White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis (Vieillot, 1819) (16, 8)
Photo © Rob Stonehouse - Amble, Northumberland, 26 August 2016
Ex BBRC species 31/12/2005
STATUS
Nearctic. Monotypic.
OVERVIEW
Formerly known as Schinz's Sandpiper and Bonaparte's Sandpiper.
Although difficult in assessing the statement in the BOU (1971) there are no surprises in this collection of records.
RECORDS
1). Pre 1837 Shropshire Stoke Heath, obtained, undated.
(Gould, 1837; T. C. Eyton, Annals of Natural History 2: 53; Yarrell, 1845; R. Kent, Zoologist 1859: 6537; Newman, 1866; J. Rocke, Zoologist 1866: 81; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85; Saunders, 1899; Forrest, 1899).
History Gould (1837 (4): unpaged) says: 'Through the kindness of Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., we are enabled to add this species to the list of British Birds; a single specimen killed at Stoke Heath near Market Drayton, Shropshire, a few years since, is now in that gentleman's collection. We have compared the individual from which our figure is taken, with others killed in America, between which we could discover no difference. Its shorter bill and white rump will at all times serve to distinguish it from the other European members of the group.
We believe that the continent of America is the true habitat of this species, and that its occurrence in England must be attributed to accidental causes.'
T. C. Eyton (1839) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. II. p. 53, says: 'A specimen killed near Stoke Heath is in Sir Rowland Hill's collection.'
Yarrell (1845 (3): 74, 2nd ed.) says: 'Mr. Eyton under 'Fauna of Shropshire' (Annals of Natural History 1: 285-92 and 2: 53), states that a specimen of this sandpiper killed near Stoke Heath is in the collection of Sir Rowland Hill. The specimen was lent to Mr. Gould, who says: "We have compared the individual from which our figure is taken, with others killed in America, between which we could discover no difference; its shorter bill and white rump will at all times serve to distinguish it from the other European members of the group".'
Robert Kent of St. Leonards-on-Sea (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6537, dated 21st April 1859, adds: '...I find neither Mr. Yarrell nor Mr. Morris mentions more than one instance of the Schinz's Sandpiper having been taken in this country, and that in Shropshire, and is in the collection of Sir Rowland Hill.'
John Rocke of Shropshire (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 84, dated 31st October 1865, says: 'One specimen, killed some years ago on Stoke Heath; in Lord Hill's collection.'
Admitted as the first for Britain (Seebohm 1885 (3): 189).
2). 1846 Cornwall Hayle, two, adult pair, shot, 13th October.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1846: 1554; E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1: 422; E. H. Rodd, Field 8th Dec., 1860: 471; Eds., Zoologist 1870: 2274; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; Penhallurick, 1969, 1978: 428).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1554, dated 19th October, 1846, says: 'On Tuesday last an adult male and female of this rare species of Tringa were killed at Hayle Estuary, about seven miles from this place, on the north coast, by Mr. W. H. Vingoe.
The male had nearly completed the autumnal moult, but the female's winter plumage was not so far advanced. The general appearance of both birds resembles the Dunlin under the same circumstances. The special characters of this species with reference to the Dunlin, viz., its smaller size, shorter beak, and the white upper tail coverts, correspond with the descriptions of Gould, Yarrell, and Temminck.
There did not appear the slightest difference in size and dimensions on my comparing the specimen now under notice with Gould's figures, and scarcely any difference in colour. The length of my specimens, and of course, those of Gould, do not accord with Yarrell's statement in these particulars of the bird, from which his drawing was taken. The smallest of my birds (the male) measured exactly 7½ inches in length, and the female about one eighth of an inch more, whereas the length given by Yarrell of his example is 6½ inches, a remarkable difference in so small a bird. I observe also in both of my specimens that the wings exceed the tail by as much as they are represented in Mr. Yarrell's figure to be shorter. Both individuals, now under notice, are fully adult birds.
On dissection, the several distinctions in both were at once plainly discernible. The birds were extremely fat and plump; and one was in company with several Dunlins and Ring Plovers; the other was shot aloof from the flock; their note is represented to me as shorter and sharper than that of T. variabilis.'
E. H. Rodd (1850) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 422, adds: '...one of these specimens is now preserved in a private museum at Penzance.'
E. H. Rodd (1860) in The Field of 8th Dec., Vol. XVI. p. 471, says: 'You will observe in The Zoologist, some years since, the capture of these Tringa in the neighbourhood of Penzance, one of which is in my collection. The bird is not unlike the autumnal appearance of the Knot, but it is smaller, and has the upper tail coverts marked with white, as in the Curlew Tringa. In the Dunlin the red and brown tone of colour is continuous from the back over the rump to the end of the tail.'
In an Editorial (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2274, he says: 'Two specimens killed on Hayle Estuary, in October, 1846, by Mr. Vingoe. This is an extremely rare British bird, and Mr. Yarrell refers to one only having been killed, and that in Shropshire.'
Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, adds: 'Two adult specimens, male and female, of this Sandpiper, which like the last named is a native of both continents of America, were procured on the north coast of Cornwall in Hayle Estuary, about seven miles from Penzance, in October 1846, and are preserved in my collection. The male had nearly completed its autumnal moult, but the female's winter plumage was not so far advanced. The general appearance of both birds resembles the Dunlin under the same circumstances. The special characters of this species with reference to the Dunlin, viz., its smaller size, shorter beak, and the white upper tail coverts, correspond with the descriptions of Gould, Yarrell, and Temminck. There was no difference in dimensions from the figures given by Gould in his Birds of Europe, and scarcely any difference in colour.
The length of my specimens, and of those in the Birds of Europe, do not accord with Yarrell's specimen from which his drawing was taken. The smallest of my birds (the male) measured exactly 7½ inches in length, and the female just one eighth of an inch more, whereas the length given by Yarrell of his example is 6½ inches, a remarkable difference in so small a bird. I observe also in both of my specimens that the wings exceed the tail by as much as they are represented in Mr. Yarrell's figure to be shorter. Both specimens are fully adult birds. The sexes were apparent on dissection. One was in company with Dunlins and Ring Plovers, the other by itself. Their note was remarked to be shorter and sharper than that of the Dunlin.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 374, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
4). 1854 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, shot, 11th October.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1854: 4512; E. H. Rodd, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1854: 18; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; R. W. J. Smart, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 171; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 17: 133; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1854) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. p. 4512, dated 17th October, 1854, says: 'Mr. Jenkinson writes me word that a specimen of the rare Tringa schinzii was shot at St. Mary's, Scilly, last week.'
E. H. Rodd (1854) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, read 18th November 1854, p. 18, says: 'Short-toed Lark which was obtained last month at the Scilly Isles: and from the same locality, a bird almost equally rare in the Schinz's Tringa.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 106) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'During the second week of October 1854, as I learnt from the Rev. J. Jenkinson, a third example of Schinz's Sandpiper was procured at Trescoe, Scilly, and was duly recorded by me (Zoologist 1854: 4512).' However, under 'Notes from Scilly' by F. R. Rodd for 1870-71, p. 290 under the sub-heading 'October 4th' [which comes after October 5th and before October 6th to 9th headings] he says: 'Schinz's Sandpiper was killed. I saw it feeding on the mud by the fresh-water pool at St Mary's, and at first supposed it to be a Jack Snipe, until on taking flight it showed its white upper tail-coverts, like a Green Sandpiper. Though flushed several times, it uttered no note, and commenced feeding again immediately. It is curious that the only previous specimen from Scilly should have been obtained by Mr. Pechell on October 11th, 1854, and mine on October 10th, both birds being shot about the same place.'
However, on p. 301, under 'List of the Birds Observed on the Scilly Islands', he says: 'Schinz's Sandpiper, twice at Trescoe, in October.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 374, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who stated it to be killed on Tresco.
Rev. R. W. J. Smart (1888) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, new series, Vol. II. p. 171, says: 'Has been procured twice, both times in October - one in 1854, shot by Mr. A. Pechell on Tresco; and the second by Mr. F. R. Rodd on St. Mary's.'
J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 339, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'Bonaparte's Sandpiper has been twice obtained - by Pechell on Oct. 11th, 1854.'
J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. p. 133, under 'American Birds in Cornwall', says: 'One by A. Pechell at Scilly on the 11th of October, 1854.'
Penhallurick (1969: 139) says: 'One shot on St. Mary's on 11th October 1854.'
Comment I believe Francis Rodd to be correct about the locality being the same place, St Mary's.
5). 1856 Greater London Kingsbury Reservoir, Middlesex, shot, autumn.
(Harting, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1935).
History Harting (1866: 273) in the Appendix, says: 'While the foregoing pages were in the press, I accidentally met with a county-killed specimen of this rare sandpiper in the collection of my friend Mr. H. E. Dresser. He had purchased it at a sale at Messrs. Stevens' in December, 1865, but no particulars respecting it were given in the Sale Catalogue, nor could he ascertain where it had been killed. On taking down the case it which it was mounted, in order to examine the bird more narrowly, I discovered on the back a small label, on which was written, "Schinzii's Sandpiper. Shot by Mr. Goodair at Kingsbury Reservoir, 1856".
The particular season at which it was killed does not appear; but the bird is in winter plumage, and may possibly have found its way to our Reservoir in company with a flock of Dunlins, the only sandpipers which visit us in winter.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 374, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally for Middlesex (Swann 1893; Glegg 1935).
6). 1857 Sussex Near Bexhill, shot, 8th October.
(R. Kent, Zoologist 1859: 6537; Newman, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Shrubb, 1979).
History Robert Kent of St. Leonards-on-Sea (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6537, dated 21st April, 1859, after 16 months says: 'I do not know whether the capture of a Schintz Sandpiper, in this neighbourhood, on the 8th of October, 1857, has been brought under your notice; if not, the following particulars may be interesting to some of your readers.
The Schintz Sandpiper was in company with a Red-necked Phalarope, the latter swimming, and the Schintz Sandpiper wading in a flooded meadow, about two hundred yards from the sea, and directly opposite the village of Bexhill, Sussex.
They were not at all shy, and permitted me to approach them within easy gun shot, and to watch their motions for several minutes, when seizing a favourable opportunity I fired and killed them both; they both proved to be male birds. I set them both up, and the Schintz Sandpiper in now in the possession of J. H. Gurney, Esq., M.P., of Catton Hall, Norfolk.
I find neither Mr. Yarrell nor Mr. Morris mentions more than one instance of the Schintz Sandpiper having been taken in this country, and that in Shropshire, and is in the collection of Sir Rowland Hill.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 374, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 229; Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 173).
7). 1870 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, shot, 10th October.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2384; F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1872: 2900; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; R. W. J. Smart, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 171; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 339; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1907: 133; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2384, dated 10th October, 1870, says: 'I have received by the packet today from my nephew, who is staying at the Abbey, an interesting specimen of this Tringa, apparently in change from summer to winter plumage. In examining it in the flesh with the Dunlin in a similar state of plumage, I am more and more convinced of its specific value as distinct from T. variabilia. The shape, character and shortness of the bill is one; it is very much shorter, in fact, as short as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper's bill, and it fines off towards the end suddenly, and the tip is sharp and pointed. The legs are black, whereas in the Dunlin the legs are a little inclined to a paler tone: there is still a more interesting distinctive character in its plumage in this seasonal state of change.
In Schinz's Tringa the under parts are of an unsullied white, that being the colour observable at both seasons. In the Dunlin, in the partially assumed change plumage from summer to winter, the under parts are mottled more or less, showing the change from the dark ventral band to the pure white in its winter plumage as the purre. I need not say that the great character of the white upper tail-coverts in the present specimen is similar to those I obtained before from the Hayle Estuary.'
Harting (1872) stated there were two, but one of these referred to the one shot on The Lizard, Cornwall, 1870.
Harting, Editor (1880: 106) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Some years later, namely, in 1870, also in the second week of October, this species was again met with on the Scilly Isles, and I received from my nephew, who was staying at Trescoe, a specimen in an interesting stage of plumage, intermediate between summer and winter.' However, under 'Notes from Scilly' by F. R. Rodd for 1870-71, p. 290, under October 4th [which comes after October 5th and before October 6th to 9th] he says: 'Schinz's Sandpiper was killed. I saw it feeding on the mud by the fresh-water pool at St. Mary's, and at first supposed it to be a Jack Snipe, until on taking flight it showed its white upper tail-coverts, like a Green Sandpiper. Though flushed several times, it uttered no note, and commenced feeding again immediately. It is curious that the only previous specimen from Scilly should have been obtained by Mr. Pechell on October 11th, 1854, and mine on October 10th, both birds being shot about the same place.' However, on p. 301, under 'List of the Birds Observed on the Scilly Islands', he says: 'Schinz's Sandpiper, twice at Trescoe, in October.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84) in Yarrell's British Birds, 4th ed. Vol. III. p. 374, who stated it was shot on Tresco.
Rev. R. W. J. Smart (1888) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, p. 171, says: 'Has been procured twice, both times in October - one in 1854, shot by Mr. A. Pechell on Tresco; and the second By Mr. F. R. Rodd on St. Mary's.'
J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 339, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'Bonaparte's Sandpiper has been twice obtained...one by F. R. Rodd on the Higher Moors, St. Mary's, on Oct. 10th, 1870.'
J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, p. 133, under 'American Birds in Cornwall', says: 'One by F. R. Rodd on the Higher Moors, St Mary's, Scilly, October 10th, 1870.'
Penhallurick (1969: 139) says: 'One shot on St. Mary's on 10th October 1870.'
Comment The person who shot it, Francis Rodd, stated the locality as Higher Moors, St Mary's, which is the one I believe to be correct.
8). 1870 Cornwall The Lizard, shot, 28th October.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2409; Yarrell, 1871-85; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2409, dated 30th October, 1870, says: 'I observed yesterday, in the hands of Mr. Vingoe, another specimen of this small stint in the same state of plumage as the last reported. The colour of the legs may be described as black, tinged with olive.'
Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'On the 29th of the same month Mr. Vingoe showed me another specimen of this small Sandpiper in very similar plumage, which had just been shot at the Lizard.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 374, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
In an Editorial (1889) in The Field of 18th May, Vol. LXXIII. p. 687, on the sale of Vingoe's collection at Stevens, Covent Garden, in May, 1889, he says: 'Lot 9, a case of wading birds, including Schinz's Sandpiper, £15.15s.'
Comment The specimen sold at Stevens could refer to this record or to the 1846 Cornish record.
9). 1870 Devon Instow, four, shot, first week of November.
(C. Smith, Zoologist 1870: 2409; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1871: 2441-42; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Pidsley, 1891; Moore, 1969).
History Cecil Smith of Taunton (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2409, dated 7th November, 1870, says: 'I yesterday received a specimen of this rare sandpiper, which had been shot on the river between Barnstaple and Instow: it was in change of plumage, probably in the same state as the one mentioned by Mr. Rodd in the November number of The Zoologist (s.s. p. 2384), where the principal distinctions between this bird and the purre are pointed out. I failed, however, to find any difference in the colour of the legs: those of all the examples of the purre I have being quite as dark as the Schinz's Sandpiper: probably in perfectly fresh specimens of both the difference might be detected.'
PS. - "On the 10th of November another example of Schinz's Sandpiper was sent to me from Barnstaple. It was forwarded to me in the flesh this time, so I have been able to preserve the sternum, which differs materially from that of the purre, as there is only one notch on the hinder part of the flat portion of the sternum, whilst in that of the purre there are two very distinct and rather deep notches".'
Further, same page in another note dated 19th November 1870, Cecil Smith says: 'I had today an opportunity of examining the sternum of another specimen of Schinz's Sandpiper, also killed at Barnstaple: it differed from the one mentioned in my last note in having two notches in the hinder part of the sternum: not so conspicuous, indeed, or so deeply indented as in the purre, but still distinctly two. What may be the reason for this difference in two birds of the same species, and in all other respects exactly similar, it may be difficult to say; possibly it is owing to age.'
Murray A. Mathew (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. pp. 2441-42, undated, but in the January 1871 issue, says: 'Four specimens, in all, of Schinz's Sandpiper (Tringa bonapartii of Yarrell) occurred during the month of November at Barnstaple. Two are in the possession of Mr. Cecil Smith, of Lydeard House, Taunton; one came into my hands; and the fourth was unfortunately too much injured by shot to be preserved.
The engraving in Yarrell, and also the coloured picture in Morris, give a faithful representation of this straggler from America. In addition to the white rump, there may be pointed out the longer tail: the clearly defined white superciliary line; the semi circular patches of colour on the crown and back of the head (reminding one a little of Tringa rufescens); and the bright rufous edgings of the scapulars, as marks of distinction between this Tringa and the common Dunlin.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84) in Yarrell's British Birds, 4th ed. Vol. III. p. 374.
Pidsley (1891: 145) adds: ' Mr. Cecil Smith received one in the flesh on the 7th of November, "shot on the river between Barnstaple and Instow", and another was sent to him on the 10th of the month; both of these birds were sold as lot 106 at Mr. Smith's sale at Stevens', London, on June 24th, 1890. Of the other two specimens obtained, one was unfortunately too much injured to be preserved; the other entered the possession of the Rev. M. A. Mathew (Zool., 1870, p. 2409, 1871, p. 2441).'
13). 1870 Sussex Near Eastbourne, male, shot, 12th November.
(B. Bates, Zoologist 1871: 2442; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Shrubb, 1979).
History B. Bates of Eastbourne (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2442, dated 15th November, 1870 and communicated by J. H. Gurney, jun., says: 'Schinz's Sandpiper was shot on the 12th of November in the vicinity of Eastbourne. It was by itself standing on one leg, which made the gentleman notice it at first, and he wavered about shooting it, as he thought it was only a Dunlin. The first thing I noticed about it was its white rump and short bill. It is a beautiful specimen; according to Morris's plate, it is as nearly perfect as can be. It has rather longer legs above the knees than the Dunlin, and the spots on the breast are different: its back is very similar to the Dunlin's in winter plumage. It was a male bird.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 374, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Borrer (1891: 229) says: 'Another was taken at Eastbourne, now in possession of Mr. Gurney....'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 174) says: 'This bird - according to Borrer (amongst others) - was acquired by Mr. J. H. Gurney. Well, perhaps Gurney did get it in the end, but anyhow in 1876 he himself (Zool., 1876, p. 5041) had had occasion to point out that it did not then belong to him. The '57 example, however, did pass into his possession shortly after its obtaining.'
14). 1945 Kent Sandwich Bay, seen, 17th August.
(J. Voysey, British Birds 39: 186; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).
History J. Voysey (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 186, says: 'On August 17th, 1945, I was watching birds on the Salts near Sandwich, Kent, when my attention was attracted by a very high pitched, squeaking call-note. As it was quite a new call to me and quite unlike any I had heard before, I naturally followed the bird to where it was feeding with juvenile Dunlins and Ringed Plovers. It turned out to be much like a Dunlin in winter plumage and as the only Dunlin there were in summer plumage or juveniles it was easy to pick out. I followed it all round the Salts for about half an hour, and each time it flew it uttered the same high-pitched squeak and showed a white rump and dark tail.
At first I thought it was a Curlew-Sandpiper except for the call-note, until I got within 15 feet of it where it was resting very close to four juvenile Dunlins. I then noticed that it was about the same size as they, but slimmer in build. The back was ash-grey marked with black, the crown dark ash-grey, and the neck, throat and breast ash-grey prominently speckled with black, the speckles on the breast ending almost in a line. A very small margin on the flank just beneath the wing was likewise speckled. The chin, belly and under tail-coverts were white and there was a white eye-stripe. The bill was black and straight and the legs also black.
When apparently asleep the bird rested on one leg with its bill on its back exactly like the Dunlins; also when alert to danger its carriage was like that of a Dunlin. When at last I approached too close it took wing, squeaking a lot, and I noticed an almost indistinguishable brownish wing-bar widening towards the primaries. I also noticed when it landed that its tail was fanned out, showing a very rounded end. The flight did not differ from a Dunlin's, and after about half-an-hour it was lost among a twisting and turning flock of these birds.
I am quite certain of all the particulars given, as I was so very close to the bird, and they were all scribbled down on a piece of paper when I was not 20 feet away from it. They appear to agree exactly with Bonaparte's Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis). I was using Zeiss x 8 binoculars, and may add that I am thoroughly familiar with Dunlin and the other ordinary waders.'
[This is an instance of a sight record of a very rare bird which can be safely accepted on account of the distinctive combination of Dunlin-like general appearance, white rump and highly peculiar note, and the full and careful description written down by the observer on the spot.
B.W.T. has fully discussed the observation with Mr. Voysey in person, and we are satisfied of its reliability. - Eds.]
15). 1948 Sussex The Midrips, adult, seen, 30th August to 19th September.
(F. W. Blake, E. A. Blake & H. A. R. Cawkell, British Birds 42: 332-333; G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948: 22; Shrubb, 1979).
History F. W. Blake, E. A. Blake & H. A. R. Cawkell (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 332-333, say: 'On September 19th, 1948, we observed an unfamiliar wader at the Midrips near Camber, just inside the Sussex border, which we identified from notes taken to be a Bonaparte's Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis).
The bird first attracted our attention by its straight, slender, short bill when compared with Dunlin with which it was feeding and it also gave the impression of having slightly shorter legs. When it was flushed the white tail-coverts were clearly visible and the call note a, rather thin "chinck", uttered several times was heard. This note was unlike any other wader's call with which observers were familiar, being not so hard and more musical than that of Little Stint.
Other details noted were: - Head grey-brown, greyer and more uniform in marking than Dunlin; thin, indistinct light stripe above eye, enlarging to roughly circular patch behind eye. Back and upper wing-coverts similar to winter-plumage Dunlin, but wing-coverts with white margins, and faint patches of chestnut on shoulders were noticeable. Tail-coverts white. End of tail blackish in centre with a lighter shade of grey on outer feathers. Upper-breast well streaked with brown, but terminating on breast, leaving lower breast, belly and flanks pure white. Legs and bill dark brown or black. Bill shorter than Dunlin.
The size of the body was the same as that of the smallest of the twenty or thirty Dunlins which accompanied it. No noticeable difference was observed in its feeding habits compared with those of the Dunlin. Good, close views for about one hour were obtained in bright light with x 8 and x 9 field-glasses, and x 25 telescope. We may add that all three of us are familiar with Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris testacea), the only other species with which the bird could possibly have been confused, and of which three individuals were present near by at the time when comparisons were being made.'
Comment Locality is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5).
16). 1948 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 1st to 2nd October.
(D. D. Harber, A. R. Meade-Briggs & L. Salmon, British Birds 42: 331-332; Seago, 1977).
History D. D. Harber, A. R. Meade-Briggs & L. Salmon (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 331-332, say: 'Early in the morning of October 1st, 1948, one of us, D.D.H., saw from the East Bank, Cley, Norfolk, a small wader which seemed to him rather different from the Dunlins (Calidris alpina) feeding near by. It kept apart from other waders, moved somewhat rapidly, seemed rather small for a Dunlin and had a short bill and white belly. Inspection through a telescope, however, showed that it could not be a Little Stint (Calidris minuta), as had been at first suspected, since it was only slightly smaller than a Dunlin and had a streaked and speckled breast. Its upper-parts, had much the same coloration as those of a Dunlin in winter plumage and D.D.H. finally decided that it also was of this species.
A few minutes later A.R.M-B. and L.S., who were proceeding along the base of the sea wall, came within a few yards of this same bird and, being likewise puzzled by its appearance, put it up. It flew a short distance, uttering a short, sharp call which was quite unfamiliar to both observers and which they noted at the time as sounding like "jeek". It also showed a white rump above a dark tail as it flew. They were then able to get within 20 feet of the bird and noted that it was much like a rather small Dunlin in winter plumage, with a short, almost straight black bill and black legs. The coloration of the upper-parts was greyish brown and the breast was streaked and spotted with the same colours. The belly was white and there was a whitish eye-stripe. In flight A.R.M-B. noted a paler shade on the wing, but L.S. did not notice this. Both observers noted the absence of a wing-bar. It was realized that the bird could only be a Bonaparte's Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and L.S, went to fetch D.D.H. Meanwhile the bird had been chased by a Dunlin and had flown some distance away, joining other waders.
On arrival D.D.H. made his way over the mud towards the flock of feeding waders. On his approach the bird flew up alone, with a low, rather twisting flight, showing its white rump and giving its call, which D.D.H. also found quite unfamiliar and which sounded to him like a short, sharp, "zeet". It then disappeared amongst other flying waders and could not be found again, either then or later in the day.
Early in the morning of the next day, October 2nd, D.D.H. went with Mr. D. H. Brown to look for the bird in the same locality. Few waders were at first present and the bird was not found. However, a little later, on coming back to the area, it was seen that a number of waders had arrived and, on approach, the Bonaparte's Sandpiper flew up from among these, being the only bird to do so. It uttered the same short, sharp call as before, which was new to Mr. Brown also, and its white rump was seen by both observers. The flight was the same as before, low and rather twisting. The bird disappeared over the East Bank, but was found again a few minutes later feeding in a small pool with Ringed Plovers (Charadrius hiaticula).
It now allowed a near approach and it was possible to get within 30 feet of it. Inspection through binoculars (10 x 50 and 13 x 40) showed all the features previously described as being seen when the bird was on the ground. In addition the chin and throat were seen to be white and it was noticed that the markings on the breast terminated in a rather definite line, somewhat reminiscent of the American Pectoral Sandpiper. The short, black bill seemed very slender, as also did the black legs. On this occasion the bird's movements were more deliberate than had been the case on the previous day and were very similar to those of the Dunlin.
A short flight (during which the characteristic call was again given) showed once more the white rump and the dark tail. There was a vague palish shade on the wing but no wing-bar. When put up again the bird made off into the neighbouring marshes and was seen no more. Since all of us had to leave the district later that same morning no further attempt to find the bird was possible. This appears to be the first record of Bonaparte's Sandpiper for Norfolk.'
1950-57 RECORDS
17). 1952 Lancashire & North Merseyside Freckleton, two, 11th to 18th October, one 19th October.
(A. Harrison, N. Harwood & H. Shorrock, British Birds 46: 260-261; Oakes, 1953).
History A. Harrison, N. Harwood & H. Shorrock (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. pp. 260-261, say: 'On October 11th, 1952, together with M. Jones and A. Shorrock, we found two White-rumped Sandpipers (Calidris fuscicollis) on the sewage farm near Freckleton, Lancashire, feeding with Curlew Sandpiper (C. testacea), Dunlin (C. alpina), Little Stint (C. minuta) and other waders. They were very slightly smaller than Dunlin with much more slender bodies and shorter, straight bills; in each the primaries extended beyond the tail giving a long-tailed effect.
The following description was made: Bill black, and legs blackish. Crown rich brown streaked darker; nape a lighter brown than the crown and also streaked darker; mantle and back darkish brown with darker markings, and some reddish brown. Upper tail-coverts pure white; tail dark brown with edging of white. Wing (at rest): primaries very dark brown; secondaries dark brown, edged with whitish; some coverts tinged with reddish brown; a lighter area in middle of wing; scapulars brown, some tinged with reddish brown. Light eye-stripe; cheeks below bill grey-brown, streaked. Throat and breast: brown streaking on lighter base, forming a gorget which ended abruptly; belly to under tail whitish; underwing light. A small part of the white tail-coverts could be seen below nearly closed wings when the birds were on the ground.
Whenever one was flushed it was possible to see that the fanned tail was darker in the centre, and the white patch above the tail was very conspicuous. In flight a light area was noted along the wing. Often they ran about in the fashion of Little Stints, pecking and probing in sludge. Particularly during the first few days, they were very aggressive to each other and also charged at other species. The musical "jeet" note was heard occasionally in flight, and once when they charged at each other with wings extended, a bell-like "tit tit tit" was noted; an alarm call "tick tick" was heard when the birds were on the ground. Both birds stayed until October 18th and one was present on the 19th. They were seen daily and at close quarters by many observers, including A. W. Boyd.'
[The description above seems to imply more redness than I noted in the only one of these two that I saw; in fact I was impressed with its greyness in comparison with a Dunlin. However, as Messrs. Harrison, Harwood and Shorrock saw the birds more closely and on a number of occasions, the grey colour may have been an effect of the particular light. The breast was noticeably streaked with grey-brown, and the dull white on the belly was not nearly so clear as that on the Little Stints that were also present. I noted the bird as shorter-legged and smaller than a Curlew Sandpiper. - A.W.B.]
19). 1952 Devon Wembury, 26th October.
(D. B. Hunt, O. D. Hunt, J. R. F. Cooper & F. Cooper, British Birds 46: 261-262; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 28; Moore, 1969).
History D. B. Hunt, O. D. Hunt, J. R. F. Cooper & F. Cooper (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. pp. 261-262, say: 'On October 26th, 1952, between 4.0 and 4.30 p.m. (G.M.T.) a White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) was watched by us at the Wembury Bird Sanctuary, south Devon. When first seen it was standing on a rock on the shore, having remained behind when we flushed a party of Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) which with Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) and Ringed Plovers (Charadrius hiaticula) were feeding near this spot. It was of Dunlin (C. alpina) size and type, but of more slender build, with shortish, straight bill and a marked eye-stripe. Closer view showed blackish legs, and when it flew it revealed a conspicuous white rump, and uttered an unfamiliar note - a thin "yeet" (once a semi-double "yee-yeet"). This note, together with the character of the bill, ruled out the possibility of its being a Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris testacea) which the white rump might otherwise have suggested.
To make a detailed description was easy on account of the tameness of the bird, which allowed close approach before taking flight. Flushed four times, it flew buoyantly and leisurely to distances up to 100 yards, but returned each time to pitch within a short distance of where flushed. It was watched feeding at the edge of the tide, probing the sand for worms which it washed before swallowing. Its actions in general appeared more graceful than those of the Dunlin; when agitated by proximity of observers it constantly stretched its neck upwards in a manner reminiscent of the Pectoral Sandpiper (C. melanotos).
Description. Size as Dunlin but of more slender build. Bill shorter than Dunlin's, black, almost straight with scarcely perceptible decurvature. Crown ash-brown, showing streaking. Very distinct pale eye-stripe. Mantle ash-brown, more finely mottled than wing coverts, which showed very bold mottling due to brown feathers with pale edges - no tendency of latter to alignment as stripes. Rump white, very distinct in flight. Tail broadly tipped blackish or dark brown, contrasting in flight with white rump. Wings showing no wing-bar in flight but some pale shading. Tips of folded wings projecting beyond tail. *Breast finely streaked vertically with brown, forming bib not unlike that of Pectoral Sandpiper, streaking extending to flanks. Rest of under-parts white. Legs blackish, hind toe clearly visible. The area was searched on most days of the following week, but the bird was not seen again.'
[In connection with these two records, it is of interest to note that the first White-rumped Sandpiper to be recorded on the Continent (though what was probably a bird of this species was seen near Texel, Holland, on August 21st and 24th, 1952 (Limosa, Vol. XXV. p. 182) was observed at the bird-sanctuary "De Beer" near Hook of Holland (Limosa, Vol. XXV. pp. 169-170) on October 26th, 1952 - the same day on which the one was seen in Devon. If the Devon and "De Beer" records were the only two, it would not be unreasonable to draw the conclusion that they had arrived as a result of the strong westerly gales which appeared to be the ultimate cause of the remarkable "wreck" of Leach's Petrels (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa) and to be concerned in the arrival of Yellow-billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) in Sussex and Shetland (antea, p. 218) and of an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) on Lundy. However, the Lancashire birds arrived before that period and it is just as likely that the other two records were connected with them. - Eds.]
20). 1955 Lothian Gladhouse Reservoir, 21st to 24th August.
(Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 5: 75; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 38; J. Hoy, A. J. Smith & D. G. Andrew, British Birds 49: 39-41; Thom, 1986).
History E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 38 states the date as 21st to 24th May 1955. J. Hoy, A. J. Smith & D. G. Andrew (19565) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. pp. 39-41, say: 'Midlothian. - On 21st August 1955 we found a White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) at Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian, feeding among Dunlin (C. alpina) and Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) on the large areas of mud that had been exposed as a result of the dry summer. R. W. J. Smith and Charles Walker joined us in watching the bird and it was again seen the following day by A. G. S. Bryson and George Waterston and also on the 24th by G.W. and Miss E. V. Baxter. It had apparently left by the 25th.
The date of its arrival is not so accurately known, but there was a big influx of Dunlin and Ringed Plover between the 16th and 20th and it seems likely that the Sandpiper came in with them. The following notes have been read and approved by all those who saw the bird. Watched at ranges down to 30 yards (and once, briefly, at 15 yards), the greyer upper-parts enabled the White-rumped Sandpiper to be picked out easily among the accompanying Dunlin, almost all of which were birds of the year.
The poor light made it impossible to obtain any accurate notes on the colour of the mantle, but the feathers appeared to be a mixture of ashy-grey and dark brown, in colour very much resembling the winter plumage of a Dunlin but presenting a coarsely scaled appearance quite different from the neater pattern of that species. A well-marked whitish stripe ran over the eye and enabled the bird to be picked out from its companions at considerable range even when only the heads were visible above a large stone. The upper breast was profusely streaked with grey and this extended on to the flanks. There was no appreciable difference in size between the Sandpiper and the smaller of the accompanying Dunlin, but in build it was more reminiscent of a Little Stint (C. minuta) with its short bill, neck and legs and rather rotund body. The bill was appreciably shorter, finer and straighter than those of the Dunlin, though it was still slightly longer than that of a stint, very slightly decurved and terminating in a square-cut tip. In flight the white upper tail-coverts stood out conspicuously above the blackish tail. The call-note, which was quite unlike anything we had ever heard before, was a shrill, high-pitched "tweek", sometimes repeated several times. It had little volume and did not carry very far. The leg colour appeared to be black but this feature could not be seen with certainty. Some observers noted the appearance of an upturned tail, an impression probably caused by the wing-tips extending beyond and obscuring the tail-feathers (see antea, Vol. XLVI. p. 260).
A.G.S.B. and G.W. noted that the Sandpiper differed from the Dunlin in its feeding methods. The latter were probing the mud fairly deeply whereas the Sandpiper pecked around on the surface of the mud. Although these features leave no doubt that the bird was a White-rumped Sandpiper, it seems worth drawing attention to two points on which our observations differ from some previous published descriptions.
The Handbook mentions "a pale shade on wing, but nothing comparable to white wing-stripe of Dunlin" and this is supported by the descriptions in some recent British records (antea, Vol. XXXIX. p. 186; Vol. XLII. p. 331; Vol. XLVI. p. 262).
All those who saw the Gladhouse bird agreed that there was a distinct wing-bar which seemed to be very similar in extent to that of the Dunlin. However, Peterson (A Field Guide to the Birds, 1947, p. 99) shows this species as having a more distinct wing-bar than The Handbook passage would lead one to expect. Evidently this feature is rather variable.
Secondly, in the case of some recent records, mention has been made of the bird's slim appearance (e.g. antea, Vol. XXXIX. p. 186; Vol. XLVI. pp. 260 and 261). Our impression of the Gladhouse bird was that it looked noticeably short-bodied and dumpy - an effect which was probably produced by the relatively short neck and legs.'
[As a result of this record D. I. M. Wallace has submitted to us a sketch of a bird seen by himself and other members of the Loretto School Ornithological Society at Musselburgh, Midlothian, on 9th October 1948. This bird was identified at the time as a Little Stint (C. minuta), but the sketch shows clearly the diagnostic features of the White-rumped Sandpiper - white rump, poorly defined wing-bar, short, slender bill; and conspicuous eye-stripe - and we consider that the bird was probably of that species. There are, however, no supporting field descriptions, and the rest of the evidence depends largely upon the memories of the people concerned. It seems to us, therefore, that this 1948 record cannot be regarded as certain.
The 1955 occurrence is the first fully authenticated one for Scotland. - Eds.]
21). 1955 Cornwall Par Beach, 17th October.
(C. J. Stevens, British Birds 49: 149-150; B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 22; Penhallurick, 1969).
History C. J. Stevens (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. pp. 149-150, says: 'On 17th October 1955, I saw a single wader, which at first sight I thought was a Dunlin (Calidris alpina), probing in the shallow water of a muddy pond on Par Beach, S. Cornwall. On approaching to within a few feet of the bird, I noted that its blackish bill was relatively shorter, the under-parts were whiter, and that when the bird lifted its wings during preening I could see white above the tail. I flushed the bird, which flew only a short distance, and could see distinctly the white upper tail-coverts contrasting with the brown distal band of the tail. The legs were blackish; the head and breast streaked and spotted; flanks streaked more darkly; rest of under-parts white; the upper-parts were greyish-brown; the feathers of the back had dark centres and lighter edges; there was a noticeable white eye-streak.
The whole plumage, except that it was of the greyer winter dress, was identical with Plate 75 in Vol. III. of T. A. Coward's Birds of the British Isles. The bird was the size of a Dunlin. Twice when flushed it uttered a characteristic short, sharp "peep" call, and twice it swam a short distance in the deeper water. It fed mainly by probing with its bill when standing in water up to its body, and it was very reluctant to fly. Mrs. G. Clayden went with me to the pond on my second visit and we sat about six feet from the bird.
During our stay there, it fed, preened and even placed its bill back over between its scapulars in the attitude of sleep. It was remarkably tame. I am satisfied that it was a White-rumped Sandpiper (C. fuscicollis), which makes this the fourth record for Cornwall (though there are two for the Isles of Scilly) and the first since 1870. All the records are for October.'
22). 1955 Lincolnshire/Norfolk Wisbech Sewage-farm, 13th to 17th November, trapped 13th November, photo.
C. D. T. Minton, British Birds 49: 150-151, plate 8; I. C. T. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1955: 15; R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 14: 67Seago, 1977; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History C. D. T. Minton (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. pp. 150-151, says: 'Norfolk. - On 13th November 1955, when trapping waders at Wisbech Sewage Farm (on the Lincolnshire/Norfolk boundary) I caught a bird, together with four Dunlin (Calidris alpina), which was smaller than them and different in several features.
This bird was examined in the hand and compared with the Dunlin by D. K. Ballance, Mrs. A. H. J. Knight, J. N. A. Larmuth, P. E. Naylor and myself and was photographed by J. Cunningham. The photograph (plate 8) shows the short bill (24 mm.) resembling a scaled-down Dunlin's (slightly downcurved near the tip and spatulated at the end and proportionately thinner), the lack of a white wing-bar on the primaries, an eye-stripe very broad behind the eye but narrower and rather indistinct in front, the white horseshoe-shaped upper tail-coverts contrasting with a much darker tail than that of a Dunlin, and the long wings (124 mm.) projecting well beyond the tail - all characteristic of a White-rumped Sandpiper (C. fuscicollis).
It was an adult bird and still had a few stint-like summer-plumage feathers on the back and scapulars. The breast markings ended in a distinct line - less so than in a Pectoral Sandpiper (C. melantos) but more so than in a Dunlin. When released, and later when it was observed in the field down to ranges of two yards, it gave the diagnostic "jeet" note, repeated up to six times, on rising. It was present during the next four days, being seen by R. A. Richardson on the 17th, but it had gone by the 19th.
During this time it was watched by a number of people and the following is a summary of the interesting points noted by J. V. Boys, I. C. T. Nisbet, T. C. Smout and D. I. M. Wallace.
Size between Dunlin and Little Stint (C. minuta). Flight very characteristic with long, thin, almost sickle-shaped wings beating through large arcs in a way reminiscent of a Little Ringed Plover's (Charadrius dubius) flight. The slight wing-bar was not very noticeable in flight, but the white upper tail-coverts were very conspicuous and made the tail appear almost black in comparison. Feeding habits were much more like those of a Little Stint (though less active) than those of a Dunlin, with beak held at forty-five degrees and food picked up, not probed for.
It generally fed at the edge of the water and did not wade so deep as the Dunlin. Two observers noted a dark patch on the leading edge of the underwing showing in flight. On most days it called frequently in flight, the note being very like the squeak of a mouse (The Handbook) but not particularly reminiscent of a Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) (Field Guide). It was usually seen in company with a few Dunlin - it was with eighty when caught - though when flushed it often broke away from the pack and was always the first to land again. It is interesting to note that a Pectoral Sandpiper had been present at the same place for ten days and was last seen the day before the White-rumped Sandpiper was caught.'
Comment In plate 8 it erroneously says 1956.
23). 1957 Gower Black Pill, Swansea Bay, 25th September.
(H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1957-58: 25; Grenfell & Thomas, 1982; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History H. Morrey Salmon (1957-58) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXVI. p. 25, says: 'A bird, identified as this species after full consideration, was seen at rest and in short flights, at distances down to eight yards, with other waders present, at Blackpill beach, Swansea, on September 25th, 1957 (Gower Orn. Soc.).
It is an American species, rarely recorded in England and not previously in Wales.'
Accepted locally by Grenfell & Thomas (1982) who add: 'On 25th September 1957 one was at Blackpill', and nationally as the first for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).
24). 1957 Yorkshire Spurn, immature female, found dead, 19th October, photo., now at Bolton Museum.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 55; J. R. Mather & R. F. Dickens, British Birds 51: 80-81; Mather, 1986).
History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 55, says: 'A dead wader picked up on the road between Warren Cottage and Kilnsea on October 19th, by J. R. Mather and R. F. Dickens, had a short, slender bill, a white rump and other characteristics of this species. It was correctly named by the finders and was sent to A. Hazelwood at the Bolton Museum who concurred and has the specimen. A full description was entered in the Spurn log for the day. The species breeds on North American arctic coasts and winters in South America; and is new to the Yorkshire list.'
J. R. Mather & R. F. Dickens (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. pp. 80-81. say: 'On 19th October 10.57, while staying at Spurn Bird Observatory, Yorkshire, we picked up a dead wader on the road about 250 yards from Warren Cottage. It was lying beneath overhead wires and had a neck injury which suggested that it had hit these. It had a white rump, but it was smaller than a Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and had a noticeably short tarsus and a short, straight bill. On these and other features the bird was identified as a White-rumped Sandpiper (C. fuscicollis), the first record for Yorkshire.
It was also examined by J. A. S. Borrett, Ralph Chislett, B. Potter, S. J. Weston, G. R. Wilkinson, D. R. Wilson and several other observers. A full description was entered in the Spurn Observatory log, and a copy of this has been sent to the Editors of British Birds together with three photographs taken by J. A. S. Borrett. The skin is now preserved in the Bolton Museum, Lancashire, where Alfred Hazelwood confirmed the identity and found it to be a young female.'
NOT PROVEN
0). 1873 Sussex Eastbourne, obtained, 20th April.
(Anon., Field 7th June 1873: 545).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History Anon. (1873) in The Field of 7th June, Vol. XLI. p. 545, say: 'Another American Sandpiper, Tringa bonapartii, was also procured last spring on the Sussex coast, at Eastbourne, the date April 20.'
Not published by des Forges & Harber (1963) meaning it was unacceptable, presuming they knew of this reference.
Comment A White Stork was also obtained on April 20 at Eastbourne. A mix up? Not mentioned by Walpole-Bond (1938).
0). 1901 Sussex Rye, obtained, 4th August.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 174) says: 'Thirdly, on August 4th, 1901, a "Bonaparte" was procured at Rye. Originally in Mr. J. B. Nichols collection, it is now in the Booth Museum, Brighton. This bird does not figure in A Practical Handbook.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1906 Sussex The Midrips, adult male, shot, 4th June.
(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 124-125; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 231; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History E. N. Bloomfield (1907) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 124-125, says: 'I am again indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst, W. Ruskin Butterfield and Walter Field for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the neighbouring districts - Tringa fuscicollis, Vieillot, Bonaparte's Sandpiper, Romney Marsh, June 4th, 1906, an adult male.'
N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 231, says: 'A specimen of Bonaparte's Sandpiper (Tringa fuscicollis) was obtained at the Midrips in Romney Marsh, Kent, on June 4th, 1906. The bird was an adult male in process of change to breeding plumage, the ash-grey feathers of the winter plumage being much worn and mingled on the back with the new dark brown feathers with tawny edges. It is said to have been in company with a Knot which was in a similar condition of plumage. This appears to be the first record of this species for Kent. It was examined soon after being shot by Mr. M. J . Nicoll.'
Accepted locally for Kent (Ticehurst 1909: 458), while, Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 174) says: 'Although, strictly speaking, it belongs to Kent, I may yet mention a specimen of this Sandpiper shot on the "Midrips", close to our boundary at Jury Gap, on June 4th, 1906.'
Comment Locality is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5). Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1916 Sussex Rye Harbour, male, shot, 14th April, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.55).
(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 11: 68; W. Ruskin Butterfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 3: 79; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History J. B. Nichols (1917) in British Birds, Vol. XI. p. 68, says: 'A male Bonaparte's Sandpiper (Erolia fuscicollis) was shot at Rye, Sussex, on April 14th, 1916. It was examined in the flesh by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield and Dr. Harrison and has been in my collection since April 27th, 1916, but I find that I have omitted to record it.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 174).
Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen that was obtained at Rye, Sussex, on 14th April 1916, adding that it was bought from J. B. Nichols sale.
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1922 Sussex The Crumbles, seen, 15th June.
(E. C. Arnold, British Birds 16: 87-88; Arnold, 1936; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History E. C. Arnold (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. pp. 87-88, under 'Possible Bonaparte's Sandpiper in Sussex', says: 'On June 15th, 1922, I saw on the Crumbles a bird which I took to be a Bonaparte's Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis). I watched it for about half an hour, at a distance at first of about 30 yards through glasses, and I also saw it fly. It was somewhat larger than a Dunlin (one of which birds was present), and it had a distinct white rump and apparently a rather shorter beak. Its general colour was light brown above and white below, and when it raised its wings a dark space was revealed on the part of the back just above the white rump. It was a more graceful bird than a Dunlin. The bird was seen later by a local fowler, who described the note as "tonking".
I feel sure that it was neither a Wood Sandpiper nor a Curlew Sandpiper - birds which I know well. Its back was not grey enough for the one or black enough for the other, and moreover the white showed more clearly and the beak was too short. The moment I saw the bird I felt that it was something I had never seen before.'
Locally, Walpole-Bond (1938) Vol. III. p. 174, says: 'Knowing his ability, I feel sure that Mr. E. C. Arnold was correct in his assumption that the small, strange wader seen by him on the Crumbles, on 15th June, 1922, was a Bonaparte's Sandpiper. In all probability the small wader, unknown to him, seen by Mr. R. Morris in the same place the day before was the bird in question (See Arnold's B. Eastbourne, p. 77).'
Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1927 Cumbria Silloth, seen, 4th May.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 125).
[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 125].
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 125, recording the record in square brackets says: 'On 4 May, 1927, William Nichol came upon a strange sandpiper on the Solway shore at Silloth, Cumberland. Its characteristics, including a white rump and a dark, pointed tail, led him to regard it as a Bonaparte's Sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis, (Vieill.).
This stranger gave ample opportunity for observation, as, after taking wing, it shortly returned in company with some Swallows which it left to alight again near the same place.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
