White-tailed Eagle (2/3)

Haliaeetus albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758) (490, 1)

Photo © By Surub - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4735677

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1998

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RECORDS (cont.)

201). 1866 Borders Near Coldingham, Berwickshire, trapped, March.

(Edinburgh Courier; Eds., Field 14th Apr., 1866: 317; Muirhead, 1889).

History In an Editorial (1866) in The Field of 14th Apr., Vol. XXVII. p. 317, under 'Capture of a Golden Eagle', it says: 'Last week a large Golden Eagle was captured at South Fallownow, near Coldingham. It measures 7 feet 11 inches from tip to tip of wing, and is in fine plumage. He was caught in an ordinary steel vermin trap, by Simon Bathgate, gamekeeper to John Ramsay: L'Amy, Esq., of Dunkenny.'

Muirhead (1889 (1): 308) says: 'A specimen was trapped on South Fallaknowe, in the parish of Coldingham, in March 1866. Further, in a footnote on the same page, he adds: "This specimen was erroneously reported in the local newspapers of the time as a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, and Mr. Turnbull, in his Birds of East Lothian, p. 9, records it as such. Mr. W. Paterson, late of North Berwick Abbey Farm, who is well acquainted with British birds, of which he had a large collection, wrote to me on the 8th of May 1886, that he saw the example referred to, at the house of the gamekeeper who trapped it, shortly after it was caught, and found it to be a specimen of the White-tailed Eagle".'

202). 1866 Highland Glen Coul, Sutherland, seen, August.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1867: 860).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 860, says: 'I will now give a list of the species of birds which we noticed in May and June in West Sutherland, and also will include in that list any others that we had reliable authority for, as breeding or visiting the county. Sea Eagle - saw one in Glen Coul in August, 1866.'

203). 1866 Fife Kinkell, immature female, shot, 29th December, now at Bell-Pettigrew Museum, St Andrews.

(R. Walker, Scottish Naturalist 1: 78; Smout, 1986).

History Robert Walker (1871-72) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 78, says: 'All the birds in the following list have come under my own observation. White-tailed Eagle. A young specimen of this eagle was shot at Kinkell rocks, close to the edge of the sea, on the 29th December, 1866.'

204). 1866 Shropshire Corvedale, killed, undated.

(W. E. Beckwith, Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological & Natural History Society 2: 366; Smith et al., 2019).

History W. E. Beckwith (1879) in the Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. II. p. 366, says: 'Since then, in 1866, one was killed in Corvedale.'

205). 1867 Norfolk Caister-on-Sea, seen, early January.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1867: 729).

History Henry Stevenson (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 729, dated 14th March, 1867, says: 'Sea Eagle - One of these fine birds was seen at Caistor [sic], near Yarmouth, during the hard frost in the first week of January.'

206). 1867 Essex Hylands Park, shot, 11th January.

(H. Wigglesworth, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1867: 40; Glegg, 1929).

History H. Wigglesworth (1867) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. III. p. 40, says: 'On Thursday, an eagle made its appearance in Hylands Park, causing great consternation among the Rooks and other birds. it was seen again the next day, and was observed to leave the ice-house clump. The keepers, expecting the rare visitor to roost in the high trees of the clump, posted themselves with guns towards dusk on each side of the ice-house, and had scarcely taken up their position when he came soaring over, and was knocked down by one of the keepers, and, with some difficulty, secured alive. It proves to be a White-tailed, or Cinereous Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla). It is a bird of this year in fine plumage, and measures 7 feet across the wings. On the 11th it was alive and likely to recover from its wound, which appears to be only in the wing. I should like to know if this species is common on the Eastern coast.' Accepted locally (Glegg 1929: 147).

207). 1867 Suffolk Sizewell, seen, January.

(Hele, 1870; Babington, 1884-86).

History Hele (1870) says: 'Another individual of this species was seen for several days at Sizewell in January 1867.'

Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'One seen there [Sizewell], Jan., 1867 (Hele, Ald., 68, 69).'

208). 1867 Norfolk Near Holkham, killed, about 20th February.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1867: 729).

History Henry Stevenson (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 729, dated 14th March, 1867, says: 'Sea Eagle - ...another was also killed near Holkham, about the 20th of February, which had frequented that neighbourhood for some days.'

209). 1867 Suffolk Elveden, shot, 24th November.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1867: 729; Babington, 1884-86).

History Henry Stevenson (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 729, dated 14th March, 1867, says: 'Sea Eagle - ...and I have but recently heard of another shot at Elveden, on the borders of the county, on the 24th of November.'

210). 1868 Sussex Arundel, shot, c. 20th February.

(Rowley, 1876-78; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Rowley (1876 (1): 52-53) says: 'A large Eagle, which has been flying about in the vicinity of Arundel, to the terror of many, was shot on Friday last by Mr. W. Ottley, the head gamekeeper of His Grace the Duke of Norfolk. Since the singular visitor has been in the neighbourhood he has been aimed at by many sportsmen, who have been unsuccessful in bringing him down. We believe His Grace has, on more than one occasion, had an unsuccessful shot. Being a strong bird, and usually flying very high, it required some considerable force to kill him. On Friday last, however, Mr. Ottley, who was in a plantation near Arundel Park, between Bevis's grave and the walnut-trees, had a good shot, and succeeded in wounding him. The bird struggled considerably, and at length perched upon a tree, from which he was soon levelled and taken to the Castle, where, by direction of His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, he was laid out, to be shown to any one who chose to go and see him.

After this the Eagle was sent to Mr. Leadbeater, the ornithologist, of London, to be stuffed. He turns out to be a young male of the White-tailed Sea-Eagle, and not a Golden Eagle as was supposed. Mr. Leadbeater is also of opinion that it is a bird of the first year. Although the bird is of such a large size (measuring, with its wings expanded, 7 feet 5 inches), it weighs barely 10 lbs. The length from the beak to the tail is 3 feet, and the breadth across the shoulders 1 foot. The beak is 3.5 inches long, and the centre talon 2 inches; the quill-feather, from the pinion-joint, measures 23.25 inches.

Its principal haunt was near the South Wood and Houghton chalk-pit; and many mutilated rabbits have been picked up which have been killed by the distinguished visitor since he has been in the neighbourhood. - West Sussex Gazette. (Times, February 24, 1868.).'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 311) says: 'Two birds came to grief in 1868 - the one near Arundel probably about February 20th (G. D. Rowley, Orn. Miscell., I. pp. 52-3).'

211). 1868 Sussex Compton Wood, Firle Park, near Lewes, 8th November.

(T. W. Wanfor, Zoologist 1869: 1512; G. D. Rowley, Field 14th Nov., 1868: 398; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History T. W. Wanfor of Brighton (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1512, undated, says: 'About seven o'clock in the evening of the 8th of November a fine specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, a bird of this year, was shot with a charge of No. 6 shot by John Bearman, head-keeper to Viscount Gage, in Compton Wood, Firle Park, near Lewes. This bird had been seen about during the preceding fortnight, and attempts had been made to take it in traps baited with rabbits, partridges, &c., but without avail; at length, on the evening of the 8th, it was seen on a tree, and brought down, as stated above. At the present time it is in the hands of Swaysland, the naturalist, for mounting, and has attracted considerable attention. Some years since one of these birds was shot at Shoreham Harbour while gorging itself with dead fish, and in 1858 a very fine specimen was shot in Arundel Park, in this county.'

George Dawson Rowley of Brighton (1868) in The Field of 14th Nov., Vol. XXXII. p. 398, says: 'I this morning examined a fine female Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), brought in yesterday to Mr. Swaysland, Queen's Road, Brighton. This bird had been recently killed, with No. 5 shot, on a tree by John Berman, head keeper to Lord Gage, about seven o'clock in the evening, in Compton Wood, Firle-place, Lewes. The Eagle was observed continually for about a fortnight, and efforts had been made by others to obtain it. The keeper therefore thought it better to get the specimen at once, and succeeded in doing so. This was a travelling bird, and, as usual in these cases, one of the year, not yet having the white tail. At what period the tail turns pure white is not stated in either Yarrell or Mr. Gould's splendid work, to both of which I have just referred; but, in my own belief, it is not observed under the third moult.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 3; Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 311).

Comment Although in the hands of Swaysland, who has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98), I do not think there has been a fraud committed here.

212.0). 1868 Essex Alresford, immature, seen, at least 16th to 17th December; also in Suffolk.

(Essex County Chronicle 29th Jan., 1869; Babington, 1884-86; E. A. Fitch, Essex Naturalist 2 (1888): 20; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'I have examined this specimen.'

E. A. Fitch (1888) Essex Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 20, says: '...It was in December, 1868, that one was frequently seen and shot at near Alresford, the adjoining parish at Wyvenhoe, on the same side of the Colne; probably the same bird trapped on December 26th at Thornham, Suffolk. See Dr. Bree's note to Field, reprinted in Zoologist, 1869, p. 1558.'

Christy (1890: 168) says: 'In Dec., 1868, one was frequently seen and shot at round Wyvenhoe and Alresford. It was subsequently trapped at Thornham, Suffolk.'

Glegg (1929: 148) says: 'Several other eagles recorded from Essex have been referred to this species...One was stated to have been seen at Wyvenhoe in December 1868.'

Wood (2007: 56) states that this record is now accepted by Essex Bird Society Recording Committee, which was previously an Eagle sp. record.

212.1). 1868 Suffolk Home Wood, Thornham, immature, shot, 20th December; same as Essex.

(C. R. Bree, Field 2nd Jan., 1869: 9; C. R. Bree, Zoologist 1869: 1558-1559; A. Clark-Kennedy, Zoologist 1869: 1699; Babington, 1884-86; Glegg, 1929).

History C. R. Bree of Colchester (1869) in The Field of 2nd Jan., Vol. XXXIII. p. 9, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV.p. 1558-1559, dated 29th December, 1868, quoting from The Field, says: 'Lord Henniker sent me on the 26th inst. a specimen of the above bird, which was caught in a trap baited with rabbits for grey crows, on the 20th inst., on the north side of the Home Wood, Thornham. It was a fine bird, in immature plumage, and consequently without the white tail. It measured across the wings, from tip to tip 7¾ feet, and, although the plumage was a good deal injured by rolling in the mud, Mr. Ambrose, of this town - to whose skilful hands it had been consigned - hopes to turn out a tolerable fair skin. Another Eagle, probably of the same species, was frequently seen about ten days ago at Alresford, near this place; but, being shot at and missed, it flew away. I wrote to Col. Hawkins for information as to dates, and he writes me word that it was last seen about the 16th or 17th, which would make it probable that the captured bird was the same. Thornham and Alresford are about forty miles apart, "as the eagle flies".'

Alexander Clark-Kennedy of Little Glemham (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1699, dated January 1869, adds: 'On the 20th, my friend Dr. C. R. Bree, of Colchester, received one of these rare eagles from Lord Henniker, from Thornham, where it was caught in a trap baited with a rabbit for grey crows.'

Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'I have examined this specimen.'

Christy (1890: 168) says: 'In Dec., 1868, one was frequently seen and shot at round Wyvenhoe and Alresford. It was subsequently trapped at Thornham, Suffolk.'

213). Pre 1869 Somerset Stolford, killed, undated.

(Smith, 1869).

History Smith (1869: 2) says: 'A specimen has been killed at Stolford, a place near the sea between Burnham and Quantock's Head. I have not seen this specimen, but I have been informed by several people who have that it is a very fine mature bird.'

214). 1869 Kent Chilham, male, shot, 11th January, now at Maidstone Museum.

("C.H.S." Field 23rd Jan., 1869: 66; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953; Borrer, 1960).

History "C.H.S." of Chilham, Kent (1869) in The Field of 23rd Jan., Vol. XXXIII. p. 66, says: 'A fine specimen of the White-tailed Eagle was shot in the park here on the 11th inst., a male bird, weighing over 9 lb., and measuring 7 ft. 6 in. from wing to wing. It is now being stuffed by E. Ward, of Wigmore Street, at which place anyone will shortly be able to see it.'

215). 1869 Norfolk Horning, seen, 25th January.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1869: 1909).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1909, says: 'On the 25th [January], as a son of the Rev. A. Pyne, of Horning, was walking in a field near his house, in pursuit of a hen pheasant which he had just seen alight there, the Pheasant suddenly squatted, and instantly a large bird of prey swooped over the gunner's head and carried off the pheasant from the ground. Mr. Pyne did not fire, as his father is desirous of having such birds preserved, but he had no doubt as to its being an Eagle, from the view he had of it when passing close over him.'

216). 1869 Norfolk Near Sheringham, immature, seen, January.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1869: 1490).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1490, says: 'A fine young bird of this species was seen on several occasions during this month on the Upcher estate at Sheringham, near Cromer.'

217). 1870 Kent Chilham Park, another, killed, February or March, now at Maidstone Museum.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953; Borrer, 1960).

History Ticehurst (1909: 275-276) says: 'About the same time ["many years ago"], according to the same author [Dowker 1889], three immatures were obtained near Chilham, and set up by Mr. Craig for the Canterbury Museum, but they seem now (1908) to have disappeared from that institution.

    At Chilham Castle Colonel C. S. Hardy has three specimens, the first of which, he tells me, was killed in Godmersham Park in December, 1869, or January, 1870, and was preserved for Lord St. Vincent. who gave it to him on his leaving that place. The other two were killed a month or two later at Chilham, one, recorded at the time by E. Ward, being shot on 11th March 1870. The first was sent by his keeper to Colonel Hardy in London, who wrote at once and told him to kill no more, but the second got caught in a trap and, both legs being broken, he was forces to kill it.'

218). 1870 Kent Chilham Castle, near Canterbury, shot, 11th March, now at Maidstone Museum.

(E. Ward, Field 19th Mar., 1870: 244; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953; Borrer, 1960).

History E. Ward of 49, Wigmore Street (1870) in The Field of 19th Mar., Vol. XXXVI. p. 244, says: 'A fine specimen of the White-tailed or Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was shot last Friday at Chilham Castle, near Canterbury, the seat of J. Stewart Hardy, Esq., and was forwarded here to be preserved and exhibited.'

219). 1870 Perth & Kinross Loch Rannoch, Perthshire, shot, undated.

(T. Eedle, Zoologist 1871: 2656).

History T. Eedle of Hackney Road, London (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2656, under 'Birds observed at Rannoch in 1870', says: 'Shot by one of Lady Menzie's keepers, and is now in her Ladyship's possession.'

220). 1871 Dorset Christchurch area, Hampshire, obtained, 4th December.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Green, 2004).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158) say: 'In the Hart collection is a specimen obtained on December 4th, 1871.'

221). 1871 Avon Dodington Park, immature male, shot, late December.

(M. S. C. Rickards, Zoologist 1872: 2991; A. H. Davis, Avon Bird Report 1995: 104).

History Marcus S. C. Rickards of Clifton (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 2991, dated 17th February, 1872, says: 'A specimen of the White-tailed Eagle was shot about the end of December last at Doddington Park, Gloucestershire, the seat of Sir Gerald Codrington, and was examined by me at Mr. Wheeler's, birdstuffer, of this city, where it had been sent for preservation. It was a male bird in immature plumage (apparently a bird of the year), and in good condition, and measured two feet eleven inches in length. I have not heard of the previous occurrence of this species in Gloucestershire, although in the adjoining county of Somerset it has occasionally been captured.'

222). Pre 1872 Somerset Dare, immature shot, undated.

(I. Gifford, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1872: 115; "G." Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1872: 142; "C.S." Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1872: 165; A. Smith, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1874: 214; "C.S." Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1874: 283; C. Smith, Zoologist 1875: 4334).

History I. Gifford, of Minehead (1872) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. VIII. p. 115, says: 'It is worthy of record that a pair of Golden Eagles were seen some years since in the extreme west of Somerset, above Porlock. One of them was killed on Oare Common, near Badgworthy Wood; and this bird, preserved and mounted, is now in the possession of Mr. Snow, of Oare.'

"G." (1872) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. VIII. p. 142, says: 'It is most probable that the eagles killed in Somersetshire were immature Sea Eagles.'

"C.S." (1872) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. VIII. p. 165, says: 'Mr. Gifford would add: to the interest of his communication on this subject if he would kindly add: some more particulars, such as the date of the capture, and a short distinctive description of the bird, especially of the feathers of the tail, and also of those of the tarsus, if any. This might give us some notion as to the age of the birds, whether they were merely young birds driven off by their parents, and wandering about, or adult birds about to settle in the Doone Valley. The question as to the feathered tarsus would settle the question of identity, should such questions arise.'

Arthur Smith of Barnstaple (1874) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. XII. p. 214, says: 'On looking over Science Gossip for 1872 I find a note about a Golden Eagle having been killed at Oare, Somerset, and the following month a correspondent, "G." doubts it being a Golden Eagle. I recollect the circumstance of the eagle being killed perfectly well. It was wounded by Mr. Snow, and killed by his keeper on the following day; it was killed in Mr. Snow's deer park, on the borders of Devon and Somerset. It is without doubt a Golden Eagle, as Mr. Snow himself informed me, and my brother has seen it. Should, however, any one doubt it, Mr. Snow would, I am sure, allow him to gratify his curiosity.'

"C.S." (1874) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. X. p. 283, says: 'I see in a late number the so-called Golden Eagle at Dare, in Somersetshire, has again made its appearance, where it was first mentioned by Mr. Gifford in Science Gossip for 1872. I soon after sent you a note asking for further particulars and some description of the bird; and about the same time "G" wrote, throwing doubt on the identity of the bird. Neither of these notes were answered in Science Gossip, and I have not been able to go over and see the bird myself, but two ornithological friends of mine have seen it, and from their description there can be no doubt about it, that the bird is a young White-tailed Eagle, as the tarsi are bare of feathers; in the Golden Eagle, as you know, the tarsi are at all ages feathered down to the junction of the toes.'

Cecil Smith of near Taunton (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4334, undated, says: 'On the 2nd of November [1874] I rode form Linton to Minehead, by way of the small village of Dare, to see an eagle which had been killed some few years ago by Mr. Snow, of that place, in his park just on the borders of this county and Devon, and which has been recorded more than once, in Science Gossip, as a "Golden Eagle". Being very sceptical, and anxious to judge for myself, as to its identity, I rode round by Dare to see it, and, thanks to the eagle, had a most beautiful ride, which I should otherwise have missed; but Golden Eagle it certainly was not, being a most unmistakeable White-tailed Eagle. I do not believe a thoroughly authentic specimen of a Golden Eagle, killed in a perfectly wild state, exists in either of the four western counties.'

Comment "C.S." is probably Cecil Smith author of Birds of Somersetshire. "G" is J. H. Gurney, jun. of Norfolk, raptor expert. The sight record is ignored.

223). 1872 Sussex Iden, near Rye, immature, shot, November.

("H.V.C." Field 30th Nov., 1872: 531; E. Newman, Zoologist 1873: 3411).

History "H.V.C." (1872) in The Field of 30th Nov., Vol. XL. p. 531, says: 'A bird of this species was shot at Iden, near Rye, last week, by a labourer, and sold for a crown. Although I am nearly sure it is a Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), its tail is not white. I see it has been affirmed by some writers that the tail is not white till the third, and by others till the fifth, moult. This specimen is certainly not a bird of the year. I have examined the crop and gizzard; the former was quite empty, the latter had two small fishbones and a fish's [sic] eye about the size of a pea in it. The wings when outspread measured nearly eight feet. It has seven scales on each outside toe, five on the inside, twelve on the middle, and four on the hind ones, besides four or five above the knee joint. I see that, according to our local paper, a Sea Eagle was shot in this neighbourhood four or five years ago; but I think this must have been the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) - a specimen of which I saw alive two years ago in Romney Marsh. Should I have named the eagle wrongly, I should be glad to be corrected. It is in the hands of Mr. Garson [sic], naturalist, Rye, and he has stuffed it very creditably.'

[The Sea Eagle may be distinguished from the Golden Eagle at any age and in any stage of plumage by the foot. The Golden Eagle has the tarsus feathered to the toes; in the Sea Eagle the leg is bare. The number of scales on the toes also differ. The Golden Eagle has three on each toe; the White-tailed Eagle has eight on the first and third, and nine on the middle. We should be glad to have particulars of the Great Bustard seen by our correspondent on Romney Marsh. - Ed.]

E. Newman, Editor (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. p. 3411, quoting from The Field, says: 'A bird of this species was shot at Iden, near Rye, last week, by a labourer, and sold for a crown. Although I am nearly sure it is a Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), its tail is not white. I see it has been affirmed by some writers that the tail is not white till the third, and by others till the fifth, moult. This specimen is certainly not a bird of the year. I have examined the crop and gizzard; the former was quite empty, the latter had two small fish-bones and a fish's eye about the size of a pea in it. The wings when outspread measured very nearly eight feet. It has seven scales on each outside toe, five on the inside, twelve on the middle, and four on the hind ones, besides four or five above the knee joint. Should I have named the eagle wrongly, I should be glad to be corrected. It is in the hands of Mr. Garson, naturalist, Rye, and he has stuffed it very creditably.'

Comment The taxidermist is I think Edwin Thomas Gasson of Rye.

224). 1872 Borders Charterhall, Fogo, Berwickshire, trapped, December and kept until 30th September 1886.

(Muirhead, 1889).

History Muirhead (1889 (1): 308-309) says: 'In December of that year [1872] a specimen was trapped at Charterhall, in the parish of Fogo, where it was kept in confinement until the 30th of September 1886, when it died.' Further, in a footnote on p. 309 he adds: 'Information from Mr. William Thompson, gamekeeper, Charterhall, on the 11th of October 1886.'

225). 1873 Norfolk Stokesby, immature male, shot, 22nd April.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1873: 3712; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 1: 81).

History H. Stevenson (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. p. 3712, says: 'April, 1873. Sea Eagle. A fine young male of this species was shot at Stokesby, near Yarmouth, on the 22nd, having been seen for some days in that neighbourhood. The bird was brought to me in the flesh, and though very fat, I found only a few small fish bones, a little fibrous grass, and fragments of dry reed in the stomach.'

Henry Stevenson (1869-74) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. I. p. 81, says: 'A fine young male was shot at Stokesby, near Yarmouth, on the 22nd of April, having frequented the neighbourhood for some days.'

226). 1873 Norfolk Rollesby, obtained, 27th April.

(Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) state that most records are during the winter months but one formerly in Stevenson's collect was obtained on 27th April 1873 at Rollesby.

227). c 1873 Flintshire Bodelwyddan, near St Asaph, immature, undated.

(Forrest, 1907).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'A similar bird, showing no white in the tail, is in the collection at Bodelwyddan, near St Asaph; it was obtained on the estate about 1873.’

228). 1873 Suffolk Culford Heath, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'One on Culford Heath, 1873 (Bilson MS.).'

229). Pre 1874 Cheshire & Wirral Leasowe, Wirral, shot, undated.

(Dobie, 1893; Coward & Oldham, 1900; Coward, 1910; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History Dobie (1893: 314) says: 'Brockholes says: "I saw and shot at one, wounding it badly, some years ago at Leasowe. The bird was afterwards found dead on a neighbouring field.' Accepted locally (Coward & Oldham 1900: 131).

230). Pre 1874 Northumberland Lambton Park, seen, undated; same, Ravensworth, seen, undated.

(Hancock, 1874).

History Hancock (1874: 3) says: 'Many years ago, as I was walking by Lambton Park wall, near Lumley Thicks, a bird of this species flew across my path, with several Rooks in pursuit, and went into the park. It remained there for a few days, when I again had the opportunity of seeing it. It afterwards went to Ravensworth, where it sojourned for some time, and ultimately made a safe retreat.'

231). 1874 Suffolk Friston, male, killed, 16th January.

(N. F. Hele, Field 24th Jan., 1874: 83; Babington, 1884-86).

History N. Fenwick Hele (1874) in The Field of 24th Jan., Vol. XLIII. p. 83, says: 'For some weeks past an eagle has been reported to be frequenting this neighbourhood. His favourite haunts seem to have been at Hazelwood, in the woods of Blackheath. Thence crossing the River Alde to the decoy at Iken it was killed on the 16th inst. at Friston, and has come into my possession. The specimen, which proves to be a male, is in excellent condition, although some of the tail feathers are worn. It measured 6 ft. 6 in. in expanse of wing, and weighed 7½ lb. The stomach contained the foot of a pigeon, and a large quantity of flax, either from hare or rabbit.'

Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'One killed at Friston, Jan., 1874 (Hele MS.).'

232). 1874 Lothian Lammermuirs, seen, October.

(J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 293-294; D. W. Thompson, Scottish Naturalist 4: 279; Andrews, 1986).

History Jas. Hardy (1875) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VII. pp. 293-294, says: 'During the spring of 1874, a grey-backed Eagle made its appearance among the Cheviots, and furnished for a season a fine spectacle for the shepherds. It ranged from Broadstruther heights down to the junction of Harthope and Care burns, and lived upon dead sheep. The shepherds observed that it rose spirally, and then swooped suddenly down. It was last seen in March. They thought it was a Golden Eagle, but I set it down, for an Erne, or White-tailed Eagle.'

D'Arcy. W. Thompson (1877-78) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 279, under 'Birds of South-east Scotland', says: 'Lammermoors, October, 1874 (Berw. Nat. Proc., Vol. VII. p. 293-301).'

233). c. 1874 Northumberland Cullercoats Bay, shot, December.

(J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1911: 376; Bolam, 1912).

History J. M. Charlton (1911) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XV. p. 376, says: 'The first example procured here was shot about 1874 by a Mr. John Armstrong off the rocks near the point to the north of Cullercoats Bay. This specimen was only "winged" and was kept in confinement at the 'Huddleston Arms Hotel' at Cullercoats for some weeks.'

234). c. 1874 Kent Eastwell Park, Thanet, killed, undated.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909) says: 'Mr. H. A. A. Dombrain informs me that he assisted in the skinning of one that was shot in Eastwell Park about 1874.'

235). 1874 Suffolk Near Sudbourne, caught, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'One caught between Sudbourn [Sudbourne] and Aldeburgh, about 1874, and still preserved alive in Sir Richard Wallace's aviary at Sudbourn Hall; in splendid plumage with white tail when I saw it in October, 1881 (Hele MS.).'

236). Pre 1875 Cheshire & Wirral Davenham, near Northwich, obtained, undated, now at Owen's College, Manchester.

("Redshank" Manchester City News 21st Aug., 1875; Coward & Oldham, 1900; Coward, 1910; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History Coward & Oldham (1900: 131) say: 'A specimen obtained at Davenham, near Northwich, some time prior to 1875, was presented by Major Harper of Davenham Hall to the Peter Street Museum, Manchester, and is now in the collection at Owens College, Manchester.'

237). Pre 1875 Devon/Somerset Dove, shot, undated.

(Pidsley, 1891).

History Pidsley (1891: 75) says: 'Mr. Cecil Smith writes that, another Sea Eagle was shot on a wall at Dove, just on the division of the counties of Devon and Somerset, prior to the year 1875.'

238). 1875 Northamptonshire Spring Wood, Benefield, immature, caught, 7th January, kept in captivity until 1879.

("Venator" Field 16th Jan., 1875: 46; E. Newman, Zoologist 1875: 4337; Lilford, 1895).

History "Venator" (1875) in The Field of 16th Jan., Vol. XLV. p. 46, and Edward Newman, Editor (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4337, quoting from The Field, of 16th January, 1875, says: 'A young White-tailed Eagle was caught near Farming Woods (Lord Lyvedon's) on Thursday, Jan. 7. It had been seen and shot at two days before by a keeper, and proved, on examination, to have a broken thigh. The bird was taken to Lord Lilford's, its thigh set, and it was doing well on the 11th inst.'

Lord Lilford (1895 (1): 5) says: 'In January 1875, on the 7th of which a labouring man at work near Spring Wood, Benefield, observed a large bird flying low and pursued by Rooks. There was a strong wind at the time, and, so far as I can ascertain, the Eagle (as it proved to be), flying down wind, was unable to clear a high thick hedge, and became entangled therein; upon which the man above mentioned ran in, and after a violent struggle succeeded in conquering the bird. The Fitzwilliam Hounds, with many followers, arrived upon the scene of action at this moment, some gentlemen lent whip-lashes, to secure the Eagle, and suggested to its captor that it had probably escaped from my menagerie, and that he had better bring it to me. I was abroad at the time, no bird was missing from my collection, but the person in charge gladly accepted this addition there-unto, set its thigh, which was broken, and when I came home in the following month of August I found the bird in good condition, but subject to occasional attacks of vertigo. On inquiry I found that one of my gamekeepers had fired at an Eagle flying over Lilford Wood two days before this bird was caught, and I have no doubt that, besides breaking its thigh, a pellet of shot had lodged somewhere in the head and caused these fits, from which the bird never entirely recovered, and died in 1879.'

239). 1875 Suffolk Little Glemham, seen, late September.

(A. J. Clark-Kennedy, Zoologist 1875: 4690).

History Arthur J. Clark-Kennedy of Little Glemham, Suffolk (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4690, dated 13th October, 1875, says: 'An immature White-tailed Eagle paid us a visit here a fortnight ago, and during its stay was fortunate enough to escape the keepers, who were on the look-out for it.'

Babington (1884-86: 22-23) says: 'One seen at Lord Guildford's covers, at Little Glemham, in Sept., 1875.'

240). 1875 Cambridgeshire Langwood Farm, near Chatteris, shot, 14th October.

(C. Willmott, Zoologist 1875: 4703; E. Bidwell, Field 30th Oct., 1875: 494; J. L. Curtis, Field 30th Oct., 1875: 494; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History C. Willmott of Hackney (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4703, dated 26th October 1875, says: 'It may interest your readers to know that a fine specimen of the golden Eagle was killed on Langwood Farm, belonging to Mr. W. Skeales, near Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday last, the 14th instant. I think the very flat surface of this and surrounding country makes the visit of this rare bird the more remarkable. The bird met the ignoble fate of being knocked down with a stick as he was attempting to rise.'

Edward Bidwell (1875) in The Field, of 30th October, Vol. XLVI. p. 494, says: 'On the 23rd inst., Messrs. Camfield and Tucker, of Leadenhall Market, received a very fine specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, which had been knocked down in a field about four miles from Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday, the 21st inst.'

John Lewin Curtis of Chatteris (1875) in The Field, of 30th October, Vol. XLVI. p. 494, says: 'On the 20th inst., a Sea Eagle made his appearance at Chatteris. He was observed by a farm labourer skulking at a dyke side. As the bird did not rise, the man walked up to it and knocked it on the head. It was a fine young bird, and measured 7 ft. 10 in. across the wings; it was well nourished, and I could find no trace of any shot wound. It is difficult, therefore, to surmise why he fell so easy a prey to his captor. It was sent to London to be stuffed.' Accepted locally (Lack 1934: 79).

241). 1875 Lancashire & North Merseyside St Michael's-on-Wyre, adult, seen, late October.

(Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History Howard Saunders (1892: 126, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Mr. Hugh P. Hornby writes me that he is convinced it was a bird of this species which he saw at St. Michael's-on-Wyre in the last week of October, 1875, and the whiteness of tail led him to believe it was an adult: he says: that close to the spot whence it rose was a dead rabbit with eyes and entrails cleaned out.'

Oakes (1953: 194) adds: 'It was flushed and correctly identified.'

242). 1875 Norfolk Northrepps, seen, 27th October.

(Land and Water; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1876: 4775; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 214).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4775, dated 28th December, 1875, says: 'October. Eagle. One seen at Northrepps on the 27th.'

H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 214, says: 'Although one or two immature Sea Eagles are observed almost every year on some part of our coast, in the autumn and winter, the occurrence of not less than seven of these noble birds during the last three months of 1875 is worthy of record. One appeared at Northrepps as early as the 27th of October.' Further, in a footnote on the same page, he adds: 'It was recorded at the time in Land and Water as a Golden Eagle, but was no doubt of the more common species.'

243). 1875 Suffolk Herringfleet, two, seen, 1st November.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4776; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 214; Babington 1884-86).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4776, dated 28th December, 1875, says: 'November. Eagles. Two eagles were seen at Herringfleet, on the 1st, mobbed by Rooks, which caused them to ascend spirally till they were almost lost in the clouds.'

H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 214, says: 'Two at Herringfleet, near Yarmouth, on the 1st of November, which, being much persecuted by Rooks, ascended to a great height, and left that neighbourhood.' Accepted locally (Babington 1884-86: 22).

245). 1875 Norfolk Sheringham, seen, 12th November.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4776; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 214).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4776, dated 28th December, 1875, says: 'November. Eagles. About the 12th an eagle was seen at Sheringham.'

H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 214, says: 'On the 12th of November one was seen at Sheringham.'

246). 1875 Norfolk Holkham, immature, shot, 18th November.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4776; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 214).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4776, dated 28th December, 1875, says: 'November. Eagles....and a young Sea Eagle was shot at Holkham on the 18th.'

H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 214, says: 'On the 18th [November] one was shot at Holkham.'

247). 1875 Norfolk Burgh St Peter, shot, 27th November.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4776; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 214).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4776, dated 28th December, 1875, and (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 214, says: '...one was shot at Holkham, and another at Burgh St Peter on the 27th [November].'

248). 1875 Norfolk Northrepps Hall, seen, 31st December.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4778; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 219).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4778, dated 28th December, 1875, and (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 214, says: '...and on the 31st of December, just a month later, a fine eagle was seen passing, at no great height, over the garden at Northrepps Hall, which caused much commotion amongst the domestic fowls.'

249). 1876 Suffolk Fritton Decoy, immature, shot, 22nd January.

(Land and Water, 5th Feb., 1876; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1876: 4894; G. P. Moore, Field 8th Feb., 1879: 144-145; C. Morley, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 3: 103-104).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4894, dated 5th April, 1876, says: 'January. Sea Eagle. A fine young eagle of this species was shot at Fritton Decoy, near Yarmouth, on the 22nd - the same recorded as a Golden Eagle in Land and Water of the 5th February.'

Babington (1884-86: 22) having seen the specimen, says: 'Another immature bird shot there Jan. 1876, recorded as a Golden Eagle in Land and Water of Feb. 5; preserved at Somerleyton Hall, a magnificent specimen (H. Stevenson, Zool., s.s. p. 4894, and Lady Crossley in litt.).'

G. Peter Moore of Blundeston Lodge (1879) in The Field of 8th Feb., Vol. LIII. pp. 144-145, says: '... One of the same species, and in the same state of plumage [immature], was shot on Fritton decoy three or four years ago.'

Claude Morley (1935) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. pp.103-104, says: 'During a recent idle hour in the Everitt Museum at Oulton, I noted that it contained stuffed examples of three localised Suffolk Birds: (1) the Roller, Coracias garrulus, Linn., that is specified by Ticehurst in 1932 at page 201, a female shot on 29 May 1855 at Fritton, Suffolk (Stevenson in Zool., XIII. p. 4809). (2) A White-tailed Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla, Linn., about nine years old, shot on the Somerleyton estate on 22 January 1876: three feet two inches from beak to tail-tip, with wing-span of eight feet: this specimen and the next are not specified by Ticehurst. (3) Goshawk ...'

Comment Possibly same as above.

250). 1876 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, shot, January.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1876: 4894).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4894, dated 5th April, 1876, says: 'January. Sea Eagle. Another Sea Eagle was also killed about the same time in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth.'

251). 1876 Norfolk Sheringham, late February to early March.

(H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 320).

History H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 320, says: 'Raptorial Migrants. I last year recorded the occurrence of an unusual number of young Sea Eagles on the Norfolk coast, between the months of October and December, 1875; and others were either seen or killed in the early part of the present year, 1876....A third straggler frequented the woods at Sheringham, for more than a fortnight, towards the end of February and beginning of March, and was, I am glad to say, not molested.'

252). 1876 Suffolk Little Glemham, seen, late August.

(A. J. Clarke-Kennedy, Zoologist 1876: 5178; Babington, 1884-86).

History Arthur J. Clarke-Kennedy of Little Glemham (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5178, in the December, 1876, issue, says: 'A Sea Eagle paid a flying visit to Lord Guildford's covers here, during the latter part of August, but was fortunate enough to escape the keepers.' Accepted locally (Babington 1884-86: 23).

253). 1876 Berkshire/Surrey Windsor Park, three, one caught, October; two of same, Virginia Water, seen, November.

(J. A. Bucknill, Zoologist 1902: 230).

History J. A. Bucknill (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 230, says: 'In November of 1876 Mr. H. S. Styan, whilst fishing on Virginia Water, saw two birds of this species wheeling round and over the surface of the lake. Mr. Keene, the local fisherman, who was with Mr. Styan at the time, informed him that in the first place, about the end of October, three of the birds had appeared in Windsor Park. One had been caught in a trap baited with fish, and presented to H.R.H. Prince Christian. Orders had been given to the keepers not to shoot or destroy the other two, but, if possible, to capture them alive; and they remained in the district for some time. They were sometimes seen to attack the wildfowl on the lake (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).'

256). 1876 Yorkshire Kilnsea, seen, October.

(Nelson, 1907).

History Nelson (1907 (1): 337) says: 'Mr. P. W. Loten of Easington informs me that in October 1876 a White-tailed Eagle frequented Kilnsea, near Spurn, for some weeks, during which period it was often observed.'

257). 1876 Norfolk Sheringham and Beeston Regis, seen, 9th November.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1877: 97; Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2:).

History Henry Stevenson of Norfolk (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 97, says: 'November. Sea Eagle. A single bird was seen at Sheringham, and subsequently at Beeston Regis, about the 9th of this month.'

258). 1876 Herefordshire Berrington, immature female, shot, 16th November.

(J. Rocke, Zoologist 1877: 175; Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

History John Rocke of Clungunford House (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 175, says: 'On the 18th of November, 1876, I was in Henry Shaw's shop in Shrewsbury, and found he had just commenced skinning a fine specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, which had been received that morning from Berrington, near Leominster, the beautiful seat of Lord Rodney. The bird had been trapped a day or two previously, and, having been caught by only one hind toe and not in the least injured, it was a thousand pities it was destroyed. It was a female, probably of the second-year, as although the plumage was very handsome, being a dark mottled brown, there was no indication of the "white-tail". This eagle was a very powerfully made bird, full of flesh, very muscular, and altogether in high condition. As Berrington is situated nearly in the centre of Herefordshire, and as I believe the nearest sea coast is about eighty miles distant, it is very difficult to conjecture from what locality so remarkable a bird could have wandered.'

Gilbert & Walker (1954: 33) say: 'A female shot at Berrington 1875.'

259). 1876 Suffolk Staverton Park, trapped, November.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'One trapped Nov., 1876, in Staverton Park, in possession of Major Barnardiston (Barnardiston in litt.).'

260). 1876 Norfolk Westacre, near Swaffham, killed, 18th December.

(W. Gould, Field 6th Jan., 1877: 19; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1877: 99; Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2:).

History W. Gould of Swaffham (1877) in The Field of 6th January, Vol. XLIX. p. 19, says: 'On Dec. 18 a very fine specimen of the Erne or Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was shot on the High House estate, Westacre, Norfolk, by Mr. Holman, gamekeeper to Mr. Anthony Hammond. It measured 7 ft. 6 in. from tip to tip of its wings; it has [had] been in the district for several days. It is now being preserved by Mr. Thomas Elliss, naturalist, of Swaffham.'

Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 99, says: 'One recorded in The Field of 6th January, 1877, as killed on the Westacre estate, near Swaffham, Norfolk.'

261). Pre 1877 Hertfordshire Sacombe, shot, undated.

(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 4: 55; A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 10: 92; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History A. F. Crossman (1901) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. X. p. 92, says: 'The late Mr. Abel Smith, M.P., had in his possession a specimen of this bird, which was shot some years prior to 1877 at Sacombe.'

262). 1877 Borders Bedshiel, Berwickshire, immature, shot, 7th February, now at Berwick Museum.

(J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 8: 189-190; Muirhead, 1889; Murray, 1986).

History James Hardy (1876-78) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VIII. pp. 189-190, says: 'According to several newspaper announcements, Mr. Smith, gamekeeper, Marchmont, when out shooting, on Feb. 7, 1877, observed a very large bird hovering above him. He shot it, and found it to be an Eagle. As reported it was taken to be a Golden Eagle, but it proves to be an Erne. Through the interposition of Sir Hugh Hume Campbell, Bart., it was procured for the Berwick Museum.'

Muirhead (1889 (1): 309) says: 'On the 7th of February 1877, a Sea Eagle in immature plumage was shot near Bedshiel, in the parish of Greenlaw, of which Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, has given me the following account. He informs me that a short time previous to the above date he observed a large bird which he supposed to be a heron rise out of a ditch which leads from the Hule of Moss to Marchmont, but on looking at the spot where the bird rose he found a hare lying on the ground half-eaten, and it then occurred to him that the bird which he had seen was an Eagle. About a week afterwards, when he and his brother was out shooting rabbits on Bedshiel and Hallyburton, they noticed a large bird at some height in the air, approaching them from the north, and as they conjectured that it was the Eagle, and would be sure to alight upon the "Sappers and Miners" pole, which was not far from the place where they stood, they lay down on the heather, when, as anticipated, the bird came flying in the direction of the pole, and hovered over it. They both had double-barrelled muzzle-loading guns, and as the weather was wet, the caps on three of the barrels missed fire, but the fourth, which was fired by his brother, brought down the bird.'

Further, p. 309, in a footnote, he adds, 'The specimen here referred to was kindly presented by Sir Hugh Hume-Campbell of Marchmont, Bart., to the Berwick Museum, where it may now be seen.'

263). 1877 Northumberland Thrunton Moor, Eslington, near Whittingham, shot, 17th March.

(H. T. Archer, Field 31st Mar., 1877: 379; J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 8: 190; Bolam, 1912).

History H. T. Archer of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1877) in The Field of 31st March, Vol. XLIX. p. 379, says: 'On the 27th inst. I saw a fine specimen of the Sea Eagle, which was shot by Lord Ravensworth's keeper, near Eslington, the previous week. It was a male bird in full plumage. The breast feathers are a greyish brown, the wings and back dark brown, tapering off to black at the tips of the wings. Mr. Duncan, taxidermist, of this town, who is preserving this bird for Lord Ravensworth, gave me the following dimensions: length from tip to tip of wing, 7 ft. 3 in.; height, 3 ft. 3 in.; weight, 9½ lb. Mr. Duncan has also three Golden Eagles on hand, one a splendid bird which was recently trapped in the north of Scotland, and weighed 12 lb. when taken. The difference between the toes of the Sea and Golden Eagle is very apparent, the under surface of the former being quite rough to enable it to retain its hold of the fish which it catches, while the under surface of the Golden Eagle is comparatively smooth, but the talons are stronger.'

James Hardy (1876-78) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VIII. p. 190, says: 'On the 17th March, a noble specimen of the Erne was shot by the Earl of Ravensworth's gamekeeper, in a pine wood upon Thrunton Moor, near Whittingham, Northumberland. Its weight was 9 lbs., and the expanse of the wings from tip to tip was 6 feet 7 inches.'

264). 1877 Outer Hebrides No locality, two: female, shot, male trapped, spring.

(Booth, 1901).

History Booth (1901: 1-2, 3rd ed.) says: 'Case 2. The male and female are here shown with their nest. The case is copied from a sketch made in the Hebrides. The female was shot and the male trapped within a few miles of the same spot, in the spring of 1877.' [See Rough Notes, Vol. I. plate 5.]

266). 1877 Cornwall Tehidy Park, Camborne, adult, seen, 3rd November.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1877: 444; Harting, 1880; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 15: 203; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 444, says: 'I think I may safely record the occurrence of this Eagle on our north coast, from information I received from an accurate observer and sportsman, who saw the bird at no very great distance, wheeling about in the air, and bending its course apparently from the northern cliffs near Tehidy Park towards the south. My friend, Mr. Walter Pike, of Camborne, told me of this, and that he plainly observed the full white tail, and that it was very distinguishable against the sky. The bird looked very large, and in its wheeling flight sometimes was nearer than at others, and was closely mobbed by different smaller birds. We have occasionally had this Eagle on our coasts in the immature or cinereous plumage, but I do not remember an instance of its occurrence in the adult state.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 2) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'So recently as the autumn of 1877, an adult White-tailed Eagle was seen on the north coast of Cornwall, by Mr. Walter Pike, of Camborne, an accurate observer and sportsman. He saw the bird at no very great distance, wheeling about in the air, and bending its course apparently from the northern cliffs near Tehidy Park towards the south. He plainly observed the full white tail. This may have been the same bird seen by Mr. William Taylor of Edgbaston, who reported that on returning from a yachting cruise in August 1877, and when between Scilly and Brest, a fine White-tailed Eagle sailed past, within 150 or 200 yards of the yacht. With a glass he distinctly saw the conspicuous white tail. This must be regarded as an exceptional circumstance, for the few Eagles which have been met with at intervals in this county have, with this exception, invariably proved to be immature birds.'

J. Clark (1902) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XV. p. 203, under 'The Birds of Cornwall', says: "One seen on north coast, near Tehidy, in autumn 1877.'

Penhallurick (1978: 86) adds: 'Tehidy Park, Camborne.'

267). 1877 Norfolk Burlingham, seen, 22nd November.

(H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 485).

History H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 485, says: 'Sea Eagles appear to have been as scarce on our coast in 1877 as they were plentiful in the winter of 1875-76. I have heard of but one, said to have been seen on the 22nd of November, in the parish of Burlingham.'

268). 1878 Norfolk/Suffolk Fritton Lake, immature, taken alive, December.

(G. P. Moore, Field 8th Feb., 1879: 144-145; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1879: 160; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 601; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 412; Patterson, 1905; Allard, 1990; Payn, 1978).

History G. Peter Moore of Blundeston Lodge (1879) in The Field of 8th Feb., Vol. LIII. pp. 144-145, says: 'An announcement of the capture of a "Golden Eagle" in Suffolk has recently appeared in one or two papers. The eagle referred to was taken, after a gun-shot wound, by a gamekeeper to Sir Savile Crossley, about six weeks ago, on Fritton Decoy - a fresh-water lake some three miles in length, about miles N.W. of Lowestoft. I had an opportunity of examining the bird a few days after its capture, and found it to be a sea-eagle, the young of White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla). One of the same species, and in the same state of plumage, was shot on Fritton decoy three or four years ago. The bird recently captured was presented to the Yarmouth Aquarium, where I saw it today, With the exception that the tail is rather damaged, it seems to have suffered very little either from its capture or confinement, and is well worth inspection. It occupies a dry tank, and seems to appreciate the perches afforded by the rockery work. Its keeper says: that it feeds well, and takes little notice now of his visits to the tank.'

Henry Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 601, says: 'One of the many so-called "Golden Eagles" but only A. albicilla in immature plumage, was shot at Fritton, near Lowestoft, about the end of December, and being but slightly wounded was captured and placed in the Yarmouth Aquarium, where I believe it still remains.'

Patterson (1905) says: 'One was taken alive on Fritton Lake in December 1878, and exhibited for some time alive in the Yarmouth Aquarium.'

Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'Another, taken alive in Lady Crossley's decoy, near the north end of Fritton Lake, Dec., 1878, now in the Yarmouth Aquarium, reported in the "Standard" for Jan 1, 1879, and in other London papers, to be a Golden Eagle (H. Stevenson, Zool., 3rd s. III. p. 160, and Lady Crossley in litt.).'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 412, says: 'One taken alive in decoy Fritton, December, 1878.'

Payn (1978: 89, 2nd ed.) erroneously states the year as 1873.

269). 1878 Moray & Nairn Innes Links, Moray Firth, Moray, undated.

(Gordon, 1889; Cook, 1992).

History Cook (1992) states that Gordon (1889) mentions one occurring on Innes Links in 1878.

270). 1879 Outer Hebrides Stornoway, Lewis, adult female, shot, 21st February, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3911).

(R. W. Chase, Zoologist 1879: 220; Anon., Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society Report & Transactions 1883: xxx-xxxii; Watson, 2010).

History R. W. Chase of Birchfield, Birmingham (1879) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. III. p. 220, says: 'On February 22nd I purchased in the flesh an adult female specimen of this bird, which was procured near Stornoway, Lewes [sic]. The weight was sixteen pound and a half; extent of wings, eight feet five inches; the tail white, except a few of the outside feathers, which are slightly marked with brown.'

Anon. (1883) in the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society Report & Transactions, pp. xxx, xxxii, says: 'The following were the chief specimens exhibited at the General and Sectional Meetings throughout the year....Mr. E. W. Chase...Haliaetus albicilla, the White-tailed Eagle, shot at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, the wings of which had a spread of seven feet.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was an old bird showing the white tail. It was stuffed by myself. Weight 16 lb. 8 oz., extent of wings 8' 5". Vide Zoologist 1879, p. 220.

271). 1879 Somerset Oare Manor, Exmoor, shot, late March.

(S. Lewis, British Birds 13: 219).

History Stanley Lewis (1920) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 219, says: 'At the end of March, 1879, two White-tailed Eagles (Haliaetus albicilla) appeared in the deer park at Oare Manor, Exmoor. One was shot by Joe Kingdom, the keeper, after it had killed a Blackcock, and was set up at Barnstaple. It is now at Oare Manor in the possession of Sir E. Mountain and I had the pleasure recently of inspecting it and confirming the identification.'

Comment The sight record is ignored.

272). 1879 Leicestershire & Rutland Coleorton, immature, shot, 5th November.

(T. Macaulay, Midland Naturalist 1880: 68; M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 163; Browne, 1889; Hickling, 1978).

History Thomas Macaulay of Kibworth (1880) in the Midland Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 68, says: 'On November 5th, an Eagle was shot at Coleorton Hall. This was duly chronicled in the local newspapers, and in The Field as a Golden Eagle. By the kind permission of Sir Geo. Beaumont, I was able to obtain a sight of the bird whilst in the hands of Mr. White, of Castle Donington, who had set it up. It turned out to be a young specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla.'

Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 163, says: 'In the Midland Naturalist for March, 1882 (p. 62), Mr. Macaulay mentions one he saw, which was shot by Sir G. Beaumont's keeper at Coleorton, in Nov., 1879. It was seen some days before it was killed feeding on a rabbit.' Accepted locally (Browne 1889:111).

Comment Montagu Browne has his references mixed up; the one he quotes (Mid. Nat. 1882: 62) refers to the specimen of 1840 in Leicestershire.

273). 1879 Kent High Halstow, two, one shot, 8th November, now at Rochester Museum.

(Prentis, 1894; Ticehurst, 1909; Gillham & Homes, 1950; Harrison, 1953).

History Prentis (1894: 9) says: 'A pair of Sea Eagles paid my district a visit in the month of November, 1879, one of them while sitting upon an oak tree over a furze bank frequented by rabbits, soon fell a victim to a sportsman's gun, a fine large Eagle in mottled plumage and with a whitish tail: Another eagle was soon afterwards seen flying about 150 yards high over the district; throughout this very severe winter it was seen to frequent manure heaps, killed a Rook caught in a trap, and fed chiefly upon the marsh hares, carrying them over the marsh walls where generally a good look out was kept; however, in course of time, a shepherd with a gun approached, when too near to be pleasant his gun happened to miss fire, the Eagle flew away and was no more seen.' Accepted locally (Gillham & Homes 1950: 151).

275). 1879 Norfolk Near Holt, juvenile female, shot, 13th November, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.247).

(T. Southwell, Field 29th Nov., 1879: 733; G. Wilkinson, Field 29th Nov., 1879: 733; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1880: 343; Allard, 1990; Watson, 2010).

History Thomas Southwell of Norwich (1879) in The Field of 29th Nov., Vol. LIV. p. 733, says: 'Your editorial suggestion is perfectly correct. The bird which is now in Mr. Duck's possession, and which he supposed to be a Golden Eagle, is an immature White-tailed Eagle....The sole claim of the Golden Eagle to be considered a Norfolk bird rests on the remains of one found dead in the Stiffkey Marshes in November, 1868.' George Wilkinson of Holt (1879) in The Field of 29th Nov., Vol. LIV. p. 733, says: 'The Sea Eagle shot on the heath near my house on the 13th inst., and reported in last week's Field as a Golden Eagle, was a female bird, not in mature plumage, but measured about 7½ ft. from tip to tip of the wing, about 3 ft. 4 in. from head to tail, and weighed 9 lb.'

H. Stevenson (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 343, says: 'A fine young female Sea Eagle, of course announced in the local and other papers as a Golden Eagle, was shot near the Heath House at Holt on the 13th.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this juvenile female specimen from Holt Lowes, Norfolk, obtained on 13th November 1879, by a boy fourteen years of age, named John Burton.

276). 1879 Warwickshire Knavenhill, immature, trapped, 22nd November.

(Tomes, 1904; Norris, 1947; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History Tomes (1904 (1): 199) in the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, says: 'An immature and very spotted example of this bird was trapped at a place called Knavenhill, on the estate of Mr. J. R. West, a few miles south-east of Stratford-on-Avon, on 22 November, 1879, and is now preserved in the mansion at Alscot. A second was seen at the same time which was not taken.'

Norris (1947: 41) says: 'A very spotted immature was trapped at Knavenhill, near Alscot, on 22nd November, 1879, and now resides in the Public Library at Stratford-on-Avon. A second was seen at the same time according to Tomes.'

Comment The sight record is dismissed for want of detail.

277). 1879 Norfolk Caister Marshes, seen, autumn.

(A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 412; Field 29th Nov., 1879: 733; Patterson, 1905; Allard, 1990).

History A. H. Patterson (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 412, says: 'I observed one circling high above head, autumn of 1879.' Patterson (1905) says: 'I was fortunate one fine morning in the autumn of 1879 in seeing one of these fine birds, high in the air, wheeling in airy circles across the Caister marshes towards Breydon.'

278). 1879 Highland Canna, Lochaber, shot, undated.

(R. Carrick & G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 59: 13).

History R. Carrick & G. Waterston (1939) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIX. p. 13, under 'The Birds of Canna', say: '1879, one was shot.'

279). 1880 Norfolk Breydon Water, seen, January.

(Allard, 1990).

History Allard (1990) states that Patterson saw one in the autumn of 1879 high over Caister marshes heading towards Breydon; another or the same was in the Breydon area for a week during January 1880.

Comment Possible duplicate. See Eagle sp.

280). 1880 Highland Cape Wrath, Sutherland, shot, 12th May.

("C." Field 22nd May 1880: 654).

History "C." (1880) in The Field of 22nd May, Vol. LV. p. 654, says: 'A magnificent specimen of the Sea Eagle (or Erne) was shot on the 12th at Cape Wrath by Col. Colquhoun, eldest son of the author of The Moor and the Loch. It is being preserved by Mr. Small, George Street, Edinburgh.'

281). 1880 Shetland Nesting, Mainland, shot, October.

(J. T. Garriock, Zoologist 1881: 145; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 51; Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 1881).

History J. T. Garriock of Lerwick (1881) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. V. p. 145, says: 'I have procured a specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, in accidental or albino plumage, bluish white, similar to the Herring Gull. A pair of them were seen, and this one shot. I sent it to the naturalist for the Edinburgh Museum for preservation, and it is now in my possession. While in Edinburgh it was exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society on the 9th November, and a note was sent me to the effect that only one other bird in this plumage is in Scotland. This is in the Dunrobin Museum, and was shot in Sutherland.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. p. 51, says: 'An albino shot at Nesting in Shetland in Oct., 1880, as reported to me by Mr. Garrioch, who has temporarily placed it in the Museum at Lerwick. It was exhibited at Roy. Phys. Soc. meeting, Edin., in Nov., 1880.'

Comment The sight record is ignored.

282). 1880 Meirionnydd Craig yr Aderyn, seen, 13th November.

(Pritchard, 2012).

History Pritchard (2012) states that there was one at Craig yr Aderyn on 13th November 1880.

283). 1880-81 Dorset Kimmeridge, seen, winter.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888, 2nd ed.) says: 'One was seen at Kimmeridge during the winter of 1880, and after remaining there several weeks, left without suffering the usual fate of rare birds.'

284). c. 1880 Argyll Balnahard, Colonsay, trapped, undated.

(Loder, 1935; Jardine, Clarke & Clarke, 1986).

History Jardine, Clarke & Clarke (1986) state that one was trapped about 1880 at Balnahard (Loder 1935).

285). c. 1880 Devon Lundy, shot, undated, now at Ilfracombe Museum.

(Moore, 1969).

History Moore (1969) states that an example in the Ilfracombe Museum was shot on Lundy about 1880.

286). 1880 Hertfordshire Hitchin, immature, shot, undated.

(Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 6: 127; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History Sage (1959) states that an immature was shot at Hitchin during 1880.

287). 1881 Northumberland Goswick and Holy Island, seen, January to March.

(Chapman, 1889; Bolam, 1912).

History Chapman (1889: 267-268) says: 'Birds of prey can hardly be included in the category of wildfowl, and indeed a list of the Raptores which are met with on salt water would be very nearly as laconic as the well-known work on the 'Reptiles of Ireland' there are no birds of prey on salt water. Yet the two following instances of the occurrence of these rare visitors are perhaps worth recording in this chapter of odds and ends. In the very hard weather towards the end of January, 1881, a large Eagle (probably the White-tailed Sea Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla) appeared on the Northumbrian coast, near Goswick, and remained for several weeks, frequenting the slakes, where he fed on the plentiful supply of "pensioners" which that hard winter produced. This Eagle was seen daily by fishermen and others, and of course strenuous efforts were made to secure him, but always in vain, though several guns were often engaged at a time. He appeared to roost among the sand-links, which are very extensive, at times alighting on some disused buildings, and by day was usually seen sitting on the sands. I did not chance to fall in with the Eagle on any of my visits to the coast, but Mr. Bell, the mail-carrier, tells me he saw him almost every day, usually "sitting on the sands eating a 'Ware-goose' (= Brent), and with half a dozen Grey Crows perched all around and close to him". He remained till well on in March, when, of course, the supply of "pensioners" ceased to exist....In answer to a question as to size [of a Kite], S. remarked that it "was not half so big as the Eagle (of 1881): that bird was as large as a canny-sized laddie sitting on the sands!".'

288). 1881 Sussex Shoreham-by-Sea, immature, obtained, February.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Borrer (1891: 3) says: 'An immature bird was obtained at Shoreham harbour, in February 1881, where it had been seen for a few days feeding on the rejectaments on the beach, picking up its food near the water, and retiring with it to the full of the beach, where it was very difficult to approach.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 311).

289). 1881 Ayrshire Ailsa Craig, shot, undated, now at Culzean Castle.

(Paton & Pike, 1929; Hogg, 1983).

History Paton & Pike (1929) state that Cassidy, the gamekeeper at Culzean, says: 'The only record That I have of this bird is of one that was shot on Ailsa Craig in 1881, and is now preserved in Culzean Castle.'

290). 1881-82 Norfolk Between Hunstanton and Holme-next-the-Sea, shot, winter.

(J. Tuck, Zoologist 1882: 393-394).

History Julian Tuck of Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series. Vol. VI. pp. 393-394, says: '...A specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, which I have not seen recorded in The Zoologist, was shot near Hunstanton last winter. He frequented the neighbourhood for some time, especially the grounds of Hunstanton Hall, where orders were given for his protection, but he left this safe retreat for the bleak sand-hills or "meals" between Hunstanton and Holme; here he was unsuccessfully shot at again and again, on one occasion leaving behind him (to quote my informant's words) "enough down to fill a peck-basket". However, he was at last stalked by an old gunner, who got a sitting shot at close range, aimed at the Eagle's head and knocked him over - a most inglorious ending for so noble a bird!'

291). 1881-82 Suffolk Ramsholt Marshes, Bawdsey, seen, winter.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'Bawdsey, several seen in the winters of 1881 and 1882 in Ramsholt Marshes (Newson, the ferryman, v.v.).'

292). 1882 Outer Hebrides Near Stornoway, Lewis, immature male, obtained, 6th March, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3912).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen.

293). 1882 Outer Hebrides Near Uig, Stornoway, Lewis, immature female, obtained, 2nd June, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3913).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was a very large dark bird showing no signs of white in tail.

294). 1882 Norfolk/Suffolk Browston, Belton, immature female, shot, 9th December.

(Babington, 1884-86; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 412; Allard, 1990).

History Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'An immature female shot at Browston, Belton, Dec. 9, 1882; in Mr. Lowne's possession (W. Lowne in litt, who had it from Mr. Buxton, of Fritton Hall).'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 412, says: 'Example shot at Belton, Dec., 9th, 1882.'

295). 1882 Orkney Viera, immature, shot, mid-December.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1891).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1891) say: 'Mr. J. Barnett has a note of one shot on the island of Viera, a day or two before Christmas, 1882, apparently a young bird.'

296). 1882-83 Suffolk Ramsholt Marshes, Bawdsey, seen, winter.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'Bawdsey, several seen in the winters of 1881 and 1882 in Ramsholt Marshes (Newson, the ferryman, v.v.).'

297). 1883 Shropshire Hawkstone, March.

(Forrest, 1899; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History Forrest (1899: 135) says: '...has occurred at least eight times in the County, most, if not all, being immature. The most recent were at Hawkstone, March, 1883.'

298). 1883 Lincolnshire Edenham, near Bourne, immature male, shot, 2nd November.

(J. Cullingford, Zoologist 1883: 501; J. Evans, Field 15th Dec., 1883: 809; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History J. Cullingford of the University Museum, Durham (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 501, says: 'On November 2nd an immature specimen of Haliaetus albicilla was shot in South Lincolnshire. It is a male in dark plumage, with dark mottled plumage. It was in good condition, but the maw was perfectly empty. The measurements are - total length from tip of bill to end of tail, 3ft.; expanse of wings, 7 ft. 2 in.'

J. Evans of Bourne (1883) in The Field of 15th Dec., Vol. LXII. p. 809, says: 'The following have occurred during November and up to the present time: Nov. 2, White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicella), killed at Edenham, near Bourne...The above birds have been forwarded to me for preservation, and they may be seen for a few days previous to being sent home. The eagle is a young bird; it measured 2ft. 10in. long and 7ft. across the wings. It was shot by Mr. Close.'

299). Pre 1884 Suffolk Sizewell, killed, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'One killed at Sizewell, near Leiston, many years ago, feeding upon a dead pike, in possession of Col. Thelusson (Hele, Ald., 68, 69).'

300). 1885 Hampshire/Dorset Wilverley Plain, New Forest, adult male, July; same Hengistbury Head, Dorset, summer.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993; Green, 2004).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158) say: 'Mr. Meade-Waldo says: "Those that visit the New Forest district are usually immature birds", but in July, 1885, he saw, "a fine adult male rise out of a bog on the Wilverley Hills, and after taking one or two circles came over us at a good height, the sun shining through his white tail. I afterwards found that this Eagle roosted most of the summer on the beacon at Hengistbury Head".'

Accepted locally (Clark & Eyre 1993: 154).

301). 1885 Kent Minster Marshes, Thanet, immature female, shot, 12th November, now at Canterbury Museum.

(P. E. Coombe, Zoologist 1886: 27; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 7: 48; Dowker, 1889; Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Percy E. Coombe of 23, Carlyle Place, London (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 27, says: 'The recent occurrence on two occasions of the Sea Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla, in Kent, no doubt whilst on their southern migration, is a matter of much interest. Both specimens are young birds; one, a female, shot at Minster, early in November, is described by a local ornithologist who examined it as measuring 3 ft. 1 in. in length, with an expanse of wings of 8 ft., and weighing 10 lbs. I send you photographs of both.' [We are much obliged for the photographs, which have duly reached us. They show clearly that both birds are young Sea Eagles, and not Golden Eagles, as recently stated in some of the daily papers. - Ed.]

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1886) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1885, 7th report, p. 48, say: 'Immature male and female shot in Kent early in November, and another seen.'

Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 288) say: 'Mr. G. Dowker, in his Birds of East Kent, 1889, gives a summary of these birds in that part of the county: viz.: One Sea-Eagle shot many years ago by the Rev. B. Austen, at Weatherless Hill, in the Minster marshes.'

Ticehurst (1909: 275) says: 'The Rev. B. Austen, of Walmer, has a specimen which he shot, Dowker tells us (1889), "many years ago" at Weatherless Hill, in the Minster Marshes.'

302). 1885 Norfolk Beechamwell, shot, 16th November.

(T. Southwell, Field 5th Dec., 1885: 785).

History Thomas Southwell of Norwich (1885) in The Field of 5th Dec., Vol. LXVI. p. 785, says: 'An immature White-tailed Eagle was shot at Beechamwell, near Swaffham, on the 16th of November. As usual, it was announced in the local papers as a Golden Eagle.'

[It is curious how often this mistake is made; and yet the two species may be readily distinguished, in, independently of size and colour, by the great difference in their feet, the Golden Eagle having the legs feathered to the toes, while in the Sea Eagle the legs are bare. - Ed.]

303). c. 1885 Kent Dover, shot, undated.

(Land and Water 28th Jan., 1885; Dowker, 1889; Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907).

History Dowker (1889: 21) and Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 289) say: 'Sometime after the last bird had been shot [November 1885] another was seen in the marshes, which got away, but I find from a letter which appeared in Land and Water, January 28, 1888, that a similar bird was shot by a gentleman at Dover about the year 1885, and is now in the collection of Mr. Walter Bates, of Fulham.'

304). 1885 Kent Eastwell Park, Thanet, immature male, shot, undated.

(P. E. Coombe, Zoologist 1886: 27; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 7: 48; Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907; Harrison, 1953).

History Percy E. Coombe of 23, Carlyle Place, London (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 27, says: 'The recent occurrence on two occasions of the Sea Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla, in Kent, no doubt whilst on their southern migration, is a matter of much interest. Both specimens are young birds; ...The second bird, a young male, shot at Eastwell Park, is smaller than the other, and perhaps related to it, differing also in having the neck-feathers of a rich dark brown, instead of the grey-tipped feathers of the female. I send you photographs of both.'

[We are much obliged for the photographs, which have duly reached us. They show clearly that both birds are young Sea Eagles, and not Golden Eagles, as recently stated in some of the daily papers. - Ed.]

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1886) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1885, 7th report, p. 48, say: 'Immature male and female shot in Kent early in November, and another seen.'

Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 289) say: 'Soon after this [November 1885] another was shot near Eastwell Park, and is now in the possession of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh; this latter is a male, and a young bird.'

305). c. 1886 Hampshire Cadland, shot, undated.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158) say: 'About 1886, a White-tailed Eagle was shot at Cadland, and is now preserved in Cadland House.'

306). 1887 Dorset Fontmell Down, shot, 29th October.

(G. White, Field 5th Nov., 1887: 711).

History G. White of Salisbury (1887) in The Field of 5th Nov., Vol. LXX. p. 711, under 'Sea Eagle near Salisbury', says: 'A Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was shot at Fonthill [sic], near Salisbury, on Saturday last (Oct. 29), measuring 7 ft. 10 in. across the wings, and 3 ft. 4 in. length.'

Comment Presumed Fontmell Down which is twenty miles to the west in Dorset.

307). 1887 Norfolk Hoveton, male, shot, 16th November.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1888: 82).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 82, says: 'A young Sea Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla, was shot on Nov. 16th at Hoveton, and stuffed by Mr. J. A. Cole, who found it to be a male on dissection. It had been seen in the neighbourhood for a week or more, and was shot in a field by the railway.'

308). 1887 Derbyshire Cuckoo Stone Moor, immature, shot, November.

(G. T. Groves, Field 3rd Dec., 1887: 852; A. T. H. Evans, Field 10th Dec., 1887: 907; "G.T.G." Field 17th Dec., 1887: 944; Whitlock, 1893).

History G. T. Groves (1887) in The Field of 3rd Dec., Vol. LXX. p. 852, says: 'On Nov. 26 Thomas Hancock, a keeper in the service of Colonel Pountain, of Barrow Hall, Barrow-on-Trent, near Matlock, was out with a spaniel. The animal, when about forty yards in advance, suddenly gave a yelp, and, on looking in the direction, the keeper saw an enormous bird strike at the dog. Perceiving the man, the bird was startled and took flight, when the keeper shot at and wounded it. It fell to the ground, and he had no difficulty in killing it with a stick. He then found it to be a Golden Eagle, measuring in extent of wing about 6 ft. 8 in., and some 3¼ ft. from the head to the extremity of the talons, while the wing feathers are quite 23 in. in length. The bird has been on view at the Queen's Hotel, Matlock Bridge, and will in all probability be forwarded to the British Museum. It is now some years since a Golden Eagle was seen in this district. In 1843 one was seen and shot at, but not captured, on the Matlock Rocks; and twenty-three years earlier a specimen was taken alive at Glossop, while about the same period another was observed at Cromford; one was also shot at unsuccessfully about 1770 in Hardwick Park, one of the seats of the Duke of Devonshire.'

[Is our correspondent quite sure that the bird in question is not a young Sea Eagle, which is more often met with than the Golden Eagle? See our note on this subject in last week's Field, p. 829, in which we pointed out the distinguishing characters of the two species. - Eds.]

A. T. H. Evans (1887) in The Field of 10th Dec., Vol. LXX. p. 907, says: 'As joint lessee with Capt. Hardisty of Col. Pountain's shooting at Matlock Moor for the season, I went down on Dec. 2 to learn all about the eagle our keeper shot, and, on investigation, I find that it is not a Golden Eagle, but, as you rightly summarise, it is an Erne, or Sea Eagle, and I should judge not a very old one - say, about two years. I write this as I imagine your readers would like the question raised by you settled.'

[We are obliged for the information, which shows how necessary it is when the capture of a rare bird or other animal is reported, to make sure that the species has been correctly identified. - Ed.]

"G.T.G." (1887) in The Field of 17th Dec., Vol. LXX. p. 944, says: 'Although Mr. Evans has already stated in your columns that the eagle recently shot near Matlock, was not, as first reported, the Golden Eagle, but an Erne or Sea Eagle, a few further particulars, furnished by Mr. A. S. Hutchinson, taxidermist, of London Road, Derby, may be of interest. The eagle was forwarded to him for preservation for Col. Pountain, of Barrow Hall, near Derby, upon whose estate it was shot. From its appearance it is probably in its second year's plumage, and similar in colour to the Golden Eagle at this age. On examining the crop, Mr. Hutchinson found it contained a quantity of hare's flesh, with a leg bone over three inches in length, so that it could hardly have been hunger that caused it to attack as it did the gamekeeper's dog. Probably the dog disturbed it while devouring its prey.'

Whitlock (1893: 133-134) adds: 'Mr. J. B. E. Blackwall informs me that Cuckoo Stone Moor is the actual locality where this Eagle was killed. It is now in the possession of Mr. Eadle, of Barrow-on-Trent.'

309). 1887 Berkshire Rapley Lake, near Bagshot, immature female, shot, 23rd December.

(E. Hart, Field 7th Jan., 1888: 25; Noble, 1906; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996).

History Edward Hart of Christchurch (1888) in The Field of 7th Jan., Vol. LXXI. p. 25, says: 'Readers of The Field may have noticed in the daily papers the reported capture of a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetus) near Bagshot, Surrey. I wish to take this opportunity to correct this, it being an immature White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), a female; total length, 35in.; from the carpal joint to end of wing 27½in.; alar extent, 7ft. 5in. Head, wings, and underparts rich brown, back very light, the feathers of the lesser wing coverts and scapulars being rich ochre tipped with brown, tail brown. It was observed chasing the wildfowl on Rapley Lake, and shot from a spruce fir on the morning of Dec. 23. Having procured the bird, anyone wishing to see it can do so by calling at my museum.'

Noble (1906 (1): 153) in the Victoria County History of Berkshire, says: 'In 1887 another was shot at Rapley Lake, Bagshot, by one of the keepers, and is or was in the collection of Mr. Hart of Christchurch, Hants (Long in litt. to Bucknill).'

310). 1887 Devon Tiverton, female, shot, 24th December.

(Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

History Pidsley (1891: 75) says: 'A female specimen was shot at Fordland's Farm, Tiverton, by Mr. R. S. Norrish, on December 24th, 1887.'

311). 1888 Norfolk Between Postwick and Plumstead, seen, early November to 23rd December when found dead.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1889: 136).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 136, says: 'At the beginning of November a Sea Eagle took up its quarters at Postwick and Plumstead, and, Mr. Buxton and Mr. Birkbeck having given their keepers orders to protect it, remained there for a long time, but on December 23rd it was found dead. Mr. Southwell and I went several times to look for it, but could not obtain a view of it until at length we saw it in the hands of Mr. Gunn, of Norwich, for preservation. The prevailing direction of the wind this month was S. and S.W.'

312). c. 1888 Kent Eastwell Park, Thanet, immature male, killed, undated.

(Dowker, 1889; Harrison, 1953).

History Dowker (1889: 21) says: 'Soon after this [November 1885] another specimen was shot near Eastwell Park, and is now in the possession of the Duke of Edinburgh; this latter was a male and, like the other, a young bird.'

Harrison (1953) states that an immature male was killed in Eastwell Park (Dowker).

313). c. 1888 Kent Stour Marshes, shot, undated.

(Land and Water 28th Jan., 1888; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909) says: 'The second was seen in the Stour Marshes, and escaped for the time being, but was apparently shot later by a gentleman at Dover, and passed into the hands of Mr. Walter Bates, of Fulham (Land and Water, 28,I., 1888).'

Harrison (1953) states that one was seen in the Stour Marshes then subsequently shot.

314). 1888-89 Hampshire Cadland area, seen, winter.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158) say: 'In the winter of 1888-89, another specimen was at large in the same neighbourhood [Cadnam], and remained there for some two or three months.'

315). Pre 1889 Kent Weatherless Hill, Minster Marshes, Thanet, shot, undated.

(Dowker, 1889; Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907).

History Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 288) say: 'Mr. G. Dowker, in his Birds of East Kent, 1889, gives a summary of these birds in that part of the county: viz.: One Sea-Eagle shot many years ago by the Rev. B. Austen, at Weatherless Hill, in the Minster marshes.'

316). 1889 Yorkshire Spurn, two: one immature female shot, 28th October, the other seen to the 7th November.

(J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 16: 10; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 365; Nelson, 1907).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1890) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVI. p. 10, says: 'A young female, measuring 8 ft. in extent of wing, was shot by Mr. J. C. Clubley, with a charge of No. 8, in the head, on October 28th, skimming low down over the bents near the chalk embankment at Spurn; another was seen at the same time. Presumably, the second bird was again seen near the point at Spurn on November 7th by Mr. Townsend, of the coast-guard, and the others. Mr. Townsend told me he was very near the bird.'

J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 365, quotes from the above.

Nelson (1907 (1): 337) says: 'The late J. Cordeaux writing in the Naturalist (1890, p. 10), recorded the occurrence of two, one of which, an immature female, measuring eight feet in extent of wings, was killed on 28th October 1889, by Mr. G. E. Clubley, with a charge of No. 8 in the head, while skimming over the bents at Spurn. (See also Zoologist 1891: 365).'

318). 1889 Norfolk Holt, female, obtained, November.

(Pashley, 1925).

History Pashley (1925) under 'List of Cley Birds', says: 'Female taken at Holt in November 1889 (now in Connop collection).'

319). 1890 Norfolk Wretham, shot, 10th January.

(T. J. Gayford, Field 18th Jan., 1890: 83; Norfolk Chronicle Jan., 1890; P. R. Allard, Norfolk Bird & Mammal Report 2011: 16).

History T. J. Gayford of Wretham (1890) in The Field of 18th Jan., Vol. LXXV. p. 83, says: 'On Friday last, Jan. 10, James Brown, keeper, shot, near Wretham decoy, a White-tailed Eagle, weighing 9 lb. Mr. Sydney Morris has sent it to Mr. Gunn, taxidermist, St. Giles's, Norwich, who pronounces it a fine specimen.'

320). 1890 Somerset Quantocks, two, seen, January.

(M. A. Mathew, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 39: 117).

History M. A. Mathew (1893) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. XXXIX. p. 117, says: 'In 1890, two frequented the Quantocks, at the beginning of the year, and frightened the farmers by carrying off their lambs.'

322). 1890 Lincolnshire Southrey, near Bardney, shot, 8th November.

(C. Delmar, Field 15th Nov., 1890: 746).

History Charles Delmar (1890) in The Field, of 15th November, p. 746, says: 'On Saturday last, the 8th inst., an eagle, supposed to be a golden one, was shot in Squire Viner's wood at Southrey, near Bardney, Lincolnshire, by a lad named Holmes, of Tupholme, who was at the time in company with George Woodcock, the gamekeeper. The bird measures 6ft. tin. across the wings, and weighs 11lb. The keeper says: that he had seen the bird some time back, but could not get near it. On Saturday, whilst making his rounds, his attention was attracted by the behaviour and excitement of a lot of crows, and on going to see the cause, the eagle rose and flew into the wood, and then settled. The keeper, judging that if driven the bird would return to the spot from which it had first been disturbed, posted Holmes under cover, and then making a circuit drove it back to Holmes, when the latter fired at it, and succeeded in breaking one of its wings. The eagle showed fight, and took a piece out of the Keeper's thumb, and also struck out vigorously with its feet. The bird was gorged with rabbit.'

323). 1890 Northumberland Eshott, near Morpeth, shot, 1st December.

(H. T. Archer, Naturalist 1891: 6; Bolam, 1912).

History H. T. Archer (1891) in The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 6. says: 'A female of the above species was shot at Eshott, on the estate of Mr. Bainbridge, on Dec. 1st. It was in the second year's plumage. Length, 3 ft. 3 ft. 3 in.; expanse of wings 7 ft. 6 in.; weight 10 lbs. 6 oz.; contents of stomach, Rabbit. There were two birds, but the other managed to escape. The one shot I saw in the flesh at Mr. Duncan the naturalist's on arrival, and it is a magnificent specimen, in beautifully bright plumage.'

Bolam (1912) says: 'On 1st December 1890, one, in the possession of Mr. Bainbridge of Espley, which weighed 10 lbs 6 ozs. and measured 7 feet 6 inches in expanse, and 3 feet 3 inches in length, was shot at Eshott, near Morpeth, and set up by Mr. Robert Duncan, of Newcastle, who kindly supplied me with particulars of it. It was not mature, but was, he considered, more than one year old, its stomach contained the remains of a rabbit. There were two of the birds together when this one was killed, but the other escaped, for the time being at any rate, though a second Erne killed near the same place in March, 1891, may perhaps have been the same bird.'

Comment The sight record is ignored.

324). 1890-91 Essex No locality, immature, shot, winter.

(Glegg, 1929).

History Glegg (1929) states that Dr. Laver recorded having seen, at Pettitt's, an immature bird, shot locally, at the end of 1890.

325). 1891 Yorkshire Near Kilnsea, adult, 23rd January.

(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 365).

History J. Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 365, says: 'A remarkably fine adult with a white tail was seen by Mr. Clubley, who attempted to stalk it, while it rested on a block of ice on the coast near Kilnsea, on Jan. 23rd, 1891.'

326). 1891 Warwickshire Stratford-upon-Avon, immature, 24th January.

(G. W. Quartremaine, Field 28th Feb., 1891: 289; Norris, 1947; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History G. W. Quartremaine (1891) in The Field of 28th Feb., Vol. LXXVII. p. 289, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to hear that a Golden Eagle has recently been seen in Warwickshire. On Jan. 24 last, while walking on the road between Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick, and within a mile of the former town, I saw an eagle gracefully wheeling above a small covert about 100 yards from the road; it was being mobbed by a number of Rooks. Wheeling much nearer to where I stood, it perched upon a large elm tree, and I could distinctly see its markings, and comparing them with three specimens of the Golden Eagle which I have recently preserved in different stages of plumage, it was evidently a young male. It remained in the tree a short time, and then majestically sailed away in a northerly direction, and, as I have not heard of the capture of an eagle since the above date, I trust he has found sanctuary "once again among the craigs and peaks" of Scotland.'

[We have no reason to doubt our correspondent's ability to distinguish an eagle on the wing, for we are aware that he has had some experience of these birds. But whether he is correct in identifying the particular bird seen by him as a Golden Eagle is another matter. It is more likely, in our opinion, to have been an immature Sea Eagle, which species is of much more frequent occurrence in England during the autumn and winter months. - Ed.]

Norris (1947) states the third record for Warwickshire was seen on the Warwick Road a mile out of Stratford-on-Avon on 14th January 1891. It was originally described as a Golden Eagle, but Lord Lilford pointed out that it was more likely to have been this species, in fact, one shot on 14th February at Kettering may well have been the same bird.

327). 1891 Leicestershire & Rutland Exton, seen, 3rd to 5th February.

(Haines, 1907; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).

History Haines (1907: 97) says: 'An eagle, species not absolutely identified, but without reasonable doubt an Erne, was seen February 3, 1891, and the two followings days at Exton Ponds, by W. Whittington, the keeper.' Fray et al (2009) accept it as a White-tailed Eagle.

328). 1891 Northamptonshire Oakley, female, shot, 24th February.

(Lord Lilford, Zoologist 1892: 203-204; Lilford, 1895).

History Lord Lilford of Lilford Hall, Oundle (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. pp. 203-204, says: '27th [February]. I hear from Mr. H. Field that a Sea Eagle had been shot at Oakley on the evening of the 24th inst., and sent to him next day for preservation. I sent a competent person over to Kettering at once to make enquiry about this bird, and obtained the following details: - It was shot by a man in the employ of Mr. Northen, tenant of Oakley Lodge, who had noticed it about all afternoon of 24th inst. "Through the dense fog, it did not go far away; so he sent one of his men across the field gently, as the bird could see him, and he crept up close to it under the hedge, so shot it through the neck, and broke one wing". This bird, as Mr. Field informed me, was a female, and measured 3 ft. 4 in. in total length, 8 ft. in expanse of wings, and weighed about 8 lbs. It was eventually obtained for preservation by Sir R. de Capel Brooke, the owner of the farm upon which it was "done to death".'

Accepted locally for Northamptonshire (Lilford 1895 (1) : 6-7).

329). 1891 Derbyshire Hathersage, shot, October.

(Whitlock, 1893).

History Whitlock (1893: 134) says: 'In October, 1891, another White-tailed Eagle was shot only a little distance from the Derwent moors at Hathersage. It was preserved, and it is now in the possession of Mr. George H. Cammell, of Brookfield Manor. He informs me it was shot by his keeper as it sat upon a wall. It seemed in no hurry to escape. Its crop contained the remains of Grouse and rabbits. In expanse it measured 7 feet 6 inches.'

330). 1891 Yorkshire Scalby Ness, Scarborough, two: one immature caught, 7th November; another, seen, 8th and 9th November.

(W. J. Clarke, Zoologist 1891: 470; Nelson, 1907).

History Wm. J. Clarke of Scarborough (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 470, says: 'On Nov. 7th a nice specimen of the White-tailed Eagle was shot at near Scarborough by Mr. William Wright. Its captor states that, while lying in wait for wildfowl at Scalby Ness, he perceived a large bird, which he took to be a Heron, slowly flying across the water, followed and harassed in its flight by a number of Hooded Crows. On reaching the shore it immediately alighted on the cliff, where Mr. Wright was fortunate enough to get within twenty-five yards, bringing it down with a charge of No. 4 shot. The bird, being only wounded, made a powerful resistance, and its captor had no little difficulty in securing it. On examination it proved to be an immature bird in good condition, measuring 34½ in. from beak to tail, and over 7 ft. in expanse of wing. Mr. Wright did not appear quite clear as to whether there were two of the birds or not; but the matter was settled beyond question later in the day by the appearance of another Eagle, presumably of the same species. It was again seen on the 8th, and on the 9th, being on the north shore early in the morning. I was fortunate enough to see it. It was slowly flying in a southerly direction, about 250 yards out to sea, and finally disappeared over the cliffs. Judging from the size, which appeared somewhat smaller than the one secured, it was probably the male bird. The one shot is now being preserved for the local Museum.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 337) says: 'At Scalby, near Scarborough, Mr. W. J. Clarke recorded (Zoologist 1891: 470), the capture of an immature specimen on 7th November 1891, a second bird being seen on the two following days.'

332). 1891 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 20th October and 13th November.

(Pashley, 1925).

History Pashley (1925) under 'List of Cley Birds', says: 'One seen at Cley, October 20th, 1891; another, November 13th, 1891.'

Comment I have presumed these to be one and the same.

333). 1891 Devon Dartmouth, immature female, trapped, autumn.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892) say: 'An immature female was trapped at Dartmouth in the autumn of that year (J.B.R.).'

334). 1891 Cornwall St Austell area, seen, late December.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 439, 2nd ed.) under 'Additions & Corrections' say: 'Mr. J. C. Williams, of Caerhayes Castle, St Austell, saw an Eagle at the end of December 1891, which several times approached within twenty yards of him. From his familiarity with the bird in Scotland, he believed that he recognized it to be a Golden Eagle, but it was more probably a specimen of the White-tailed Eagle. For this information of this interesting occurrence we are indebted to the Rev. W. Willimott.'

335). 1891-92 Norfolk Holkham, seen, winter.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1892: 398-399).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. pp. 398-399, says: 'During the winter of 1891-92 there was nothing very remarkable to report....A Sea Eagle frequented Holkham, and was seen by Colonel Fielden and Mr. Napier, but was not shot, I am happy to say.'

336). 1892 Suffolk Rushbrooke, immature, shot, 1st January.

(J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1892: 114).

History J. G. Tuck of Tostock Rectory, Bury St Edmunds (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 114, says: 'In addition to those already recorded (p. 29) the following raptorial migrants have occurred: - "...an immature White-tailed Eagle (of course announced in the local paper as a Golden Eagle), shot at Rushbrooke on Jan. 1st, which, by the kindness of the owner, I was permitted to examine in the flesh".'

337). 1892 Shropshire Bucknell, 9th March.

(Anon., The Caradoc 1892: 25; Forrest, 1899; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History Anon. (1892) in The Caradoc, p. 25, says: 'March 9. Bucknell. A wounded bird caught.'

Forrest (1899: 135) says: '...has occurred at least eight times in the County, most, if not all, being immature. The most recent were at...Bucknell, 1892.'

338). 1892 Yorkshire Bushy Stoop, Thirsk, two, seen, 14th April.

(R. Lee, Field 23rd Apr., 1892: 585).

History Robert Lee of Market Place, Thirsk (1892) in The Field of 23rd Apr., Vol. LXXIX. p. 585, says: 'On April 14 two White-tailed Eagles were seen at the Bushy Stoop brick ponds by Mr. James Boden. He informs me that he first saw them at no great height, circling round each other, and sometimes giving a loud harsh scream, till, soaring upwards to a great height, they went off in a southerly direction.'

340). 1892 Norfolk Breydon Water, 2nd May.

(A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 411; Allard, 1990).

History A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 412, says: 'One on Breydon, May 2nd, 1892.'

341). 1892 Yorkshire Near Roos, seen, 2nd May.

(J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 18: 217-218).

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1892) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVIII. pp. 217-218, says: 'Sea Eagle. May 2nd. Mr. David Pye, of Easington, and two others, when to-day driving near Roos rabbit-warren, saw an eagle on a bank top. When one of their number alighted and attempted to approach, it rose slowly and very heavily; it was last seen by them beating to and fro over a field containing some ewes and lambs. Mr. Pye said the tail was nearly white. It was about this date, as Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh informs me, that his keeper in Lincolnshire observed a large bird of prey, much larger than a heron, on the wing near Grainby Hall.'

342). 1892 Norfolk Northrepps, seen, 7th November; same, Runton, shot, 8th November.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1894: 84; Allard, 1990).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 84, says: 'Nov. 7th. A Sea Eagle was seen at Northrepps, first on an ash tree, and then on the wing, mobbed by Rooks; it was shot next day at Runton.'

343). 1892 Essex Virley, shot, undated.

(Glegg, 1929).

History Glegg (1929) states that one owned by Dr. J. H. Salter was shot at Virley in 1892.

344). 1893 Yorkshire Leven, near Beverley, adult, shot, 2nd January.

(Stuart, Field 7th Jan., 1893: 15; F. Boyes, Field 21st Jan., 1893: 66; Nelson, 1907).

History Stuart of Eastgate, Beverley (1893) in The Field of 7th Jan., Vol. LXXXI. p. 15, says: 'A fine specimen of the White-tailed or Sea Eagle was shot at Leven, near here, by Mr. C. F. Metcalf on Jan. 2 and has been sent to me for preservation. It weighs 10½ lb., and measures from tip to tip of wings 6 ft. 10¾ in.'

F. Boyes of Beverley (1893) in The Field of 21st Jan., Vol. LXXXI. p. 66, dated 4th January, says: 'Having examined the White-tailed Eagle shot near Beverley, as recorded in your last issues (p. 15), I find that it is a fine adult specimen. Although several immature birds of this species - which, by the way, is much more common than the Golden Eagle - have been shot in East Yorkshire, this is the first instance of a really adult bird which has come under my notice.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 337) says: 'In The Field of 7th January, 1893, Mr. Stuart of Beverley described a bird, captured at Leven on the 2nd of the same month, which was brought to him to preserve. it measured six feet ten and three-quarter inches in expanse of wings and weighed ten-an-half pounds. Mr. F. Boyes, who examined the specimen, expresses the opinion that it was an adult.'

345). 1893 Dorset Heron Court, Christchurch, Hampshire, killed, 9th January.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158-159) say: 'In the Earl of Malmesbury's collection at Heron Court, are two specimens killed on the estate - one, a magnificent bird, on January 9th, 1893.'

346). 1893 Cornwall Bude Haven, immature, shot, November.

(Western Morning News 21st Nov., 1893; J. E. Harting, Field 9th Dec., 1893: 901; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895; Penhallurick, 1978).

History J. E. Harting (1893) in The Field of 9th Dec., Vol. LXXXII. p. 901, says: 'A correspondent of the Western Morning News lately announced (Nov. 21) that a Golden Eagle had just been shot in North Cornwall, near Bude, and from his reference to the well-known work on British birds by Yarrell, it might be supposed that he was an expert, and that the identification of the bird by him was correct. It appears, however, that he does not know a Golden Eagle when he sees it. The bird in question having been forwarded to London for preservation, to Messrs. Rowland Ward and Co., I was favoured with a sight of it on its arrival, and found it to be an immature White-tailed or Sea Eagle, about two years old. It is well, therefore, that the report which has gone the round of the papers should be contradicted.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 16, 2nd ed.) under 'Supplement', say: 'An immature of this species was shot at Bude Haven in Nov. 1893; weight 8 lbs. ("Exeter Gazette", Nov. 25th, 1893).'

347). 1893 Surrey/Sussex Wadhurst Park, immature female, killed, 26th December.

(J. Cordeaux, Field 6th Jan., 1894: 29; "F.W.A." Field 13th Jan., 1894: 62; J. Cordeaux, Sussex and Hampshire Naturalist 2: 10; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History John Cordeaux from the Warden House, Tunbridge Wells (1894) in The Field of 6th Jan., Vol. LXXXIII. p. 29, says: 'I have just examined, in the flesh, at the shop of Mr. Louis Griffin, naturalist, of Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead, a fine immature Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), shot on Dec. 26 in Wadhurst Park. It is a female by dissection, and measures 7 ft. 10 in. in expanse of wings, and 3 ft. in total length. The bird was in good condition; the stomach contained a mass of feathers of the common Mallard, or perhaps the domestic bird. It had been seen about the locality for a fortnight previous to its destruction.'

"F.W.A." (1894) in The Field of 13th Jan., Vol. LXXXIII. p. 62, says: 'I observe, in your issue of Jan. 6, you have received an account of a Sea Eagle that was shot at Wadhurst Park on the 26th ult. Owing to its not having moulted for the third time, there was an absence of white about the tail, which led many to think it was a Golden Eagle. Its haunts was a big covert adjoining the lake, on which there are various sorts of wild duck, upon which no doubt it lived.' [We are not informed how long the bird was observed to haunt the place where it was killed. Apparently it was shot "at sight". Mr. W. Heath, a keeper, who happened to be in London on the previous day, and whose experience and observation of birds enables him to distinguish them readily on the wing, informed us that he saw an Eagle over Hyde Park in a south-easterly direction, which renders it probable that this was the bird which was shot the following day in Sussex. - Ed.]

Accepted locally for Sussex (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 311).

348). 1894 Highland Ullapool, Ross & Cromarty, immature, shot, early April.

(T. E. Buckley, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1894: 179).

History T. E. Buckley (1894) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. III. p. 179, says: 'On 7th April an immature Sea Eagle was sent by Mr. J. G. Henderson from Ullapool, Garve, to Messrs. W. Mackay and Son for preservation. The tail was turning white, that colour predominating, but the head was very dark.'

349). 1894 Norfolk Northrepps and Hemsby, seen, late October; possibly same, killed, Shottesham, 4th December.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1895: 102).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 102, says: 'December 4th. A Sea Eagle was killed at Shottesham (J. A. Cole), possibly the same which had been seen at Northrepps and afterwards at Hemsby.'

350). 1894-95 Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire Fawley Park, near Henley, immature, seen, winter.

(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1903: 13; Radford, 1966; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

History O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 13, says: 'I am indebted to Mr. Heatley Noble for the following interesting notes: - In the shooting season of 1894-5 an immature White-tailed Eagle remained for some weeks in Fawley Court Deer Park, and enjoyed the protection of Mr. Mackenzie, who on one occasion saw the Eagle settle in a tree just over his head. Mr. Noble also saw the bird.'

351). 1895 Cambridgeshire Near Milton, Northamptonshire, 25th October.

(Slater, 1902).

History H. H. Slater (1902 (1): 121) in the Victoria County History of Northamptonshire, says: 'I saw one near Milton on October 25th, 1895.'

352). 1895 Kent St Laurence-in-Thanet, immature, shot, 6th December, now at Royal Canterbury Museum.

(Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907; Ticehurst, 1909; N. McCanch, Kent Bird Report 66: 187-189).

History Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 289) say: 'Another appears to have been obtained about the same time at St. Lawrence, Kent, if not the same bird [as Eastwell Park].'

McCanch (2017) details with the aid of a photograph the specimen shot on 6th December 1895 by Alfred Edwards of Whitehall, Ramsgate as a White-tailed Eagle.

353). 1895 Kent Eastwell Park, Ashford, immature, shot, 22nd December.

(J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1896: 18; "P." Field 1st Feb., 1896: 176; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History J. E. Harting, Editor (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 18, says: '...As to the birds which were taken in Kent in December last, and were almost universally chronicled as "Golden Eagles", it may well be to give publicity to the contradiction of the statement in the following letters which were addressed to the editor of the Standard, and were printed in the issue of that paper for Dec. 30th: - "Sirs, - A notice appears in the Standard of Dec. 27th of another Golden Eagle being shot in Kent. It may interest some of your readers to learn that the one reported to have been shot at St Lawrence, Kent, a short time back (Dec. 22nd) was an immature specimen of the White-tailed Sea Eagle, and in all probability the one now reported at Eastwell will prove to belong to the same species. The Golden Eagle is very rare in the South of England, and each year its appearance becomes more and more improbable, from its ceaseless persecution, both for the sake of its eggs and skin. One cannot but deplore the ruthless slaughter of these noble birds when tired out on migration to safer and peaceful latitudes.' - F. Dyer (Grange Road, Ramsgate, Dec. 27th). "Sir, - The Eagle captured in Eastwell Park on Dec. 22nd is not a Golden Eagle, but a young specimen of the White-tailed Eagle. - J. Crockett & Sons, Naturalists (7a, Princes Street, Cavendish Square, Dec. 28th).'

"P." (1896) in The Field of 1st Feb., Vol. LXXXVII. p. 176, says: 'Lord Gerard has authorised an explanation as to how the White-tailed Eagle which recently visited Eastwell, Kent, was allowed to be shot. The bird had been hovering over the lake at Eastwell for some days, and, as it was scaring away the wild ducks, an attempt was made to drive it away, but without success, and it was consequently deemed necessary to shoot it.'

354). 1895 Hampshire Micheldever Station, immature, seen, December.

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158) say: 'Mr. Meade-Waldo says: "I saw a White-tailed Eagle sitting on the ground in the centre of a large seed-field in December, 1895, close to Micheldever station".'

Accepted locally (Clark & Eyre, 1993: 154).

355). 1895-96 Lancashire & North Merseyside Blundellsands, immature, shot, winter, now at Liverpool Museum.

(Clubb, 1914; Hardy, 1941).

History Clubb (1914: 29) says: 'Case 188. The immature specimen (wing extended) in the group, was killed at Blundellsands in the winter of 1895.'

Hardy (1941: 143) adds: 'An immature shot at Ince Blundell Park in the winter of 1895, is in the Liverpool Museum.'

356). 1896 Nottinghamshire Park Farm, Annesley, 5th to 8th November, when shot.

(J. P. Chaworth Musters, Zoologist 1896: 474; Whitaker, 1907).

History J. P. Chaworth Musters of Annesley Park, Notts. (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 474, says: 'On Nov. 8th my brother, Mr. George Musters, shot a specimen of this Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) on the Park Farm here. It measured 7 ft. 1 in. across the wings, and weighed 9¼ lb. It was in immature plumage, but not a bird of the year, probably three or four years old. It was feeding on a dead rabbit, and was first seen on Nov. 5th.'

Whitaker (1907: 162) adds: 'It now occupies a conspicuous place in Mr. P. Chaworth Musters fine collection of birds at Annesley Park.'

Comment This specimen was in the Sale Catalogue of Major & Mrs. R. P. Chaworth-Musters, of Annesley Park, Nottinghamshire, held by Henry Spencer & Sons in conjunction with Smith-Wooley & Co., on 20th-22nd March 1973 as Lot 628.

357). 1896 Shropshire Dinchope, Craven Arms, 7th November.

(Forrest, 1899; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History Forrest (1899: 135) says: '...has occurred at least eight times in the County, most, if not all, being immature. The most recent were at...Craven Arms, November 7th, 1896.'

358). 1896 Lincolnshire Beesby, near Grainsby, 8th to 17th December.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that between 8th and 17th December 1896 one was present at Beesby near Grainsby.

359). 1896 Herefordshire Near Leominster, shot, undated, now at Hereford Museum.

(Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 33) say: 'One seen near Leominster 1896, was later shot and is in Hereford Museum.'

360). 1897 Wiltshire Salisbury, seen, 31st January.

("Salisbury Journal" 6th Feb., 1897; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 286).

History G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 283, under 'Additional Species', says: 'Since the appearance of the Rev. A. C. Smith's 'Birds of Wiltshire' in 1887 many new county records have naturally occurred. I now propose to give the more interesting of those I have collected, some of which have been published before, but many of which are now published for the first time. Perhaps the presentation of these in a collected form may cause other records to be brought to light. Smith records the occurrence of 235 species, but he was too wont - to use his own words - to "give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt"....One was seen at Salisbury on January 31st, 1897 (Salisbury Journal, Feb. 6th, 1897).'

361). 1897 Yorkshire Boynton, adult female, obtained, 8th February.

(M. Bailey, Naturalist 23: 80; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 23: 237; Nelson, 1907).

History Matthew Bailey of Flamborough (1897) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIII. p. 80, dated 18th February, 1897, says: '...A very large Eagle has been seen on the Headland for weeks. I should imagine it to have been the one shot the other day at Boynton.'

John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1897)) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIII. p. 237, says: 'A fine adult female, the fore parts light-coloured and tail white, was shot in the winter of 1896-7 at Thorpe, near Bridlington. It is now in Mr. Machin's [sic] shop at the quay.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 337) says: 'Mr. T. Machen of Bridlington, who informed me that he had an adult female, taken at Boynton, on Sir C. Strickland's estate, on 8th February 1897, which may have been the individual reported by Mr. M. Bailey (Naturalist 1897: 80), as having been observed for a some days in the vicinity of Flamborough.'

Comment These notices are presumed to refer to this one record through it being an adult female and being preserved by Mr. Machin.

362). 1897 Kent Hampton, caught, March.

(Ticehurst, 1909).

History Ticehurst (1909) says: 'Two other birds, which were probably of this species, were reported in different newspapers in 1897. One was said to have been captured at Hampton in March, and the other at Mersham in September.'

363). 1897 Kent Mersham, caught, September.

(Ticehurst, 1909).

History Ticehurst (1909) says: 'Two other birds, which were probably of this species, were reported in different newspapers in 1897. One was said to have been captured at Hampton in March, and the other at Mersham in September.'

364.0). 1897-98 Northamptonshire Blatherwycke, winter.

(Taylor MS., 1959).

History Taylor MS. (1959) states that one which was presumably the same individual spent several months at Blatherwycke during the winters of 1897-98, 1898-99, 1900-01 and 1901-02.

365. 1897 Kent Penshurst Park, shot, undated.

(Harrison, 1953).

History Harrison (1953 (1): 237) was informed by Boyd Alexander that one was obtained at Penshurst Park in 1897.

366). 1898 Suffolk Dunwich, immature, shot, early January.

(E. J. Poyser, Field 22nd Jan., 1898: 124).

History E. J. Poyser of Geldeston, Beccles (1898) in The Field of 22nd Jan., Vol. XCI. p. 124, says: 'During the first week of January it was reported that a Golden Eagle had been shot at Dunwich, in Suffolk, and was in the hands of Mr. Tilney, of Beccles, for preservation. Having had an opportunity of examining the bird in question, I am enabled to state that it is not a Golden Eagle, but a young White-tailed Eagle. Irrespective of other differences, the former species may be always recognised by its feathered legs; in the latter they are bare.'

367). 1898 Yorkshire South Kirkby, near Burntwood Hall, Barnsley, immature, killed, 8th December.

(Nelson, 1907).

History Nelson (1907 (1): 337) says: 'An immature individual was killed on the 8th December, at South Kirkby, near Burntwood Hall, Barnsley, and is now in the possession of Mr. J. Dymond of Burntwood Hall (Dymond in litt., 1905).'

364.1). 1898-99 Northamptonshire Blatherwycke, winter.

(Taylor MS., 1959).

History Taylor MS. (1959) states that one which was presumably the same individual spent several months at Blatherwycke during the winters of 1897-98, 1898-99, 1900-01 and 1901-02.

368). 1899 Meirionnydd Llangower, Bala, adult female, shot, 28th February.

(Forrest, 1907; Jones, 1974).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'A fine old female, with an entirely white tail (now in the possession of Mr. Williams, postmaster, Bala), was found at Llangower, near Bala, after a gale, on 28th February, 1899. It had lost the upper mandible by some accident.'

369). 1899 Norfolk Babingley, near King's Lynn, immature, killed, 1st October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 112; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 734).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 112, says: 'An Eagle, doubtless a young White-tailed Eagle, was shot at Babingley, near Lynn. This is the seventh Eagle in the last twelve years, the others occurring in November or December.'

J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 734, say: 'An Eagle, doubtless of this species, was killed at Babingley, near Lynn, about 1st October, 1899. This is the seventh Eagle in the last twelve years, the others occurring in November and December. Another seen at Hickling, January 30th, 1903, and afterwards at Melton, was subsequently shot near Ipswich.'

370). 1899 Devon Stokeley, near Torcross, immature, shot, 25th November.

(Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).

History Moore (1969) states that one shot at Torcross in November 1899 was recorded in D'Urban's MS. notes.

Tyler (2010) adds that an immature was eventually shot on 25th November 1899 at Stokeley, near Torcross.

371). 1899 Suffolk Rougham, immature, obtained, undated, now at Bury St Edmunds Museum.

(Payn, 1978).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states that an immature in Bury St Edmunds Museum was obtained at Rougham during 1899.