Snowy Owl (3/3)
Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) (193, 6)
Photo © By Bert de Tilly - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17262387
NOT PROVEN
0). 1808 Shetland Unst, shot, undated.
(Macgillivray, 1837-52).
[Pennington et al., 2004].
History Macgillivray (1840 (3): 412) says: 'I have recently been favoured by Dr. Edmondston with the following notice respecting this beautiful bird: - "The first time I saw it was in 1808. An individual had been shot by a lad who hung it up as a scarecrow. At that period I knew nothing of book ornithology, or of animals, farther than might be expected of a boy passionately devoted to the observation of their habits and distinctions.'
Comment Considered an erroneous statement (Pennington et al. 2004).
0). 1811 Norfolk Near Norwich, obtained, undated.
(Montagu, 1813; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1872: 2912).
[J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1872: 2912].
History Montagu (1813) under 'Appendix' says: 'We are happy to be enabled to add this species to the catalogue of British birds upon the best authority. Mr. Bullock, to whom we are obliged for this information, says he received a specimen from Norwich about two years since, with an assurance of its having been killed in that neighbourhood.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Northrepps (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 2912, dated 22nd December 1871, says: '...Montagu says in the 'Appendix' to his Supplement that Mr. Bullock received a specimen from Norwich, about 1811, "with an assurance of its having been killed in that neighbourhood", which would be earlier than any mentioned by Mr. Stevenson, and much earlier than the Northumberland specimens in 1823, erroneously believed by Selby (B. B., I. p. 97) to have been the first seen in England. A MS. note of Donovan's, however, in Dr. Tristram's copy of the Dictionary, upacts its authenticity: it runs as follows: - "Mr. Bullock has told me another story about this owl, and, very unfortunately, in his own handwriting".'
0). 1838 Cornwall St John's Lake, Torpoint, adult, knocked down with a stick, December.
(Bellamy, 1839; R. A. Julian, jun., Morris and Bree's Naturalist 1: 45; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1876: 4900-01; Harting, 1880; Durban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969; Penhallurick, 1978).
[D. Parker, Birds in Cornwall 2009: 111].
History Bellamy (1839: 200) says: 'Strix nyctea. Snowy owl. A specimen was found at St. Germains in December, 1838, and knocked down with a stick. Though not occurring exactly in this county, I have presumed to add so interesting a bird to our list. Its visit to us can hardly be accounted for.'
R. A. Julian, jun., of Plymouth (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 45, says: 'A bird of this species was seen by a boatman, sitting on the ground, on the Cornish side of the River Tamar, under St. Germans, who knocked it down with a stick, in December, 1838. This bird is now preserved in the Rev. W. Hoar's collection, Stoke, near Plymouth.'
Murray A. Mathew of Bishop's Lydeard (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 4900-01, dated 10th April 1876, says: 'My friend the Rev. W. S. Hore has in his collection a Snowy Owl - a much older bird than the one recently obtained [1876] near Barnstaple - which was picked up dead many years since in the neighbourhood of Plymouth.'
Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'This specimen which is in the collection of the Rev. Mr. Hore, was probably storm-driven, and had apparently suffered much from stress of weather. The late Mr. Couch who saw it in Mr. Hore's collection, has noticed it in his Cornish Fauna (part ii. p. 69, Appendix).' Further, under 'Appendix' Rodd adds: 'it was seen by a boatman in December 1838, sitting on the ground, on the Cornish side of the river Tamar, under St. Germans, and was knocked down with a stick (Julian, Naturalist 1: 45).'
D'Urban & Matthew (1892: lix) say: 'The Rev. W. S. Hore's fine collection, chiefly acquired at Plymouth, was bequeathed by Mrs. Hore to Mrs. Cansop, of Bradfield Hall. It contains many rare birds which were purchased from the old bird-stuffers at Davenport, &c., and from various other collectors, such as that of Mr. Cornelius Tripe and the Rev. Kerr Vaughan. Among the rare Devon birds are the Snowy Owl, female Purple Heron, and Buffle-headed Duck, all said to have been procured in the immediate neighbourhood of Plymouth.'
Further, pp. 134-135, they add: 'Mr. Hore subsequently purchased the bird, and told us that at the time this Owl was met with the weather was exceptionally stormy, so much so that the Earl of Durham, on his return from Canada, was detained for three days in the Sound in consequence of the gale....A few days before the occurrence of Mr. Hore's specimen at Plymouth, Mr. Thompson has recorded that a flock of Snowy Owls accompanied a ship halfway across the Atlantic, from the coast of Labrador to the north of Ireland. This was in November 1838, and Mr. Hore's Snowy Owl may have reached our coasts through an assisted passage on the rigging of the ship.'
Penhallurick (1978: 144) adds: 'One was knocked down with a stick in December by a fisherman at St John's Lake. He took it to Pincombe, the Plymouth taxidermist, from whom it was purchased by the Revd. W. S. Hore. In the previous November a flock was reported to have accompanied a ship halfway across the Atlantic from the coast of Labrador to northern Ireland (Bellamy 1839; D'Urban & Mathew 1892).'
Not accepted locally (D. Parker, Birds in Cornwall 2009: 111).
Comment Pincombe has been discredited by a statement by the Plympton naturalist J. Brooking Rowe who maintained that "no reliance is to be placed on anything Pincombe says, and that the specimen obtained here is to be received with caution". But, on this occasion, there is overwhelming evidence that the bird probably arrived by assisted passage and would probably have not received human assistance.
0). Pre 1848 Orkney Rousay, killed, undated.
(Baikie & Heddle, 1848).
[KAN].
History Baikie & Heddle (1848) say: 'A specimen, now in the College Museum, Edinburgh, was killed in Rousay.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1849-53 Yorkshire Scarborough, seen, winter or early spring.
(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
[Nelson, 1907].
History Nelson (1907 (1): 309-310) says: '…but there are several occasions on which it has been, or is supposed to have been, observed in the county. Between the years 1849 and 1853, during the winter or early spring months, Mr. Clapham, whilst walking at Scarborough, saw a large white bird flying towards the Castle, which, from its size, soft steady flight and broad wings, he concluded was N. scandiaca. This impression was confirmed on his hearing a day or two afterwards that a Snowy Owl had been shot at and missed from the Filey Rocks.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1850 North-east Scotland Near Buck of Cabrach, Donside, Aberdeenshire, two, obtained, spring.
(J. Longmuir, jun., Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 157).
[Phillips, 1997].
History J. Longmuir, jun., of Aberdeen (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 157, dated 10th March, 1853, says: 'This rare visitor has been met with in a few instances in Aberdeenshire. One specimen was obtained near the "Buck of Cabrach", on Donside, in the spring of 1850, by Mr. A. Stuart, of Aberdeen; and some time after, another was shot near the same locality, both of which were marked in the usual way; the colour of one being, however, considerable lighter than that of the other.'
Not accepted locally (Phillips 1997).
0). Pre 1853 North-east Scotland Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, seen, undated.
(J. Longmuir, jun., Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 157).
[Not in Phillips, 1997].
History J. Longmuir, jun., of Aberdeen (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 157, dated 10th March, 1853, says: 'Mr. A. Mitchell mentions having seen a Snowy Owl a few years ago, when walking along the beach at Aberdeen.'
Not accepted locally (Phillips 1997).
0). 1855 North-east Scotland No locality, Aberdeenshire, male, shot, 24th April.
(E. Newman, Zoologist 1855: 4761).
[Phillips, 1997].
History E. Newman (1855) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIII. p. 4761, says: 'Mr. Green has just shown me, in the flesh, a fine male specimen of the Snowy Owl, shot in Aberdeenshire on the 24th instant, and sent to him to be preserved.'
Not accepted locally (Phillips 1997).
Comment Mr. Green was a well known dealer and is not to be trusted according to Witherby.
0). 1857 Outer Hebrides No Localities, five, shot, during the year.
(D. Graham, Zoologist 1857: 5831; Newman, 1866).
[KAN].
History David Graham of York (1857) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XV. p. 5831, dated 21st September, 1857, says: 'No less than five specimens of the Snowy Owl were shot this year in the Western islands, all of them, I believe by Mr. Millbank; I am not certain whether in Lewis or Sky.'
Comment David Graham of York has been discredited over the 'Tadcaster Rarities' fraud (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237). Lacks adequate details like precise locations. Not acceptable.
0). 1861 Dumfries & Galloway Dalawoodie, Holywood, Dumfriesshire, seen, undated.
(R. Service, Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society 1903: 339).
[Gladstone, 1912].
History R. Service (1903) in the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. XVII. p. 339, says: 'For Solway I have only a couple of authenticated occurrences. Mr. Rimmer of Dalawoodie told me he saw one sitting on a tree in the park at Kirkmichael in the winter of 1860-61.'
Not accepted locally (Gladstone 1912).
Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1862 North-east Scotland Strichen, Aberdeenshire, winter.
(Phillips, 1997).
[Phillips, 1997].
History Phillips (1897) says: 'A bird is reported from Strichen in the winter of 1862 (A.S.N.H., Vol. VIII.), but this record was strangely not included in those given by Sim (1903).'
Comment Phillips has given a bad reference and it is not listed in the reference section of the book.
0). 1867 Yorkshire Flamborough, seen, 14th October.
(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
[Nelson, 1907].
History Nelson (1907 (1): 310) says: 'Regarding a possible occurrence of this species at Flamborough on 14th October 1867, the late J. Cordcaux: wrote as follows in the Zoologist (1868, p. 1026): - "A large owl chequered all over black and white, and, as the man said. "as large as a great black-backed gull", was seen in a turnip field".
The man who saw it went home instantly for his gun; on his return, however, the bird had disappeared. Otherwise I might possibly have added Surnia nyctea to the avifauna of Flamborough.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1868-69 Lincolnshire Bottesford, near Scunthorpe, seen, winter.
(M. Peacock, Naturalist 34: 399; F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 61; Blathwayt, 1915).
[Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989].
History Max Peacock of Cadney, Brigg (1908) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 399, says: 'Snowy Owl. Has certainly visited Bottesford once. It was called "that great white owl", in the winter of 1868-69. Its cry was awful to listen to in the winter night, and it was said that it could be heard calling a mile off on still evenings. There was only one bird - not a pair, and it was only saved because my father would not let it be shot.'
F. L. Blathwayt (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 61, under 'Additions to the Birds of Lincs.', says: 'Occurred at Bottesford, north-west Lindsay, in the winter of 1868-69; Naturalist, 1908, p. 399.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1870 Caernarfonshire Near Snowdon, obtained, undated.
(H. E. Forrest, Field 5th Oct., 1901: 565).
[Forrest, 1907].
History H. E. Forrest of Shrewsbury (1901) in The Field of 5th Oct., Vol. XCVIII. p. 565, says: 'Mr. W. a. Rogers of St. Asaph informs me that a specimen of the Snowy Owl passed through the lands of his father, a taxidermist, some twenty years ago. He distinctly remembers the bird, and that it was shot somewhere on or near Snowdon. It was stuffed by the elder Mr. Rogers, since deceased, but its subsequent history is unknown. I am particularly anxious to trace the specimen, in order to record it in my work on the fauna of North Wales, for it appears to be the only one ever obtained in that half of the principality. May I ask your kind offices to bring the matter to the notice of naturalists, and ask anyone who knows the present whereabouts of the bird to notify the fact.'
Forrest (1907: 215) recording the record in square-brackets, says: 'Mr. W. A. Rogers, of St Asaph, whose father used to practise taxidermy in that city, well remembers a Snowy Owl being sent in for preservation that had been obtained on or near Snowdon. This would be probably about 1870, but I have been unable to trace the specimen, and Mr. Rogers, unfortunately, cannot remember for whom it was stuffed. He says it was a fine specimen and beautifully shot.'
0). 1878 Suffolk Fritton Decoy, seen, November.
(Babington, 1884-86; Piotrowski, 2003).
[Ticehurst, 1932].
History Babington (1884-86: 231) says: 'One seen for a single day near a decoy at Herringfleet, Nov. 1878 (Col. Leathes in litt., 1883).'
Ticehurst (1932: 209) says: 'Another is said to have been seen in November 1878 at Herringfleet Decoy on Fritton Lake (Notes on Natural History, by H. M. Leathes).'
Comment Ticehurst used the words "said to have been seen" placing no faith in the record. Not acceptable.
0). 1879 Yorkshire Scarborough, seen, December.
(Land and Water, 27th Dec., 1879; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
[Nelson, 1907].
History Nelson (1907 (1): 310) says: 'In Land and Water for 27th December 1879, Mr. Edward Thompson, in some Scarborough notes, mentions a Snowy Owl as having been seen near that town, and an unsuccessful attempt made to shoot it. Mr. Thompson afterwards stated that the bird frequented the New Park during the month of December and was frequently seen.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1881 Derbyshire/Staffordshire Near Burton-on-Trent, killed, undated.
(Garneys, 1881).
[Whitlock, 1893; Smith, 1939; Harrison & Harrison, 2005].
History Garneys (1881: 77) says: 'Sir John Crewe records one killed near Burton-on-Trent.'
Whitlock (1893: 124-125) says: 'In the second edition of Wild Flowers, etc., of Repton, it is stated on the authority of Sir John Crewe, that another example was killed near Burton-on-Trent. I have not, however, been able to confirm this statement.'
Smith (1939: 152) recording the record in square brackets, says: '...has been killed near Burton-on-Trent (Contributions to the Flora and Fauna of Repton, 1881, p. 77).'
0). 1881 Cleveland/Yorkshire Redcar, Yorkshire, seen, 25th October.
(T. H. Nelson, Zoologist 1882: 97; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 28).
[Not in Blick, 2009].
History T. H. Nelson of Redcar (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 97, says: 'On October 25th, wind still easterly...an owl which, from the description given me, could have been nothing but a Snowy Owl - came from seaward, passed a knot of fishermen standing near Redcar Pier, and flew over the town.'
J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 28, say: 'Mr. T. H. Nelson writes: - 'A great white owl flew up the sands in front of Redcar, 10.30 a.m., Oct. 25th, past a group of fishermen and over the town, going S.W., wind E.N.E., strong.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1883-84 Essex Near Paglesham, seen, undated.
(Christy, 1890).
[Christy, 1890].
History Christy (1890: 159) says: 'There is no record of this large and conspicuous bird having actually been obtained in the county. Mr. John Pettitt, of Colchester, informs me that one was seen near Paglesham about 1883-84.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.
0). 1885 Gower Llwynderw and Grange, undated.
(Hurford & Lansdown, 1995).
[Taylor, 2008].
History Taylor (2008) makes no mention of any Snowy Owl records in the latest checklist of Gower.
0). 1887 Somerset Walton Heath, Bridgwater, caught, 12th February.
(S. Norriss-Risley, Field 19th Feb., 1887: 252).
[S. Norriss-Risley, Field 12th Mar., 1887: 371].
History S. Norriss-Risley of Ashcott House, near Bridgwater (1887) in The Field of 19th Feb., Vol. LXIX. p. 252, says: 'A fine specimen of the Snowy Owl (Surnia nyctea) was captured here on Saturday, Feb. 12. It was first seen on Walton Heath, and followed up to some small wood here and shot, though luckily only just tipped in the wing, and it was secured without any further damage. Whether it has been blown across here during the late stormy weather, or has escaped from some aviary, I cannot say, but you may perhaps think the circumstance worth recording. The bird is in fine plumage, and eats well. Height or length, about 24 in.; spread of wings, about 4 ft.'
S. Norriss-Risley of Ashcott House, near Bridgwater (1887) in The Field of 5th Mar., Vol. LXIX. p. 371, says: 'As you published the notice I sent you about the Snowy Owl, I think it right to inform you that my conjecture, that it might have escaped from some aviary, has proved to be correct. I had a note from Mr. W. Garnett, of Clifton, near Bristol, to say he had seen the account in The Field, and that he had lost such a bird on Feb. 6, and he has since seen it, and taken it back. It may be interesting to state that he obtained it last autumn from a sailor on board the steamer "Escalonia", which was off the banks of Newfoundland, last autumn, during a gale, and the owl was blown on board, and settled on the rigging, and the sailor climbed up and captured it. This bird has certainly been a traveller, and up to the present time has borne a charmed life.'
Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1891 Yorkshire Easington, adult, seen, 27th September.
(J. Cordeaux, Field 3rd Oct., 1891: 509; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 17: 359; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1895: 59; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
[Nelson, 1907].
History John Cordeaux (1891) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. LXXVIII. p. 509, dated 28th September, says: 'On Sunday evening, Sept. 27, Mr. H. B. Hewetson and Mr. H. Marsh, of Leeds, and myself, when out for a walk, noticed a great white bird, apparently equal in size to one of the larger gulls, in a fallow field on the sea frontage, near Easington lane end. It rose instantly on our stopping to look, and we exclaimed simultaneously, "A great white owl". It flew in an irregular, easy, and particularly buoyant manner at the elevation of a few feet, and for some hundreds of yards skirted a rough hedgerow, progressing by a series of short flights, now and again plumping suddenly down on the fallows, not sitting erect, but apparently crouching close to the ground. Once it perched on a post in the hedge, and, when near the end of the fence, turned and crossed the field to some cattle rails, where we lost sight of it. Altogether, it was under observation from five to ten minutes, and during most of the time was closely followed and baited by a hawk, apparently a Kestrel. With the background of brown fallow and dark hedge side, it was exceedingly conspicuous. I did not notice any dark markings on the plumage, which looked as white as that of a swan. The wings were round and very concave, with the ends of the primaries bent upwards in flight. I have not the slightest doubt it was a Snowy Owl. The wind was blowing very strong from the west and south-west on the 26th and 27th.'
John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1891) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVII. p. 359, says: 'Snowy Owl. Sept. 27th. One, an apparently pure white bird, was seen by Mr. Hewetson and Mr. Henry Marsh, of Leeds, myself, and another, in a fallow field near Easington lane end, and was under observation between five and ten minutes. The occurrence was fully recorded in The Field newspaper of October 3rd. Snowy Owls are reported as having been very common in the south of Norway this year, having followed the Lemmings on their migration towards the coast.'
J. Cordeaux (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 57, adds this record to his Humber district Fauna.
Nelson (1907 (1): 310) says: 'The following record is less satisfactory: - Messrs, J. Cordeaux and H. B. Hewetson had an opportunity of viewing a fully adult example in a field near Easington, Spurn, on 27th September 1891, Mr. Cordeaux afterwards reporting the incident (Field, 3rd October 1891; Nat., 1891, p. 359; and Zool., 1895, p. 59).'
However, Mather (1986) says: 'These two naturalists are not likely to have misidentified such a bird, although the date is unusual for a genuine immigrant.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not accepted locally (Nelson 1907).
0). 1902 Caernarfonshire Nanhoron, near Pwllheli, seen, November.
(Forrest, 1907).
[Forrest, 1907; Jones & Dare, 1976].
History Mr. C. Lloyd Edwards wrote to H. E. Forrest on 19th January 1903: - "I saw a white owl in the park here about two months ago - I had never seen one before, he looked very big and was the whitest bird I ever saw; very white compared to the sheep which were close by. He was bigger than a Herring Gull Larus argentatus, with very large wings, but I was some way from him".'
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1902-03 Carmarthenshire Cwmffrwd area, seen, winter.
(Barker, 1905; Ingram & Salmon, 1954; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
[WOSRC email]
History Barker (1905: 9-10) says: 'A fine specimen of this rare bird frequented the neighbourhood of Oaklands for some months in 1902 and 1903, and was constantly seen by myself and others. It used to hawk along the hedges in the evenings, and sometimes in broad daylight. I have heard of another having been seen in the country.'
Accepted locally (Ingram & Morrey Salmon 1954) and nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).
Comment For the Birds of Wales (2021) this record was found not proven.
0). 1912 Buckinghamshire Hambleden, seen, 31st July to 2nd August.
(A. H. Cocks, Zoologist 1916: 313-314; Eds., British Birds 10: 122).
[KAN].
History Alfred Heneage Cocks of Poynetts, Skirmett, near Henley-on-Thames (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. pp. 313-314, says: 'Intending to give the bird three or four weeks' law before making its presence known, I have inadvertently neglected to publish the occurrence for as many years. As, however, a visit from the species is rare throughout England, and unique so far as this county (Bucks) is concerned, a record of the fact is better late than never. On the afternoon of July 31st, 1912, while excavating a large and prolific Romano-British "Villa" on Yewden Manor in this parish (Hambleden), on Lord Hambleden's Greenlands estate, upwards of 400 yards north of Hambleden lock on the Thames, I overheard one of the labourers calling his mate's attention to a large white Owl sitting in one of a row of sycamore trees in the hedge dividing the field we were working in from the road running northwards. Hardly had he spoken, before, with characteristic plunge, followed by throw-up into the air, a Snowy Owl flew out, and came in our direction. As it approached it began to croak hoarsely (well described by Dresser, Manual of Pal. Birds, "as a loud krau, krau"), and presently wavering in its choice of direction, it "trod air", and then turned round; but shortly deciding on its old course, it once more turned round, and again proceeded westwards, passing me at a distance I estimated at less than 80 yards. It continued to fly straight in that direction until I lost sight of it over and behind a group of large trees surrounding a pond known as "The Baths", which I believe to be of Roman origin or development, a quarter of a mile from the spot where I was standing. It was also seen by my overseer, Dr. A. E. Peake, M.B.; by some eleven labourers; and by, I think, a few visitors who happened to be at the excavations at the moment.
On August 2nd it was seen near Pheasant's Hill, also in Hambleden parish, but on the opposite (i.e. N.E.) side of the village, by a son of Mr. Louis Deane, who, unfortunately, was soon afterwards taken with a serious illness, which eventually terminated fatally, without my obtaining further details. Two or three days later Mr. Deane himself saw the bird in the same direction, and "was within eight or ten yards of it, and it flew broadside of him. I am absolutely sure of the bird's identity, and it is a species for which nothing else is likely to be mistaken. Independently of the undoubted size, the croaking at once puts the Barn Owl out of court, which seems the only bird which could under any possible circumstances be taken for it.
Especially having regard to the time of year, it seems very much more likely that the bird was an escape from an aviary than a visitor under more natural conditions, but I failed to hear of any such loss; neither, so far as I am aware, was the bird reported from any other parish either before or after its sojourn in this one. A Snowy Owl seen flying at a little distance generally appears very white, so that although this bird looked white enough for an adult male, I cannot speak with certainty on this point.'
In an Editorial (1916) in British Birds, Vol. X. p. 122, they say: 'Mr. A. H. Cocks records (Zool., 1916, p . 313) that on July 31st, 1912, he saw an example of Nyctea nyctea at Hambleden. The bird was also seen by others on August 2nd, and again a few days later. Mr. Cocks suggests that having regard to the time of year it may have been an escaped bird, but he failed to hear of anyone who had lost one.'
Comment Surely an escape for the time of year. Not acceptable.
0). 1915-16 Gwent Near Cross Ash, Monmouthshire, seen, winter.
(Abergavenny Chronicle; Ingram & Salmon, 1939; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
[Ingram & Morrey Salmon, 1937; Venables, et al., 2008].
History Recorded in the Abergavenny Chronicle by S. W. White and square-bracketed (Ingram & Morrey Salmon, 1937). Gwent Orn. Soc., 1937 quote it as "one said to have been seen in the vicinity of Cross Ash".
Accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994), however, it was not accepted locally (Venables et al. 2008: 225).
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1917 Oxfordshire Beckley, seen, late March.
(F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 11: 282).
[F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 11: 282].
History F. C. R. Jourdain (1918) in British Birds, Vol. XI. p. 282, says: '...Curiously enough the presence of a Snowy Owl was reported to me under very similar conditions on Otmoor, Oxfordshire, about the end of March 1917, during the wintry weather which then prevailed. The bird was first seen by Messrs. Wicks and Jeans, while driving out to Beckley from Oxford, about 3 p.m. It was flying low along the hedgerows and on one occasion turned and came towards them, so that they had a good view of it. Both agreed that it was unlike any Owl they had seen before and the descriptions of the size and plumage agreed closely with that of the Snowy Owl. The bird was also seen subsequently by Mr. Hall of Beckley, hunting a hedgerow near Otmoor. I hesitated to record this specimen because none of the observers knew a Snowy Owl by sight, and a Barn Owl on the wing seen suddenly at close quarters looks larger than it really is. I may add that I have seen a Barn Owl blunder right into a quick set hedge in daylight and had no difficulty in capturing it. Even the dark spots on the plumage of all but very old Snowy Owls have their parallel in the small spots on the breasts and flanks of the Barn Owl. The great difference in size, the absence of yellowish brown on the upper surface, and the striking yellow irides of the Snowy Owl at once serve to identify it when seen by an ornithologist, but a considerable element of doubt must attach to cases such as that just quoted.'
Comment Probably misidentified. No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1917 Staffordshire Pipe Ridware, seen, 28th December.
(J. O. Coussmaker, Field 19th Jan., 1918: 106).
[F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 11: 282; Smith, 1939].
History J. O. Coussmaker (1918) in The Field of 19th Jan., Vol. CXXXI. p. 106, says: 'On Dec. 28 last, as my wife and I were driving home from Lichfield about 3.45 p.m. at Pipe Ridware church, just beyond the outskirts of the parish of Hamstall Ridware, we had a close view of a great snowy owl. not forty yards from us. It flopped over the hedge just in front of us into the road, and we had a good view of it for about three hundred yards, as it sailed along by the hedge. When it had gone about two hundred yards it tried to settle in the hedge, but failed significantly, and fell on its back in the air, a thing I never saw a bird do before in my life. However, it quickly righted itself and continued its flight. Some light brown feathers on its back and wings were very conspicuous. This is the fifth species of owl I have seen in this parish. The brown owl and Barn Owl are fairly numerous, especially the former, and I have also had in my hands the Long-eared Owl, and the Short-eared OR "woodcock" Owl.'
C. R. Jourdain (1918) in British Birds, Vol. XI. p. 282, says: 'The Rev. J. O. Coussmaker, of Hamstall Ridware, near Rugeley, writing in the Field (19th Jan., 1918) states that while driving from Lichfield about 3.45 pm, near Pipe Ridware Church, he saw a Snowy Owl (Nyctea nyctea) not forty yards away. It tried to settle on a hedge, but failed and fell over backwards, but quickly recovered itself and continued its flight. He adds that it had - "some brown feathers" on its back. Mr. Coussmaker is familiar with most of our common birds and has recorded several of the rarer species, such as the Dartford Warbler and Woodlark, from his neighbourhood, so that confusion with the White-breasted Barn Owl (Tyto a. alba) should be impossible....The great difference in size, the absence of yellowish brown on the upper surface, and the striking yellow irides of the Snowy Owl at once serve to identify it when seen by an ornithologist, but a considerable element of doubt must attach to cases such as that just quoted.'
Smith (1939: 151) recording the record in square brackets, says: 'The Rev. J. O. Coussmaker considered that he saw a Snowy Owl flying near Pipe Ridware church on December 28th, 1917 (The Field, January 19th, 1918). In the absence of further evidence however, it seems inadvisable fully to admit this species to the Staffordshire list.'
Comment Probably misidentified. No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1919 Dumfries & Galloway No locality, pair, 6th December to 16th January 1920.
(G. H. Williams, Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society 1924-25).
[Eds., Scottish Naturalist 47: 163].
History G. H. Williams (1924-25) in the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. VI. pp. 115-116, says: 'A pair of these magnificent Arctic owls took up their winter quarters in a certain moss in the Stewartry during the winter of 1919-20. The moss is bounded on one side by two thick fir woods, and made an ideal hunting ground for them. I first observed them on the 6th December, 1919, in broad daylight, quartering the moss like harriers. They showed no fear whatever of man, and came quite near me on the many occasions I went over to observe them or took friends over to see them. They are distinctly large birds, the wing spread of the female being about 35 inches. Two traits of these owls were very noticeable. In the first place, unlike all Owls I am accustomed to (with the possible exception of the Little Owl (Athene noctua), which I have seen flying by day), they seemed to see perfectly well in broad daylight; the reason of this being no doubt that in their far Northern haunts they must perforce search for their food in summer in daylight, there being no night. In the second place, they had a peculiar trick of hovering a considerable time over a spot much like Kestrels, though unfortunately I never saw them stoop after one of these hovers and secure their quarry. Their food on the moss probably consisted of rabbits. The last occasion I observed them was on 16th January 1920.'
In an Editorial (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 163, in a review of the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society, for 1924-25, they say: 'The latter contains two curious records: - ...and that of a prolonged sojourn, from 6th December to 16th January 1920, of a pair of Snowy Owls in a moss in the Stewartry. They exhibited two peculiarities of habit, quartering the moss in broad daylight, and hovering after the manner of Kestrels.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1922 Wiltshire Upton Lovel, two, seen, winter.
(E. H. Goddard, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 42: 79).
[Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007].
History E. H. Goddard (1922) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XLII. p. 79, says: 'The Rev. F. G. Walker, Rector of Upton Lovel, writes April 8th, 1922:- "There have been at least two 'Snowy Owls' in this village this winter. One was here at the end of October, hovering over our garden and paddock and round about. My wife and I and several other people saw it. At the end of March another was seen by my son and others The retired farmer, a keen witted and keen eyed old man, who was with my wife and myself when we saw it, said that he had seen the bird several times in his life, which has been spent mostly in Little Langford and recognised it at once. It was seen that afternoon by several of the villagers who remarked that they had never noticed a bird like it before. We saw it about 3.30 p m. I have been a bird observer all my life in many parts of England and I am quite positive about it".'
[This is a matter of considerable interest. The Snowy Owl (Surnia nyctea) is a bird of northern regions and only an occasional visitor to Southern Britain. The Rev. A. C. Smith, in his Wiltshire Birds, gives no instance of its occurrence in this county. E.H.G.]
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1927-28 Ayrshire Leppenwynde Wood, Maybole, one month in winter.
(Paton & Pike, 1929).
[KAN].
History Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) say: 'William Mair, of Maybole, reports that a Snowy Owl frequented Leppenwynde Wood, Maybole, for one month in the winter of 1927-28.'
Comment Habitat seems wrong for this species. No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1933 Somerset Cheddar Gorge, taken with damaged wing, 15th September.
(S. Lewis, Field 29th Jan., 1938; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1937: 13; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).
[Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006].
History F. L. Blathwayt (1937) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 13, says: The Field of 29 Jan., 1938, publishes a record from Mr. S. Lewis, of Cheddar, that a Snowy Owl was taken with a damaged wing in Cheddar Gorge on 15th Sept. 1933.'
Comment Possible escape or a very early migrant. No supporting identification details. Not acceptable.
0). 1935 At sea North Atlantic, came on board a liner and brought into Liverpool, April.
(Hardy, 1941).
[Hardy, 1941].
History Hardy (1941) recording the record in square brackets, says: '...a Liverpool liner brought one, April 1935, which had come aboard in the Atlantic.'
0) 1938 Hampshire Beaulieu, seen, early March.
(F. C. R. Jourdain, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1938: 36).
[F. C. R. Jourdain, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1938: 36].
History F. C. R. Jourdain (1938) in the Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, p. 36, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'One reported as seen by Col. C. Hodgkinson at Beaulieu early in March (T.T.).'
0). 1938 Cornwall Near Tregantle, seen, December.
(Penhallurick, 1978).
[B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1938: 35].
History B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine (1938) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VIII. p. 35, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'Mr. J. T. Tamblyn informed me, after his return from Tregantle, that he had seen a Snowy Owl. This was in December. I have absolute confidence that there was no mistake about its identity. H.G.H.'
Penhallurick (1978: 144) says: '1938. One was reported near Tregantle in December.'
Comment H. G. Hurrell of Plymouth. No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.
0). 1945 Hertfordshire Near Tring, seen, 16th February.
(Eds., British Birds 38: 375; H. H. S. Hayward, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 22: 192).
[Sage, 1959].
History In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 375, he says: 'It is evident that the cold spell in January was marked by the appearance of Snowy Owls in several widely scattered localities in England. One or two additional reports which have reached us might have seemed to fall just short of complete certainty if isolated, but in view of the other undoubted records are probably also correct. Thus, Mr. M. D. England informs us that on 16th February 1945, near Tring, his wife and brother-in-law saw a very large owl which appeared pure white in flight except for "mottled Brown" on the upper surface of the wings, which appeared "rounded and immense". Neither of the observers is an ornithologist, but Mrs. England states that the bird was certainly much larger than a Barn Owl Tyto alba. It was seen flying along the canal as though hunting, afterwards quartering the fields only a few feet from the ground, and passed quite close to them.'
Not accepted locally (Sage 1959).
0). 1945 Dumfries & Galloway Near Auchencairn, Kirkcudbrightshire, seen, late April to 3rd May.
(E. T. Vernon, British Birds 39: 120-121).
[Watson, 1988].
History E. T. Vernon (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. pp. 120-121, says: 'Having been informed that a "large white owl" was appearing every evening over a stretch of marshy ground near Auchencairn, Kirkcudbright, towards the end of April, 1945, I set out to investigate, with considerable scepticism as to the accuracy of the report. Just after sundown on May 2nd, 1945, while concealed in the vicinity of the bird's beat, I succeeded in identifying it as a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca). When first observed, it was quartering the ground some distance away, and then it alighted on a low gate-post, 200 yards distant, where I could observe it through a telescope. Unfortunately the waning light made accurate observation impossible, but I could detect no trace of marking either on the white of the breast or the upper parts. The bird then flew past me low down and only 15 yards away, when very faint markings could be seen on the back, but none on the breast. The large size of the bird, the extensive wing-span, and the strong slow wing-beat were particularly noticeable. Next evening I stationed myself near the gate-post; on this occasion, although the bird appeared again, it failed to perch, but in better light I was able to verify the previous day's observations. I am familiar with the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and have no doubt that this was Nyctea scandiaca, probably a male.'
Watson (1988) under 'The Birds of Galloway 1900-88', says: 'Snowy Owl. A few records, 1920s and earlier only.'
0). 1945 Cornwall Cleave Camp, seen, early spring to 19th May.
(M. H. Thomas, British Birds 38: 374; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1978).
[D. Parker, Birds in Cornwall 2009: 111].
History M. H. Thomas (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 374, says: 'During the early spring of 1945 I observed Snowy Owls in three comparatively widely separated areas of Cornwall and Devon. The first was the area comprised within a radius of about two and a half miles round Cleave Camp, Cornwall, bounded to the north by Morwenstowe and to the south by Coombe. Here a Snowy Owl was seen on a number of occasions, and I believe that two birds were present, for one was seen by myself at Morwenstowe and by myself and others at Coombe or in the camp itself at quite short intervals. Though it did not work out that one was seen in Morwenstow and in Coombe or the camp at exactly the same time, a bird was seen in both places within an hour on three occasions. The latest occasion on which I saw one was 19th May, when one of these birds flew across the road as I was cycling about a mile from the camp area and I was able to keep it in view for some little time. As on previous occasions I was impressed by its large size and very strong flight. It was pure white, with no markings that I could see and with a dark, probably black bill. I may add that I have seen Barn Owls Tyto alba, too often for there to be any confusion in my mind.'
Not accepted locally (D. Parker, Birds in Cornwall 2009: 111).
0). 1946 Cornwall Between Liskeard and Launceston, seen, 17th January.
(V. R. Garrett, British Birds 39: 216; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1978).
[D. Parker, Birds in Cornwall 2009: 111].
History V. R. Garrett (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 216, says: 'On January 17th, 1946, about 4.15 pm, I was driving between Liskeard and Launceston, when a large white owl flew in front of the car scarcely hedge-high. The flight was straight with very deliberate wing-beats. When I had followed it for about 50 yards, and had come close to it, the owl wheeled over the high hedge on the left-hand side of the road. I stopped the car, and the owl reappeared about 20-30 yards ahead and resumed its deliberate unswerving flight as before. I had followed it again for about 50 yards, at a more respectful distance, when it wheeled over the hedge on the right-hand side of the road and was lost to sight. The bird was clearly a Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca. It closely resembled the illustration by G. E. Lodge, in Plate 84 of Kirkman and Jourdain's British Birds. Though its plumage was flecked with brown, it was not so heavily marked or barred as in the illustration of a female on Plate 55. of The Handbook, and it seems probable that it was a male. To give some idea of the impression of "whiteness" of its plumage, my companion, who is no ornithologist, asked me, "What sort of bird is that ? Is it some sort of a sea-gull ?".'
Not accepted locally (D. Parker, Birds in Cornwall 2009: 111).
0). 1955 Argyll Near Lochgilphead, 18th January.
(I. Rainier, Glasgow Bird Bulletin 7: 13).
[Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007].
History Ida Rainier (1958) in the Glasgow Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 13, under 'Possible Snowy Owl in South Argyll', says: 'On 18th January 1955, in the middle of a spell of extremely cold weather, an owl, provisionally identified as a Snowy Owl, was seen on rough open ground by a hill-loch south of Lochgilphead. I had visited this loch on the 17th and, of course saw nothing, but on 18th January I met two very excited foresters, Messrs. J. Kavanagh and J. Kerr, who said they had seen an "enormous, completely white owl, and what was it?" I thought that they had probably seen a Barn Owl, and showed them the Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe, which has the Barn Owl and Snowy Owl on the same page, but they unhesitatingly picked out the Snowy Owl as the bird they had seen. There are no buildings, cliffs or quarries near the spot which might attract a Barn Owl, and Snowy Owls do frequent lake sides. I am always very wary about accepting other people's rarities, but I think that this possible occurrence is worth recording.'
Not accepted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
