White Stork (2/2)
Ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus, 1758) (192, 4)
Photo © By Dick Daniels (http://carolinabirds.org/) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12022126
Ex BBRC species 31/12/1982
NOT PROVEN
0). Pre 1734 Greater London Edger, Middlesex, two, seen, undated.
(Albin, 1734).
History Albin (1734 (2): 59) says: 'I saw two of these Birds at His Grace the Duke of Chandos's at Edger in Middlesex.'
Comment Probably domesticated. Not acceptable.
0). 1816 Hampshire Near Southampton, shot, spring.
(Graves, 1821).
[Not in Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993].
History Graves (1821 (3): unpaged) says: 'Our figure of this elegant bird was executed from an unusually fine specimen that was shot in the vicinity of Southampton, in the spring of 1816, and kindly communicated by Edward Barnard, Esq. it had been observed in the neighbourhood for some weeks, but was too wary to suffer any one to approach sufficiently near to shoot it, until the gentleman who was so fortunate as to obtain it fell in with it quite accidentally whilst out with his gun.
It measured from tip to tip of the wings nearly seven feet; from the point of the bill to the tail three feet ten inches; and from the tip of the bill to the heel, four feet two inches; it weighed nearly ten pounds. The sex was not observed. Bill nearly eight inches long, the upper mandible the longest, of a bright red colour; irides dark; the skin immediately surrounding the orbit lighter, with small white specks, like pearls, at regular distances; legs long and coarse; claws short and blunt.'
Not accepted locally (Kelsall & Munn 1905; Clark & Eyre 1993).
Comment I believe that Hampshire are unaware of this record as it seems to be creditable.
0). Pre 1830 Devon Slapton Ley, three, obtained, undated.
(E. Moore, Transactions of the Plymouth Institution 1830: 347; E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 321; Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).
[KAN].
History Edward Moore of Plymouth (1830) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, Vol. I. p. 347, says: 'Three of these birds have, at different times, within the last ten years, been obtained on Slapton Ley, near Kingsbridge. (T. E. Gosling, Esq.).'
Edward Moore of Plymouth (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 321, dated May, 1837, says: 'Three specimens have within the last fifteen years, been obtained on Slapton Ley, according to Mr. Gosling.'
Accepted locally (Moore 1969; Tyler 2010).
Comment They all lack a specific date for a scientific record. It is unknown whether they have been seen by a competent person. Not acceptable.
0). 1838 County unknown Park House estate, near Haversham, caught, 3rd March.
(Anon., Wood's Naturalist 1838: 215).
[KAN].
History Anon. (1838) in Wood's Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 215, quoting the Westmoreland Gazette who quoted from the Manchester Times of 10th March 1838, says: 'On Saturday week, a beautiful wild Stork was discovered upon the Park House estate, near Haversham, by Mr. John Dobinson, sen., who having heard it authenticated that the Stork, though very wild, had been taken by fright, thought proper to try the experiment. He therefore endeavoured to keep out of sight until more near his game. When he uncovered his head, the bird became as it were petrified and motionless, and allowed Mr. Dobinson to take it up.'
Comment Haversham Hall, Milnthorpe, Westmoreland could be the location. Very early date. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0) 1839 Lincolnshire Isle of Axholme, undated.
(Stonehouse, 1839).
[Smith & Cornwallis, 1955].
History Smith & Cornwallis (1955) say: 'Stonehouse (1839) mentions that it had occurred in the Isle of Axholme. We find this record doubtful.'
0). 1844-57 Hampshire Fawley, shot, undated.
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
[Clark, 2022].
History Kelsall & Munn (1905) say: 'The late Rev. R. E. Harrison, Rector of Droxford, told us that when he was curate of Fawley, between the years 1844 and 1857, he visited Egypt, and brought back several birds, but was disappointed in not obtaining a Stork. Shortly after his return, however, a specimen appeared at Fawley, and was added to his collection, with which it was sold in 1902.'
Clark & Eyre (1993: 93) say: 'Five records within the county boundary were listed in K & M.' However, Clark (2022) made no mention of this record, presumably as the date was too vague.
0). Pre 1845 Wiltshire Salisbury, killed, undated.
(Yarrell, 1845; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 104: 163).
History Yarrell (1845 (2): 555, 2nd ed.) says: 'One has been killed near Salisbury.' Accepted locally (Wiltshire Ornithological Society 2007).
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1848 Yorkshire Near Riccal, male, shot, 18th May, now at Leeds Museum.
(W. M. E. Milner, Zoologist 1848: 2191, E. T. Higgins, Zoologist 1848: 2229; Newman, 1866; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).
[T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237].
History W. M. E. Milner of Eaton Place (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2191, dated July, 1848, says: 'A very fine specimen of the White Stork, a male bird, was shot on the 18th of last May, by a small farmer on Lord Wenlock's property, near the village of Riccall, about nine miles from the city of York, and came the same day into the hands of Mr. Graham, my birdstuffer, at York, by whom it has been set up, and is now in my collection.'
Further, E. T. Higgins of York (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2229, dated July 1848, adds: 'On Friday, the 18th inst., a fine adult male Ciconia alba was shot in the neighbourhood of York. It was in good condition, the stomach filled with remains of Ditisei and other coleoptera. I saw the bird a few hours after it had been shot.'
Accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 51) and by Nelson (1907 (2): 404) who adds: 'Milner's collection, containing this specimen, is now in the Leeds Museum.'
Comment David Graham has been discredited over the "Tadcaster Rarities" fraud (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237). Not acceptable.
0). 1848 Sussex No locality, shot, undated.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 318) says: 'The next bird, however, is not quite satisfactory, inasmuch as the Rev. R. N. Dennis (N.O.S.O., p. 48), who saw it at a taxidermist's in Righton or Lewes on July 7th, 1848, does not say whether it was county-killed.'
Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). 1858 Yorkshire Near Grinkle Beck, seen, February.
(K. McLean, Naturalist 25: 141).
[KAN].
History Kenneth McLean of Harrogate (1899) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXV. p. 141, says: 'White Stork. A bird seen several times in February 1858 on some boggy ground near the source of the Grinkle Beck, must have been the White Stork. The man I heard speak of it, Mr. Lawson, Whaupley Inn, would know the Common Heron quite well, as there are many in the neighbourhood; he described it as being larger and whiter except for the black wings.'
Comment Not specifically identified and not seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1859 Sussex Medmary Farm, Selsey Bill, obtained, 17th September.
("Brighton Herald"; F. E. Sawyer, Brighton and Sussex Natural History Society Report 22: 99-111; Borrer, 1891).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History Borrer (1891: 323) says: 'In my own notes I have the following: - In October 1859 another was shot at Selsey.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 318-319) says: 'We now find that on September 17th, 1859, a White Stork came to grief at Selsey (H. L. Guermonprez in litt.). Mr. W. Jeffery to Mr. J. E. Harting in 1864 to the effect that some years previously one of these birds with cut wings had been obtained in the same neighbourhood, an "escape", I fear, is clearly indicated.'
Comment Not acceptable.
0). 1869 Berkshire Windsor Great Park, seen, 25th May.
("H.M." Field 5th June 1869: 468).
[KAN].
History "H.M." (1869) in The Field of 5th June, Vol. XXXIII. p. 468, under the title of 'Stork (?) in Windsor Park', says: 'I was walking on Tuesday in the Windsor Great Park, when, coming to some unfrequented low ground, I put up a bird of huge dimensions, and quite unknown to me; its feathering was pure white, its legs black, and also its beak; its general appearance reminded me of our common heron. It rose from the ground when I was within eighty or ninety yards of it, and soared slowly across the park till lost to view. It was also seen by my companion who was with me, who can corroborate my account of it. We both agreed that we had never seen a bird of that kind before. Perhaps some of your correspondents can tell me what bird it is, and if it has been seen before in this country. Can it be a Stork? I shall indeed feel myself lucky if my supposition be correct.' [Most probably it was a Stork. - Ed.]
Comment Tuesday could be the 3rd June or 25th May. Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not fully identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1882 Kent Chalk, near Gravesend, immature female, shot, September.
(Clifton, Field 18th Nov., 1882: 741; Clifton, Field 7th Apr., 1883: 471; Eds., Zoologist 1884: 195; Yarrell, 1871-85; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).
[J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1884: 195; Yarrell, 1871-85].
History Lord Clifton (1882) in The Field of 18th Nov., Vol. LX. p. 741, says: 'I have obtained a White Stork, which was shot last September from a chimney at West Court Farm, in the parish of Chalk, near Gravesend. It is apparently a bird of the year, the bill and legs being dull in colour, and the white of the upper plumage stained with buffy grey, like a cygnet. I have not previously heard of a Stork being seen or obtained in the estuary of the Thames, though it would seem to be a likely locality to attract a stray migrant of that species.'
Lord Clifton (1883) in The Field of 7th Apr., Vol. LXI. p. 471, says: 'Mr. Astley's letter about the White Stork shot on my father's estate last September calls for some reply from me. I am particularly sorry that a brother ornithologist, whom I may call my distant kinsman, through the Franklands and Russells, should be under the belief that our poor Kentish folk have immolated one of his tame Storks. At least, the charge can hardly be said to be proven until the present spring is over, and neither bird return to its home at Chequers. But I must admit that there is some probability in the theory that Mr. Astley's Storks may have struck the Thames above London, and so come down to the marshes of Kent and Essex. On the other hand, no estuary on the whole coast is better adapted for alluring a stray young Stork blown out of its course westward in autumn from Holland. My reasons for thinking the bird a young one were its dull-coloured bill and legs, and the buff cygnet-like tinge of the upper parts. It was a female bird. Mr. Astley must not think that I approved of its being shot, but when it was dead I thought I might as well have the skin. It was not killed up here at Cobham Hall, but at West Court Farm, Chalk, near Gravesend, in the occupation of Mr. Rutley, whose shepherd killed it, or if he did not some other servant on the farm did so, and gave it to the shepherd, who had it stuffed for five shillings. I paid the bill, and became the possessor for another 5s. It is needless to say that no Kentish shepherd could ever have dreamt of the bird being an escaped pet of any gentlemen's.'
J. E. Harting in an Editorial (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 195, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'We have no doubt that the White Stork above referred to was one of a pair which belonged to Mr. H. D. Astley, of Chequers Court, Tring, and which made their escape. The owner advertised his loss in The Field, and through the medium of that journal ascertained that one of the pair had been shot in Kent (Field, Nov. 18, 1882).' - Ed.]
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 221, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...there is a suspicion that it had escaped...and this observation applies, in a less degree, to a young bird shot in September 1882, in Kent (cf. Zool., 1884, p. 195).'
Ticehurst (1909: 321) says: 'With regard to this bird, it is to be noted that, unlike the majority of the others, it is a bird of the year and was so tame that it allowed itself to be shot off the chimney of a house. It is not unlikely, therefore, that it was one of two tame birds that flew away in August of the same year from Chequers Court, near Tring, where they had lived for a short time in the aviaries of the Rev. Hubert D. Astley, who, indeed, suggested this probability in a subsequent number of The Field. It may also be pointed out that another reported at the same time from Wiltshire was quite probably Mr. Astley's second bird.'
0). 1883 Greater London/Hertfordshire Near Hatfield, shot, late July.
(J. Littleboy, Zoologist 1884: 194; Sage, 1959).
[J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1884: 195; Yarrell, 1871-85; Sage, 1959; Self, 2014].
History J. Littleboy of Hunton Bridge, Hertfordshire (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 194, says: 'A White Stork, Ciconia alba, was shot somewhere about the end of July, while resting on the top of a house near Holfield [sic]: it was unmistakeably identified.' Further, in an Editorial on p. 195, it says [We have no doubt that the White Stork above referred to was one of a pair which belonged to Mr. H. D. Astley, of Chequers Court, Tring, and which made their escape.
The owner advertised his loss in The Field, and through the medium of that journal ascertained that one of the pair had been shot in Kent (Field, Nov. 18, 1882). He has since obtained another pair, concerning which he has just published the following letter in The Standard of April 22nd: - "May I fill up a little of your valuable space in order to make a request - namely, that should any one see a pair of White Storks, Ciconia alba, either on private or public land, they will kindly do their best to protect them, and keep them from being shot at or otherwise molested?
My reason for writing this is because a pair of these birds owned by me, which I had allowed full liberty in the hopes of their remaining to rear their young, have flown beyond their boundaries, and having lost their way are now wandering at large, if not already destroyed.
They are quite tame, and I cannot think that they intended migrating; for not only are they in full moult, but they showed no signs of restlessness, and were seen lingering all day in a field about two miles off". In a later letter the same gentleman says: - "Since writing you about a pair of White Storks, I have heard that one has been shot, and the other wounded". It is quite impossible, therefore, that we may hear of their being reported as notable additions to the avifauna of Hertfordshire.' Verbum sap - Ed].
Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 221, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'With regard to a bird shot at the end of July 1883, in Hertfordshire, there is a suspicion that it had escaped from Mr. H. D. Astley, of Chequers Court, Tring.'
0). 1884 Berkshire Near Newbury, six, seen, 23rd April to 17th May.
(R. A. Valpy, Field 3rd May 1884; Yarrell, 1871-85; M. H. Palmer, Newbury Weekly News 1886; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).
[Swash, 1996].
History R. A. Valpy in The Field, of 3rd May, 1884, says: 'On Wednesday evening, the 23rd ult., about a quarter to seven, while standing on the new railway, about three miles from the town of Newbury, we were surprised to see a flock of White Storks pass close to us, flying in a north-easterly direction. When first observed they were flying directly towards us, about thirty yards from the ground.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 221-222, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Kelsall & Munn (1905: 205) say: 'Mr. W. F. Hall, writing on May 17th [1884], says he also saw this flight of Storks travelling towards the north-east from the Enborne Road, some few yards from the Rectory. The same flight was earlier in the day noticed at Laverstoke [Hampshire], where they were flying due north.'
Locally, Radford (1966: 52) does not list this record, which is clearly in Berkshire. Swash (1996: 64) says: 'Four seen flying over Newbury some time in 1885 (Palmer 1886) do not appear sufficiently well authenticated for acceptance.'
Comment Presumably, Swash is referring to this record. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). 1886 Leicestershire & Rutland Ketton, Rutland, seen, 4th August.
(Haines, 1907).
[Haines, 1907; Fray et al., 2009].
History Haines (1907: 111) recording the record in square brackets, says: 'In the late Lord Lilford's Life, by Mrs Drewitt (p. 148), is the note, "Tom Barrington tells me a Stork has been seen at Ketton, August 4, 1886", being an extract from a letter by Lord Lilford to his nephew Mervyn Powys. But there is no reference to this in Lord Lilford's Birds of Northamptonshire and its Neighbourhood.'
Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1890 Surrey Frensham, undated.
(Bucknill, 1900).
[Wheatley, 2007].
History Bucknill (1900) says: 'Mr. Stafford, in his Private Notes, states that one was killed at Frensham, but unfortunately gives no further details of the occurrence, of which I have been unable to find any further particulars.'
Wheatley (2007: 219) adds: 'No details, no date, no skin.'
0). 1891 Hertfordshire Near Hertford, three, shot, July.
(B. L. Sage, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 1962: 188-192).
[Gladwin & Sage, 1986].
History Gladwin & Sage (1986) placing the species in square brackets, say: 'Three were shot near Hertford in July, 1891, and is an additional record (Sage 1962).'
0). 1892 Essex River Stour, near Mistley, obtained, 16th August.
("Essex County Standard" 17th Sept., 1892; R. Brooks, Field 27th Aug., 1892: 329; J. E. Harting, Field 24th Sep., 1892: 473; Glegg, 1929).
[W. Cole, Essex Naturalist 6: 139; Glegg, 1929].
History Robert Brooks of Mistley (1892) in The Field of 27th Aug., Vol. LXXX. p. 329, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to know a White Stork was obtained on the River Stour near Mistley, Essex, on the 16th inst.'
W. Cole, Editor (1892) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. VI. p.139, says: 'The Essex County Standard of September I7th, records that "a few days ago a fine female Stork was shot on the River Stour, near Mistley, by Mr. A. Saunders".
No indication of the species is given, but the editor makes the following remarks: 'It is said this Stork is the only specimen known to have appeared in the Stour within living memory [this statement is not correct]. Considering the sort of reception which they are likely to get, it is not strange that they are not often seen upon our hospitable shores. Probably if an angel were to alight upon this island for the purpose of paying one of those visits which are "few and far between", some gallant British sportsman would at once take aim in order to send the visitor to a taxidermist, and an account of his own prowess to the local paper.
As soon as any uncommon bird or beast turns up it is marked for slaughter, no matter how inoffensive it may be, or how useful. The animal is shot, not in the interests of science, nor in the legitimate pursuit of "sport", but merely to satisfy curiosity and the instinct of destruction. It is a pity that this should be so, and we venture to hope that the next stork which turns up in the Stour may be left unmolested. At the same time we should strongly advise it to keep away".
Since the above was in type, we find from a communication from Major W. S. Dawson, of Higham St. Mary, that the bird was a tame White Stork (Ciconia alba), but we retain the paragraph, as the occurrence may serve to explain some of the records of this bird in Essex and other counties (see Birds of Essex, p. 188).
Major Dawson writes: - "The appearance of a fine female Stork in the Mistley marshes a short time ago, where it was shot by a local cachiatore whilst standing on one leg, I can account for; he need not longer feel proud of his performance.
For several months past my children were the happy possessors of a pair of White Storks, which were brought to them from Austria when fledglings. They grew up quite tame; would come when called by the names, "Hans" or "Delft"; would fly away high into the sky at times, soar about round Higham Church, perch there, and I believe next year would have built their nest upon the square tower had they been left alone. I had arranged to clip their wings during the time of migration this autumn. By next spring their wing feathers would have grown again, and they would have been well contented to remain with us. They were well known to the people about here, to whom it gave pleasure to watch their gyrations. Hans has, I hear, met with the same fate as his bride whilst standing on one leg in another marsh.'
J. E. Harting (1892) in The Field of 24th Sep., Vol. LXXX. p. 473, says: 'During the first week of September it would appear that a pair of Storks left their birthplace in Holland to spend an autumn holiday in England, never doubting but that English humanity would afford them as much protection as they had been accustomed to receive at the hands of their Dutch friends. Alas! never was confidence more misplaced. Separated by a gale, and losing sight of each other, one sought shelter in Hamford Water, at the mouth of the Stour, and wandering up that river, was shot by a gunner at Mistley, who was evidently proud of this wanton act, for it was chronicled in the East Anglian Daily Times of Sept. 14.
The other, the male bird, approaching the northern coast of Kent, perhaps somewhere near Whitstable, struck inland in search of some quiet resting-place, and, passing across country to Brighton, was shot at Kemp Town on Sept. 5, as reported in the Brighton Herald of the 10th inst. This unfortunate termination to a visit to England furnishes another illustration of the hateful, and apparently irrepressible, practice which some people indulge in of shooting every uncommon bird they see and get near. To a naturalist nothing is more vexatious....'
Comment Mr. Harting seems to have made a mistake here as this bird was clearly shot in mid-August. Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1897 Somerset Wick St Lawrence, pair, shot, December.
(Blathwayt, 1906).
[Blathwayt, 1906].
History F. L. Blathwayt (1906 (1): 154) in the Victoria County History of Somerset, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A pair are said to have been shot on the church tower of Wick St Lawrence in December 1897, but I have not been able to verify this statement.'
0). 1898 Devon Aveton Gifford, shot, 25th September.
(E. A. S. Elliot, Field 8th Oct., 1898: 608).
[H. D. Astley, Field 15th Oct., 1898: 648; Moore, 1969].
History E. A. S. Elliot of Kingsbridge (1898) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. XCII. p. 608, says: 'A bird of this species was noticed feeding in the marsh by the River Avon, close to the mill at Aveton Gifford, early in the morning of Sept. 25.
It shared the fate of all uncommon-looking birds, being shot and brought to me for identification. A week previous to this two birds were described to me as being seen on the mud banks of the estuary at Kingsbridge; they were stated to be long-legged white birds, like herons, with black wings. Possibly one of the birds secured was one of those seen on the estuary. The prevailing wind during the month has been strong from the east, which may account for the occurrence of these birds on their migration so far west.'
H. D. Astley of Chekers [sic] Court, Bucks. (1898) in The Field of 15th Oct., Vol. XCII. p. 648, says: 'Mr. Elliot's record in last week's Field of one of these birds being shot at Aveton Gifford causes me once more to write, as in the year 1882, when a Stork was ruthlessly killed whilst perching on the chimney of a farmhouse in Kent. When that occurrence was reported in The Field I answered the note by stating that two tame storks of mine had departed on a migratory journey a few weeks before (cf. Yarrell, 4th ed., Vol. IV. p. 221); a similar thing seems to have happened again.
Out of six White Storks I allowed four to have their full liberty since June in this year. Two of these, young birds, regularly roosted for a little over two months on the highest stack of chimneys of the house, round which they might be seen circling every evening, and it was a pretty sight when, on a brilliant moonlight night, their motionless forms showed out against the sky. After extended matutinal flights this pair departed on Aug. 16, and I had rejoiced at having hitherto seen no account of the slaughter of a bird of their species in any newspaper.
The other pair (adult) departed separately during the first fortnight of September, after having accomplished their moult. Until they left, however lengthy their flight, none of the four ever settled except in the immediate vicinity of the house, viz., on the lawns or in the park just beyond. It is more than probable, therefore, that the Stork lately shot in Devonshire is one of my birds.'
Comment The third-hand report of the two seen is dismissed through want of detail. Probable escapee. Not acceptable.
0). 1901 Isle of Wight Freshwater, seen, 12th October.
("J.M.M." Field 26th Oct., 1901: 683).
[KAN].
History "J.M.M." (1901) in The Field of 26th Oct., Vol. XCVIII. p. 683, says: 'On Oct. 12, about 5 p.m., I saw a White Stork flying over Freshwater Downs in a south-westerly direction. I mention this, for in The Field of last week I noticed some reference to Storks being late in their migration this year.'
Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.
0). 1902 Greater London/Surrey Tooting Common, pair, seen, 8th August.
(P. H. Dalbiac, Field 16th Aug., 1902: 320).
[Ed., Field 23rd Aug., 1902: 364].
History P. H. Dalbiac of Furzedown Park, Tooting Common (1902) in The Field of 16th Aug., Vol. C. p. 320, says: 'I believe the appearance of the Stork in this locality is somewhat unusual. On Aug. 8 a pair appeared in the park here, and remained for a considerable time, either perched or circling round the trees. It would be interesting to know if any other of your readers have observed them in the neighbourhood.' [In our issue of Aug. 2, we published an article from the pen of Dr. A. Günther, F.R.S., on the nesting of a pair of Storks during the present summer, in Kew Gardens. As this unprecedented event has shown a disposition on the part of these birds to breed in this country when protected, it is earnestly to be hoped that the pair reported by Col. Dalbiac will not be molested. They are probably moving southward for the winter, and may perhaps return next spring. We should not be surprised to hear that they have made their way from Benham Park, Newbury, where the Rev. Hugh Astley has for some time kept Storks at Liberty. See Field of Aug. 25, 1900. - Ed.]
In an Editorial (1902) in The Field of 23rd Aug., Vol. C. p. 364, he says: 'In our last issue, when commenting on a report from Col. Dalbiac, that a pair of Storks had been seen in Furzedown Park, Tooting Common, we suggested that probably they had wandered from Benham Park, Newbury, where the Rev. Hugh Astley has for some years kept Storks at liberty.
We have just been informed that this surmise is probably correct, for three White Storks have disappeared from that park during the past fortnight. It is to be hoped that they may escape the fate which too often awaits rare birds when once they have left the haunts in which they have been protected.'
Comment Known escapees. Not acceptable.
0). 1903-04 Orkney Near Stromness, Mainland, seen, winter.
(Omond, 1925).
[Not in Baxter & Rintoul, 1953].
History Omond (1925: 37) says: 'Mr. Robinson thinks one was seen near Stromness in the winter of 1903-04. It is 3 feet 8 inches in length with bright red bill, legs and feet, and its plumage is pure white with the larger wing feathers black.'
Not accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953).
0). 1910 Sussex Pevensey, 9th April; presumed same, The Crumbles, July and then shot near Lewes, July.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Arnold, 1936; Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 320) says: 'In July, 1910, the Crumbles, near Eastbourne, welcomed a White Stork (B. Bates in litt.), but Arnold (B. Eastbourne, p. 51) has good reason for believing that this was an "escape", as well as birds seen near Lewes about the same time.'
0). 1913 Devon River Exe, Bampton, 19th April.
(Ed., Field 23rd Aug., 1913: 468; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 181; Moore, 1969).
[Ed., Field 23rd Aug., 1913: 468].
History In an Editorial (1913) in The Field of 23rd Aug., Vol. CXXII. p. 468, says: 'An attempt is being made to acclimatise a pair of White Storks which have been liberated in the neighbourhood of Topsham, and are frequenting the estuary of the Exe. In view of the coming partridge season, when there will be many guns out, it is much to be hoped that sportsmen (being thus forewarned) will abstain from shooting them. Their great size, larger than a heron, their conspicuous appearance, white with black wings, and red beak and legs, will enable them to be readily recognised at a distance, and if they are not shot at, many people will have the pleasure of observing a very pretty feature in the landscape.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 181, on the unexpected occurrences for 1913, says: 'One seen (one leg broken), near Bampton (Somerset), April 19th.'
Comment There is no Bampton in Somerset only Devon; Moore claimed one for Devon in 1913, so presumed one and the same record. Introduced. Not acceptable.
0). 1913 Sussex River Adur, Shoreham-by-Sea, caught, autumn.
(Ed., Field 4th Oct., 1913: 722).
[Ed., Field 4th Oct., 1913: 722].
History In an Editorial (1913) in The Field of 4th Oct., Vol. CXXII. p. 722, he says: 'Mr. Bartlett, tollkeeper at Old Shoreham Bridge, has captured a fine Stork. The bird was flying about the Adur for some time, and was taken when it went to roost. It is probably a tame bird escaped from some private owner.'
Comment Probale escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1917 Suffolk Lowestoft, seen, about 9th September.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 11: 253).
[Ticehurst, 1932].
History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1918) in British Birds, Vol. XI. p. 253, says: 'About September 9th a White Stork was viewed by several persons at Lowestoft. It took up its quarters on one of the parapets of the Catholic Church, to which roosting-place it returned every evening, and finally took its departure unharmed.'
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1925 Oxfordshire Menmarsh, two, seen, 26th December.
(F. C. R. Jourdain & B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1925: 6).
[F. C. R. Jourdain & B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1925: 6; W. B. Alexander, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1947: 5].
History F. C. R. Jourdain & B. W. Tucker (1925) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 6, say: 'Two seen at Menmarsh on December 26th. Probably they were escaped imported birds (G.T.).'
W. B. Alexander (1947) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 5, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Oxfordshire', adds: '...One seen at Asthall on 5 Aug. 1939, was undoubtedly one of the birds imported from Germany and liberated in Kent that year.'
0). 1930 Greater London/Surrey Richmond Park, seen, 11th May.
(D. Ridout, Field 24th May, 1930: 773; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007).
[Self, 2014].
History Dudley Ridout of Richmond (1930) in The Field of 24th May, Vol. CLV. p. 773, says: 'I should like to report that I saw a Stork (Ciconia alba) on Sunday, May 11th, in the morning near Richmond Hill Gate, Richmond Park. I got within 25 yards of the bird and had ample opportunity to make a close examination as to colour, etc. I verified this by a visit to South Kensington on the 12th. I watched him walking and subsequently saw him rise, and after circling about he disappeared in the direction of the river. There is no doubt whatever that it was a Stork; but whether it was a migrant bird or out of a private collection it is impossible to say.'
0). 1936 Dumfries & Galloway Comlongan Castle, three, artificially reared, summer.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 1943 (6): 79).
[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, 1943 (6): 79].
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 79, says: 'Three White Storks artificially reared at Comlongan Castle, Dumfriesshire, in 1936.'
0). 1936 Cumbria Upperby, Carlisle, three, one killed hitting wires, 1st August.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 79).
[E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 79].
History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 79, says 'Three White Storks artificially reared at Comlongan Castle, Dumfriesshire, in 1936, halted on their southward journey at Upperby, Carlisle, on 1st August. One was killed against telegraph wires, and its origin proved by the rings with which it was marked.'
Comment Known introductees. Not acceptable.
0). 1936 Lancashire & North Merseyside Lytham St Annes, 26th August.
(H. W. Robinson, Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1937: 33).
[H. W. Robinson, Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1937: 33].
History H. W. Robinson (1937) in the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee 23rd Report, p. 33, says: 'August, 1936. On the 26th one of the Storks liberated at Haslemere was seen on Lytham Cricket Ground.'
0). 1936 Kent Hythe, six, seen, 24th September, photo.
(R. B. Haynes, Field 31st Oct., 1936: 1086, photo).
[KAN].
History R. B. Haynes of Maidstone (1936) in The Field of 31st Oct., Vol. CLXVIII. p. 1086, says: 'This photograph of the Storks, about whom so much has been written, was taken on the marsh land about a mile to the east of Hythe, Kent, on September 24th. There were, on that day, six of the birds on the marsh. They have since dispersed, but I have not yet heard that they have started on their long journey to the south.'
Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0) 1936 Hampshire Bursledon, Cosham and Southampton Water, two, undated.
(F. C. R. Jourdain, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1936: 275).
[F. C. R. Jourdain, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1936: 275].
History F. C. R. Jourdain (1936) in the Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, p. 275, says: 'The two Storks seen at Bursledon and subsequently reported at Cosham and over Southampton Water were evidently the imported birds (K.N.).'
0). 1938 Highland Near Advie, Badenoch & Strathspey, seen, 7th May.
(C. Conyngham Greene, Field 4th June, 1938: 1408).
[Forrester & Andrews et al., 2004].
History C. Conyngham Greene of the Flyfishers' Club, Piccadilly (1938) in The Field of 4th June, Vol. CLXXI. p. 1408, says: 'It may be of interest to record that I saw a Stork (Ciconia alba) flying over Strathspey, near Advie, at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7th. The bird was flying in a northerly direction, and was close enough to make identification certain.'
0). 1939 Kent No locality, 31st July to 4th August.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1939; Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).
[Radford, 1966; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984].
History Harrison (1953 (1): 112) says: 'One watched by Mr. T. C. Gregory on an east Kent marsh daily from 31st July to 4th August, 1939, was patently an escaped bird. Gregory says: "It had a broad white ring on one leg and a small aluminium ring on the other. It flew off to the S.E".'
Radford (1966) says: 'Some Storks were brought over from Germany and released in Kent in 1939.'
Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1981).
0). 1939 Oxfordshire Asthall, seen, 5th August.
(W. B. Alexander, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1947: 5).
[Radford, 1966].
History Radford (1966: 52) says: 'Presumed one of the birds brought over from Germany and released in Kent earlier in the year.'
0). 1940 Kent Bethersden, seen, early June.
(C. F. R. U. Weston, Field 8th June 1940; Harrison, 1953).
[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984].
History C. F. R. U. Weston of Bethersden (1940) in The Field of 8th Jun., Vol. CLXXV. p. ?, says: 'At 1 o'clock today my attention was called to a large bird circling overhead, which I at once saw was a Stork. I watched it circling round through my glasses for some time and hoped it would settle in my fields, where there are a number of ponds, but it gradually disappeared at a great height towards the east, possibly Romney Marshes. I have never seen one in this country before, and thought it would be interesting to write to you. From underneath, the black wing feathers showed very distinctly, and I thought the head shows some black feathers. It may possibly have been one of those liberated some time ago, I believe, in Surrey.'
Harrison (1953 (1): 112) says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst has informed me (in litt.) of one that was seen at Bethersden that was recorded in The Field of 8th June 1940.' Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1984, 2nd ed.).
0). 1944 Hampshire Droxford, seen, 20th May.
(F. H. Haines, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 16: 213; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1945: 7).
[Eds., British Birds 40: 31; Clark & Eyre, 1993].
History F. H. Haines (1944) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, Vol. XVI. p. 213, and R. Whitlock (1945) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 7, says: 'Droxford, May 20th, seen by my son flying high up over the house (E. S. McEuen).'
In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 31, in a Review of the Ornithological Report for the County of Hampshire, for 1944, they say: 'A record of a White Stork seen flying over Droxford on May 20th is supported by no evidence, which is a pity, as there is no reason why it should not be correct.'
0). 1950 Dorset Kingstag, two, 20th March.
(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 72: 161).
[K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 72: 161].
History K. B. Rooke (1950) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXII. p. 161, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'At Kingstag (BVW) on 20th March, two very large heron-like black and white birds flew low in a NW direction along a marshy valley at about 08:00 hours. They were seen from a window at a range of about 300 yards in poor light and by the time binoculars were used the head and legs were invisible as they flew directly away from the observer and the only points noted were "two pairs of rounded black wings, white bodies between, flapping slowly like herons, but moving at a good pace, and decidedly larger". They completely dwarfed Crows that were mobbing them. Although identification was not certain due to the fact that the legs, colour of bill and long neck were not seen it is difficult to imagine what else they could be (Mr. & Mrs. T. G. Wooley).'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1952 Essex East Mersea, three, 12th May.
(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 7).
[G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 7].
History G. A. Pyman (1952) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 7, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'East Mersea: 3, flying northwards in bright sunshine at 11.30 hours on May 12th, were reported by L.G.T. It is regretted that owing to an apparent flaw (which, however, probably resulted from the effect of reflected light) in the otherwise sound description, this record cannot be accepted outright. Extensive enquiries have been made, but, unfortunately, these birds do not appear to have been sighted in any other part of the British Isles.'
0). 1952 Cornwall Sea Mill, Camel Estuary, October.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 19).
[E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 94; Penhallurick, 1969].
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 19, say: 'October. On the Camel Estuary, near Seamills, I saw a large pure white bird from the train; it was standing on some sand close to the line and, as we passed, I could clearly see the red beak and legs, and greyish-black on the wing. D.S.'
E. M. Nicholson (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 94, under 'Review of County Bird Reports', says: 'Equally vivid and satisfactory is a note by R. H. Blair and A. G. Parsons on a Little Bittern in April, but this standard contrasts with the sketchy note of a White Stork seen from the train by a contributor whose initials do not appear in the initial list.'
0). 1953 Sussex Ford, spring.
(H. J. Elkington, Field 11th Jun., 1953: 1086).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History H. J. Elkington of Harrow, Middlesex (1953) in The Field of 11th Jun., Vol. CCI. p. 1086, says: 'When at Ford, Sussex, recently I saw a bird which was obviously a Stork. It was slim in build and larger than a Heron, with black bars on the wings and brilliant red legs. It was dancing in what appeared to be ecstasy while "breaking" an eel or snake. I am told that Storks migrate at this time of year, but it is rare to see one in this country. I would be interested to hear if any of your readers have had a similar experience.'
[The White Stork is a very occasional visitor to this country, mostly to East Anglia and Southern England in spring. The birds seen are possibly storm-blown while migrating to breeding quarters in Western Europe from Africa. Snakes form part of their diet. - Ed.]
