Snowy Owl (1/3)

Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) (193, 6)

Photo © Phil Woollen - Ronas Hill, Collafirth, Mainland, Shetland, 21 June 2021

STATUS

Holarctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

This autumn and winter visitor from from the Arctic circle has been known to hitch a ride on board vessels across the Atlantic. Some arrive as early as September, but majority October.

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RECORDS

1). 1811 Shetland Unst, seen, undated.

(L. Edmondston, Memoirs of the Wernerian Society 4: 157-160; H. Saxby, Zoologist 1863: 8633-34; Saxby, 1874; Saunders & Clarke, 1927; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History L. Edmondston (1822) in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, Vol. IV. pp. 157-160, read 9th February 1822, says: 'The Snowy Owl was long known to be a native of the northern countries of Europe, but it has only more recently been ascertained to be a British bird. I fell in with this species in Zetland, first in 1811...'

H. Saxby of Shetland (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. pp. 8633-34, under 'Notes on the Snowy Owl', says: 'In answer to repeated requests for information regarding the habits of the Snowy Owl, as observed in Shetland, it has been my custom to refer inquirers to the full and very accurate account of that bird published in 1822, by Dr. Edmondston, in the Transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh. But this being now somewhat difficult of access, and, moreover, as observations made at a later period seem to be required (and I am not aware of any such having appeared in a collected form within the last few years), some notes of more recent date may not be considered out of place in these pages, although they contain very little more than a mere repetition of the account referred to. It appears that the Snowy Owl was first observed in Britain by Dr. Edmondston, who, in 1811 [sic] shot an adult male in this island (Unst), and soon afterwards presented it to Mr. Bullock, accompanied by particulars respecting its habits. The specimen was then exhibited in Mr. Bullock's Museum, and described by him as a British Bird.'

Alfred Newton (1871-74 (1): 188, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, adds: 'MacGillivray says this happened in 1808, but Edmondston, in his paper in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society (Vol. IV. p. 157) says, "I fell in with this species first in Zetland in 1811, and in the following spring I shot an adult male, which I shortly after presented to Mr. Bullock".'

Saxby (1874) adds: 'The first specimen recorded as having occurred in Britain is an adult male, shot in Unst in the year 1811 by Dr. Laurence Edmondston, who soon afterwards presented it to Mr. Bullock, accompanied by particulars respecting its habits. A full account of the bird, by Dr. Edmondston, also appeared in the "Wernerian Memoirs" in the year 1822, since which time nothing further has been published in a collected form, although, in various Natural History periodicals, short contributions concerning it have been numerous. That it no longer breeds here is certain; and from the account given by the inhabitants, it is almost equally certain that the nest was occasionally found in Unst many years ago. Although at one period of his observations Dr. Edmondston found reason to doubt the fact, he now reasserts his former belief. In 1822 he wrote as follows: - "I have not heard of its nest having been found either there [Shetland] or in Orkney, though, from meeting with it at all seasons, and from its constantly, during summer, frequenting the same situations in perfect plumage and well-developed sex, it is reasonable, perhaps, to conclude that it breeds in Zetland. Indeed, I remember an intelligent peasant of Unst, whose veracity and acquaintance with his native birds I had occasion to be satisfied with, assuring me of his having once, in the month of August, met with a pair of this species, having along with them two others, which he termed their young. One of these latter he shot, but unfortunately I was not aware of the circumstance until the specimen was destroyed. He described it as of the same size as the Snowy Owl; indeed, in every respect the same, but of much darker plumage; and this is all precisely what we should expect on the supposition of this species breeding in Zetland".'

Mike Pennington, quoting from (Edmondston 1822) says: 'Although Baxter & Rintoul (1953) gave the date of the first record as 1808, this cannot be verified. It is universally accepted that Laurence Edmondston added this species to the British List. According to his own account, published after he displayed a female shot in December 1821 to the Wernerian Natural History Society in Edinburgh, he first saw a Snowy Owl on Unst in 1811, while the following spring he shot an adult male, which was purchased by William Bullock and put on display in his London Museum (e-mail).'

Comment It's possible that this is the same individual as 1812, as it would appear that this one was only seen in 1811.

2). 1812 Shetland Unst, adult male, shot, spring, now at Natural History Museum, Tring.

(L. Edmondston, Memoirs of the Wernerian Society 4: 157-160; Macgillivray, 1837-52; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1875: 4720; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History L. Edmondston (1822) in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, Vol. IV. pp. 157-160, read 9th February 1822, says: 'I fell in with this species in Zetland, first in 1811; and, the following spring, I shot an adult male, which I shortly after presented to the proprietor of the Piccadilly Museum, Mr. Bullock, at the same time communicating to him some facts regarding its habits which had come under my observation. That gentleman soon after published an account of this species in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London; and since that period, it has, of course, been considered as a British bird. Its Zetland name is Catyogle, which is indeed the general appellation given indiscriminately to all owls in that country, and it occurs chiefly in the Island of Unst, the most northerly of the group...'

Macgillivray (1840 (3): 410, 412) says: 'As a British species, the Snowy Owl was first described in 1812, by Mr. Bullock, who met with it in the course of a tour through Orkney and Shetland. But, as will presently be seen, it had previously been found by Dr. Laurence Edmondston, of Shetland, who in 1822 published a detailed account of its habits in the Transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh. That gentleman being the only person who has recorded observations made upon it in this country, an extract from his paper cannot fail to be interesting....The next opportunity of seeing one was in the spring of 1812, and when I had enjoyed the privilege of a little acquaintance with the High Priest of Natural History, Linnaeus. A few days after I succeeded in shooting the individual, the skin of which I presented, about a month or two afterwards, to my friend Mr. Bullock, who was then on a visit here collecting materials for his beautiful museum in London. He had seen the bird in Orkney in July 1812, but this was the first specimen he had obtained, and it was the first recorded instance of one being killed in Britain. It continued to be exhibited in his collection till its dispersion [1819]. At the same time I communicated to him the facts and observations I had collected regarding the species, and which I afterwards published in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh; and in this manner were the claims of the Kat-yogl to British citizenship first advanced.'

Newman (1866: 223) in Montagu's British Birds, says: 'In Shetland Mr. Bullock was more successful, for in Unst, the most northerly of the islands, he not only procured a specimen of the Snowy Owl, but found that it bred as well there as on the neighbouring isle of Yell.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Northrepps Hall, Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4720, says: 'The relative value which naturalists of the last generation put on certain birds seems absurd enough to us in the present advanced state of Science. I see from a copy of Mr. Bullock's sale catalogue, in the possession of Prof. Newton, annotated in MS. by Mr. George Caley, that the Snowy Owl obtained in Shetland by Dr. Edmondston, and by him sent to Mr. Bullock, fetched the extraordinary sum of £26.5s., while a Great Auk's egg (lot 123) on the twenty-first day of the sale, went for twelve shillings. Dr. Leach bought both, but this large sale seems to have attracted a great many naturalists, both English and foreign. It was held at the Egyptian Hall, in Piccadilly, in the spring of 1819.'

Mike Pennington (e-mail, 2005) quoting from (Edmondston 1822; Saunders & Clarke 1927) says: 'According to his own account, published after he displayed a female shot in December 1821 to the Wernerian Natural History Society in Edinburgh, he first saw a Snowy Owl on Unst in 1811, while the following spring he shot an adult male, which was purchased by William Bullock and put on display in his London Museum.'

3). 1812 Orkney North Ronaldsay, female, obtained, May.

(W. Bullock, Transactions of the Linnean Society 11: 175-176; Montagu, 1813).

History William Bullock (1812) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XI. pp. 175-176, read 17th November 1812, says: 'In July last, in the island of North Ronaldsay, one of the Orkneys...and its companion had been killed a few months before on the same island. One of them had likewise visited the adjacent isle of Westray, and remained there for some time.'

Montagu (1813) under 'Appendix' says: 'It appears that the female nyctea had been shot on the island a few weeks before [July, 1812], and plucked for the sake of the feathers: this was mottled with brown.'

4). 1812 Orkney North Ronaldsay, male, seen, June to early July.

(W. Bullock, Transactions of the Linnean Society 11: 175-176; Montagu, 1813; Selby, 1833; Newman, 1866; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1891; Sim, 1903; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History William Bullock (1812) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XI. pp. 175-176, read 17th November 1812, says: '...but it has never till now been added to the catalogue of British Birds. In July last, in the island of North Ronaldsay, one of the Orkneys, I was informed that a bird of this kind had been seen on the Links or rabbit warren for several weeks; and shortly after I had an opportunity of examining it for some time at the distance of about forty yards; it was a male, and its companion had been killed a few months before on the same island. One of them had likewise visited the adjacent isle Westray, and remained there for some time. In September I was so fortunate as to procure one in Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Isles; it had been killed a few weeks before by Mr. L. Edmondston, a young gentleman well versed in the ornithology of that country, and from whose testimony, as well as that of several gentlemen of the Isles, I have not the smallest doubt of its breeding and remaining the whole year in the mountainous precipices of both that island and Yell: they are seen there at the end of the summer in company with their young, three or four together; the latter are then brown. Their flight which I had several opportunities of observing, was more light and buoyant than any of the hawks, but not so much so as our common Barn Owl. They prey by day on various animals: one wounded on the Isle of Balta disgorged a young rabbit whole; and that now in my possession had in its stomach a sandpiper with the plumage entire.'

Montagu (1813) under 'Appendix' says: 'But this naturalist [Wm. Bullock], by a perseverance in the pursuit of natural objects (to obtain which neither trouble nor expense is spared, as the most extensive collection now in the kingdom will evince), has been fortunate enough to discover that the Snowy Owl actually breeds in the more northern part of these realms.

In a tour to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, Mr. Bullock was informed, on his landing at North Ronaldshay, on the 3rd of July, 1812, that a large white bird, with a head like that of a cat, had been seen on the island for upwards of a month; and in consequence of a gentleman of the island assuring him that he had seen the bird (which he described to be as large as a Goose) the evening before, he determined to lose no time in pursuit. The place where this Owl was always seen is a rabbit-warren, called the Links; to that place therefore, Mr. Bullock, in company with two other persons, bent their course, and found the bird exactly in the place it had been so often seen.

It was on the ground contiguous to the shore, and doubtless frequented the warren for the sake of making a prey of the rabbits. The bird suffered Mr. Bullock to approach within forty yards, and by means of a glass he minutely examined it, and discovered that it was a male by its being of an immaculate white. When it rose it was fired at, but unfortunately was not stopped, and it flew about a mile.

A reward being offered, all the guns in the island were put in instant requisition, and the consequence was that by being repeatedly shot at by bad marksman, the bird flew at last from the island, in the direction of the isle of Sanda....Upon visiting the isle of Westra a few days after, Mr. Bullock was informed that a similar bird had been seen there a few days before on a rabbit-warren.'

Selby (1833 (1): 95) says: 'It is only within these few years past that this noble and beautiful Owl has been established as indigenous in Great Britain. In a tour made to the Orkney and Shetland Isles, in the year 1812, Mr. Bullock, the late proprietor of the London Museum, met with it in both groups of islands.'

Macgillivray (1840 (3): 410, 412) says: 'He [W. Bullock] had seen the bird in Orkney in July 1812...'

Newman (1866: 223) in Montagu's British Birds, says: 'In a tour to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, Mr. Bullock was informed, on his landing at North Ronaldsay, on the 3rd July, 1812, that a large white bird, with a head like that of a cat, had been seen on the island for upwards of a month; and in consequence of a gentleman of the island assuring him that he had seen the bird (which he described to be as large as a Goose) the evening before, he determined to lose no time in pursuit. The place where this owl was always seen is a rabbit-warren, called the Links; to that place therefore Mr. Bullock, in company with two other persons, bent their course, and found the bird exactly in the place it had been so often seen.

It was on the ground contiguous to the shore, and doubtless frequented the warren for the sake of making a prey of the rabbits. The bird suffered Mr. Bullock to approach within forty yards, and by means of a glass he minutely examined it, and discovered that it was a male by its being of an immaculate white. When it rose it was fired at, but unfortunately was not stopped, and it flew about a mile. A reward being offered, all the guns in the island were put in instant requisition, and the consequence was that by being repeatedly shot at by bad marksmen, the bird flew at last from the island, in the direction of the isle of Sanday.'

Sim (1903: 138) says: 'Professor Newton called our attention to the following account in Bullock's Catalogue: - "In July 1812, in the island of N. Ronaldsay, one of the Orkneys, we were informed that a bird of this kind had been seen on the rabbit warren on (or?) links for several weeks, and shortly after I had an opportunity of examining it for some time at the distance of about forty yards. It was a male (the specimen now in the museum), and its companion had been killed a few months before on the island: one of them had likewise visited the adjacent isle Westra, and remained there for some time".'

5). 1812 Shetland Unst, killed, September.

(W. Bullock, Transactions of the Linnean Society 11: 175-176; Montagu, 1813; Selby, 1833; Yarrell, 1837; F. O. Morris, Field 27th Dec., 1862: 595; Harting, 1901).

History William Bullock (1812) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XI. pp. 175-176, read 17th November 1812, says: 'In September I was so fortunate as to procure one in Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Isles; it had been killed a few weeks before by Mr. L. Edmondston, a young gentleman well versed in the ornithology of that country, and from whose testimony, as well as that of several gentlemen of the Isles, I have not the smallest doubt of its breeding and remaining the whole year in the mountainous precipices of both that island and Yell: they are seen there at the end of the summer in company with their young, three or four together; the latter are then brown.'

Montagu (1813) under 'Appendix' says: 'In Shetland Mr. Bullock was more successful, for in Unst, the most northerly of the islands, he not only procured a specimen of the Snowy Owl, but found that it bred as well there as on the neighbouring isle of Yell.'

Selby (1833 (1): 95) says: 'It is only within these few years past that this noble and beautiful Owl has been established as indigenous in Great Britain. In a tour made to the Orkney and Shetland Isles, in the year 1812, Mr. Bullock, the late proprietor of the London Museum, met with it in both groups of islands.'

F. O. Morris of York (1862) in The Field of 27th Dec., Vol. XX. p. 595, on additional records to his History of British Birds, says: '...likewise in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, one was shot in the Isle of Uist [sic] in the month of August or September in the year 1812.'

6). 1814 Norfolk Felbrigg, female, shot, early April.

(Hunt, 1815; R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 7; Yarrell, 1845; J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1304-1305; Stevenson, 1866; Harting, 1872; Anon., Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 260; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 267).

History Hunt (1815 (1): 148) says: 'It is but recently that this species has been taken in the British Isles. A fine specimen having been shot at Felbrigg, in the county of Norfolk, during the spring of the year 1814. The weather had been previously exceedingly severe during nearly three months, which specimen, we are informed by the Rev. G. Glover, was presented to Lord Stanley.'

R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 7, say: 'A female Snowy Owl was shot at Felbrigg in Norfolk the first week in April, 1814, the weight of which was 5¼ pounds; length 2 feet; breadth 5 feet 4 inches. This is the first instance we have heard of the Snowy Owl being seen in England.'

Yarrell (1845 (1): 142, 2nd ed.) says: 'One in Norfolk in the year 1814.'

John H. Gurney & William R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. pp. 1304-1305, say: 'Two instances are on record on the capture of the Snowy Owl in this county, the one at Felbrigg in April, 1814...'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 57) adds: 'Mr. Hunt, in his British Ornithology, states that one was shot at Felbrigg during the spring of 1814, and adds: - "The weather had been previously exceedingly severe during nearly three months. The specimen, we are informed by the Rev. G. Glover, was presented to Lord Stanley. It had been observed for several days standing on a heap of snow which had blown against a fir; it had often been roused, and was at length taken with difficulty".'

Anon. (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 260, quoting from the diaries of William Whitear, in the memorandum at the rear, it says: 'A female Snowy Owl was sent by Mr. Hornby to Corbett, April 5th, 1814. Weight, five and a quarter pounds; length, two feet; breadth, five feet four inches.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 267, say: 'Nine instances of the occurrence of this species in Norfolk are on record, all, of course, in the winter months. That obtained at Felbrigg in 1814 was the first killed in England, and is now preserved in the Museum at Liverpool.'

7). 1820 Norfolk Gunton, shot, January.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, 1827; Hunt, 1829; Yarrell, 1845; J. H. Gurney & William R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1304-1305; Stevenson, 1866; Harting, 1872).

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 7, say: 'In the month of January another specimen of the same bird [Snowy Owl] was killed near Gunton, not many miles distant from the spot where the former [Felbrigg] one was found. The latter bird is now in the possession of Lord Suffield.'

Yarrell (1845 (1): 142, 2nd ed.) says: 'A second in the same county [Norfolk] in 1820.'

John H. Gurney & William R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. pp. 1304-1305, say: 'Two instances are on record on the capture of the Snowy Owl in this county...and the other at Gunton near Cromer in January, 1820.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 57) adds: 'The same author [Mr. Hunt], in his 'List of Norfolk Birds', in Stacy's History of Norfolk, [1829] records a second example, which was said to have been shot at Gunton, near Cromer, in January, 1820, and came into the possession of Lord Suffield.'

8). 1821 Shetland No locality, female, shot, December.

(L. Edmondston, Memoirs of the Wernerian Society 4: 157-160; Pennington et al., 2004).

History Laurence Edmondston (1822) in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, Vol. IV. pp. 157-160, read 9th February 1822, says: 'The specimen now exhibited to the Society, which I have lately procured from that quarter of the country, was killed in December last. It is a female: the ovaria were very large, and well marked. It was altogether an uncommonly muscular and robust bird.

The external appearance of this species has been well described by ornithological writers: for this, I shall therefore refer to them; and shall only observe, that the plumage of this particular individual is singularly rich and beautiful. The dusky spots are more numerous than usual, which I am disposed to attribute rather to the circumstance of this bird not being arrived at permanent plumage, than to peculiarity of sex. The extent between the wings was five feet five inches; and the bird weighed five pounds, which is much beyond what has been commonly stated to be the weight of this species; but I suspect that, in the large owl, as in the eagle tribe, the females are larger than the males.

Though, as has been alleged by ornithologists, it may be more active and alert during the day than other congenerous species, especially when it is once alarmed, yet I have never remarked it seeking for its prey but towards evening.

It rests generally beneath some stony projection, which protects it from the direct influence of the sun; and some instances have occurred of its being surprised asleep during the day, and forfeiting its life to its supineness.

Its form and manner are highly elegant; its flight less buoyant, and more rapid, than that of the other owls; and the superior boldness and activity of its disposition, the uncommon size of its talons, and vigour of its limbs, secure it against danger from feathered enemies.

It affects solitary, stony, and elevated districts, which, by the similarity to it in colour of the rocks, render it difficult to be discovered, and by the inequalities of their surface afford it shelter from the rays of the sun; but on the approach of twilight, it may be seen perching on the exposed eminences. It then quits its haunts, and frequents the cultivated fields, prowling over the low grounds in quest of mice and small birds.

When first observed to leave its retreat, it is frequently assailed by crows and other birds; but it receives their attacks rather as an amusement than an annoyance, and dashes through the air despising their hostility. It preys chiefly on sandpipers, on which it pounces with precision and agility as it skims along the marshes. The specimen given to Mr. Bullock's museum had an entire one in its stomach when I shot it; and a mouse perfectly whole was taken from that of the present specimen. I may here remark, that the stomach appears to be peculiarly small, and less membranous than what occurs in other carnivorous birds, and the food seems to be swallowed entire; indeed, its bill being feathered to its point, renders this almost necessary.'

Mike Pennington (e-mail, 2005) quoting from (Edmondston 1822 and Saunders & Clarke 1927) says: 'According to his own account, published after he displayed a female shot in December 1821 to the Wernerian Natural History Society in Edinburgh.'

9). 1823 Northumberland Rothbury and Elsdon, two: male and immature female, killed, January, female now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Selby, 1825, 1833; Yarrell, 1845; W. Backhouse, Zoologist 1846: 1262; Bewick, 1847; F. O. Morris, Field 27th Dec., 1862: 595; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Selby (1833 (1): 97-98) says: 'Since writing the above description, two very fine specimens (a male and female) of this rare British bird were killed near Rothbury, in Northumberland, in the latter part of January 1823, during the severe snow-storm that was so generally felt throughout the north of England and Scotland. They are the only individuals of this species hitherto taken, or, I believe, seen in England, and are now in my collection.

From the number of bars and black spots upon the head, back, scapulars, wings, and belly of the female, it appears to be a young bird. Its dimensions, when recently killed, were as follows. Length from the tip of the bill to the e d of the tail two feet one inch. Breadth with extended wings five feet. The male is of inferior size, and is much whiter than the female. Bill black; nearly hidden by the bristly recurved feathers at the base. Facial disk small, only occupying the base of the bill and part of the lower eye-orbit. Eye-brows projecting. Wings, when closed, shorter than the tail by nearly two inches. The third quill-feather the longest. Legs and toes very thickly clothed with hairy feathers, claws black, very long, and much incurved; the middle one with a sharp inner edge, and grooved; the inner claw also grooved; and the outer and hind ones cylindrical.

Both these birds were killed upon the open moor, in a wild and rocky part of the county, and, according to description, were generally seen, during the few days that intervened between their first appearance and death, perched upon the snow, or on some large stone projecting from it. The female, which was sent to me immediately after being shot, was dissected and preserved at home. She was in excellent condition, and was covered entirely under the skin with a layer of fat, nearly a quarter of an inch in thickness. Her stomach was quite empty, and did not appear to have contained food for a short time previous. The male was killed about ten days afterwards, within a few miles of the same place, and had lived probably during the interval upon the black and red grouse, which are abundant in that district.'

Yarrell (1845 (1): 142, 2nd ed.) says: 'In that season of the year [winter] 1812, a fine specimen was shot at Elsdon in Northumberland.'

W. Backhouse (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1262, records one for Rothbury, 1823.

Bewick (1847 (1): 53, 8th ed.) in a footnote, says: 'A fine one was shot at Elsdon, Northumberland, in December, 1822, by Alexander Potts. It is probably in very rigorous seasons only that it comes so far south.'

F. O. Morris of York (1862) in The Field of 27th Dec., Vol. XX. p. 595, on additional records to his History of British Birds, says: 'One was shot at Elsdon, in Northumberland, in the month of December, in the year 1822...two at Rothbury, in the same county [Northumberland], at the end of January 1823.'

Hancock (1874: 20) says: 'Selby states in his catalogue that two fine specimens were killed in Northumberland in January, 1823, one, a female, at Rothbury, the other, a male, a few days afterwards, in the neighbourhood of Elsdon. The bird figured in Berwick, and stated to have been shot at Elsdon, is probably one of these specimens.'

Bolam (1912: 257) says: 'Selby records two in his collection, which were purchased in 1885, by the late Major Browne of Callaley. They were male and female, and were shot within a few days of one another, during a severe snow-storm, in January, 1823, the female at Rothbury, the male in the neighbourhood of Elsdon.'

Comment Some discrepancy over the date; probably Yarrell stating the erroneous date, as Selby being a local, would have had more details.

11). c. 1824 North-east Scotland Loch of Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire, picked up dead, undated.

(W. Horn, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 4: 243; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History William Horn (1878-80) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 243, says: 'A specimen of this noble bird was picked up dead upon the Loch of Strathbeg about 1824.'

Sim (1903: 121) says: '...Horn, in his Birds of Buchan, p. 243, says: "A specimen of this noble bird was picked up dead upon the Loch of Strathbeg about 1824", but gives no indication as to where he obtained his information, who found the bird, or what became of it.'

12). 1825 Derbyshire Near Ashover, obtained, undated.

(Brown, 1863; Whitlock, 1893; Frost, 1978).

History Edwin Brown in Mosley (1863: 93) says: 'We cannot boast of a capture in this immediate neighbourhood; but the name is introduced to put upon record the existence of a magnificent snow-white example in the Burton Museum. It was shot some years ago in the Peak District in Derbyshire. When it fell wounded, it exhibited so much ferocity that no one dared to lay hold of it; a basket or hamper was therefore dropped over it, and through the interstices it was at length poked to death with long skewers. Notwithstanding this rough treatment it is a fine specimen, and its immaculate white plumage renders it almost unique.'

Whitlock (1893: 123) says: 'A second example is recorded by Mr. Edwin Brown in his List of Birds of Burton-on-Trent neighbourhood (published 1863)....This example is now in the Rolleston Hall Museum. It was killed near Ashover in the year 1825.'

13). c. 1830 Norfolk Carleton Rode, immature, obtained, undated, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(Stevenson, 1866; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 1: 114).

History H. Stevenson (1869-74) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. I. p. 114, says: 'Since the occurrence of the immature bird of this species, noticed in our Transactions for last year, a hitherto unrecorded Norfolk specimen has come under my notice. This example, also in immature plumage, is now in the possession of the Rev. W. G. Wilson, of Forncett St Peter, who has kindly furnished me with the following particulars.

It was first seen by him twenty-five years ago, at the house of the late Rev. F. Bevan, of Carleton Rode, by whom he was informed that it had been shot in that parish some years before; and he subsequently purchased the bird at the sale of Mr. Bevan's effects. The Rev. Thomas Fulcher, of Old Buckenham, an old friend of Mr. Bevan's, also remembers his stating, on more than one occasion, that this owl was shot at Carleton Rode; and while he is certain that it was not in Mr. Bevan's possession when he made his acquaintance, in 1824, is inclined to fix the date of his first seeing it about the year 1830.'

14). 1833 Moray & Nairn Culbin Sands, Findhorn Estuary, Moray, spring.

(G. Gordon, Zoologist 1844: 505; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Cook, 1992).

History G. Gordon (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 505, under 'A Fauna of Moray', says: 'In the spring of 1833, after a severe gale from the north-east, an individual of this rare and splendid species of owl was wounded and caught among the sands of Culbin. Supposed to have been driven by the storm from the Shetland or Orkney Isles.'

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1896 (2): 43).

15). 1835 Orkney Sanday, immature, caught, late April.

(P. Neill, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 8: 508; Yarrell, 1845; F. O. Morris, Field 27th Dec., 1862: 595; Harting, 1901).

History Patrick Neill of Canonmills (1835) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VIII. p. 508, dated 9th May 1835, says: 'Last week I received from Mr. Scarth, Sanday, Orkney, a living specimen of the Snowy Owl. This was not a native specimen, but evidently a bird of last year, in immature plumage, but whose expanded wings extend four feet in width. This bird arrived in Orkney during a strong north-west gale, with hail and sleet, along with flocks of wild swans and Goldeneyes, snow-flakes, &c.; indicating an Icelandic or Greenland origin. It was slightly pinioned, and captured by Mr. Scarth. It is now in [good] spirits, and, if possible, shall be tamed, as I am not aware of one having been taken alive before in the country, or kept in confinement.'

[We are happy to learn that the bird is in the care of one so kind-hearted and philosophic-minded. - Ed.]

Yarrell (1845 (1): 142-143, 2nd ed.) says: 'In May 1835, Dr. Neill of Canonmills, near Edinburgh, made the following communication to the conductor of the Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VIII. p. 508.'

F. O. Morris of York (1862) in The Field of 27th Dec., Vol. XX. p. 595, on additional records to his History of British Birds, says: 'One in Orkney, at the end of March, in 1835.'

16). 1835 Orkney Sanday, shot, 18th September.

(Baikie & Heddle, 1848).

History Baikie & Heddle (1848) say: 'One was shot by Mr. Strang in Sanday, 18th September, 1835.'

17). Pre 1837 Dorset Langton, near Blandford, shot, undated.

(Eds., Wood's Naturalist 3: 48; J. C. Dale, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 8: 472; F. O. Morris, Field 27th Dec., 1862: 595; Mansel-Pleydell, 1873; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 182; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 61: 148; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History In an Editorial (1838) in Wood's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 48, he says: 'Our esteemed correspondent Mr. Dale informs us, in a communication date Dec. 12, 1837, that a Snowy Owl or Surn has been shot at Langton, near Blandford, by J. J. Farquharson, Esq., but at what period is not stated.'

J. C. Dale (1842) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VIII. p. 472, says: 'Strix nyctea was shot in a wood at Langton, near Blandford, two or three years ago, belonging to J. J. Farquharson, in whose possession I saw the specimen (a most beautiful and dark spotted [male ?] one).'

F. O. Morris of York (1862) in The Field of 27th Dec., Vol. XX. p. 595, on additional records to his History of British Birds, says: '...one at Langton, near Blandford, in Dorsetshire.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1873: 10) says: 'A very fine specimen was shot in Langton Copse, near Blandford, several years ago, and is now in the possession of J. J. Farquharson, Esq., of Langton House.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 182, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset', says: 'One shot at Langton Copse near Blandford several years before 1873, and one reported shot in Dorset before 1837 (Woods' Naturalist III.).'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1940) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXI. p. 148, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

Comment Blathwayt has made two records out of the one occurrence in both Revised Lists; he obviously never read the original references.

18). 1837 Yorkshire Barlow Moor, near Selby, male, shot, 13th February, now at Leeds Museum.

(H. Denny, Magazine of Zoology & Botany 2: 93; H. Denny, Annals of Natural History 5: 388; Yarrell, 1845; Harting, 1872; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History H. Denny of Leeds (1838) in the Magazine of Zoology & Botany, Vol. II. p. 93, says: 'On the 13th of February last a fine male Snowy Owl was shot three miles below Selby-on-the-Moor, where it had been observed by the miller, at a mill adjoining, for a day or two previous. The moor is well stocked with rabbits, and the owl was most probably preying upon them; it appeared very shy, and when pinioned by the shot was extremely fierce. It was ultimately got into the sack and killed by pressure, when it came into the possession of my friend, A. Clapham, Esq., of Potternewton, near Leeds.'

H. Denny (1840) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. V. p. 388, says: 'A pair observed on Barlow Moor near Selby: the male shot Feb. 13, 1837, and is now in the possession of A. Clapham, Esq., Potternewton.'

Macgillivray (1840 (3): 410) says: 'Mr. Denny states that on the 13th of February 1836, a male was shot three miles below Selby-on-the-Moor, in Yorkshire.'

Thomas Allis (1844) under 'Report on the Birds of Yorkshire' prepared for the British Association meeting at York (unpublished, but held at the Yorkshire Museum, York), says: 'Snowy Owl - A pair were observed on Barlow Moor, near Selby in 1837; the male was shot the 13th of that month [February], and is now in the possession of A. Clapham of Potter Newton.'

Yarrell (1845 (1): 143, 2nd ed.) says: 'On the 13th February last (1837), a fine male Snowy Owl was shot three miles below Selby-on-the-Moor, Yorkshire, where it had been observed by a miller, at a mill adjoining, for a day or two previous. The moor is well stocked with rabbits, and the Owl was most probably preying upon them: it appeared very shy, and when pinioned by the shot was extremely fierce.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 41) say: '...Mr. Clapham tells me that the statement in Morris's British Birds (i. 195) - that this bird was accompanied by another of the same species - is incorrect. The specimen is now in the Leeds Museum.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 309) adds: 'In one instance only has a specimen of this fine species been obtained in Yorkshire, but there are several occasions on which it has been, or is supposed to have been, observed in the county. Mr. A. Clapham of Scarborough stated that he has in his collection one which was taken on Barlow Moor (the example referred to by Allis). At that date the moor abounded in rabbits and furze, and was rented by his father for sporting purposes. The bird was first observed by the miller of an adjoining mill on the 12th and mistaken by him for a goose, but seeing it still there the next day he shot at it, just tipping the pinion. On an attempt being made to capture it, the bird threw itself on its back and offered so fierce a resistance that it was secured with difficulty and afterwards killed. This bird was exhibited during the year 1837 at a meeting of the Zoological Society, by Mr. A. N. Vigors, F.R.S. Mr. Clapham said that the Rev. F. O. Morris's statement in his British Birds (1851, I. 195), that this bird was accompanied by another of the same species, was incorrect.'

Comment Denny was involved with the rejected Mottled Owl.

19). 1837 Orkney No locality, shot, December, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(Booth, 1901).

History Booth (1901: 213, 3rd ed.) says: 'Shot in the Orkneys, December, 1837.'

Comment Now at the Booth Museum, Brighton.

20). Pre 1840 Orkney Loch of Stenness, Mainland, seen, undated.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 138-139) say: 'About November 1840 Sheppard's brother, who seems to have resided in Orkney for some considerable time, wrote him saying, that when in a boat on the Loch of Stenness, he saw a Snowy Owl, which passed within 150 yards of them.'

Comment E. F. Sheppard lived in Ipswich but was advised by his doctor to spend time in the Orkneys which he frequently did.

21). c. 1840 Moray & Nairn Innes House, Moray Firth, Moray, undated.

(G. Gordon, Zoologist 1844: 505; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Cook, 1992).

History G. Gordon (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 505, under 'A Fauna of Moray', says: '...Another specimen of this beautiful bird was found about four years ago on the shore of the Moray Firth near Innes House driven likely from the Northern Isles, also by stress of weather.' It was accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1896 (2): 43).

22). 1841 Derbyshire Melbourne, seen, 20th May.

(J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1849: 2477; Whitlock, 1893; Frost, 1978).

History J. J. Briggs (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2477, says: 'On May 20th 1841, I observed in the meadows a majestic and beautiful owl, almost as huge as an Eagle, which I have no doubt was a bird of this species. It departed in a few days, after baffling the endeavours of several persons to shoot it.'

Accepted locally (Whitlock (1893: 123).

23). 1841 Orkney Sanday, immature, shot, June.

(Baikie & Heddle, 1848).

History Baikie & Heddle (1848) say: 'One was shot by Mr. Strang in Sanday, 18th September, 1835; and another in June, 1841. The latter which is in the possession of John Baikie, Esq., Kirkwall, is, with the exception of two faint bars across the tail, pure white.'

24). Pre 1844 Orkney Red Head of Eday, Eday, shot, undated.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 139) say: '...Mr. Ranken, whose brother-in-law, Mr. Hebden of Eday, has also a beautiful specimen, shot by his father at the Red Head of Eday.'

25). 1844 Kent Frinsted, adult male, shot, undated.

(Thompson, 1845; Morris, 1856-62; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Morris (1856 (1): 147, reissue) says: 'One was killed at Frinsted, in Kent, in 1844.'

Ticehurst (1909: 259-260) says: 'Pemberton Bartlett stated (Zool., 1844, p. 617) that he had "heard of two specimens of this very beautiful and rare bird being shot in Kent". Thompson mentions an old male, shot at Sittingbourne, that came under his own notice prior to 1845, and Morris gives (probably on the authority of his correspondent Chaffey, of Doddington) one killed at Frinstead [sic] in 1844. Now Sittingbourne, Frinstead and Doddington are all within a few miles of each other, and it is known that Chaffey had a Snowy Owl in his collection, so that these records probably all refer to this one bird.

Chaffey's collection was afterwards purchased by the late Rev. J. H. Bower Scott, who bequeathed a portion containing this bird to the Exeter Museum, where it now is. Pemberton Bartlett's second bird must stand alone for the present, unless it refers without data in the Dover collection.

Dowker's record of "one obtained near Faversham" is so meagre in details that it might even again be a reference to the Chaffey bird. It is apparently given on the authority of the late Mr. W. O. Hammond and the Rev. B. Austen. The latter when appealed to only referred me back to the former, whose collection at Canterbury contains a Snowy Owl, but it certainly was not obtained in Kent, being clearly labelled in Hammond's writing "Canada".'

26). c. 1844 Isle of Man Near Orrisdale, shot, undated.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) state that about 1844 one was shot on the rabbit warren near Orrisdale where it used to be preserved.

27). 1844 Orkney Lopness, Sanday, shot, undated.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 139) say: 'Mr. Ranken tells us that a fine specimen of this bird was shot at Lopness, Sanday, by the late Mr. Strang in 1844. This bird is nearly pure white, and is in the possession of Mr. Ranken.'

28.0). 1847 Norfolk Hedenham Wood, near Brooke, seen, February; same as shot in Suffolk.

(J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1847: 1691, 1769; Stevenson, 1866).

History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. p. 1769, dated May, 1847, says: 'In our observations for the month of January last (Zool. 1691) we mentioned the appearance at Brooke, of a bird supposed to be the Snowy Owl. We have now to announce the capture of a specimen of that species, which, judging from the time and place of its first appearance, as mentioned below, is probably the same bird which had been previously noticed.

We are indebted to F. M. Spalding, Esq., in whose possession the bird now is, for the following particulars of its occurrence: - "It was first observed", says Mr. Spalding, "at Heddenham [sic] Wood, and when first seen there, was remarkably tame. It visited a farm-house and barn at Thwaite, where some white pigeons were kept, all of which soon after disappeared. While shooting at Tindal Wood, this owl came over us, but at too great a distance to be brought down; from this time I heard no more of our northern visitor till I was told that a bird of this kind had been shot at St. Andrews, in Suffolk, by a person named Adams, and carried by him alive to Bungay.

I shortly after visited to St. Andrews, and obtained a sight of the bird, which seemed perfectly well, with the exception of a broken wing. It was shot from the stump of a pollard elm, whence it had been seen to dart down into the field, and then to return to its perch. It had been observed in the locality for several days, and was shot on the 19th of February, and brought to my house dead on the 13th of April. It proved to be a large female, in rather dark plumage, and measured two feet in length, and five feet in extent of the wings". It, therefore, appears that this owl had remained about a month in the district before it was shot.'

28.1). 1847 Suffolk Ilketshall St Andrew, near Bungay, immature female, shot and winged, 19th February, found dead 13th April, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1847: 1769; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1866; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. p. 1769, dated May, 1847, say: 'I heard no more of our northern visitor till I was told that a bird of this kind had been shot at St. Andrews, in Suffolk, by a person named Adams, and carried by him alive to Bungay. I shortly after visited to St. Andrews, and obtained a sight of the bird, which seemed perfectly well, with the exception of a broken wing. It was shot from the stump of a pollard elm, whence it had been seen to dart down into the field, and then to return to its perch. It had been observed in the locality for several days, and was shot on the 19th of February, and brought to my house dead on the 13th of April.

It proved to be a large female, in rather dark plumage, and measured two feet in length, and five feet in extent of the wings". It, therefore, appears that this owl had remained about a month in the district before it was shot.'

Babington (1884-86: 231-232) says: 'A female killed at St. Andrews, near Bungay, in February, 1847, formerly in Mr. T. M. Spalding's collection (and seen by me); is now in possession of Mr. John Loder, Woodbridge (Loder in litt.).'

Ticehurst (1932: 209) says: 'It was evidently an immature female and is now in the Norwich Museum.'

29). 1847 Norfolk Beeston, shot, spring.

(Stevenson, 1866).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 57) says: 'Mr. Gurney informs me, a specimen, shot in the spring of that year [1847], by a gamekeeper at Beeston, on the estate of Mr. Gurney Hoare, was, horribile dictu, seen by that gentleman hanging up as a scarecrow, and too much spoilt for preservation.'

30). 1848 Hampshire Burley Wood, New Forest, shot, winter, now at Leicester Museum.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark, 2022).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 133) say: 'One in the Hart Museum at Christchurch, shot in Burley Wood, in the New Forest, in the winter of 1848, came from the collection of the Hon. Grantley Berkeley.' Clark (2022) adds that it is held at Leicester Museum.

31). 1849 Norfolk Swannington, seen, autumn.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1850: 2765; Stevenson, 1866).

History J. H. Gurney (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2765, dated 13th March, 1850, says: '...another which was seen, but not shot, about six months since, at Swannington, make together three instances - in the course of half a year - of the occurrence of this rare bird in this county.' Admitted locally (Stevenson 1866 (1): 58).

32). 1850 Norfolk Beeston, immature male, shot, 22nd January.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1850: 2765; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1866).

History J. H. Gurney (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2765, dated 1st February, 1850, says: 'A specimen of the Snowy Owl was shot at Beeston, near Cromer, on the 22nd of January. It is a male bird, apparently of last year. This is the second instance, within a few years, of this species occurring in the parish of Beeston.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 58) says: 'An immature male, was shot by Mr. Cremer at Beeston, on the 22nd of January, 1850, the same village where this species had occurred just three years before. It is preserved in Mr. Gurney's collection at Catton-park.'

33). 1850 Caithness No locality, shot, January.

(W. F. Footit, Zoologist 1850: 2923; Gray, 1871; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Manson, 2004).

History W. F. Footit of Newark (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2923, dated 30th August, 1850, says: 'William Fowler, a friend of mine, who resides at Southwell, near here, shot a Snowy Owl last January, near Caithness, in the North of Scotland. He was out shooting one very windy, snowy day, last January, and having shot a Mallard, a Snowy Owl made its appearance and pounced upon the duck and carried it off. He fired to make it drop the duck, but it took no notice, and flew away with the duck. He marked it down as well as he could and followed. After searching for some time, the owl rose within forty yards of him with the duck in its talons, when he shot it. I have seen the owl in his possession.'

Gray (1871: 62) says: '...while on the mainland itself, it has been shot in Caithness (1850).'

34). 1850 Norfolk St Faith's, immature male, killed, late February.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1850: 2765; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1866).

History J. H. Gurney (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2765, dated 13th March, 1850, says: 'Another specimen of the Snowy Owl has lately occurred in this county, having been killed at St. Faith's about the end of February. It was a male bird, and apparently an older specimen than the one already recorded as having been killed at Beeston. These two specimens, together with another which was seen, but not shot, about six months since, at Swannington, make together three instances - in the course of half a year - of the occurrence of this rare bird in this county.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 58) says: 'A young male, though somewhat more advanced in plumage, was killed at St. Faith's, by Mr. Reynolds, in February of the same year [1850]. It is preserved in Mr. Gurney's collection at Catton-park.'

35). c. 1850 Orkney No locality, obtained, undated, now at Natural History Museum, Tring (NHM 1850.4.8.2).

(A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 63).

History A. G. Knox (2001) in British Birds, Vol. XCIV. p. 63, says: 'The Natural History Museum acquired the specimen from Hubbard.'

36). Pre 1851 Devon Exmouth, caught, undated.

(Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969).

History Pidsley (1891: 67) says: 'A specimen from the "Ross Collection", in the Exeter Museum is said to have been obtained at Exmouth.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 135-136) say: 'There is a specimen of the Snowy Owl in the Albert Memorial Museum from the collection of the late Mr. F. W. L. Ross, which he stated to have been taken at Exmouth. It appears to have been kept in captivity for some time, as the tail-feathers are soiled and worn; but this may have been subsequently to its capture. The date of its occurrence was not recorded, but it must have been previous to 1851, as we first saw the specimen in Mr. Ross' possession in that year.'

37). 1851 North-east Scotland Glennochty, Aberdeenshire, shot, undated.

(Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Sim (1903: 121) says: 'A specimen, which measured six feet in extent of wings, was shot in Glennochty, in 1851, by Mr. John Lawson, now of Huntly.'

38). 1853 Highland Altnaharra, Sutherland, adult, shot, c. 15th October.

(W. M. E. Milner, Zoologist 1855: 4594; Newman, 1866; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887).

History W. M. E. Milner of Nunappleton (1854) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. p. 4594, dated 30th December, 1854, says: 'About the 15th of October, 1853, the forester at Altnaharrow [sic], in Sutherlandshire, observed a very remarkable bird on Knock Stack, a high rock in the forest. He had his rifle with him, and killed what turned out to be a very fine adult specimen of the Snowy Owl, which is now in my collection. He says he has never seen of heard of any bird like it during the whole time he has lived at Altnaharrow [sic]. It is the largest British specimen I have ever seen.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 162) say: 'A very fine specimen of this bird was obtained by John McKenzie at Altnaharrow [sic], Sutherlandshire, in October 1853, and is now in the Milner collection in the Museum at Leeds. It was first seen in the district, and was shot sitting on a rock in Cnoc Staing.'

39). 1855 Outer Hebrides Benbecula, shot, 21st October.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1888).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888) under Appendix A, p. 247, add: 'A specimen of the Snowy Owl was shot at Benbeculay, on October 21st, 1855, by Dr. Ferguson.'

40). c. 1855 Isle of Man No locality, undated.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) state that one was shot about 1855 without mentioning any locality.

41). 1855 Outer Hebrides Butt of Lewis, Lewis, two, shot, undated.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1888).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888: 77) say: 'Two are recorded by Professor Duns as having been shot at Butt of Lewis in 1855.'

43). 1858 Orkney Sanday, shot, about 1st October.

("Scaraben" Field 15th Jan., 1859: 47-48).

History "Scaraben" of Wick (1859) in The Field of 15th Jan., Vol. XIII. pp. 47-48, says: 'In a November number of the Orcadian there appeared a notice of one of these rare and splendid birds having been shot in the island of Sanday, Orkney, by Mr. Harvey, schoolmaster there. Mr. Harvey has subsequently sent me the following interesting particulars: "The owl was shot by Mr. Peter Sinclair, of Cleat, and not by me as stated in the Orcadian; the date when shot was about the 1st of October, and it was sitting under a shock of sheaves in a field at the time. The bird was not in good plumage, particularly in the head and back. The back of the head is a dark brown colour, covered with downy feathers. From the appearance of the legs, claws, and beak, I am of opinion that the bird is mature. There were, at the least, two Snowy Owls in this island at the time that this one was shot. They were seen in various places, but chiefly in the sandy links about rabbit-holes, and it is supposed that they preyed upon rabbits, but I could get no proof to that effect. I should rather think that their food was small birds and mice, as the short tail and other mice, rats, and small birds were very plentiful about the place this one was shot.

I have been informed by persons long resident in the island that the Snowy Owl is frequently seen here....This is the fourth authenticated instance of their capture in the North, which I am aware of, for a considerable number of years past. Two of these are in the valuable collection of birds possessed by Dr. Sinclair, of Wick, one of them, an adult specimen, being a perfect bird, and of immaculate whiteness of plumage. The other is immature, and is marked, principally on the upper parts, with brown-coloured spots and streaks.

Since that time I had the good fortune to obtain possession of a living specimen that had been slightly wounded in the wing. It was shot in the moss or moor of Kilminster [sic], a bleak and desolate waste some four or five miles from Wick.

This bird had a truly noble appearance...Its possession, in a living state, also afforded me an opportunity of corroborating the opinion of ornithologists that it is not confined-like most of its congeners, to hunting for prey in the early morning and twilight, for it exhibited no inconvenience when turned loose and exposed to the broad light of day - in this respect making a nearer approximation to the diurnal than the nocturnal raptores.

I kept it for some time in an out-house which I devoted to that purpose, but it unfortunately succeeded in forcing a passage through the upper half of the door, which was composed of rails to admit the light, and, though search was made, I never afterwards succeeded in hearing of it. In addition to these, the only reference I can find to their occurrence in this quarter is in the Rev. F. O. Morris's History of British Birds, where it is mentioned rather vaguely that one had been shot "near Caithness", in January 1850.'

44). 1858 Caithness Moss of Killimster, immature, obtained, November.

("Scaraben" Field 15th Jan., 1859: 47-48; R. I. Shearer, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 2: 337; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; Manson, 2004).

History "Scaraben" of Wick (1859) in The Field of 15th Jan., Vol. XIII. pp. 47-48, says: '..This is the fourth authenticated instance of their capture in the North, which I am aware of, for a considerable number of years past. Two of these are in the valuable collection of birds possessed by Dr. Sincalir, of Wick, one of them, an adult specimen being a perfect bird, and of immaculate whiteness of plumage. The other is immature, and is marked, principally on the upper parts, with brown-coloured spots and streaks. Since that time I had the good fortune to obtain possession of a living specimen that had been slightly wounded in the wing. It was shot in the moss or moor of Kilminster [sic], a bleak and desolate waste some four or five miles from Wick.

This bird had a truly noble appearance...Its possession, in a living state, also afforded me an opportunity of corroborating the opinion of ornithologists that it is not confined-like most of its congeners, to hunting for prey in the early morning and twilight, for it exhibited no inconvenience when turned loose and exposed to the broad light of day - in this respect making a nearer approximation to the diurnal than the nocturnal raptores. I kept it for some time in an out-house which I devoted to that purpose, but it unfortunately succeeded in forcing a passage through the upper half of the door, which was composed of rails to admit the light, and, though search was made, I never afterwards succeeded in hearing of it.'

R. I. Shearer (1862) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. II. p. 337, says: 'An adult specimen, caught alive at Kilmster [sic], was kept for some time by Mr. Osborne, but it ultimately escaped.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 162) say: 'Another Mr. Osborne obtained alive some years ago. It had been shot on a moor at Kilminster [sic], near Wick; one pellet had struck the extreme fleshy tip of one wing, but so slightly that it had quite healed up in a few days.'

Comment The reference originally recorded one shot in October, 1858, in Orkney [see above], so I presume that this record is after that, but Manson has it dated as 1862 as does Mackay (1914) but occurring at the same locality.

45). 1858 Co. Durham Helmington, near Bishop Auckland, shot, 7th November.

(Hancock, 1874; Gurney, 1876; Temperley, 1951).

History Hancock (1874: 20) says: 'On the 7th November, 1858, a fine specimen was shot at Helmington, near Bishop Auckland, and is in the possession of Mr. Henry Gornall of that place.'

46). 1859 Highland Uig, Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, killed, June.

(W. A. McLeay, Field 23rd July 1859: 76; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1888; Harvie-Brown & Macpherson, 1904).

History W. A. McLeay of Inverness (1859) in The Field 23rd July, Vol. XIV. p. 76, says: 'Another was killed about a month ago in the Isle of Skye, and it has been sent to Mr. McLeay, bird-stuffer, at Inverness, for preservation, where it may be seen.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888: 177) in A Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides, say: 'One at Uig in 1859 is recorded by Professor Duns.'

Harvie-Brown & Macpherson (1904: 133) say: 'Mr. Fergus MacIvor informed me that he had examined a Snowy Owl killed some years since in the north of Skye.'

Comment These three articles may all refer to this one record.

47). 1859 Highland Near Helmsdale, Sutherland, shot, July.

(W. A. McLeay, Field 23rd July 1859: 76).

History W. A. McLeay of Inverness (1859) in The Field 23rd July, Vol. XIV. p. 76, says: 'A very fine specimen of the Snowy Owl was shot last week near Helmsdale, in the east of Sutherlandshire....It has been sent to Mr. McLeay, bird-stuffer, at Inverness, for preservation, where it may be seen.'

48). 1859 Highland Knockie, Inverness-shire, obtained, November.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 43) say: 'Another specimen was sent to Macleay, Inverness, by Tomlinson, from Knockie, in November, 1859.'

49). 1860 Shetland Balta, Unst, immature, seen, 2nd November.

(H. Saxby, Zoologist 1863: 8636).

History H. Saxby of Shetland (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8636, dated 8th May, 1863, says: 'The only record which I can find of this species having been seen "on the feed" in the daytime occurred to my own observation in 1860, and was noted at the time as follows. "Nov. 2. In Balta, as I suddenly looked over a wall which divides the island, I saw a Snowy Owl make a rapid stoop towards some rabbits, and rise again without touching them, at the same time uttering a strange, rapid, chirping noise, which must have been pretty loud, for I heard it distinctly, although at the distance of more than a hundred yards; the bird then flew straight off towards Unst. It was not so white as an adult. This occurred about noon".'

50). 1863 Shetland Near Halligarth, Unst, shot, 25th February.

(H. Saxby, Zoologist 1863: 8639).

History H. Saxby of Shetland (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8639, dated 8th May, 1863, says: 'I shot one on the 25th of February last, about two hundred yards from Halligarth.'

51). 1863 Ayrshire Near Kilmarnock, male, shot, February.

(Gray & Anderson, 1869; Gray, 1871; Paton & Pike, 1929; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Gray & Anderson (1869: 12) say: 'A splendid male bird of this species was shot near Kilmarnock in February 1863, and exhibited by Dr. Colquhoun at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow. It may not be out of place to state that two other examples of the Snowy Owl occurred in the Firth of Clyde about the same time.'

Gray (1871: 62) says: '...while on the mainland itself, it has been shot in Ayrshire (Kilmarnock, February, 1863).'

52). 1863 Shetland Unst, caught alive, March.

(H. Saxby, Zoologist 1863: 8638-39).

History H. Saxby of Shetland (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. pp. 8638-39, dated 8th May, 1863, says: 'In March last I saw one which, having been wounded a few days previously, had been brought home alive. As soon as I let it out of the room in which it was kept it raised its feathers and snapped loudly with its bill, but very soon allowed me to handle it as I pleased, and quietly submitted to the operations of weighing, measuring, &c., not even attempting to escape, although it might easily have done so. It seemed rather weakly, and this was attributed to its wounds, but upon my offering it some water it drank eagerly, and became quite lively, although still continuing gentle, and showing no disposition to regain its liberty. It would not of its own accord take the water, but upon my inserting the edge of the saucer between its mandibles it immediately began to swallow the contents with great apparent satisfaction. It would clutch a large stick or the back of a chair firmly with its feet, at the same time standing nearly erect, but when placed upon a level surface it made no attempt to stand, nor could I hear that it did so even once during the whole period of its captivity; it merely rested upon its breast, with its legs folded beneath, and claws firmly clenched.

On witnessing this it occurred to me as being rather strange that this species is nearly always seen in a crouching position when upon the ground, and most frequently erect when upon an eminence. Indeed its habits seldom require it to walk at all, but, nevertheless, Dr. Edmondston has from a distance observed it progressing by means of a series of awkward hopping movements.

The unfortunate prisoner lived for about ten days, and then it was found that the shot had penetrated the lungs, but no other injury could be found. It was fed chiefly upon small birds, which it always swallowed whole, and it was very fond of fresh fish, but salted or dried food of any kind was invariably rejected. During the first few days it cast up no pellets, although it did so abundantly afterwards, and it was always more ready to take food in the evening than at any other time.

The question of the disinclination of this species to stand upon level ground may be very easily decided by those who have had the opportunity of observing the specimen which was sent from this island some years ago, and which is still, I believe, in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London.'

53). 1863 Caithness Ulbster, adult, seen, 3rd June.

(J. A. Smith, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 3: 183).

History J. A. Smith (1864) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. III. p. 183, at the meeting held on 27th April 1864, says: 'Mr. Shearer also informs me he saw in the neighbourhood of Ulbster a beautiful mature specimen of the Strix nyctea (Snowy Owl), on the 3d of June last, but was unable to capture it.'

54). 1863 Outer Hebrides Benbecula, shot, June.

(Gray, 1871; Harvey-Brown & Buckley, 1888).

History Gray (1871: 62) says: 'In Benbecula, one was shot in June, 1863, by Mr. J. Ferguson, surgeon, at that time resident there.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888: 77) say: 'It occurs also in Harris and Benbecula. In the last-named island one was shot by Mr. J. Ferguson, surgeon.'

55). 1863 Highland No locality, Sutherland, shot, July.

(S. P. Saville, Zoologist 1863: 8765; Gray, 1871; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History S. P. Saville of Cambridge (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8765, dated August, 1862 [1863], says: 'I have just received a letter from a friend living in Inverness, who has sent me word of the capture of the Snowy Owl in Sutherlandshire last month (July).'

Gray (1871: 62) says: '...while on the mainland itself, it has been shot in Sutherland (July, 1863).'

56). 1863 Clyde Near Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, immature, obtained, December.

(Gray, 1871; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 247; McWilliam, 1936; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Gray (1871: 62-63) says: '...while on the mainland itself, it has been shot in Renfrewshire (December, 1863). Two specimens, both young birds, were obtained in the Clyde in the same year, one near Port Glasgow, the other at Pollockshields, near the city of Glasgow.'

J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 247, say: 'Two specimens of the Snowy Owl were shot in December 1863. One at Port Glasgow.'

57). 1863 Clyde Pollockshields, Renfrewshire, immature, obtained, December.

(Gray, 1871; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 247; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Gray (1871: 62-63) says: '...while on the mainland itself, it has been shot in Renfrewshire (December, 1863). Two specimens, both young birds, were obtained in the Clyde in the same year, one near Port Glasgow, the other at Pollockshields, near the city of Glasgow.'

J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 247, say: 'Two specimens of the Snowy Owl were shot in December 1863. One at Pollockshields.'

58). 1864 Shetland Baltasound, Unst, adult male, wounded, 21st June.

(H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1864: 9240-41; H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1864: 9317-21; H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1865: 9525; Gray, 1871).

History H. L. Saxby of Shetland (1864) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. pp. 9240-41, says: 'On the 20th of June I was informed that a Snowy Owl had been seen about the hills for nearly a week previously, and next day a man shot it, after a chase of five hours, when, finding that it was very slightly wounded, he brought it alive to me. In the hope of learning some interesting particulars regarding its habits, I at once determined to keep it alive, and I am happy to say that at the present date it has every appearance of being in perfect health....It is strange that although Snowy Owls bear a very heavy shot, a very slight wound is sufficient to bring them to the ground.

My prisoner only received a mere scratch upon the back, and as soon as it came into my hands it was able to fly all about the room, yet scarcely an hour before that, it had been brought down by the shot and carried off. The only way of accounting for this is by supposing that the contact of the shot conveying the impression that the enemy was at close quarters, the bird at once threw itself into the attitude of defence, and thus allowed itself to be taken in hand: there can be no doubt that if the man had not at once run up the bird would soon have recovered from its surprise and made its escape. Like most other birds of prey, the Snowy Owl when wounded throws itself upon its back and strikes fiercely with its claws, but any person who feels bold enough to handle an angry "kat-yogl" would do well first to examine some very ugly scratches upon the stock of a certain gun in my possession.'

H. L. Saxby (1864) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. pp. 9317-21, dated 31st August 1864, adds: 'The Snowy Owl which I have already mentioned as having been brought to me on the 20th of June (Zool. 9240), is still as healthy as an owl can possibly be. It appears to be a male, and it must be of some considerable age, for it is very much whiter than most specimens which have been seen here....'

H. L. Saxby (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9525, adds: 'The individual of this species which has now been in my possession for more than seven months (Zool. 9317) has not yet moulted, only a very few feathers (apparently injured ones) having been cast in autumn. He has been gradually becoming tamer, and until lately very little wish to escape was displayed; but no sooner did the snow set in than he became restless, and soon, tearing through the net which was in front of the cage, escaped into the outhouse, where he was discovered standing very contentedly upon a heap of snow which had drifted through the broken door. A few days afterwards he made a second escape, and was again found standing upon the snow.'

Gray (1871: 63) says: 'Since the beginning of the present century, the species has been a well-known visitant to Orkney and Shetland. In May and June, 1864, several were observed in the island of Unst. Three were shot, and one of these is now in the possession of Dr. Saxby.'

Comment Saxby mixed up the day he received the specimen. Strange that Saxby never mentions more than one.

59). 1864 North-east Scotland Rora, Aberdeenshire, shot, undated.

(Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Sim (1903: 121) says: 'In the year 1864 one was shot at Rora, parish of Longside, and was bought from its captor by Mr. A. Baxter, police constable, Strichen, who preserved it, and ultimately gave it to a friend in the neighbourhood, who in turn, gave it to an English gentleman, who took it to London.'

60). 1866 Shetland Unst, immature male, shot, 13th April.

(H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1866: 475).

History Henry L. Saxby of Shetland (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 475, says: 'On the 11th of April, two days after a gale from N.E., having picked up a feather which appeared to have been dropped from the breast of a Snowy Owl, I sent a man to explore the hills, and early on the morning of the 13th he came to me with a specimen of the bird itself, still living and inclined to show fight, but so heavily wounded that I was compelled to kill it immediately. It afterwards proved to be a male, measuring twenty-three inches in length, extremely fat, and with the stomach fully distended with the skins and bones of mice.

Although much injured by shot, this specimen is a very interesting one, inasmuch as it fully confirms some remarks I made upon the plumage of this species some three years ago (Zool. 8637), and which may be here quoted for the sake of convenience. "The younger the bird the more do the dark marks, especially upon the under surface of the body, partake of a barred appearance, the sharper are the edges and tips of the mandibles, and the broader and thinner, although no less keen, is the projecting inner edge of the middle claw. All of the claws are comparatively slender, and in colour resemble the bill, being of a bluish or greyish tinge, while in the adult those parts are black".

Although the present example answers to the above description in every particular, yet there might be some doubt as to its age were it not, first, for the proofs afforded by dissection, and secondly, for the fact that near the lower part of the back of the neck there still remain a number of feathers which perfectly resemble those of the first plumage, being of a greyish brown colour distinctly barred or obscurely mottled with dull white.'

61). 1867 Outer Hebrides North Tolsta, Lewis, obtained, early April.

(Gray, 1871; Harvey-Brown & Buckley, 1888).

History Gray (1871: 62) says: 'Mr. John Munro, the keeper at Marybank Lodge, Stornoway, informs me that a fine specimen was obtained at North Tolsta in the beginning of April, 1867, and adds that the species occurs in the island every spring.' It was accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1888: 77).

62). 1867 Caithness Strathmore, caught alive, April.

(H. Ward, Field 20th July 1867: 51; H. Ward, Zoologist 1867: 912; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; Manson, 2004).

History Henry Ward of London (1867) in The Field of 20th July, Vol. XXX. p. 51, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 912, undated, quoting from The Field, says: 'I have lately received a very fine specimen of the Snowy Owl, trapped by a gillie at Caithness, Scotland, which lived for some days afterwards in confinement.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 162) say: 'Mr. Osborne mentions one or two examples, one of which was obtained in April 1867 by a shepherd in Strathmore. It had been trapped, but got loose, and was seen flying about for some days with the trap attached, until at last a shepherd caught it, when it was almost dead from exhaustion.'

63). 1867 North-east Scotland Hill of Cruden, Aberdeenshire, seen, November.

(Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Sim (1903: 121) says: 'In November, 1867, one was seen on the Hill of Cruden by the late Mr. Dawson, schoolmaster there, who informed of the occurrence at the time.'

64). 1867 At sea Sea area Forth, off Montrose, Angus & Dundee, caught on a vessel 15 miles out, 11th December, brought to land, 14th December.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1868: 1058; R. Gray, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 1: 202; Harvie-Brown, 1906).

History John A. Harvie-Brown of Edinburgh (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1058, dated [Tue] 17th December, 1867, says: 'A remarkably fine Snowy Owl was captured alive last Wednesday [11th], on board a small Danish vessel about fifteen miles out at sea from Montrose: it was brought alive, in a seaman's chest, to Mr. Small, birdstuffer, of George Street, Edinburgh, on Saturday evening [14th]. Unfortunately I did not see it alive, as Mr. Small, being afraid of it damaging its plumage, killed it. It was very savage, snapping its bill, hissing like a cat, and throwing itself against the sides of its prison. I purchased it off him on Monday [16th]. It weighed 4½ lbs.'

R. Gray (1858-69) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. I. p. 202, at the meeting held 25th February 1868, says: 'The secretary drew the attention of the meeting to a pair of beautiful Snowy Owls (Surnia nyctea), which had been forwarded for exhibition by Mr. John Harvie-Brown, corresponding member. One of these was a Canadian specimen; the other had been taken alive on board a Danish craft about fifteen miles out at sea, and nearly opposite to Montrose, on the 16th December last.'

65). 1868 Outer Hebrides Lewis, three, seen, spring, one, Gress, shot, 21st April, one seen to 8th May.

(Gray, 1871; Harvey-Brown & Buckley, 1888).

History Gray (1871: 62) says: 'Three or four were observed there in the spring of 1868, and one of these was shot on the 21st April, by Kenneth Hosack, the keeper at Gress. This bird was seen daily in company with another Snowy Owl, frequenting the farm of Galson, near Ness, for more than two weeks, and the survivor afterwards disappeared for a time, but was seen again at the same farm on the 8th of May.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888: 77) say: 'Several occurred in Lewis in 1868; one at Gress on 21st April.'

68). 1868 Clyde Near Ben Lomond, Renfrewshire, seen, October to November.

(Gray, 1871; McWilliam, 1936).

History Gray (1871: 63) says: 'One was seen during the months of October and November, 1868, in the neighbourhood of Ben Lomond.'

69). 1868 Highland Knockie, Inverness-shire, shot, mid-October.

(Inverness Advertiser; Eds., Field 17th Oct., 1868: 318; Eds., Zoologist 1868: 1457; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1868: 1484; Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896).

History In an Editorial in The Field (1868) of 17th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 318, and in The Zoologist (1868) 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1457, both quoting from the Inverness Advertiser, it says: 'A beautiful specimen of the Snowy Owl (Surnia nyctea) was shot last week at Knockie, by Mr. Charles Peel, and sent to Mr. Macleay, Inverness, for preservation. It measures 4 ft. 10 in. from tip to tip of its wings, 3 ft. 3 in. from the beak to the end of the tail, and is in splendid plumage. It is rather a curious circumstance that the last specimen known to have been killed in these parts should have been got at Knockie about four years ago.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1484, undated, says: 'A Snowy Owl during the past month [October] has been obtained in the North of Scotland.'

Gray (1871: 62) says: '...while on the mainland itself, it has been shot in Inverness (Lochness, October, 1868).'

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1896 (2): 43).

70). 1868 Shetland No locality, three, during the year.

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1868: 1374).

History J. H. Gurney (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1374, undated, says: 'Dr. Saxby has sent me three magnificent Snowy Owls from Shetland this year: their skins are still soft and pliant.'

73). 1869 Shetland Crushafiel, Unst, shot, 12th April.

(H. Saxby, Zoologist 1869: 1763; H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1871: 2537).

History H. Saxby (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1763, says: 'A Snowy Owl was shot at Crushafiel on the 12th April.'

H. L. Saxby (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2537, says: '1869. Snowy Owls have often been seen, but the gun tax has made the people rather unwilling to go in pursuit. Two, however, were killed; one about the end of April....'

Comment Probably now called Crussa Field, Unst.

74). 1869 Highland Beaufort Castle, near Beauly, Ross & Cromarty, adult male, shot, 21st August.

(A. de Hügel, Zoologist 1869: 1863; Harting, 1872).

History A. de Hügel of Gairloch (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1863, dated 30th August, 1869, says: 'A male bird of this species, adult and in the moulting stage, was shot in Beaufort Castle grounds, near Beauly, Ross-shire, on the 21st of August this year. I saw the bird in the flesh in Inverness, at Mr. M'Cleary's, birdstuffer, to whom it had been sent for mounting.'

75). 1869 Orkney Sanday, shot, October.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 139) say: 'Mr. Harvey tells us that one was shot in Sanday, Oct. 1869, while eating a rabbit.…There is a stuffed specimen in the collection of Mr. Denison of West Brough, Sanday, which was obtained in the island, and is perhaps the one referred to as having been shot in 1869.'

76). 1869 Shetland No locality, shot, December.

(H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1871: 2537).

History H. L. Saxby (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2537, says: '1869. Snowy Owls have often been seen, but the gun tax has made the people rather unwilling to go in pursuit. Two, however, were killed...the other a little before Christmas.'

77). 1870 Argyll Islay, adult male, trapped, 15th April.

("W.R.P." Field 1st June 1872: 488; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; R. Scot-Skirving, Proceedings of the Royal Philosophical Society, Edinburgh 5: 35; Booth, 1975; Elliott, 1989; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History "W.R.P." (1872) in The Field of 1st Jun., Vol. XXXIX. p. 488, says: 'An adult male specimen of the Snowy Owl was trapped on the 15th April on the Sanaig Rocks, island of Islay, by James Brown, gamekeeper to Mr. E. Crawshay, Gateshead. It is now in course of preservation by R. Donkin, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 100) say: 'In Islay Mr. R. Scot-Skirving records one on 18th December 1877 (see Proceedings of the Royal Phyl. Society, Edinburgh, Vol. V. p. 35), which passed into the collection of Mr. E. Crawshay, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Mr. James Brown, formerly gamekeeper to Mr. Crawshay, recollects the bird well. He trapped it himself on top of Sanaig rocks in April 1870.'

Booth (1975: 37) quoting Harvie-Brown & Buckley above stated that "W.R.P." in The Field, gave the date as 15 April 1872.'

ap Rheinallt et al. (2007: 263) accept this record, but follow Harvie-Brown and Buckley over the date.

78). 1871 Norfolk Southrepps, immature female, killed, 4th December.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1872: 2912; J. H. Gurney, jun., Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 1: 63; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 2912, says: 'The snow and sharp weather which set in last week brought over a noble Snowy Owl, which fell to the gun of Mr. Painter, a farmer at Southrepps. It was shot not two miles and a half from this house, as it sat in dignified solitude in a turnip field, on Sir Fowell Buxton's land. It had been seen flying about in the morning by some labourers, and particularly by an invalid person confined to his room, who saw it as he lay on the sofa, out of his window, and took it for a wild geese.

It was shot on Monday morning, December 4th, and carried up to North Walsham on Thursday, where, it being market day, it created quite a sensation among the farmers, and left at the shop of Mr. Spinks, hairdresser, to be stuffed. I saw it a few hours after, before the eyes had been removed, and noted how strong the nictitating membrane was. I was also in time to dissect the body, which contained a great rat's head, and was that of a female. I wish I could add that I had obtained its skin, but its owner has not yet decided to part with it.

From the numerous broad bands of deep black on a fresh white ground I judge it to be immature. It is twenty one years since one has been shot in Norfolk, yet so favoured has been this neighbourhood that five specimens are now recorded to have occurred within a radius of a few miles (see Stevenson, Birds of Norfolk, I. p. 29).'

J. H. Gurney (1872) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. I. p. 63, says: 'On the 4th of December a noble Snowy Owl was shot in a turnip field at Southrepps, near Cromer, by a farmer named Painter, who has presented it to Sir T. F. Buxton. I found it to be a female, and from the numerous broad bands of deep black on a white ground, I judged it to be immature. Those bands have since rather faded. This rare species has occurred on several occasions in this county, though not within the last twenty years; it is worthy of remark, however, that out of seven examples previously recorded, four were obtained in close vicinity to the sea, and within a few miles of the spot where this last one was killed.'

79). 1873 Argyll Tiree, immature male, shot, late November.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 2: 242; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; J. Morton Boyd, British Birds 51: 105; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History Anon. (1869-75) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. II. p. 242, on 23rd December, 1873, says: 'Mr. James Lumsden exhibited a specimen of the Snowy Owl (Surnia nyctea), got on the island of Tiree, in the last week of November this year. A conversation ensued, in which Mr. Robert Gray, Dr. Dewar, and Mr. Harvie-Brown, took part, the general opinion being that the Snowy Owl would be found breeding in the Outer Hebrides.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 100) say: 'In Tiree we find it recorded (in a copy of Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland interleaved and with our own notes) that in November 1873 a young male was obtained and sent to McCulloch's, bird-stuffer in Glasgow, and was seen by Harvie-Brown in the flesh. There occurs the additional note: "It is a young bird, with dark plumage on occiput and neck, and the young white quills full of fluid; claws blunt. It has only two rows of markings on the tail instead of four, as in a Canadian example obtained by Mr. Gray; the wings when opened were beautifully spotted".'

J. Morton Boyd (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. p. 105, under 'Birds of Tiree and Coll, admits this record as "a young male seen in November, 1873, on Tiree". Acceped locally (ap Rheinallt et al. 2007: 263).

80). c. 1875 Fife Lahill, Largo, shot, undated.

(Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Smout, 1986).

History Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'It was shot by the keeper at or near Lahill, about sixty years ago. The specimen was preserved for some time in Lahill House, but was unfortunately eventually destroyed. We well remember seeing it and being told its history.'

81). 1876 Devon Ditsworthy, Dartmoor, adult male, shot, 13th March.

(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1876: 4921-22; "Western Times" 3rd April 1876; "G.C.G." Field 7th Oct., 1876: 434; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969).

History J. Gatcombe of Stonehouse, Plymouth (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 4921-22, dated 4th April, 1876, says: 'On Monday, March 13th, during very severe weather, a beautiful Snowy Owl was shot on Ditsworthy Rabbit Warren, Dartmoor, strange to say by the Warrener's grandson, a little boy only eight years of age (though, I understand, a capital shot), who, being at home from school for a birthday holiday, and amusing himself with a gun, happened to see the owl pounce on a rabbit, which it struck dead in an instant. He then crept cautiously up behind a burrow, in order to get as near as he could, when the bird, either hearing or seeing him, immediately rose, leaving its prey behind, and flying directly over the boy's head, was brought down by a shot in the wing.

On my asking if the lad had not great difficulty in securing his prize, I was told that he could do nothing with it until his grandfather (Mr. Ware), who saw the bird fall, came up and put his foot on it. A little terrier had made a bold attempt, but was sent "screeching" away. I unfortunately did not see, or even hear, of the capture of the bird until after it was stuffed, and was consequently unable to make a proper examination or take correct measurements of the specimen: however, from its comparatively small size and the general whiteness of its plumage, I feel certain of its being a male, and an old one too.

Its weight was said to be just over four pounds, and I found the length of the wing, from the point of the carpal joint to the end of the longest quill-feathers, exactly fifteen inches. The upper plumage is perfectly white, with the exception of some small dark brown bars and spots on the scapulars, tertials, wings and head; all the tail-feathers white, with only three minute spots on the two centre ones, a couple on one and one on the other. There are also seven or eight faint lunate bars on either side of the breast, but beyond that all the under parts, from the chin to the tail-coverts, are wholly white. Bill and claws shining black, except at their bases.

The bird was seen only a short time before it was killed, and was then being chased by some hawks, which are very plentiful in the neighbourhood of the warren. I am very sorry the poor bird was killed, for it would have been a grand sight to have seen it flying about in a wild state. The person who skinned the owl appeared much struck with the large bony rings of its eyes.'

"G.C.G." of Modbury (1876) in The Field of 7th October, Vol. XLVIII. p. 434, says: 'About three months since, a very fine and old specimen of the Snowy Owl was killed while feeding on a young rabbit at Dittisworthy [sic] warren, Dartmoor, by the young son of Mr. Ware, of Tavistock. The bird has been beautifully stuffed, and may be seen at Mr. Bartlett's, Ebrington Street, Plymouth.' Accepted locally (D'Urban & Mathew 1892: 135).

82). 1876 Somerset Exmoor, female, trapped, 22nd March.

(J. B. Rowe, Field 1st Apr., 1876: 388; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1876: 4900; "Western Times" 3rd April 1876; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1888: 219; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; H. St. B. Goldsmith, Zoologist 1893: 226; Moore, 1969; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History James Rowe of Barnstaple (1876) in The Field, of 1st April, Vol. XLVII. p. 388, says: 'A Snowy Owl, trapped in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple, has lately been brought to me for preservation. It weighed 5 lbs., and measured 5 ft. between the extended wings. I send you one of the eyes in a singular bony socket. Is this a normal condition of the eye in this species, or a deformity?

[It is a purely normal condition, and withal affords an illustration of a very perfect adaptation of structure to function. Our correspondent should read the remarks upon this portion of the anatomy of the bird which are given at p. 19 of Professor Newton's edition of Yarrell's British Birds. At p. 193 of this work he will find a representation of the crystalline lens and bony eye-ring of the Snowy Owl. - Ed.]

Murray A. Mathew of Bishop's Lydeard (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4900, dated 10th April, 1876, says: 'April 5th. In the birdstuffer's shop at Barnstaple I had to-day the pleasure of examining a very fine example of the Snowy Owl which had wandered so far as Exmoor, and had been trapped there on the 22nd of March. A shepherd had observed the bird capture and kill two hares in succession, and had hastened to inform the keeper that a large bird was making short work with the hares on the forest. A trap baited with the remains of one of those hares soon proved fatal to the splendid bird, which is a very large female, and from its spots I should think two or three years old. I am told that Mr. Gatcombe reports the occurrence of another Snowy Owl, a male, on Dartmoor - not unlikely the mate of the Exmoor bird.'

Murray A. Mathew of Bishop's Lydeard (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 219, reiterates the above.

Pidsley (1891: 67) says: 'The second was trapped on Exmoor upon the 22nd of the same month, having previously been observed by a shepherd to kill two hares in succession. "A trap baited with the remains of one of these two hares", writes the Rev. M. A. Mathew, "soon proved fatal to the splendid bird" (Zool., 1876, p. 4900). The Exmoor bird turned out to be a female; it is possible that the two birds were migrating North in company, but had become separated before the first was killed on Dartmoor.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 135) say: 'About ten days later [to 13th March 1876] another Snowy Owl was trapped on Exmoor, probably the companion bird. A shepherd had observed it in a very short time strike at and kill two hares, and ran off to inform Sir F. W. Knight's keeper that a large bird was making short work with the game in the forest; and in the afternoon of the same day this fine Owl was trapped in a gin baited with part of one of the hares it had previously killed. We went to Barnstaple on purpose to see it, as it was sent to the bird-stuffer in that town for preservation. It was a very large female, and of about the same age, judging from the amount of dark bars across the plumage, as the one obtained at Plymouth. It was very well set up by Froyne, and was seen and admired by many persons, before it was sent to Exmoor, where we believe it may still be seen in Sir F. W. Knight's house (M. A. Mathew, Zool., 1876, p. 4900).'

H. St. B. Goldsmith of Bridgwater (1893) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVII. p. 226, says: 'I was staying, during the first week of May, on Exmoor, and, in course of conversation with the keeper, found that a Snowy Owl, Nyctea scandiaca, had been killed on what is called the North Forest some fourteen years ago. The bird was caught in a trap set for hawks, was preserved, and is in the possession of Sir Frederick Knight, who very kindly allowed me to see it. I was unfortunately unable to see him, and could not get the exact date. There was no appearance of its having been in captivity; the claws were in good condition and very perfect, though it is of course possible that they may have been sharpened and cleaned by the person who preserved it. I think the only other occurrence noted of this owl in Somerset, was one killed near here, which was proved to be an escaped bird.'

[The owl here referred to, we presume, is that which was recorded some years ago by the Rev. M. A. Mathew (Zool., 1876, p.4900), and is noticed again in Messrs. D'Urban and Mathew's Birds of Devon, 1892, p. 135. It was trapped on Dartmoor in March, 1876. - Ed.]

Accepted locally for Devon (Moore 1969).

Comment Exmoor is ⅔ in Somerset and a ⅓ in Devon. The Editors have now muddled this record with one which was shot on Dartmoor, whereas this one was caught on Exmoor. Tyler (2010) does not include this record in his Birds of Devon.

83). 1876 Caithness Ousdale, male, trapped, 4th July, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3874).

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; Manson, 2004; Watson, 2010).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 163) say: '...A third specimen, in the collection of F. Raine Esq., of Durham, was trapped at Ousdale, Ord of Caithness, by James McEwan, on 4th July 1876.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this male specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that: Weight 7 lbs., length 34", expanse of wings 6' 6". Purchased at Raine's sale 30.03.1885, lot 178.

84). 1876 Norfolk Burnham Overy Marshes, shot, 2nd or 3rd November, now in Holkham Hall Collection.

(W. Gould, Field 18th Nov., 1876: 620; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1877: 98; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 318; Riviere, 1930; Bloomfield, 1993).

History W. Gould of Swaffham (1876) in The Field of 18th November, Vol. XLVIII. p. 620, says: 'Mr. Thos. Ellis, naturalist, of Swaffham, is preserving for the Earl of Leicester a fine specimen of the Snowy Owl (Strix nyctea). It was shot at Burnham Overy, in the county of Norfolk, on or about the 2nd of the present month. The extent of its wings from tip to tip is 64 in.; length from tip of beak to tip of tail 24½ in.; and weight 3lb 6 oz. This is the fifth specimen that has been killed in a wild state in Norfolk since the year 1814.'

[On reference to Professor Newton's edition of Yarrell's British Birds (Vol. II. p. 189), we find it stated that the Snowy Owl has occurred seven or eight times in Norfolk, and once in the adjoining county of Suffolk. Half a dozen Norfolk specimens, with their localities and dates, are mentioned in Mr. Harting's Handbook of British Birds, pp. 89-90. - Ed.]

Henry Stevenson (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 98, says: 'November. Snowy Owl. About the 2nd or 3rd a fine specimen, which had evidently been previously wounded, was shot by Lord Leicester's keeper in the Burnham Overy marshes, the same recorded in The Field of November 18th.'

H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 318, in a footnote, adds: 'It is worth mention that in The Ibis for January, 1877 (p. 131), is a notice by the Editor, on the authority of Dr. T. M. Brewer, of "an unusual migratory inroad of Snowy Owls in the north-east portion of the United States during the past autumn". They were remarked in flocks of fifteens and twenties passing south, and were obtained "in large numbers, so that taxidermists could not prepare all that were brought to them". The Editor also adds, "the same phenomenon has also manifested itself in the Eastern Hemisphere. Three examples of the Snowy Owl, one of which was captured in Ireland, are now in the Zoological Society's Gardens. Mr. Cross, the well known dealer at Liverpool, says, he never had so many of this bird. Every steamer from America brings in two or three, so that, at one time, he had nearly thirty in his possession".'

85). 1876 Outer Hebrides Lewis, adult male, shot, November.

(J. Rocke, Zoologist 1877: 177).

History John Rocke of Clungunford House (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 177, says: 'About the end of November, 1876, I received a fine adult male Snowy Owl from the island of Lewes [sic]. A friend of mine who had the shootings of Bervase, in the northern portion of the island, had seen this bird on several occasions, but both he and his keeper failed to obtain it.

When he returned south, word was left with the keeper, that if he could get it "clean-killed" and would send it to Shrewsbury, he knew a collector who would be glad of it. I was much pleased shortly afterwards to find that the bird had arrived in a most beautiful state of preservation, and was nearly as white a specimen I have ever seen. These birds have been so numerous of late in "the North" that this additional capture is not very remarkable. Still, as I believe this is the first recorded instance of its occurring in the Lewes [sic], a notice of it may be interesting.'

86). 1876 Caithness Freswick, adult male, obtained, undated.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; Manson, 2004).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 162-3) say: 'Mr. Lewis Dunbar records two examples - one adult male obtained in 1876 at Freswick, killed by Mr. Steenson, was preserved by Mr. Dunbar for Major Keith, Factor to the Earl of Caithness at Barrogill Castle.'

87). 1877 Outer Hebrides Lochmaddy, North Uist, adult male, shot, 27th October.

(J. A. Smith, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 4: 206).

History J. A. Smith (1877) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. IV. p. 206, at the meeting held on 21st November 1877, says: 'This very fine specimen of the snowy owl - an adult male - was shot on the 27th October last, at Lochmaddy, North Uist, the property of Sir John Orde, Bart, of Kilmory. Mr. Keddie informs me that its stomach was quite empty.

This large white owl more or less spotted with brown is well known as an occasional visitor from the north of Europe or America. Dr. Edmonston believed it might occasionally breed in Shetland, and thought he had found one reliable instance of its having done so. It is stated to have bred on the islands of Unst and Yell, Shetland. It is a rarer bird on the mainland of Scotland than in the islands to the north and west, where it has been more frequently captured.

Mr. Gray informs me that it may almost be considered a regular spring visitor to the Hebrides, and it is believed these birds have occasionally come from North America, like many other occasional visitors, being carried by gales of wind out of the line of their more ordinary migration.

I am not aware of any instance of this bird being supposed to have bred on the mainland of Scotland. Indeed the only one recorded, as far as I am aware, was published in the Zoologist for 1856, and repeated again in the natural history appendix to the recently-published, amusing, and interesting Life of a Scotch Naturalist, Thomas Edward, Banff, by Samuel Smiles; but I fear this solitary case requires a little more confirmation.

Perhaps our Secretary, Mr. Gray, may be able to tell us something of the true state of matters in regard to it.'

88). 1879 Outer Hebrides Lewis, shot, winter.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 4: 147).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown (1878-80) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 147, says: 'Lately several White Owls, supposed to have come from Norway, have been shot in Lewis [Glasgow Weekly Mail, 25th January 1879]. It is still somewhat doubtful whence come the Snowy Owls which visit Lewis almost every year.'

89). 1881 Caithness Shurrery, adult male, shot, 4th April.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; Manson, 2004).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 162-163) say: 'Mr. Lewis Dunbar records two examples - ...a second, also an adult male, dating April 4, 1881, was shot at Shurrery by Mr. P. Elder, and was preserved for Mr. J. G. Millais, 2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London, W.'

90). 1884 Outer Hebrides North Uist, female, undated, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Howse, 1899).

History Howse (1899: 18) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says: 'Case 60. No. 1 (left). Female. North Uist, 1884. Presented by Sir John Campbell Ord. Bart. Stuffed in Edinburgh. February 17th, 1885.'

91). 1885 Suffolk Landguard, shot, 9th February.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, British Association Report on Migration 1886: 39; Christy, 1890; Ticehurst, 1932; Piotrowski, 2003).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown (1886) in the British Association Report on the Migration of Birds, Vol. II. p. 39, in their 8th Report, says: 'Nyctea scandiaca, Snowy Owl. Mr. Owen Boyle, of the Languard L.H., under date of February 9th, wind E., reports this species as shot by a visitor near the lighthouse.

Subsequently, Mr Boyle writes, in reply to my letter, that he is sure the bird was a Snowy Owl.'

[Further information from the person who shot it, or the present possessor, would be very desirable.]

Christy (1890: 159) says: 'There is no record of this large and conspicuous bird having actually been obtained in the county [Essex]. Mr. Owen Boyle, of the Landguard LH., under date of February 9th, Wind E., reports this species as shot by a visitor near the lighthouse. Subsequently, Mr. Boyle writes in reply to my letter, that he is sure the bird was a Snowy Owl. Further information from the person who shot it, or the present possessor, would be very desirable.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 209; Piotrowski 2003: 210).

92). 1887 Outer Hebrides Mingulay, shot, January.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1888; J. MacRury, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1894: 145; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 200).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888: 77) say: 'When we were at Mingulay, Mr. Finlayson informed us that one bird of this species, which he accurately described, was shot there last winter, "the only one remembered on the island. This was about January 1887". The specimen was not preserved, but was thrown out upon a dung-heap. All search, however, failed to reveal a single remaining feather.'

John MacRury (1894) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. III. p. 145, says: 'One bird is said to have been shot in the island of Mingalay [sic] in 1887. Mr. William MacGillivray tells me that he saw a Snowy Owl at Eoligary, he thinks, in this same year, so that it was probably the same bird. There is no other record of its occurrence in Barra.'

Accepted locally (J. A. Harvie-Brown, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 200).

93). Pre 1888 Outer Hebrides North Uist, obtained, undated.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1888).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1888: 77) say: 'Mr. John MacDonald of Newton also obtained a fine specimen in North Uist, which is now in Sir John Orde's collection.'

94). 1889 Orkney Sanday, seen, October.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 139) say: 'Under date of Oct. 29th, 1889, Mr. Ranken informs us in a letter that "there is a large white owl in Sanday just now, most likely a Snowy Owl".'

95). 1890 Shetland Baltasound, Unst, four, three killed, March.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899).

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 109) say: 'Mr. Arthur said that in March 1890 four examples were seen in the neighbourhood of Baltasound, when three were killed, one of them by himself.'

99). 1890 Outer Hebrides Lewis, shot, 25th August.

(R. Walters, Zoologist 1896: 140-141; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1902: 200).

History Radclyffe Walters (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 140, under 'The Fauna of the Outer Hebrides', says: 'One was shot by our party on August 25th, 1890.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown (1902) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XI. p. 200, says: 'Mr. D. Mackenzie informs me that Snowy Owls are still occasionally seen to the north of Stornoway, from time to time, and Mr. Rycliffe Waters tells us that one was shot by one of his party on August 25, 1890.'

100). c. 1890 Dumfries & Galloway River Esk, Dumfriesshire, shot, undated.

(R. Service, Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society 1903: 339; Gladstone, 1910; Gladstone, 1912).

History R. Service (1903) in the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. XVII. p. 339, says: 'A few years ago a specimen was shot on the Dumfriesshire bank of the Esk. The late H. A. Macpherson fully informed me of the occurrence in his usual kind way, but at the present moment I have mislaid the note and cannot, therefore, give any further particulars.'

Gladstone (1910: 183) says: 'Mr. R. Service also recorded (Trans. D. and G. Nat. Hist. Soc., Dec., 18th) in 1903....In answer to my inquiries, Mr. Linnaeus Hope (the curator of Tullie House Museum, Carlisle) writes: "A Snowy Owl killed in Dumfriesshire and formerly in the possession of Thomas Armstrong, was given to the Museum by his daughter in 1895. It was in such a hopeless condition from moth when given to us that I cremated it, with Macpherson's approval".'

Gladstone (1912: 27) says: 'A specimen was shot on the Dumfriesshire bank of the Esk about 1890.'