown, wing coverts ash-brown, a white semilunar patch over each shoulder, speculum white, shaft and part of each wing primary white, the edges and tips dusky, front of neck and breast dark-brown, abdomen lighter, under surface of the wings, sides and flanks white, all the white parts tinged with pink, tail feathers ash-brown, upper and under tail coverts dark-brown, legs and toes orange, the webs black.
A doubt has been expressed that the occurrence of this bird might not be the result of natural migration, as several had been brought to this country, three or four years since: it may therefore be proper to state, that the plumage of the Duck now described did not exhibit any indication that the bird had been kept in confinement, and by a comparison with the plumage of the adult it will be found, that this is not yet arrived at maturity, probably in the second year, a circumstance very much in favour of a natural migration, our rare visitors being generally young birds.
It will also be recollected that the weather for ten days preceding its appearance was remarkable for the severity of the frost. Wildfowl were most abundant on our south and southeast coasts; young birds of all three species of the genus Colymbus were purchased in the London Market, and those of the genus Mergus in different states of plumage; British Ornithologists are also indebted to the pages of this Journal for the record, that within the last two years the Oriolus Galbula, Anthus Richardi, Accentor Alpinus, Gallinula Baillonii and others, have been taken in England, all of them birds extremely rare, and, compared with the Duck now described, of equal extent in their western migration.'
4). 1826 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, two, winter.
(Hunt, 1829; Harting, 1872; Southwell, 1890; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Harting (1872) says: 'Two, Breydon Harbour, winter 1826: Hunt, in Stacey's Norfolk, Vol. I. p. lxiii.'
Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 200) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'There is also little doubt that a drake in perfect plumage, purchased by Mr. Gurney at Stephen Miller's sale in 1853 for £1.18s., was killed on Breydon, probably, Mr. Stevenson thinks, one of the 1826 birds. When Mr. Doubleday's collection was sold on 23rd August, 1871, Mr. Borrer, of Cowfield, became the possessor of one of these birds, a male in change, marked in the catalogue, "Yarmouth, very rare", respecting which Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., informs me he has the following note in Mr. Doubleday's writing: - "This I also had in the flesh from Mr. Stevens [of Leadenhall Market], who assured me that it came from Yarmouth, and I have no doubt of the correctness of this statement, as I saw the package in which it came with other sea birds".'
6). 1827 Norfolk Surlingham, immature male, killed, December.
(Harting, 1872; Southwell, 1890).
History Harting (1872) says: 'One, Surlingham, Dec. 1827; Hunt, l.c.'
Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 200) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'An immature male was killed at Surlingham in December, 1827, which Mr. Lombe says passed into the possession of Mr. Deen, of Bradistone, and subsequently to the late Mr. Thurtell, of Eaton, from whom it was purchased by Mr. Gurney, in whose collection it now is; it is a male, but not in full plumage.'
7). Pre 1837 Kent River Thames, Erith, 18, female, shot, undated.
(Gould, 1837; Yarrell, 1843; Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907; Harrison, 1953).
History Gould (1837 (5): unpaged) says: 'English examples of this beautiful species form a part of the collections of the Hon. W. T. T. Fiennes and Mr. Yarrell. The former gentleman possesses a fine female, killed out of a flock of eighteen, on the Thames, near his own estate at Erith in Kent, and to whose kindness we are indebted for the loan of the specimen from which our figure was taken.'
Yarrell (1843 (3): 230, 1st ed.) says: 'The female represented by Mr. Gould, in the Sixth Part of his Birds of Europe, is in the collection of the Hon. W. T. T. Fiennes. This specimen was killed out of a flock of eighteen, on the Thames, near that gentleman's estate at Erith in Kent.'
However, Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907) state that it was in 1853, while Harrison (1953) states that it was used for the plate of the species in Gould's Birds of Great Britain (1862-73).
Comment Only the specimen counted, others not known to have been seen by a competent authority.
8). Pre 1843 Essex Colchester, killed, January, now at Cambridge Philosophical Society Museum.
(Yarrell, 1843; Glegg, 1929).
History Yarrell (1843 (3): 230, 1st ed.) says: 'Since then [1826] a specimen has been killed at Yarmouth, another at Colchester, now in the Museum of the Cambridge Philosophical Society.'
Glegg (1929) adds that Dr. A. H. Evans informed him that the chief specimens of this Museum were given to the Cambridge University Museum, but that this specimen cannot be traced.
9). 1844 Norfolk Horsey Mere, adult male, shot, 12th January.
(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1844: 576; Harting, 1872; Southwell, 1890).
History J. H. Gurney (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 576, says: 'On the 12th of January last a specimen of the Red-crested Whistling Duck (Fuligula rufina) was shot on Horsea-mere, in Norfolk. Mr. Rising, of that place, in whose possession the bird now is, informs me that it was killed rather early in the morning, and that it was quite alone and extremely tame.
This specimen was a male bird, in the fullest adult plumage, and when newly killed was as beautiful a bird as I have often seen. The beak was of a most splendid vermilion red colour, the nail of the beak being also red, but paler than the rest. The colouring of the beak began to fade soon after the bird was mounted, as also did another beauty, which was apparent when the bird was first killed, and which consisted of a wonderfully elegant tinge of rose-colour which pervaded the whole of the white parts of the plumage, especially the two large patches on the back above the shoulders. The colouring of the other parts of the bird (which appears to be of a more permanent character) agrees very well with the usual descriptions of this species in the adult male plumage.'
Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 200) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'On January 12th, 1844, another of these birds was killed at Horsey by Mr. Rising, at the sale of whose collection it was purchased for the Norwich Museum.'
10). 1845 Cornwall Swanpool, Falmouth, February.
(Bullmore, 1866; Harting, 1872).
History Harting (1872) lists one from Swanpool, Falmouth, in February 1845 (Bullmore 1866).
11). 1857 Northumberland Fenham Flats, adult female, shot, March.
(Hancock, 1874; Kerr, 2001).
History Hancock (1874) says: 'A female of this duck was shot at Fenham Flats, in November, 1857, and is now in the collection of Edmond Crawshay, Esq.'
12). 1859 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, male, obtained, 8th July.
(Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).
History Ticehurst (1932), says: 'Male, Great Yarmouth, 18th July 1859 (was in Boulton coll., Boynton in litt.).'
Allard (1990) states that on 8th July 1859 a drake was obtained at Great Yarmouth.
13). 1862 Argyll Craignish, shot, 7th January.
(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1862: 163; Gray, 1871; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Anon. (1862) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Vol. I. p. 163, read 10th June 1862, says: 'Dr. Sclater exhibited, on behalf of Capt. J. W. P. Orde, F.Z.S., a specimen of a black variety of the Water-Vole (Arvicula amphibius ?), also remarkable for its posteriorly elongated hairs and rather long tail, obtained in Argyllshire; and a Red-crested Duck (Branta rufina), shot January 1862 on a freshwater lake in the same county, where it was observed in company with Golden-eye (Clangula glaucion).'
Gray (1871: 383) says: 'In a communication made in January, 1863, to the Natural History Society of Glasgow by Henry D. Graham, Esq., one of its corresponding members, it is stated that a specimen of this bird was shot on a fresh water loch on Craignish, in January of the previous year, and sent to him by Captain M'Dougall of Luing.
The specimen was for some time in Mr. Graham's possession, but was afterwards given by him to Captain J. P. Orde of Kilmory, in whose collection it has been placed. This appears to be the only record of the occurrence of the Red-crested Pochard in any part of Scotland.'
Accepted as the first for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
14). Pre 1864 Suffolk Easton Broad, adult male, shot, spring.
(Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Babington (1884-86) says: 'Three seen on Easton Broad, and one, a fine adult male, shot by Mr. T. M. Spalding, in spring some years before 1864; sold at his sale (Lot 317) for six guineas to Mr. Greenwood, of Saxmundham (H. Stevenson in litt.; F. Spalding in litt.).'
Ticehurst (1932) states that it is in the Hagen collection.
15). 1867 Norfolk Hickling Broad, female, shot, December.
(Southwell, 1890; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).
History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 200) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'In December, 1867, a female was shot at Hickling by Nudd out of a lot of Pochards, fifteen of which he killed at the same time. This specimen, late in the Rev. S. N. Micklethwait's possession, was bought at the dispersal of that gentleman's collection, on the 21st of June, 1889, by Mr. Connop, of Caistor [sic].'
16). 1867 Devon Braunton, shot, 20th December.
(G. F. Mathew, Zoologist 1868: 1098; Moore, 1969).
History G. F. Mathew (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1098, under 'Red-crested Whistling Duck near Braunton', dated 21st December 1867, says: 'I have just seen, in our birdstuffer's shop, a very beautiful mallard specimen of this fine species, which was shot yesterday near Braunton. I was unable to ascertain whether it was in company with any others when it was killed, or whether it was a solitary individual.'
17). 1882 Cambridgeshire Near Cambridge, adult male, killed, winter.
(Millais, 1913; Lack, 1934).
History Millais (1913 (1): 8) says: 'I possess a fine adult male killed near Cambridge in the winter of 1882 (figured by Mr. Thorburn), and saw others in the hands of Mr. Dogget (Cambridge) which had been killed at Ely at the same date.'
18). 1889 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, 40, female, shot, 30th November, two males, shot 16th December, another two, shot, 27th December, another male, shot, 3rd January 1890, four males now at Tring Museum.
(H. Doggett, Field 75: 83; Witherby, 1940-52; Sage, 1959).
History Sage (1959) states that a flock of about forty, which he considers were wild birds, appeared at Wilstone Reservoir during 1889; on 30th November a female was shot, on 16th and 27th December two males were shot on each of those dates. These four went to the Tring Museum. Another male was shot on 3rd January 1890. The first and last birds were given to J. G. Millais.
58). 1900 Cleveland/Yorkshire Coatham Marsh, male, shot, 29th January.
(T. H. Nelson, Zoologist 1900: 483; J. W. Fawcett, Naturalist 1900: 304; T. H. Nelson, Naturalist 1900: 322; Nelson, 1907; Blick, 2009).
History T. H. Nelson (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 483, says: 'A fine specimen of the Red-crested Pochard (Fuligula rufina) was shot on a marsh near Redcar on Jan. 20th, 1900, and is now in my possession. It is, I believe, the first recorded example of this rare Duck for Yorkshire.'
J. W. Fawcett (1900) in The Naturalist (Yorkshire), Vol. XXV. p. 304, says: 'About the 10th of February of this year (1900) a Red-crested Pochard (Fuligula rufina Pall.) a rare bird in the British Isles, was shot at Coatham, near Redcar, the bird afterwards coming into the possession of Mr. A. Johnson, of Middlesbrough.'
T. H. Nelson (1900) in The Naturalist (Yorkshire), Vol. XXV. p. 322, says: 'I observe in The Naturalist for October, p. 304, two notes of the occurrence of Fuligula rufina near Redcar; one above my signature and the other vouched for by Mr. J. W. Fawcett, of Satley. It is evident they both refer to the same bird, which I obtained direct from the shooter. It was set up by Mr. G. Mussell, of Middlesbrough, and has not been in the possession of anyone else there.'
Nelson (1907 (2): 462) says: 'Its claim to rank as a Yorkshire bird rests on the occurrence of one example only, a male in good plumage, which was killed off a pond on Coatham Marshes on 20th January 1900. I saw the specimen soon after it was procured and purchased it from the shooter (Zool., 1900, p. 483; and Nat., 1900, pp. 304, 322).'
59). 1904 Suffolk Thorpe Mere, pair, shot, 16th January.
(Anon., Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 14: 62; Ticehurst, 1932; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Anon. (1904) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XIV. p. 62, at the 104th Meeting of the Club held on 16th of March, 1904 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. F. M. Ogilvie exhibited an adult pair of Red-crested
Pochards (Netta rufina), shot on the Thorpe Mere, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, on January 16th, 1904, by Mr. Frank G. Garrett, Jun., on whose behalf he had brought them. The mere at that time was full of the Common Pochards, which were unusually wild, possibly from the number of punts continually "setting" at them.
As far as he knew, these were the only birds of this species on the mere at the time, as they were secured quite by chance by a double shot with a fowling-gun, as they flew overhead at a distance of 50 or 60 yards.
Although the bird had been obtained on a good many occasions in England, he had thought it worth while to exhibit this pair of Suffolk birds.
Excluding specimens killed at Breydon, the only authenticated Suffolk specimen, as far as he knew, was a bird (year not recorded) shot on Eastern [sic] Broad by Mr. Spalding, which fetched, at his sale, six guineas.'
Ticehurst (1932) says: 'On 16th January 1904, Colonel F. G. Garrett of Leiston was flighting on Thorpe Mere and in the dusk he killed a couple of these ducks, right and left (Bull. B.O.C., XIV. p. 62).
These I have examined at Colonel Garrett's and found them to be beautiful birds in full plumage. Thorpe Mere at the time was full of Common Pochard and Coots, and with these the Red-crested Pochards associated; but owing to the wariness of the Coots, Alexander, who was after them night and day for three weeks, had failed to obtain them.'
61). 1906 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, 13, nine shot, 4th September; presumed four of same, Hickling Broad, 8th September, two were shot, remaining two to 12th September.
(Riviere, 1930; Ticehurst, 1932; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Riviere (1930) states that thirteen of this species were seen to arrive at Breydon from the direction of the sea on 13th September 1906. Youngs, the Breydon punt gunner shot nine of them the same day, with E. C. Saunders, the Yarmouth taxidermist, purchasing six males and two females. Two days later at Hickling, a male and female, presumably from the same flock, were shot. Two more were seen on the 12th at Hickling.
74). 1906 Norfolk Potter Heigham, male, shot, 23rd October.
(Riviere, 1930; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).
History Riviere (1930) states that a male was shot at Potter Heigham on 23rd October.
75). c. 1910 Devon Exe Estuary, male, shot, 2nd November.
(T. P. Backhouse, British Birds 14: 162-163; Moore, 1969).
History T. P. Backhouse (1920) in British Birds, Vol. XIV. pp. 162-163, says: 'In a small collection of birds shot on the Exe Estuary by T. S. McClaughlin, a fisherman living at Powderham, I came across a male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) and a Gadwall (Anas strepera). The former was shot on November 2nd about 1910, and is now on loan to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. It is apparently only the second record for Devon.'
76). 1915 Hertfordshire Tring Reservoirs, adult male, shot, 9th November.
(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 17: 39; Sage, 1959).
History Sage (1959) states that an adult male was shot on 9th November 1915 at the Tring Reservoirs.
77). 1921 Hertfordshire Tring Reservoirs, shot, 6th October.
(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 17: 357; Sage, 1959).
History Sage (1959) states that one was shot on the Tring Reservoirs on 6th October 1921.
78). 1924 Essex/Greater London Lea Valley Reservoirs, male, 16th February.
(W. E. Glegg, British Birds 17: 310; Glegg, 1929; London Natural History Society, 1964).
History W. E. Glegg (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 310, says: 'At Walthamstow Reservoirs, Essex, on February 16th, 1924, I had the good fortune to identify a handsome male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina). This bird was observed on the Racecourse Reservoir, which, for some unknown reason, is more frequented by the numerous wild-fowl than any other of the series, where it was in company with a number of Common Pochards (Nyroca ferina). In the first instance the Red-crested Pochard was seen by means of a 12 x monocular and afterwards was watched carefully through a telescope of 50x. Fortunately the light was good and the Pochard, acting in a leisurely manner, at times swimming about quietly, at others reposing, and on one occasion coming on to the edge of an island, gave every opportunity for examination. According to Miller Christy's Birds of Essex, the Red-crested Pochard has been recorded only once in Essex, as far back as 1844, and this is confirmed by A Practical Handbook of British Birds. Thus the Walthamstow record constitutes the second occurrence in the county. It may be added that the bird appeared to be in good plumage.…The birds frequenting these reservoirs have been more interesting this winter and it would seem that the cessation of the fortnightly shoots which were permitted in previous winters is bearing fruit.'
Glegg (1929) states that he identified a male on 16th February 1924 at the Lea Valley Reservoirs.
79). 1924 Lothian Duddingston Loch, male, 21st December to 17th February 1925.
(Andrews, 1986; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Andrews (1986) lists a male seen at Duddingston Loch between 21st December 1924 to 17th February 1925.
Accepted as the second record for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
80). 1925 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, male, shot, 20th December.
(Riviere, 1930; Ticehurst, 1932; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999; Piotrowski, 2003).
History Riviere (1930) states that Harry Smith, a Breydon punt gunner, shot a male on 20th December and is now in his possession.
81). 1929 Norfolk Rockland Broad, male, shot, 6th February.
(Riviere, 1930; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).
History Riviere (1930) states that an adult male was killed on Rockland Broad on 6th February 1929.
82). 1931 Surrey Frensham Great Pond, 19th November to 29th January 1932.
(Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007).
History Parr (1972) states that the first record for Surrey occurred at Frensham Great Pond between 19th November 1931 and 29th January 1932.
Wheatley (2007) states that this occurred before the 1950 introductions and is also a fair distance from Woburn, so could well be classed as wild.
83). 1935 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, two: one female or immature, seen, 26th March, same with adult male, 15th April.
(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 20: 107; Sage, 1959).
History Sage (1959) states that Charles Oldham saw a female/immature type at Wilstone on 26th March 1935, with the same bird being seen again on 15th April in company with an adult male.
85). 1935 Kent Cottington Court, near Deal, adult male, seen, 28th November.
(Harrison, 1953).
History Harrison (1953) states that T. C. Gregory (in litt.) informed him of a small flock that he saw at Cottington Court, near Deal on 28th November 1935. They were with some Common Pochard, but that he managed to see an old male before they took flight.
86). 1943 Bedfordshire Bedford Sewage-farm, female, 14th January.
(J. A. Miller, British Birds 37: 75; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).
History J. A. Miller (1943) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 75, says: 'During the last year I have been able to pay regular visits to the Sewage Farm just outside the town of Bedford and amongst the many birds seen, the following seem worthy of note. I am grateful to Mr. B. O. Clifford and Mr. A. J. Swain for providing me with some of the notes. I should mention that the Great Ouse forms the northern boundary of the farm.
Red-crested Pochard: A female seen on January 14th, 1943, was probably an escape, possibly from Woburn.'
Trodd & Kramer (1991) stating the above reference record it as a male without correction!
87). 1943 Leicestershire & Rutland Stanford Reservoir, three, males, 30th September to 2nd October, one remaining to 7th November.
(Fray et al., 2009).
History Fray et al. (2009) state that three males were at Stanford Reservoir between 30th September and 2nd October 1943, with one remaining to 7th November.
90). 1947 Fife Lindores Loch, male, 24th April.
(C. G. Connell, Scottish Naturalist 1925: 21-22; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History C. G. Connell 1925) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLV. pp. 21-22, says: 'On 21st December 1924, I identified a Red-crested Pochard on Duddingston Loch. When observed first the bird - a drake not in very bright plumage - was in company with some Common Pochard, of which species there was a large number at the east end of the loch. Tufted Ducks and Coots were also in the vicinity, but it was noticed that the Red-crested Pochard kept somewhat apart from the other birds and pursued its own course in seeking food. On 28th December I again observed the bird, and on the 29th the identification was confirmed by Mr. Kirke Nash. On these occasions the bird was frequenting a different part of the loch. It was again seen in company with Pochards, but on the 28th it delivered a slight attack on one of these birds.
The descriptions and pictures of the bird in full plumage point to easy identification, but in the poor light of late afternoon, it can easily be taken for a Common Pochard. Its form is, however, distinctive, the body being larger, the neck longer and more curved, rather after the style of the Divers. The head has not the heavy appearance of the common species, the neck and head being carried more gracefully. The crest feathers are but slightly lengthened and stand out to give the bird’s head a "fuzzy" appearance. There is no suggestion of the elongated "crest" of the Tufted Duck.
The lighter yellow (golden bay in text-books) on the head crest is plainly visible in a good light. The most noticeable feature for field identification is the white on the shoulders which is, however, a variable quantity and was much more conspicuous on the first than on the subsequent occasions when the bird was seen. It can even be seen clearly when the bird is facing the observer, when it appears as a continuous band interrupted by the neck. The dull white on the flanks contrasts with the brownish back, and the black tail and the practically black neck and breast are noticeable on the water.
The bill is red and a very distinctive feature, forming a marked contrast to the dark blue banded bill of the common species. One other point may be mentioned, that the chestnut of the head stops short on the back of the neck much higher up than in the case of the Common Pochard.
In diving, the bird is active and takes a more headlong plunge than the common species. It was observed to feed both on the surface and under water, whence it brought up weeds, which it proceeded to "dibble" in the water in its search for food clinging to them. Its dives were all in shallow water, of short duration and at infrequent intervals.
It has always been observed feeding within a short distance of the banks or reeds of the loch. Perhaps the most complete information in regard to this Pochard is in Millais' British Diving Ducks, Vol. I.
The bird breeds in South Germany, South France, and Spain as well as Asia, and normally proceeds southwards in winter, being abundant then in Sardinia and the north of Africa.
It has occurred on a number of occasions in England. In Scotland it occurred in 1862 in Argyllshire, and Millais further records for the first time that an Oban taxidermist had mounted two which had been taken in the winter of 1898 in that district.
At the time the specimen under note arrived, taking that date to be the date on which it was first observed, the weather, according to the Times' reports was mild, and the winds south to south-west, in parts being strong to gale force.'
Accepted as the third record for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
91). 1948 Cheshire & Wirral Rostherne Mere, adult male, 1st February.
(C. A. Milner, British Birds 43: 20; Hedley Bell, 1962).
History C. A. Milner (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 20, says: 'On February 1st, 1949, in company with Messrs. M. Dean, J. Cassera, and B. Saul, I saw an adult drake Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) on Rostherne Mere, Cheshire, and was able to watch it on several occasions until February 28th. All the important field-characters were noted, including the conspicuous white wing-bars noticed when the bird flew.
It was seen on various dates in February by Messrs. A. W. Boyd, A. R. Sumerfield, R. H. Dunt and other observers, who confirmed my identification. Enquiries were made through Miss P. Barclay-Smith, but although almost all known breeders of wild-fowl were questioned, none was aware of any escape, and the Duke of Bedford has stated that there are now none at Woburn, so that it appears probable that the bird was genuinely wild.
I have been interested to learn from Mr. A. A. Jacker, who gives me permission to quote him, that he saw a drake Red-crested Pochard at the same place on December 31st, 1948.'
92). 1948 Sussex Thorney, female, seen, 3rd October to 16th December.
(G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History des Forges & Harber (1963) state that during 3rd October to 16th December a female was seen at Thorney.
93). 1948 Staffordshire Cannock Reservoir, seen, 20th to 21st November.
(Lord & Blake, 1962).
History Lord & Blake (1962) state that one was seen at Cannock Reservoir on 20th and 21st November 1948 and was thought to be wild.
94). 1948 Cheshire & Wirral Rostherne Mere, male, 31st December.
(Hedley Bell, 1962).
History Hedley Bell (1962) states that a male was seen at Rostherne Mere on 31st December 1948.
95). 1949 Staffordshire Belvide Reservoir, seen, 3rd July.
(Lord & Blake, 1962).
History Lord & Blake (1962) state that one was seen at Belvide Reservoir on 3rd July 1949 and was thought to be wild.
1950-57 RECORDS
96). 1950 Suffolk Easton Broad, female, February.
(Payn, 1962).
History Payn (1962) states that after a gap of over forty years a female appeared on Easton Broad for a few days in February.
97). 1950 Northumberland Gosforth Park, 11th February.
(Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Kerr, 2001).
History Galloway & Meek (1978-83) state that there was a single in Gosforth Park on 11th February 1950.
98). 1950 Dorset Little Sea, male, 24th to 25th December, again, 15th January 1951.
(Green, 2004).
History Green (2004) states that a male occurred at Little Sea on 24th and 25th December 1950, and again on 15th January 1951.
99). 1951 Suffolk Benacre Broad, male, seen, January.
(Payn, 1962).
History Payn (1962) states that a male was seen on Benacre Broad in January 1951 (Lowestoft Field Club).
100). 1951 Essex Abberton Reservoir, 24th November.
(Cox, 1984).
History Cox (1984) states that one was identified on 24th November 1951.
101). 1952 Cornwall/Devon Tamar Lake, female, 5th January for three weeks.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society 1952: 21; Moore, 1969; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, Vol. XXII. p. 21, says: 'January 13th. A female was seen on Tamar Lake, consorting at times with Common Pochard. It remained for about three weeks. An escape from some private collection perhaps ? F.E.C.'
Moore (1969) adds that it was reported by G. H. Martin and F. E. Carter.
102). 1952 Devon Slapton Ley, male, 21st December.
(Moore, 1969).
History Moore (1969) states that O. D. Hunt and D. B. Hunt observed a male at Slapton Ley on 21st December 1952.
103). 1952 Essex Abberton Reservoir, winter.
(Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Wood, 2007).
History Hudson & Pyman (1968) state that since 1952 (inclusive) this species has appeared annually at Abberton Reservoir in late autumn or early winter.
104). 1953 Cornwall/Devon Tamar Lakes, female, 8th to 30th January.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society 1953: 18; Moore, 1969; Penhallurick, 1969).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons (1953) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, Vol. XXIII. p. 18, says: 'January 8th, on Tamar Lake, one female. The bird could be readily picked out from the Pochards by its pale cheeks; the white wing patch and brown back were also noted at short range. F.R.S. A.V.S.'
Moore (1969) adds it was seen by F. R. and A. V. Smith.
105). 1953 Berkshire Ham Fields Sewage-farm, Old Windsor, male, 8th August.
(B. Campbell & W. D. Campbell, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire and Berkshire 1953: 16; Swash, 1996).
History B. Campbell & W. D. Campbell (1953) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, p. 16, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'A drake in eclipse plumage Ham Fields S.F., Aug. 8 (C.M.V.) must rest under suspicion as an escape. (Detailed description in M.T.N.H.S. Report).'
Swash (1996) tables a record as occurring between 1946-55 during August.
106). 1953 Avon Blagdon Lake, male, 11th October.
(R. Mielcarek, 2019 An Annotated Checklist [Avon] 2nd ed.).
History Just bare details recorded.
107). 1953 Essex Abberton Reservoir, autumn/winter.
(Hudson & Pyman, 1968).
History Hudson & Pyman (1968) state that since 1952 (inclusive) this species has appeared annually at Abberton Reservoir in late autumn or early winter.
108). 1954 Cambridgeshire Chittering, adult male, 14th February.
(Bircham, 1989).
History Bircham (1989) states that an influx of diving duck from the Continent during a cold spell there resulted in an adult male being observed at Chittering on 14th February 1954 giving creedence to its being wild.
109). 1954 Norfolk Blickling, Hickling Broad and Rockland Broad, male, March to May.
(Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).
History Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) state that during March to May 1954 a male occurred at Blickling, Hickling Broad and Rockland Broad that possibly involved just the one individual.
110). 1954 Yorkshire Swillington Ings, female, seen, 17th March.
(Mather, 1986).
History Mather (1986) states that K. Dawson observed a female on 17th March 1954 at Swillington Ings, but Chislett in the 'Yorkshire Annual Report' placed the record in square brackets citing that they had been introduced to ornamental waters in Central Yorkshire recently.
111). 1954 Essex Abberton Reservoir, autumn/winter.
(Hudson & Pyman, 1968).
History Hudson & Pyman (1968) state that since 1952 (inclusive) this species has appeared annually at Abberton Reservoir in late autumn or early winter.
112). 1954 Wiltshire Braydon Pond, male, December.
(Pierson, 1959).
History Pierson (1959) states that a male was seen during December 1954 on Braydon Pond. It may have only been an escape.
113). 1955 Staffordshire Blithfield Reservoir, 9th and 23rd October.
(Lord & Blake, 1962).
History Lord & Blake (1962) state that one was seen at Blithfield Reservoir on 9th and 23rd October 1955 and was thought to be wild.
114). 1955 Essex Abberton Reservoir, autumn/winter.
(Hudson & Pyman, 1968).
History Hudson & Pyman (1968) state that since 1952 (inclusive) this species has appeared annually at Abberton Reservoir in late autumn or early winter.
115). 1956 Sussex Chichester Gravel-pits, pair, 12th February to 18th March.
(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History des Forges & Harber (1963) state that a pair were at Chichester Gravel Pits from 12th February to 18th March 1956.
117). 1956 Devon Slapton Ley, adult male, 29th to 31st March.
(Moore, 1969).
History Moore (1969) states that during 29th to 31st March 1956 an adult male was reported by M. R. Edmonds and D. R. Edgcombe on Slapton Ley.
118). 1956 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, male, seen, 2nd April; possibly same, 28th April.
(Sage, 1959).
History Sage (1959) states that a number of this species was reported from various sites in southern England in 1956 and that a male seen by various observers occurred at Wilstone on 2nd April, and that possibly the same was seen again on 28th April.
119). 1956 Fife Morton Lochs, male, October to winter.
(G. A. Pyman, British Birds 52: 44, 52; Smout, 1986; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Record just listed by Pyman with no further detail.
120). 1956 Essex Abberton Reservoir, 22, November; presumed seven of same, Salcott Creek, seven, 9th November.
(Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Wood, 2007).
History Hudson & Pyman (1968) state that since 1952 (inclusive) this species has appeared annually at Abberton Reservoir in late autumn or early winter. There were 22 in November 1956.
142). 1957 Yorkshire Swillington Ings, several (5), 27th June; female, 29th June, again, 17th July; presumed same, Fairburn Ings, female, 21st July, 11th to 14th August.
(Mather, 1986).
History Mather (1986) states that J. E. S. Walker observed 'several' ducks and drakes on 27th June 1957, while A. H. B. Lee saw a female there on 29th June, with another present on 17th July. At Fairburn Ings a female was noted on 21st July and again during 11th to 14th August 1957 by P. J. Stead and W. C. Wakefield et al.
147). 1957 Suffolk Minsmere, male, 25th August to 3rd September.
(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1957: 309; Payn, 1962).
History F. K. Cobb (1957) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 309, says: 'One at Minsmere from 25th Aug. to 3rd Sept., may have been an escape, but behaviour gave no indication of tameness.'
Payn (1962) states that during August and September 1957 a male visited Minsmere.
148). 1957 Essex Abberton Reservoir, 25, September to October.
(Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).
History Hudson & Pyman (1968) state that since 1952 (inclusive) this species has appeared annually at Abberton Reservoir in late autumn or early winter. During September/October ca. 25 present.
Cox (1984) adds that peaks occurred at Abberton with 16 (though perhaps 26 birds in all) in September/October 1957.
173). 1957 Lothian Duddingston Loch, female, 28th October to 3rd November.
(Andrews, 1986; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Andrews (1986) lists a female seen between 28th October and 3rd November 1957 at Duddingston Loch.
174). 1957 Yorkshire Redmires Dam, near Sheffield, three, females, 10th November.
(Mather, 1986).
History Mather (1986) states that at Redmires Dam, near Sheffield on 10th November 1957 D. R. Wilson observed three females.
177). 1957 Lincolnshire LNER Pits, Lincoln, female, 24th November.
(R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 14: 196; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1958) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIV. p. 196, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'Female, L.N.E.R. Pits, Lincoln, 24/11 (D.W., F.S., P.H.). There has certainly been a westward extension of the range of this species in recent years and it now occurs regularly in eastern England. Autumn concentrations on Lake Constance and the Zwarte Meer in Holland disperse in October and November to unknown destinations, and a similar pattern has been observed at Abberton Reservoir, Essex (G. Pyman in litt.).
On the other hand it breeds freely in captivity and is often kept full-winged, so that all records must be suspected to be of escaped birds (Wildfowl Trust, in litt.).
The most one can say is that the date is consistent with the possibility of this having been a bird from the European dispersal and it acted like a wild bird.'
However, Lorand & Atkin (1989) accept the record as a genuine migrant.
178). 1957 Sussex Chichester Gravel-pits, female, seen, 8th December to 20th March 1958.
(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1957; D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1958; des Forges & Harber, 1963).
History des Forges & Harber (1963) state that at Chichester Gravel Pits a female was observed from 8th December 1957 through to 20th March 1958.
179). 1957 Borders Cauldshiels Loch, Roxburghshire/Selkirkshire, female, 22nd to 25th December.
(Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 8: 26; G. A. Pyman, British Birds 52: 44; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Birds 1: 117; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Accepted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
NOT PROVEN
0). Early 19th Cent. Dorset River Stour, Bryanston, shot, undated.
(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; Green, 2004).
[KAN].
History Mansel-Pleydell (1888, 2nd ed.) says: 'One preserved in the collection of Viscount Portman, was shot on the Stour at Bryanston in the early part of this century.'
Green (2004) states that one was shot on the River Stour at Bryanston during the 19th century.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 19th Cent. Gloucestershire Woodchester Park, shot, undated.
(Mellersh, 1902; Swaine, 1982).
[KAN].
History Swaine (1982) states that Mellersh (1902) records one shot in the 19th century at Woodchester Park which was preserved and seen by H. C. Playne.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1819 Norfolk No locality, male, killed, undated.
(Hunt, 1822; Babington, 1884-86; Southwell, 1890).
[KAN].
History Babington (1884-86) says: 'A male in full dress believed to have been killed at Yarmouth some years ago; formerly in Mr. S. Miller's Collection now in that of Mr. J. H. Gurney (J. H. Gurney, jun., in Dresser B. of Eur., VI. 560 and in litt.).'
Southwell (1890 (3): 200) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'We are informed that a specimen of the male was killed in Norfolk a few years since [1822], and was preserved in the London Museum.
This formed lot 96 of the sale catalogue of Bullock's [London] Museum, 6th May, 1819, as I am informed by Professor Newton, but the entry - (p. 33) is there printed, "Round-crested Duck, killed in Norfolk, extremely rare". His priced copy shows that it was bought for three guineas by Lord Temple.'
Comment Stephen Miller has been found to be unreliable. See Bufflehead (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 61-73).
0). 1826 Greater London Leadenhall Market, immature, winter.
(E. Blyth, Naturalist 3: 420; Harting, 1872).
[KAN].
History E. Blyth (1838) in The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 420, under 'Notice of Rare Birds obtained during the winter of 1837-38', says: 'A few seasons ago, Mr. Bartlett received a recent Surf Scoter (Oidemia perspicillata) for the purpose of stuffing; and he has also seen an immature Red-crested Pochard exposed for sale.'
Comment With market specimens you cannot be sure of where they came from. Not acceptable.
0). 1853 Lincolnshire Near Boston, male, shot, November.
(E. Newman, Zoologist 1854: 4166; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).
[Gould, 1862-73].
History E. Newman (1854) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. p. 4166, says: 'Mr. Green, the Bird and Animal Preserver, of East Road, City Road, has this day brought me in the flesh an extremely fine male specimen of the very rare Red-crested Whistling Duck, shot at Boston, in Lincolnshire.'
Comment One from the same place in 1826! Although this article is undated I have assumed it to be November as all the other articles at this point are from November.
Neither Herriott (1968) or Marshall (2009) mention this Green, who I believe is the dealer that Alfred Newton, John Gould and Witherby did not trust. See 1853 Great Reed Warbler. Not acceptable.
0). 1867 Staffordshire Gailey, shot, late October.
(Smith, 1939).
[Smith, 1939].
History Not mentioned by McAIdowie (1893). Smith (1939) states that a previous writer suggests that this was a truly wild bird that was shot at the Gailey pools in late October, 1867, but I do not think it warrants a place in our list.
0). Pre 1869 Pembrokeshire Stackpole, female, shot, undated.
(T. Dix, Zoologist 1869: 1678).
[BOURC (2018), Ibis 160: 937-938].
History T. Dix (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1678, says: 'Mr. Tracy tells me he shot a female of this rare visitor at Stackpole, and that it was taken by the Earl of Cawdor to London to be identified - unfortunately he has forgotten the date.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1898 Argyll Near Oban, two, immature males, shot, winter.
(Millais, 1913).
[Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007].
History Millais (1913 (1): 8) says: 'Two young males were shot near Oban in the winter of 1898, as I am informed by Mr. Bishop [sic], the Oban taxidermist, who mounted them. These have not previously been recorded.'
Comment The delay in publication of this hearsay record, no name of who identified the young males, who shot them and purchased them are details that could have been ascertained by Millais. Not acceptable.
0) 1907 Gloucestershire Near Coombe Canal, shot, January.
(Swaine, 1982).
[Swaine, 1982].
History Swaine (1982) quoting from Mellersh states that one was said to have been shot in January 1907 near the Coombe Canal.
0). 1911 Sussex Boreham Bridge, 14/16, three shot (male and two females), 17th January; adult male, shot, 5th February, now at Leicester Arts & Museums (Acc. No. L.Z252.1982.422.0); male, shot, 10th February, now in Reading Museum.
(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 4: 316; Walpole-Bond, 1938; A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 111: 228-230).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 352 HR 56].
History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 316, says: 'Towards the end of January, 1911, a flock of Red-crested Pochards (Netta rufina), consisting of fourteen or sixteen birds, settled on the Marsh near Boreham Bridge, Sussex. A duck and drake were shot on January 17th, and another drake on February 5th. As far as I know at present these are the only three that have been shot, and they were preserved by Mr. Bristow, who kindly gave me an opportunity of seeing them.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 20) adds: 'Five of them died, a drake and two ducks on 17th January 1911, and another drake on 10th February which is in the Reading Museum.
A. H. J. Harrop (2018) in British Birds, Vol. CXI. pp. 228-230, states that the adult male is now in Leicester Arts & Museums (Acc. No. L.Z252.1982.422.0).
Comment Hastings Rarities. Not acceptable.
0). 1917 Hertfordshire Little Tring Reservoir, pair, seen, 14th November.
(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 17: 135; Sage, 1959).
[Sage, 1959].
History Sage (1959) states that a pair were observed on Little Tring by Charles Oldham on 14th November 1917.
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1918 Buckinghamshire Weston Turville Reservoir, undated.
(Lack & Ferguson, 1993).
[Lack & Ferguson, 1993].
History Lack & Ferguson (1993) list an undated record at Weston Turville Reservoir which they suggest may have been an escape from Woburn.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record and supporting details. Not acceptable.
0). 1920 Buckinghamshire Weston Turville Reservoir, undated.
(Lack & Ferguson, 1993).
[Lack & Ferguson, 1993].
History Lack & Ferguson (1993) list an undated record at Weston Turville Reservoir which they suggest may have been an escape from Woburn.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record and supporting details. Not acceptable.
0). 1927 Isles of Scilly No locality, 21st November.
(Tresco Abbey Records; Penhallurick, 1969).
[R. L. Flood, Isles of Scilly Bird Report 2002: 53].
History Penhallurick (1969) lists one at Scilly on 21st November (Abbey Records).
Not accepted locally (R. L. Flood, Isles of Scilly Bird Report 2002: 53).
0). 1933 Greater London St James's Park, pair bred, hatching three young, two of which survived, undated.
(London Natural History Society, 1964).
[London Natural History Society, 1964].
History London Natural History Society (1964) state that three young were hatched, of which two survived at St James's Park.
0). 1933 Berkshire River Pang, Hampstead Norris, shot, 14th January.
(Radford, 1966).
[Radford, 1966].
History Radford (1966) states that what is considered an escape was shot on the Pang at Hampstead Norris on 14th January 1933.
0). 1934 Greater London/Surrey Staines Reservoir, 26th April; presumed same, 10th May.
(Anon., London Naturalist 1934: 110; London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007).
[Wheatley, 2007].
History Anon. (1934) in the London Naturalist, p. 110, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'There is a possibility that this bird was an escape, hence the square brackets.'
Wheatley (2007) states that one was at Staines on 26th April and 10th May 1934 could quite possibly be connected to the London introduction.
0). 1935 Greater London/Surrey Richmond Park, April and May.
(Wheatley, 2007).
[Wheatley, 2007].
History Wheatley (2007) states that one was at Richmond Park during April and May 1935 and could quite possibly be connected to the London introduction.
0). 1935 Hertfordshire Church Spinney, Hexton, shot, undated.
(Whiteman, 1936; Sage, 1959).
[Sage, 1959].
History Sage (1959) states that one was shot in Church Spinney, Hexton, sometime during 1935. It was considered to have escaped from Woburn Park.
0). 1936 Greater London St James's Park, pair bred, hatching two young, undated.
(London Natural History Society, 1964).
[London Natural History Society, 1964].
History London Natural History Society (1964) state that two more were reared in St James's Park.
0). 1937 Lincolnshire Coastal locality, five, seen, April, a pair remained to breed.
(Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Piotrowski, 2003; Wheatley, 2007; Wood, 2007).
[Smith & Cornwallis, 1955].
History Smith & Cornwallis (1955) state that during April 1937 five were seen on the north-east coast and a pair remained to breed. They were considered to have been released from captivity.
Piotrowski (2003) states that 'isolated breeding was noted in Lincolnshire as early as 1937'.
Wood (2007) states that this record is now thought to be of wild birds due to an influx that year (Historical Atlas).
0). 1940 Greater London/Surrey Beddington, 23rd November.
(London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007).
[London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007].
History London Natural History Society (1964) state that one was seen at Beddington on 23rd November 1940 prior to the introduction in 1950.
0). 1940 East Glamorgan Llanishen Reservoirs, two, males, 12th December, one remaining to 22nd December; presumed same, Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, 13th January to 4th February 1941.
(Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon, 1967; Hurford & Lansdown, 1995).
[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].
History Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon (1967) state that two males visited Llanishen Reservoirs on 12th December 1940 with one remaining to the 22nd December, with presumably one of the same appearing at Roath Park, Cardiff between 13th January and 14th February 1941. However, Hurford & Lansdown (1995) correct the date from 14th February to 4th February 1941.
Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994)
0). 1941 Greater London Kensington Gardens, seen, 14th February.
(London Natural History Society, 1964).
[London Natural History Society, 1964].
History London Natural History Society (1964) state that one was seen in Kensington Gardens on 14th February 1941 prior to the introduction in 1950.
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1943 Oxfordshire Port Meadow, pair, May.
(Radford, 1966).
[Radford, 1966].
History Radford (1966) states that a pair that were considered escapes were at Port Meadow during May, 1943.
0). 1945 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, two, females, 14th February to 13th March.
(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 22: 120; Sage, 1959).
[Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 22: 120; Sage, 1959].
History Sage (1959) states that two females that had escaped from Woburn Park were present on Wilstone Reservoirs from 14th February to 13th March 1945.
0). 1946 Greater London/Surrey Barn Elms Reservoir, seen, 2nd May.
(London Natural History Society, 1964; Wheatley, 2007).
[London Natural History Society, 1964].
History London Natural History Society (1964) state that one was seen at Barn Elms Reservoirs on 2nd May 1946.
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1948 Hertfordshire Marsworth Reservoir, two, females, 4th April.
(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 23: 93; Sage, 1959).
[Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 23: 93; Sage, 1959].
History Sage (1959) states that R. H. Ryall saw two females that had no doubt escaped from Woburn, at Marsworth Reservoir on 4th April 1948.
0). 1949 Essex Abberton Reservoir, December to April 1951.
(Cox, 1984).
[Cox, 1984].
History Cox (1984) states that a presumed escape was present at Abberton Reservoir from December 1949 through to April 1951.
0). 1950 Greater London Regent's Park and St James's Park, several, released, undated.
(London Natural History Society, 1964).
[London Natural History Society, 1964].
History London Natural History Society (1964) state that several pairs were introduced into Regent’s and St James’s Parks with young being born and going unpinioned.
0). 1950 Greater London/Surrey Barn Elms, 30th December to 29th January 1951, again, 6th and 10th February 1951.
G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1950: 27; G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20; Wheatley, 2007).
[G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1950: 27; G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20; Wheatley, 2007].
History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1951) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVI. p. 20, say: 'Barn Elms Res., the male reported for 30 and 31 Dec. 1950, was recorded on fourteen days between 1 Jan and 29. A male was also seen 6 and 10 Feb.'
0). 1951 Greater London Kensington Gardens, Middlesex, 16th March, up to six, between 20th September and 15th October.
(G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20).
[G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20].
History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1951) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVI. p. 20, say: 'Fully-winged birds dispersed from St James's Park were seen on Mar. 16 on the Round Pond, Kensington Gardens….up to six on the Round Pond between 20 Sept. and 15 Oct.'
0). 1951 Greater London Warwick Avenue, Middlesex, 8th May.
(G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20).
[G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 1951: 20].
History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1951) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVI. p. 20, say: 'Fully-winged birds dispersed from St James's Park were seen on 8 May on the canal basin, Warwick Road.'
0). 1955 Greater London/Surrey Barn Elms, 27th November to 1st December.
(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1955; Wheatley, 2007).
[Wheatley, 2007].
History Parr (1972) states that one was observed at Barn Elms Reservoirs from 27th November to 1st December.
Not accepted locally (Wheatley 2007).
