White-tailed Eagle (3/3)

Accipitridae

Aug 2

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

Photo © By MIKI Yoshihito - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mujitra/50823660676/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99401696

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1998

RECORDS (cont.)

372). 1900 Meirionnydd Near Llandderfel, seen, 15th April.

(Forrest, 1907).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'Reported by Mr. Thomas Ruddy of Llangollen as having been seen near Llandderfel in April 1900.'

373). 1900 Caernarfonshire Capel Curig, seen, autumn.

(Forrest, 1907).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'In the autumn of 1900 Mr. F. C. Cobden tells me that he saw an Eagle on a rock above Capel Curig lakes.'

364.2). 1900-01 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.

374). 1900-01 Shetland Unst, seen, winter.

(T. Edmonston Saxby, Zoologist 1901: 189).

History T. Edmonston Saxby of Halligarth, Unst (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 189, says: 'A White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) has been frequently seen during the winter.'

375). c. 1900 Leicestershire & Rutland Empingham, seen, undated.

(Haines, 1907; Hickling, 1978).

History Haines (1907: 97-98) says: 'Mr. A. E. G. Dixon says: that about 1900 he saw one near Empingham, which was afterwards shot at by a keeper, but not secured.'

376). c. 1900 Sussex Beachy Head, adult, seen, undated.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 311) says: 'An adult seen at Beachy Head c. 1900 by Mr. F. Wise (in litt.).'

377). 1901 Cornwall Hennacliff, Morwenstow, seen, November.

(J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 15: 203; Penhallurick, 1978).

History J. Clark (1902) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XV. p. 203, under 'The Birds of Cornwall', says: 'One seen at Morwenstowe [sic], November, 1901.'

378). 1901 Breconshire Cantref, near Brecon, immature, caught, 25th December, now at Brecknock Museum.

(E. C. Phillips, Field 4th Jan., 1902: 34; J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1904: 70; Massey, 1976; Peers & Shrubb, 1990).

History E. Cambridge Phillips of The Rock, Bwlch (1902) in The Field of 4th Jan., Vol. XCIX. p. 34, says: 'Last week one of these birds was captured alive by a farmer on his farm close to the Brecon Beacons near Dinas Brecon. Observing the bird on the ground in one of his fields, completely exhausted, he managed to get some wire round it, and took it home and fed it. Dr. Howells, of Brecon, a good ornithologist, obtained it, but it died soon after he had it, he thinks from exhaustion. I went to see it directly I heard of its capture, but found it had been sent to Spicer, of Birmingham, to be preserved. From the minute description given to me, I have no doubt of its identity, the lower part of the tarsus being bare of feathers, while the entire length of each toe was covered with broad scales. From there being only a little white on the tail it was considered to be a young bird of possibly two years old. It showed no signs of captivity, its wing ends and plumage being perfect. Its tail was very slightly draggled at the edges, but not more so than would be caused by sitting on a wet field. This was probably a young blown out of its course in one of the recent gales on its migration southward. This is the first time that the species has been observed in this county.'

J. H. Salter (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 70, says: '1903. September 13th. Had the pleasure of meeting Mr. E. Cambridge Phillips, the veteran Breconshire ornithologist. Heard details of a recent occurrence of the White-tailed Eagle at Cantref, near Brecon.'

Massey (1976: 26) says: 'An immature specimen in the Brecknock Museum, was caught at Cantref, near Brecon at Christmas in 1901 or 1902 (Prof. J. H. Salter).'

364.3). 1901-02 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.

379). 1902 Lincolnshire North Somercotes, immature, shot, 10th October, now at Louth Museum.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1903: 367; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton Haigh (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 367, says: 'An immature example of this species, which I saw at the shop of Mr. H. Kew, of Louth, was shot by a farmer at North Somercotes on Oct. 10th.'

380). 1902-03 Sussex St Leonards Forest, three, seen, winter.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 311) says: 'Three frequented St. Leonard's Forest during the winter of 1902-1903 (J. G. Millais viva voce mihi).'

383.0). 1903 Norfolk Hickling, 30th January; same, Melton, undated; later shot at Ipswich, Suffolk.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 204; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 734; Bloomfield, 1993).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 204, says: 'January 30th. A Sea Eagle seen on the Broads (M. Bird), and afterwards at Melton (Dack).'

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.'

383.1). 1903 Suffolk Near Ipswich, immature female, shot, 9th February; same as Norfolk.

(J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1903: 107).

History J. G. Tuck of Tostock Rectory, Bury St Edmunds (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 107, says: 'Mr. Hudson, the Ipswich birdstuffer, recently showed me a fine young White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), shot on Feb. 9th within about three miles of the town. A man shooting Wood-pigeons had propped up a dead one as a decoy, when the Eagle swooped down and began to devour it, thus affording an easy shot to the concealed gunner. The bird was a female, weighing about nine and a half pounds, and had been feeding on rabbits.'

384). 1903 Shetland Unst, two, seen, 28th March.

(T. Edmondston Saxby, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1903: 210).

History T. Edmondston Saxby (1903) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XII. p. 210, under, 'Bird Notes from Unst, Shetland', says: 'Two seen 28th March.'

386). 1903 Northumberland Holywell Dene, near Seaton Delaval, immature female, shot, 24th November.

(J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1911: 376-377; Bolam, 1912).

History J. M. Charlton (1911) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XV. pp. 376-377, says: 'A second example was shot in Holywell Dene on Nov. 25th, 1903. The latter was at first thought to be a Golden Eagle, as is often the case, and was inserted in the local papers as such, but when sent to be stuffed it was identified as a Sea Eagle. Mr. Siddle, of Holywell, who shot it, tells me that on the first occasion that he had ever handled a gun he walked into the Dene, and was told that there was an Eagle there. Going on, he came upon two men, and saw them creeping up to a gate on which sat the bird itself. At about thirty yards' range steady aim was taken by one - "bang!" The Eagle launched itself into the air. Another report, then two more in quick succession, and still the bird flew on! It flew some distance towards Mr. Siddle, and settled in a tree close by him. He fired, and it fell to earth with a dull thud. It was set up by R. Duncan, who informs me that it had numbers of shot in it, which had evidently been in several days, and had caused festering wounds. It was a very large specimen, an immature female in the fourth year, three inches above the average length. Its measurements were: Length, 39 in.; extent of wings, 92 in.; weight, 11 lb. It would be halting on migration south, very probably having been shot at and wounded on its passage. The confusion in its identity arose from the fact that it had not assumed the white tail.'

387). 1903 Shetland Foula, washed ashore, undated.

(E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 25).

History E. E. Jackson (1966) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 25, says: 'The last occurrence on Foula is reputed to be of a dead bird which was washed ashore in 1903 with its claws embedded in a halibut, too large for it to lift.'

388). 1904 Norfolk Hoveton, immature, seen, 2nd January; presumed same, Hickling, seen, 29th January.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1905: 90, 91; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 90, says: 'January 2nd. Sharp frost. A young Sea Eagle seen at Hoveton by Mr. F. H. Barclay, as usual, mobbed by Rooks when it rose from the field in which it was at first seen standing.' Further, p. 91, under 29th Jan., he adds: 'An Eagle seen at Hickling (Bird), perhaps the same one seen on Jan. 2nd and 20th.'

389). 1904 Suffolk Ipswich, seen, 20th January.

(H. C. Hudson, Field 6th Feb., 1904: 231; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1905: 90).

History H. C. Hudson of Ipswich (1904) in The Field of 6th Feb., Vol. CIII. p. 231, says: 'When returning from a punting trip on the River Orwell, on Jan. 20, and when within about a mile of Ipswich, I enjoyed the rare spectacle of seeing a fine eagle crossing the river. When I first saw him he was being mobbed by a Rook, but when well over the centre of the river he turned on the Rook, and drove him off. He then continued his flight, passing about 200 yards from punt. The binoculars show him to be very dark in colour, including the tail. His line of flight was from north to south, and I watched him until he disappeared over the trees of Wherstead Park.'

[From the description "very dark in colour, including the tail", it might be assumed that the bird was a Golden Eagle, but it is more likely to have been an immature Sea Eagle, which has not the white tail of the adult. It is well known that the majority of the eagles which are met with in England in late autumn and winter are of the latter species. - Ed.]

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 90, says: 'January 20th. A Sea Eagle seen at Ipswich, mobbed by a Rook (Field), probably the same seen in Norfolk on the 2nd.'

390). 1904 Lincolnshire Grainsby, seen, 27th to 28th February.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1904: 297; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton Haigh (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 297, says: 'Though not strictly belonging to the autumn migration, it may be noted here that an immature Eagle of this species frequented the park at Grainsby for two days, on Feb. 27th and 28th, 1904.'

391). 1904 Ceredigion Glandovey, seen, spring.

(Forrest, 1907; Ingram, Morrey Salmon & Condry, 1966).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'In the spring of 1904 Mr. F. T. Fielden of Borth observed one at Glandovey.'

392). 1904 Norfolk Blakeney, seen, 14th May.

(Pashley, 1925; Bloomfield, 1993).

History Pashley (1925) says: '1904. May 14th. A Sea-Eagle was seen in the harbour; I thought possibly it might be an Osprey, but was told that the Eagle and the Osprey were both in the harbour at the same time.'

393). 1904 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 22nd December.

(Pashley, 1925; Bloomfield, 1993).

History Pashley (1925) says: '1904. December. On the 22nd F. Fosdick (game-keeper to Mr. R. Savoury) saw a White-tailed Sea Eagle, but did not get it.'

394). 1905 Wiltshire Grovely Wood, shot, March.

(Wiltshire County Mirror 3rd May, 1905; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 286; Buxton, 1981).

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 shot in Grovely Wood in March, 1905 (Wilts. County Mirror, May 3rd, 1905).'

395). 1905 Shetland Baltasound, Unst, seen, 1st June.

(T. Edmondston Saxby, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 182; T. Edmondston Saxby, Zoologist 1906: 35).

History T. Edmondston Saxby (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. p. 182, says: 'One seen at Baltasound at 6 p.m. on 1st June.'

T. Edmondston Saxby of Unst (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 35, says: 'One seen, June 1st [1905].'

396). 1905 Norfolk Hanworth, adult male, shot, 18th June, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.248).

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1906: 128; Riviere, 1930; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999; Watson, 2010).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 128, says: 'June 9th. E.N.E., 6. After five days of continuous north-easterly winds (velocity 5-6), amounting to a gale, an adult Sea Eagle, with a good white tail, turned up at Hanworth, some five miles from the coast, where it was speedily peppered with small shot by a too zealous gamekeeper. Norfolk has produced many Sea Eagles at different times, but an adult has never been recorded before, and an effort has been made to secure the specimen for the Norwich Museum. The date of its appearance was also very late, but for this gale was accountable. Compared with the series in the Museum, its plumage is not very good, being decidedly faded, and the feathers abraded, like a bird which has missed its spring moult. The whole of the tail is white, except the upper tail-coverts, which are edged with brown; the tone of the head is very pale, and the wings from the carpal joint to the body are also pale. Male, proved by the dissection of the late Mr. J. A. Cole, who stuffed it.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this male specimen from Hanworth, Norfolk, obtained on 9th June 1905, without further detail.

397). 1905 Staffordshire Stone/Cannock/Sandon area, immature female, 30th November to 4th December, when trapped.

(J. R. B. Masefield, Zoologist 1906: 74; Smith, 1939; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History John R. B. Masefield of Cheadle (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 74, says: 'On Nov. 30th, 1905, Mr. Guy Harris, of The Radfords, Stone, Staffordshire, observed an Eagle at about 12. 30 p.m. coming from the south-east. It then circled round for fifteen minutes, and he was able to observe it carefully through field-glasses. It went away in a westerly direction, and was next heard of at Sandon (about five miles distant), where it is said to have been shot at several times, and eventually, on Dec. 4th last, it was trapped by one of Lord Lichfield's keepers on Cannock Chase. The bird is now being preserved for his Lordship, and the taxidermist states that it is a young White-tailed Eagle (a female), and that the measurements are as follows: - "Length from tip of bill to tip of tail, 38 in.; breadth from tip to tip across the back, 93½ in.; length of flight from tip of wrist to the end of the primaries, 28¼ in.; length of tail from root of tail to the end of rectrices, 14⅞ in.". He adds: "The bird was very fat, and showed no indications of having been in a cage, and I believe that is a perfectly wild bird". This is the first authentic record of the occurrence of this bird in Staffordshire, although it is now practically certain that the two Eagles mentioned in Shaw's History of Staffordshire (1798) were of this species. It may be of interest to refer to my note on this subject, which appeared in the Transactions of the North Staffordshire Field Club, 1902-03, p. 63.'

Accepted locally (Smith 1939: 159).

398). 1905 Dumfries & Galloway Loch Skene, Dumfriesshire, seen, undated.

(Gladstone, 1910).

History Gladstone (1910: 203) says: 'Mr. James Bartholomew informs me that a White-tailed Eagle was seen at Loch Skene in 1905, and also in 1908.'

399). 1906 Shropshire Moston, near Hawkstone, immature female, shot, January.

(H. E. Forrest, Transactions of the Caradoc Field Club 1907: 132; Rutter, Gribble & Pemberyon, 1964; Smith et al., 2019).

History H. E. Forrest (1907) in the Transactions of the Caradoc Field Club, p. 132, says: 'Among the birds, the most notable occurrences are a White-tailed Eagle, obtained near Hawkstone in January.'

400). 1906 Kent Ruckinge, seen, 21st March.

(Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 289) say: 'On March 21, 1906, Mr. E. Bartlett observed a large White-tailed Eagle come up from Romney Marsh and pass over in a northerly direction towards Mersham. It was very cold at the time, and had been snowing all the day.'

401). 1906 Greater London/Surrey Cheverells, near Titsey Park, immature male, shot, 12th November.

(Ed., Field 22nd Dec., 1906: 1074; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Self, 2014).

History In an Editorial (1906) in The Field of 22nd Dec., Vol. CVIII. p. 1074, he says: 'On Nov. 12 Mr. William Gilbert, gamekeeper at Cheverills [sic], shot an immature Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) in Pitcher's Wood, near Titsey, Surrey. The bird was at first supposed to be a Golden Eagle from the absence of white on the tail, and from its having been seen feeding on a rabbit. The brown tail feathers are accounted for by the fact that the bird was an immature. With regard to the rabbit, there is a passage in Lord Lilford's 'Birds' which has a direct bearing on the subject: Immature birds of this species are very frequently met with in autumn and winter on the east coast of England, and not very uncommonly inland, and are easily shot or trapped. In a great many instances these occurrences are recorded in the local newspapers as these "magnificent Golden Eagles, which have been devastating, &c.".

These wandering eagles, as a matter of fact, subsist principally upon rabbits and any dead animal substances they can find. The bird was sent for preservation to Mr. W. E. Dawes, of 72, Denmark Hill, who has kindly informed us that the bird was a male. No doubt can exist about the identification. Mr. Dawes obtained the decision of the authorities at the Natural History Museum. This makes the third specimen obtained within the county to which the exact date and locality can be assigned.

The first was shot at Godalming by Mr. G. Barrett on Feb. 27, 1858, and was in the possession of his son in 1900, when Mr. Bucknill's Birds of Surrey was published. The second was shot at Rapley Lake on Dec. 23, 1887. This was at first misdescribed as a Golden Eagle, but the mistake was rectified in the Field (Jan. 7, 1888) by Mr. Edward Hart, who obtained the specimen for his museum at Christchurch. Mr. Bucknill recorded a third specimen on the ground that "it had frequently been seen across the border before it was shot at Wadhurst Park, Sussex, on Dec. 26, 1893".

On the authority of Mr. Stafford's private notes, Mr. Bucknill has recorded another shot near Farnham by a Mr. Allden, of Ash; in the third edition of Yarrell (i, 27), one shot at Coombe Wood, Wimbledon, about 1850, and mounted for the Duke of Cambridge, is mentioned; and there is an earlier reference in Meyer's British Birds (I. 12) to one killed some years before the publication of his book (1847) in Lord Portmore's park at Weybridge. The three foregoing examples are duly entered in the Birds of Surrey, the author remarking that the occurrences have been nearly always in winter, and the birds almost invariably in immature plumage.'

402). 1906 Essex Great Oakley, immature, shot, undated.

(W. B. Nichols, Journal of the Suffolk Institute 16: 177; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968).

History W. B. Nichols (1916) in the Journal of the Suffolk Institute, Vol. XVI. p. 177, says: 'The latest record that I have is of one shot by my friend, Mr. P. Stanford, on Houbridge Hall, Gt. Oakley, in 1906. This is a young bird and a very fine specimen.'

Glegg (1929) states that an immature bird was shot by Mr. P. Stanford at Houbridge Hall, Great Oakley, in 1906, as I am informed by Mr. W. B. Nichols.

403). 1907 Isle of Man Greeba, immature, obtained, 12th December.

(P. G. Ralfe, British Birds 3: 217; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History P. G. Ralfe (1909) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 217, says: 'A young bird of this species was obtained at Greeba on 12th December, 1907. This bird, which had still a patch of down on the breast, had been seen in the neighbourhood for two or three weeks, and had already been pursued and wounded. Its tail-feathers had been clipped when it was set up, but were said to have been considerably abraded, as if it had been in captivity.'

404). 1908 Pembrokeshire Near Whitechurch, immature, shot, 2nd February.

(B. Lloyd, British Birds 35: 230; Lockley, 1949; Donovan & Rees, 1994; Green & Roberts, 2004).

History Bertram Lloyd (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXV. p. 230, says: 'On 13th June 1928, Charles Oldham and I visited the farm Goilau Goch, near Whitechurch, on the lower slopes of the Procelly mountains in north Pembrokeshire. There Mr. B. Edwards, the son of the farmer, showed us preserved in good condition, an immature White-tailed Eagle which he had shot and killed as it flew low over the farm-yard in 1908 (the exact date he could not remember). Stuffed and mounted in a glass case it had since passed for a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in the district.'

Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 52) and by Donovan & Rees (1994) who add: 'It was erroneously reported as a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in The Cardigan and Tivy-side Advertiser.'

Green & Roberts (2004) erroneously state that it was shot on the 2nd June, 1928!

405). 1908 Sussex St Leonard's Forest, seen, 7th March.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 311) says: 'One surely identified by me in the same area St. Leonard's Forest on March 7th, 1908.'

406). 1908 Herefordshire Near Hereford, fourth-year male, shot, 31st December, now at Hereford Museum.

(J. B. Pilley, Field 9th Jan., 1908: 58; Eds., British Birds 2: 314; Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

History James B. Pilley of Hereford (1909) in The Field of 9th Jan., Vol. CXIII. p. 58, says: 'A fine specimen of the White-tailed Eagle was shot on Dec. 31 at Tibberton, nine miles from Hereford. A keeper, walking through a wood on the estate of Mr. Lee Warner, heard a clamour made by two Crows, and on nearing the spot the great bird flew up only to meet its doom. It is a female, weighing 10 lb. It measures from tip of the beak to the end of the tail, 34 in., and the expanse of wing from tip to tip, 7 ft. 4 in. It was very fat. Mr. A. B. Farn, who examined it, is of the same opinion as myself that it is four years old. The inner web of the tail feathers is greyish white, the outer darker. This makes the fourth specimen that has occurred in the county during the last fifty years.'

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 314, he says: 'Mr. H. E. Forrest writes that a male "four-year-old White-tailed Eagle was shot near Hereford on December 31st, 1908, and is being preserved for the Hereford Museum".'

Gilbert & Walker (1954: 33) say: 'One was shot near Hereford in 1908.'

Comment Male or female?

407). 1908 Dumfries & Galloway Loch Skene, Dumfriesshire, seen, undated.

(Gladstone, 1910).

History Gladstone (1910: 203) says: 'Mr. James Bartholomew informs me that a White-tailed Eagle was seen at Loch Skene in 1905, and also in 1908.'

408). 1909 Essex/Greater London Weald Hall Park, Brentwood, seen, 16th February.

(C. J. H. Tower, British Birds 2: 383; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Self, 2014).

History Christopher J. H. Tower (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 383, says: 'We could distinctly notice a White-tailed or Sea-Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) soaring over this park (Weald Hall, Brentwood) at midday on Saturday, February 6th. It was high up and being mobbed by a smaller bird, which I could not distinguish. I could see the Eagle quite clearly through field-glasses. It kept wheeling quietly round for nearly half an hour, and then disappeared.'

409). 1909 Wiltshire Marden Down, obtained, 24th February.

(Marlborough Times 6th Mar., 1909; E. H. Goddard, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 36: 140; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 286; Buxton, 1981).

History E. H. Goddard (1910) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXXVI. p. 140, says: 'On the evening of February 24th, just before sunset, J. Alexander, keeper to Mr. J. W. Kingston, of Marden Manor, saw a large bird fly out of some firs on Mr. Cooper's farm on Marden Down, shot it, and found it was an Eagle measuring 7ft. 2in. from tip to tip of the extended wings and weighing 131bs. The bird was accused of having killed two lambs. It was reported in all the local papers, Marlborough Times, March 6th, Devizes Gazette, March 15th, as a Golden Eagle, as these wandering Eagles almost invariably are - whereas in this case, as in probably almost every case of the occurrence of Eagles in the southern counties, the bird is not the Golden Eagle, but the White-Tailed or Sea Eagle, Haliaetus albicilla.

The bird killed at Littlecote in 1847, the magnificent specimen preserved at Charlton Park, killed in 1841, another shot in Savernake Forest in 1859, and the example recently killed at Groveley were all of this species.

The Rev. A. C. Smith (Birds of Wilts., p. 60) was unable to record any example or occurrence of the Golden Eagle in the county of Wilts, and was strongly of opinion that it had not been correctly recorded from neighbouring counties where it is said to have been shot. The Golden Eagle in fact seldom leaves its home in the Highlands, where it is now happily fairly abundant, whereas the White-Tailed Eagle is a great wanderer. I am indebted to Messrs. Rowland Ward, who are preserving the bird, for an authoritative statement as to its species.'

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".…another at Marden on February 24th, 1909 - now in the Devizes Museum (Marlborough Times, March 6th, 1909, etc.).'

410). 1909 Devon Kingsbridge Estuary, sub-adult, shot, February.

(Moore, 1969).

History Moore (1969) states that a near adult individual was shot during February 1909 on the Kingsbridge Estuary.

411). 1909 Devon West Buckland, immature, killed, March.

(B. F. Cummings, Zoologist 1909: 254-255; Moore, 1969).

History Bruce F. Cummings (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 254, says: 'A White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was shot during March by a farmer near West Buckland, who saw it sailing over a field, and thought it was going to attack his lambs. The bird was set up by a Barnstaple birdstuffer, at whose premises I saw it afterwards. The bird was in poor plumage, and the tail was very much abraded, several of the shafts of the tail-feathers being quite bare of barbs. This indicates, perhaps, former captivity, as the state of the tail might well have been caused by being dragged over the bottom of a cage. The colour of the tail was a dirty sandy colour, the weight, in the flesh, ten pounds, wing expanse a little over seven feet. The bill was brownish black, and the cere was not yellow but of a dark brown shade. There were numerous bristles on the skin around the base of the bill. The specimen was that of a young bird.'

412). 1909 Isles of Scilly Gugh, shot, 11th November, photo, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.

("F.W.F." Field 18th Dec., 1909: 1100; Eds., British Birds 3: 341; Penhallurick, 1978; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007: plate 33).

History "F.W.F." (1909) in The Field of 18th Dec., Vol. CXIV. p. 1100, says: 'On Nov. 11 last a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was shot on one of the Scilly Islands; it measured 7 ft. 6 in. in expanse. Another specimen is reported to be frequenting the islands.'

In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 341, says: 'Mr. F. W. F. records (Field, 18.xii.1909. p. 1100) the shooting of a specimen of Haliaetus albicilla on one of the Scilly Islands on November 11th, 1909. Another example is said to be frequenting the islands.'

Comment The sight record is ignored through lack of detail and as J. H. Gurney once said it is amazing how the numbers creep up when its realised it's a rare bird. "F.W.F." is F. W. Frohawk, well known artist and naturalist.

413). 1910 Norfolk Weybourne, seen, 31st October.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 30: 269).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1912) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXX. p. 269, on the unexpected occurrences for 1910, says: 'One see, Weybourne (Norfolk), October 31st.'

414). 1910 Caernarfonshire Near Abersoch, immature, shot and winged, 29th November.

(H. E. Forrest, British Birds 4: 288; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 30: 269; Forrest, 1919; Jones & Dare, 1976; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Barnes, 1997).

History H. E. Forrest (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 288, says: 'A paragraph has been going the round of the newspapers to the effect that a "Golden Eagle", which had been raiding the sheep on the mountains of Lleyn during the latter half of November, had at length been shot in the wing and captured alive. The Eagle is in the possession of Mr. Godfrey Fitzhugh, Wrexham, who is endeavouring to heal the injury to the wing. He informs me that it is an immature Haliaetus albicilla, as I had anticipated. It was taken near Abersoch on November 29th, 1910. This is the first authenticated occurrence of the species in Carnarvonshire (cf. Vert. Fauna N. Wales, p. 228).'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1912) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXX. p. 269, on the unexpected occurrences for 1910, says: 'One shot, Abersoch (Carnarvon), November 29th.' Forrest (1919) says: 'An immature White-tailed Eagle, which had haunted the neighbourhood for a fortnight previously, was shot in the wing and captured alive near Abersoch, 29th November, 1910. It was sent alive to Mr. Godfrey Fitz-Hugh, Wrexham, and placed in an aviary. An eagle, probably the same bird, haunted the vicinity of Aberaeron (Cardigan) for about a fortnight earlier in the same autumn.'

Accepted locally (Barnes 1997).

415). 1911 Norfolk Downham, shot, 1st March.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1912: 127; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 785).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 127, says: 'March 1st. During most of February I was watching birds in the Pyrenees, and have no more notes until the beginning of March, when a Sea Eagle, said to have weighed sixteen pounds - which is hardly credible - was shot on a sporting estate at Downham, and forthwith went the round of the papers as a Golden Eagle!'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 785, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.

416). 1911 Suffolk Brandon, immature, shot, 27th March.

(W. H. Tuck, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 282).

History W. H. Tuck. (1909) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 282, says: 'On March 27th an immature White-tailed Eagle was shot at Brandon, it had been feeding on rabbits.'

417). 1911 Shropshire Near Wellington, seen, 2nd April.

(H. E. Forrest, British Birds 4: 366; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 30: 186; Smith et al., 2019).

History H. E. Forrest (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 366, says: 'Mr. G. H. Paddock, informs me that on April 2nd, 1911, he and his son observed an Eagle near Wellington, Salop. Their attention was first attracted by the behaviour of a lot of Peewits and Starlings, which were feeding in a field and suddenly scattered in all directions. Looking up, they saw a huge bird coming from the direction of the Wrekin. At first they took it for a Buzzard, but as it approached and flew right over them, they saw that it was far too large and much darker in colour. Mr. Paddock, who is a good ornithologist, identified it without a doubt as Haliaetus albicilla, a species that has been recorded over a dozen times in Shropshire.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1912) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXX. p. 186, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'One seen, Wellington (Shropshire), April 2nd.'

418). 1911 Yorkshire Near Bickley, immature, shot, 1st May.

(H. Witty, Naturalist 37: 237; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Harry Witty of Scarborough (1911) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 237, dated 27th May, 1911, says: 'During the visit of the Yorkshire Geologists to Scarborough at Easter, a large bird was seen near the woods at Hackness being mobbed by Rooks and Jackdaws. It was at an estimated altitude of five hundred feet. On Monday, May 1st, a White-tailed Eagle was seen feeding on a lamb at Birch Hall, near Bickley, on the other side of Langdale End. A keeper shot it, and found that it was a Haliaeetus albicilla, about three years old. It has been sent to the taxidermist to be set up. This bird has been seen in the Hackness district during the past three years, and Capt. Johnstone gave orders to his keepers not to shoot it, as no evidence of any damage had been seen by them. It is probable that the bird which the Yorkshire geologists saw at Easter, is the same that was shot on May 1st, as the large bird which the keeper had seen in the district during the past three years has not been seen since that date.'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 164).

419). 1913 Norfolk/Suffolk Fritton Lake, seen, 4th March.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1914: 168; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 785).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1914) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVIII. p. 168, says: 'March 4th. A Sea Eagle seen at Fritton Lake, near Yarmouth, by Mr. Buxton, flying rather low against a south-west gale; nothing more was heard of it.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 785, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.

420). 1913 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, seen, 1st April.

(J. S. Tulloch, Scottish Naturalist 33: 115).

History John S. Tulloch (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 115, says: 'A White-tailed Eagle was seen by Mr. Robert Russell on 1st April over the town of Lerwick.'

421). 1913 Highland Ardnamurchan Point, Lochaber, pair, seen, 12th April.

(F. S. Beveridge, Scottish Naturalist 33: 190).

History F. S. Beveridge from Lochmaddy (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 190, says: 'On the 12th of April, whilst rounding Ardnamurchan Point on one of the mail steamers, I observed a pair of Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla). It would be interesting to know if these birds have again taken up their abode at this old resort for nesting purposes or not. In former years a pair did breed their regularly, till they were finally destroyed.'

423.0). 1915 Cleveland/Yorkshire River Tees, Grangetown, Yorkshire, two, late October.

(G. Bolam, Vasculum 2: 74-75; Temperley, 1951).

History G. Bolam (1916) in The Vasculum, Vol. II. pp. 74-75, says: 'I had hoped that Mr. C. E. Milburn might have told us directly the story of two exceptionally rare birds which visited Middlesborough last winter, but as hehas not been able to find time to do so the following observations are extracted from letters with which he favoured me with. Writing in January, 1916, he said: "A couple of White-tailed Eagles appeared at Teesmouth in late October (1915) and for a few nights roosted in a huge headland-like slag-tip close to Grangetown (on the Yorkshire side of the river)....The Eagles were regularly seen and were often mistaken for aeroplanes in their easy soaring flights. I watched one of them cross the Tees mouth going towards Greatham (Co. Durham) without seeing it once flap its wings. One of them was killed close to Guisborough on November 17th and will shortly be in the collection of Col. Chaloner, the other probably went inland, for I notice in British Birds that Mr. Horsfall records seeing a White-tailed Eagle above the moors between Kildale and Ayton (Yorks.) on December 1st".'

423.1). 1915 Cleveland/Yorkshire Guisborough, Yorkshire, killed, 17th November; same as one of Cleveland/Yorkshire.

(G. Bolam, Vasculum 2: 74-75; Temperley, 1951; Chislett, 1952).

Accepted locally for Cleveland (Temperley 1951) and for Yorkshire (Chislett 1952: 164).

423.2). 1915 Yorkshire Between Kildale and Great Ayton, seen, 1st December; presumed same as other Cleveland.

(P. M. Horsfall, British Birds 9: 212; G. Bolam, Vasculum 2: 74-75; Temperley, 1951; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History P. M. Horsfall (1916) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 212, says: 'It may be of interest to record that I saw a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) on the Cleveland Hills between Kildale and Great Ayton, on December 1st, 1915. My brother and I watched it for some time being mobbed by Hooded Crows.'

G. Bolam (1916) in The Vasculum, Vol. II. pp. 74-75, says: 'I had hoped that Mr. C. E. Milburn might have told us directly the story of two exceptionally rare birds which visited Middlesborough last winter, but as hehas not been able to find time to do so the following observations are extracted from letters with which he favoured me with. Writing in January, 1916, he said: "A couple of White-tailed Eagles appeared at Teesmouth in late October (1915) and for a few nights roosted in a huge headland-like slag-tip close to Grangetown (on the Yorkshire side of the river)....The Eagles were regularly seen and were often mistaken for aeroplanes in their easy soaring flights. I watched one of them cross the Tees mouth going towards Greatham (Co. Durham) without seeing it once flap its wings. One of them was killed close to Guisborough on November 17th and will shortly be in the collection of Col. Chaloner, the other probably went inland, for I notice in British Birds that Mr. Horsfall records seeing a White-tailed Eagle above the moors between Kildale and Ayton (Yorks.) on December 1st".'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 164).

425). 1916 Lincolnshire Manton Warren, near Brigg, immature, trapped, 9th February.

(F. L. Blathwayt, British Birds 9: 319; F. L. Blathwayt, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1916: 17; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1916) in British Birds, Vol. IX. pp. 319-320, says: 'An immature example of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was trapped on February 9th, 1916, by a keeper on Manton Warren, not far from the Scawby gull-ponds. The bird had been seen in the neighbourhood for a few days previously. A Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo l. lagopus) was shot in the same locality on November 12th, 1915, I have examined these specimens, which were exhibited, both under wrong names, in aid of the Red Cross Society, in an inn not far from the place of their capture.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1916) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, p. 17, says: 'On April 11th I journeyed to Kirton-in-Lindsey to see some birds which were being exhibited at the Unicorn Inn, in aid of the Red Cross Society. The cases were labelled 'Golden Eagle' and 'Kite', but I found the specimens to be an immature 'Sea Eagle' and a 'Rough-legged Buzzard.' The former had been trapped on the Twigmoor side of Manton Warren on February 9th, 1916, by W. Dennett, son of the keeper, in whose possession at Cleatham, Kirton-in-Lindsey, the bird now is.'

426). 1916 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, 14th and 29th April.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 37: 185).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1917) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 185, say: 'One is noted at Lerwick on 14th and 29th April.'

427). 1916 Shetland Bressay, 11th May.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 37: 185).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1917) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 185, say: 'One is noted at Lerwick on 14th and 29th April, and Bressay: on 11th May.'

428). 1916 Lincolnshire Norton Place, near Gainsborough, shot, mid-November.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that during mid-November 1916 one was shot at Norton Place, near Gainsborough.

429). 1916 Nottinghamshire Cropwell Butler, shot, November.

(Whitaker Unpublished MS.).

History In Joseph Whitaker's personal copy of his Birds of Nottinghamshire (1907) kept at Mansfield Central Library, there are personal correspondence letters attached within, with one from Mr. Henry Smith, jun., of Cropwell Butler stating that one was shot there in November, 1916.

430). 1917 Suffolk Euston Hall, Thetford, seen, January.

(Eds., Journal of the Suffolk Institute 16: 67).

History In an Editorial (1917) in the Journal of the Suffolk Institute, Vol. XVI. p. 67, he says: 'The Rev. R. B. Caton reports that a White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was seen in January, 1917, near Euston. For a century or more this species has been exterminated in all its ancient haunts in England and Wales, though like the one above reported, immature birds sometimes wander south in the autumn and winter.'

431). 1917 Lincolnshire Grainsby Park, immature, seen, 28th February to 2nd March.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that from 28th February to 2nd March 1917 an immature was seen at Grainsby Park.

432). 1917 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, 11th June.

(Baxter & Rintoul, 1918).

History Baxter & Rintoul (1918) say: 'Single birds are reported at Lerwick on 11th June.'

433). 1917 Shetland Stromfirth, Weisdale, Mainland, 7th September.

(Baxter & Rintoul, 1918).

History Baxter & Rintoul (1918) say: 'Single birds are reported at Stromfirth, Weisdale, on 7th September.'

434). 1917 Herefordshire Near Eardisley, seen, undated.

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

History Gilbert & Walker (1954) state that one was seen near Eardisley during 1917.

435). 1920 Kent Surrenden Dearing, shot, 29th October.

(The Times 10th Mar., 1921; Harrison, 1953).

History Harrison (1953 (1): 237) states that Henry West, gamekeeper to Col. Arkwright at Surrenden Dering shot a Sea Eagle that was feeding on a dead sheep and was fined £1 at Ashford (The Times, 3rd Mar., 1921). The date was given as 29th October 1920 (Kentish Express, 6th Nov., 1920) and also stating the length as 37.5 in., the wing expanse 7 ft. 9.5 in., the tail 14.5 in., the tarsus 4 in. and the culmen 3.25 in. The wing measured 27.5 in.

436). 1920 Derbyshire/Yorkshire Derwent Valley, immature, seen, 20th December to 8th February 1921 when killed.

(T. A. Coward, Naturalist 47: 107-108; C. H. Wells, British Birds 14: 258-259; Chislett, 1952; Frost, 1978; Mather, 1986).

History T. A. Coward (1921) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. pp. 107-108, says: 'I read, with interest, Mr. Chislett's note in The Naturalist for February, as I had seen the bird. My first impression, was the same as Mr. Chislett's - that it was a Golden Eagle, but a little later we had a much better view, and then decided that it was an immature White-tailed Eagle. There was a little white or very pale grey on the tail, towards the base, but this is quite consistent with a young H. albicilla, whereas a Golden at the same age should have shown much more white and a distinct dark distal band. Had it been a mature Golden Eagle, or one approaching maturity, with an almost wholly dark tail, it would surely have shown a lighter head and nape, whereas the head and neck of the bird as we saw it at fairly close quarters was as dark as the rest of the plumage.

When the bird careered, showing its under parts, Capt. Boyd, thought that there was more yellow on the legs than would have been visible on the toes alone of a Golden, and when it was a little farther away, and dropped its legs for a moment to threaten an annoying Hooded Crow, Mr. Hadfield thought that the tarsi were unfeathered. We have examined skins in the Dresser collection, and though there is always some uncertainty about such variable birds as Eagles when only seen on the wing, we are satisfied in our own minds that it was a White-tailed and not a Golden Eagle. When the bird passed rather below our level the tail did not show the white basal portion with a dark tip so characteristic of the young Golden, but merely rather indistinct whitish patches on some of the central feathers. Indeed, these markings were so inconspicuous that my companions, who were concentrating their attention on the legs, did not notice them.'

In an editorial by Riley Fortune, p. 108, he adds, 'The question of identification is definitely settled, but unfortunately in a most unsatisfactory manner. Several persons, in addition to Dr. Shipton, have reported the bird to be a White-tailed Eagle. After being at large, unmolested for some weeks, we understand that the keeper who shot the bird, found its roosting-place and laid in wait for it returning. It is a great pity that this ceaseless destruction of rare birds cannot be prevented, and we trust that the vandal who slew this bird may be brought to book.'

C. H. Wells (1921) in British Birds, Vol. XIV. pp. 258-259, says: 'On December 20th, 1920, an Eagle was observed on the moors near Derwent, in north Derbyshire and south-west Yorkshire, and on January 9th, 1921, accompanied by a friend, I was fortunate in having a good view of the bird on the wing. It appeared over the sky-line, making for the wood where we were, but seeing us swerved away, gradually rising without any perceptible movement of the wings to a great height, and finally disappearing over the hills on the other side of the valley. On February 8th, the Eagle was shot from a "hide" when returning to the plantation in which it had been observed to roost, close to the Yorkshire border. It proved to be an immature White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), with the characteristic heavy bill, wedge-shaped tail and bare tarsi.

The span of its wings was 7 ft., weight 10 lb., total length 36 ins. Iris dark brown, cere dull yellow, bill dark horn colour, feet yellow, claws black: no white on tail. Castings examined showed beak and bones of Grouse, bones and fur of hare (also probably rabbit) and traces of sheep's wool, most likely from carrion.'

Accepted locally for Yorkshire (Chislett 1952: 164) and for Derbyshire (Frost 1978).

437). 1920 Lincolnshire Grainsby, 25th December.

(W. S. Medlicott, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1920: 128; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History W. S. Medlicott (1920) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, 1920: 128, says: 'Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh, of Grainsby, has kindly sent the following report of his observations on the migration of the autumn of 1920: The larger birds of prey were more in evidence than usual, and I saw (or had reported to me on good evidence)...a White-tailed Eagle seen by me at Grainsby.'

Smith & Cornwallis (1955) list one at Grainsby in the autumn of 1920. However, Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that one was seen at Grainsby Park on 25th December 1920.

Comment Although the two reports are for autumn and winter respectively, I consider them to be one and the same.

438). 1920 Highland Canna, Lochaber, immature, undated.

(R. Carrick & G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 59: 13; P. R. Evans & W. U. Flower, Scottish Birds 4: 421).

History R. Carrick & G. Waterston (1939) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIX. p. 13, under 'The Birds of Canna', say: 'One flew over during boisterous weather and settled on the shore for a few minutes (A.C.T.).'

Comment Mr. Alan Cameron Thom, who was the Proprietor of the Isle of Canna.

439). 1921 Northumberland Chillingham Park, two, seen, January.

(Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Galloway & Meek (1978-83) state that in January 1921 two spent several weeks in Chillingham Park.

441). 1921 Kent Petts Wood, Chislehurst, adult, seen, 18th November.

(E. Berens, Field 10th Dec., 1921: 758).

History Edward Berens of Rivington, St Mary Cray (1921) in The Field of 10th Dec., Vol. CXXXVIII. p. 758, says: 'While shooting in Petts Wood, Chislehurst, on Nov. 18 we moved a bird, which tallies exactly with Meyer's description of the White-tailed Eagle. It was about 6 ft. across the wings, of a chestnut-brown body, and vivid white tail. A woodcutter has seen two of them. I write to know if these birds can have escaped from captivity, as they cannot be wild in such a populous district.'

[We have not heard of the escape of such a bird, but White-tailed Eagles have been many times seen and shot in Kent, generally in proximity to the coast. - Ed.]

Comment The two theory is ignored, and even this record is not ideal as it could relate to a Rough-legged Buzzard as adult White-tailed Eagles are rare in Britain.

442). 1921 Lincolnshire Kirton Marsh, shot, December.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that in December 1921 one was shot in Kirton Marsh.

443). 1923 Lincolnshire Grainsby, seen, late February.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that in late February 1923 one was at Grainsby.

444). 1923 Northumberland Newsham, near Blyth, immature, shot, 2nd December.

(Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Galloway & Meek (1978-83) state that on 2nd December 1923 one was shot near Blyth.

445). 1924 Isles of Scilly Tresco and St Helens, seen, November.

(H. W. Robinson, British Birds 19: 287; Penhallurick, 1978).

History H. W. Robinson (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 287, says: 'Under 'The Birds of Scilly' by Clarke and Rodd (Zoologist, 1906, p. 299) it is stated that: "No eagles have so far been observed in Scilly, but there is a tradition of a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) having been seen near the Seven Stones in 1835". (This is not in Scilly.) In November, 1924, occurred what is the first record of a White-tailed Eagle in Scilly. It frequented the eastern end of Tresco, St. Helens, and the adjoining islands, and was so tame that its identification by two competent naturalists (who do not desire their names mentioned) was easy. It stayed over a fortnight and was not molested.'

446). 1925 Lincolnshire Skegness, January.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state that during January 1925 one was at Skegness.

447). 1926 Essex Finchingfield, immature, seen, early January to at least 1st February.

(S. H. Long, British Birds 19: 253-254; G. H. Gurney, British Birds 19: 254; J. W. Bertram Jones, Field 8th Mar., 1928: 390; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History Sydney H. Long (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. pp. 253-254, says: 'On January 17th, 1926, under twenty-three degrees of frost, I drove seventy miles on the chance of seeing an "eagle", which, for the past three weeks, had been frequenting some woods in north Essex. By good fortune I had three splendid views of the bird as it was "driven" from one wood to another about fifty yards high over my head. In its size, general outline and lazy, flapping flight it might have been a Golden Eagle, but as I could only see it from below and there was no sun it was very difficult to make out its colouring. Of this, however, I was certain, that its under parts were light yellowish and that its legs were bare and yellow. From below, no white was visible on the tail. I have little doubt but that the bird was an immature Sea-Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), though not since my boyhood days have I seen one of these rare birds on the wing. On several occasions it had been seen carrying a rabbit - on one occasion a hare - in its talons, and ground game was plentiful in the district.'

G. H. Gurney (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 254, says: 'For nearly a month an immature White-tailed Eagle has been living in some large woods on a private estate in Essex, where it has been allowed to remain unmolested, and where it finds plenty of food in the shape of rabbits, which abound in these woods. It has been repeatedly seen by a number of people, and yesterday, February 1st, I saw it on four occasions myself. Approaching the wood, which is one of a chain of several, the keeper who conducted me soon drew my attention to the bird sailing over the tops of the trees, which in all these woods are principally small oaks with an undergrowth of hazel; it was a long way off, but had evidently already seen our approach. At this distance it was of course quite impossible to identify it. It flew over the trees and disappeared in the direction of the adjoining wood, where we remained hidden for some time, as the keeper said it generally returned to the first wood; however, seeing no signs of it, we proceeded to a third wood, and very soon saw it sitting on the top of one of the tallest oaks, and were able to get within three hundred yards of it without being seen. After a good look at it through field glasses I showed myself, and as the bird sailed off the tree both legs for a moment were hanging straight down, and I could clearly see the legs bare of feathers, making me quite certain it was not a Golden Eagle, which species it had been first reported as being. Shortly afterwards, in the middle of the wood, it slowly flew over my head, not thirty feet above me, and gave me a most magnificent view, every feather being clearly visible. The keeper showed me a tree in the middle of one of the woods on which it often sat; the ground beneath was covered with whitewash, but no remains of game could be seen. It is possible that it eats its food on the ground, where it catches it. I am glad to say: the keeper has strict orders to protect this splendid visitor, and not to allow anyone to molest it.'

448). 1927 Lincolnshire Grainthorpe/North Cotes area, 5th January to early March.

(Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Smith & Cornwallis (1955) state that in January 1927 one was at North Cotes, while Lorand & Atkin (1989) add that one which came in off the sea on 5th January 1927 at Grainthorpe was probably the same individual seen in that area during February and March.

449). 1927 Highland Aviemore, Badenoch & Strathspey, sub-adult, seen, 23rd May.

(S. Gordon, British Birds 21: 96; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 108; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Dennis, 1984).

History Seton Gordon (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 96, says: 'At 5 p.m. B.S.T. on May 23rd, 1927, from my window at Aviemore, I saw a large bird pass heavily up the valley of the Spey. At first I thought it was a Golden Eagle, but there was a clumsiness in its flight that made me doubtful of it. I hurried out with my glass, and saw that it was a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). The day was dark and the white tail was conspicuous against the dark hill-side. I should say: the bird was in its third or fourth year as the extreme tip of its tail was black. It flew so far above the river, then turned N.W. across the shoulder of Creag Eallachie. A Black-headed Gull was mobbing it for a time. It was interesting to compare the flight with the Golden Eagle's flight. The White-tailed Eagle was decidedly larger, but what struck me was the heaviness of its flight, and it was this that, when I saw it first, put me in mind of the Heron. As I had a stalking glass with me I was able to have an excellent view. It was fortunate that I happened to look out of the window at the very moment the Eagle was passing, as I have never heard of the Erne being seen in the Spey Valley during recent years.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 108, in the annual report for 1927.

450.0). 1927 Hampshire Highclere, seen, 18th December; also in Berkshire.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1928: 29; Eds., British Birds 24: 231; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History B. W. Tucker (1928) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 29, says: 'On December 18th, 1927, a White-tailed Eagle was seen at Sidown, Hants., by Mr. F. J. Waydelin and Mr. C. R. M. F. Cruttwell. Mr. Waydelin informs us that the bird was under observation for quite a quarter of an hour, while flying over the rabbit warren adjoining Sidown Hill. It was flying low, mobbed by Rooks, and appeared anxious to alight and shake off their attention. Some days later it was seen about Combe in Berks.'

In an Editorial (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 231, in a Review of the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1928-29, they say: 'A White-tailed Eagle seen at Sidown, Hants., on December 18th, 1927, was observed later about Combe, Berks.'

450.1). 1927 Berkshire Near Combe, seen, late December; same as Hampshire.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1928: 29; Eds., British Birds 24: 231; Radford, 1966; Swash, 1996).

451). 1928 Essex/Greater London Navestock Lake, seen, 1st February.

(J. W. Bertram Jones, Field 8th Mar., 1928: 390; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Self, 2014).

History J. W. Bertram Jones (1928) in The Field of 8th Mar., Vol. CLI. p. 390, says: 'It will interest many of you readers to hear of a White-tailed Sea Eagle in Essex. I had twice seen the bird myself, but not near enough to be quite certain which eagle it might be. Early in February, however, I had one of the treats of my life, for one morning I was told of him over the pond, not more than 80yds. from my bedroom window. He was flying round and round the pond evidently in search of prey. By degrees he came so low that he was only a few feet from the water, and then I saw what his game was. Three times he struck at the wild ducks, which only escaped by diving. Eventually he perched on the top of a tall fir tree close to the water, and seemed to be contemplating what he should do next. It was from this point that I had a splendid view of him through my telescope, and was able to identify him with certainty.'

Glegg (1929) states that Mr. G. Dent informs me that on 1st February 1928 he saw one flying over the lake at Navestock.

452). 1928 Bedfordshire Woburn, immature, seen, 20th February to 11th March.

(M. Bedford, British Birds 21: 284-285; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. pp. 284-285, says: 'On February 20th, 1928, "a very large Hawk" was reported to me as having been seen in our park at Woburn for the first time. On the 22nd I had a very good view of it myself, and it has been seen daily by other observers or myself up to the present time, March 11th. It is, I think, undoubtedly an immature Sea-Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), the only thing making identification at all doubtful, being that it shows absolutely no white in flight. The legs are bright yellow and not feathered on the tarsus, the bill is heavy, a narrow band of bright yellow at the base shading to a bluish-horn colour. The tail is almost triangular in shape and not squared. The general body-colour is an ashy-brown with darker markings, and primaries, secondaries and tail-feathers are a very dark brown. The nape is also a darker brown than the general body-colour. It is fond of sitting on the banks of our ponds, and swoops down over the waterfowl, but has not been known to kill any. It has a slow heavy flight, only getting high in the air if it becomes suddenly aware of the proximity of a human being. It has lost some feathers in the left wing by which it might be identified if it meets with its probable fate when it leaves us, it being so unwary that I have been within shot of it on several occasions.'

[Mr. J. W. Bertram Jones states in the Field (8.iii.'28, p. 390) that he identified a Sea-Eagle early in February in Essex.- The bird was striking at wild ducks on a pond, and was seen at short range, but no details of its appearance are given. An Eagle, identified as a Golden Eagle, and apparently a young bird, is stated in Cage Birds to have been shot early in February near Grimsby in Lincolnshire, and had been previously watched by Mr. R. May and others, who were able to note that the tarsus was feathered to the base of the toes and that there was a dark band below a white patch on the tail. Mr. F. S. Chapman informs us that a friend of his saw an Eagle (? species), which was very dark with the tail rather lighter and several feathers missing from it, at the beginning of February at Freckenham, West Suffolk. - Eds.]

453). 1929 Sussex Firle Hill, seen, 20th March.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 311) says: 'A bird seen by Messrs. K. Bryant (viva voce mihi) and C. W. G. Paulson on Firle Hill on March 20th, 1929.'

454). 1929 Cumbria Workington and Seascale, immature, seen, 9th June.

(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 78).

History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 78, says: 'On 9th June, 1929, W. B. Houseman saw what appeared to be an Eagle flying in a westerly direction over the shore at Workington, Cumberland. J. Gregson Roper estimates that it was at or about this time that he had under close observation an immature White-tailed Eagle perched on the shore at Seascale, further south along the coast.'

455) 1930 Shropshire Munslow, seen, 5th February.

(Smith et al., 2019).

History Smith et al. (2019) state that one was seen 'by many people flying over Munslow' on the 5th February 1930.

456). 1931 Argyll Near Benmore, Mull, adult, seen, 15th October.

(J. A. Yeaman, Scottish Naturalist 52: 8; Eds., British Birds 26: 58).

History J. A. Yeaman of Edinburgh (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 8, says: 'On the 15th of October this year the writer, when on the hills which surround Benmore in the Isle of Mull, saw a full-grown White-tailed Eagle. The bird was flying very low and hunting along the slopes, and it was only the fact that the deer were watching something that made the writer aware that it was within a very short distance behind his back. As with the Golden Eagle under similar circumstances and about the same place, the bird was quite unalarmed and unafraid, and indeed it is thought he was curious as to what the writer, laying on the bank, really was. The bird was watched as far as possible through glasses, and there was no doubt as to the identity of the species, there being no signs of a golden head, and tail being entirely pure white. There are inaccessible sea cliffs within a few miles of the place where the bird was seen, but it was lost sight of against the hillside in the bad light. It was seen in almost exactly the same place as the Golden Eagles had been seen before, and hunting in very much the same way. It was not being followed by any bird or attacked by anything. The writer would judge that it was rather larger than the figures generally given for the measurements of this bird.'

In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 58, they say: 'Mr. J. A. Yeaman records (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 8) that he watched a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) on October 15th, 1931, on the hills near Benmore in the Isle of Mull. The bird, which appeared quite unalarmed, was observed through binoculars and it was noted that there were no signs of a golden head, while the tail was "entirely pure white".'

457). 1931 Suffolk Blaxhall, 26th December.

(Eds., Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 2: 91-92; Payn, 1978).

History In an Editorial (1932-34) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. pp. 91-92, he says: 'We have been visited at Blaxhall and Chillesford by a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla, Linn.). One of my keepers saw the bird and reported it, but did not know what it was. Mr. Alastair Watson's keeper recognized the bird near Orford, and reported it. Mr. Watson told me a fortnight ago that the Eagle was still there: but perhaps he has gone home for Christmas!' (Lord Ullswater, in litt. 26th Dec. 1931).

Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states on the authority of Lord Ullswater that one was at Blaxhall on 26th December 1931.

458). 1932 Isle of Wight Ryde/Brading area, seen, January to mid-March.

(Eds., British Birds 25: 338, 362; D. J. W. Edwards, Field 16th Apr., 1932: 584; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 338, they say: 'Mr. Hollis B. Fowler informs us that a White-tailed Eagle appeared between Ryde and Brading in the Isle of Wight at the end of January and was seen by a number of people, in particular by Mr. George Blacklock. The bird was observed almost daily during four or five weeks. It fed, partially at all events, on rabbits caught in wires. The bird was also seen fairly frequently on a large scavenger heap near St. Helens. Mr. Fry saw the bird preening itself in the middle of a large field at Ashey, near Ryde, and immediately collected some feathers, which were subsequently compared at the Natural History Museum and proved to be those of a White-tailed Eagle. It seems possible that this was the same bird as the one shot in Kent, and if so it is the more exasperating, because sportsmen and others in the Isle of Wight took precautions to preserve the bird during its stay there, and for this they must have full credit.'

D. J. W. Edwards, Watcher for RSPB (1932) in The Field of 16th Apr., Vol. CLIX. p. 584, says: 'I think there is little doubt that the White-tailed Eagle shot near Dover was the same one that since January had taken up its quarters about the Yaverland and Bembridge Marshes in the Isle of Wight, and lived on snared rabbits and carrion, etc. Several people reported having seen what they thought was a Golden Eagle. I do not think it ever came the Needles side of Brook, or I and a watcher looking after some nesting birds on the coast must have seen it. It is a pity it did not remain on the island, where it was never molested.'

In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 362, they say: 'Mr. H. B. Fowler informs us that the White-tailed Eagle reported from the Isle of Wight (antea, p. 338) was seen again on several occasions about a fortnight after the one was shot in Kent.' - Eds.

459). 1932 Kent Whitfield, near Dover, immature female, shot, 8th March, now at Maidstone Museum.

(Eds., British Birds 25: 338; Harrison, 1953).

History In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 338, they say: 'Capt. G. E. Took informs us that he has examined and confirmed the identification of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) which was unfortunately shot at Whitfield, near Dover, on March 8th, 1932.'

460). 1933 Lincolnshire Aswarby, near Sleaford, immature male, shot, 16th March.

(J. S. Reeve, British Birds 26: 365-366; W. A. Cragg, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 8: 189; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History John S. Reeve (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. pp. 365-366, says: 'A juvenile male White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) was killed near Sleaford on March 16th, 1933. It had frequented some woodland and gorsy country for some time and had been seen in a neighbouring parish during the winter. There is nothing to remark on the bird, which was in good condition, except that the tail-feathers were much worn. I may say: that the identification of the species was confirmed by Mr. D. Seth-Smith at the taxidermists. Efforts made to spare the bird were unsuccessful.'

W. A. Cragg (1933) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. VIII. p. 189, says: 'In January a fine Peregrine Falcon was unfortunately shot at Holbeach Marsh. On March 9th, about 10 a.m., I saw a bird which I am convinced was an Eagle. It was flying, mobbed by Crows, quite low and settled by Aswarby Thorns. Later a juvenile male White-tailed Eagle was killed at Aswarby and secured by Capt. J. S. Reeve of Leadenham.'

461). 1934 Suffolk Euston Hall, Thetford, immature, February.

(R. B. Caton, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 2: 303; Payn, 1978).

History R. B. Caton (1932-34) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 303, says: 'Col. Hume-Gore observed an Eagle rise from the ground, and perch upon a dead tree, near Euston Hall early in February 1934. It was probabbly an immature White-tailed on (Haliaetus albicilla, L.: cf. Trans. supra 1, p. 170): he is positive it was not a Buzzard.'

Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states on the authority of R. B. Mason that an immature was at Euston during February 1934.

462). 1934 Norfolk Melton Constable, seen, March to early April.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 28: 361).

History B. B. Riviere (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 361, under Norfolk Bird Report for 1934, says: 'During March and the early part of April one was frequently seen in the neighbourhood of Melton Constable and most often near the lake in Melton Constable park (M. Lascelles).'

463). 1935 Fair Isle No locality, adult, seen, 18th September.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 56: 63; Dymond, 1991).

History George Waterston (1936) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVI. p. 63, under 'Bird Notes from Fair Isle', says: 'White-tailed Eagle - A fine old bird with pure white tail passed over the island on 18th September 1935.'

464). 1936 Devon Hexworthy and Princetown area, Dartmoor, seen, 15th February to 14th March.

(Cage Birds 1936; F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & F. C. Pidcock, Devon Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1936: 6; Eds., British Birds 30: 28-29; Moore, 1969; Tyler, 2010).

History F. C. Butters E. W. Hendry, H. G. Hurrell & F. C. Pidcock (1936) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. 9. p. 6, says: 'An eagle, which proved to be an immature (first or second year) White-tailed, frequented a tract of Dartmoor, E. of Princetown, during February and March.

First reported on Feb. 15th by Miss May of Hexworthy, and subsequently seen by several observers. I was fortunate in securing a very close view of the bird on Feb. 23rd, when it rose from a slope beneath me, and circled round slowly at close range for several minutes. Various plumage characteristics were seen well, and it may be noted that there was no indication of any white or pale colouring on the tail. Some interesting skirmishes with ravens were witnessed. Fox Tor Mire and Swincornbe Reservoir seemed to have particular attraction for it, but it also ranged into the neighbourhood to the S.E., and Northwards to Laughter Tor. It was seen again, on four occasions, during a circuit of this area on March 1st. It was reported to have been seen on March 14th for the last time. (G.M.S.).'

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 28, they say: 'A bird stated to be a White-tailed Eagle was reported in Cage Birds to have been observed during the first half of March on several occasions in the neighbourhood of Dartmoor.'

Tyler (2010) adds that it was in the Hexworthy and Princetown area between 15th February and 14th March.

465). 1936 Cambridgeshire Milton Park, near Peterborough, Northamptonshire, adult, seen, about 17th February to 7th or 9th March.

(Cage Birds 1936; A. F. Moody, British Birds 30: 28-29; Taylor MS., 1959).

History A. F. Moody (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. pp. 28-29, says: 'An adult White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) appeared at Milton Park, near Peterborough, about February 17th, 1936, and stayed in the district until March 7th or 9th. My first view of the Eagle was on the afternoon of February 22nd, and as it moved out of a tree at a distance of perhaps thirty yards the tail looked pure white, rather short and square in shape. Altogether I saw the bird on four occasions and had it under observation for several hours. Owing to its rather small size I thought it was a male, but this was a general impression gained from my having lived for many years in daily contact with the species in captivity. The bird was decidedly tame, and I had the impression that it might possibly have escaped from captivity. Usually when seen it was sitting in a tree and it was much "mobbed" by Rooks. It fed for some time on a fallen deer in the Park and also took rabbits.'

[A bird stated to be a White-tailed Eagle was reported in Cage Birds to have been observed during the first half of March on several occasions in the neighbourhood of Dartmoor. Mr. E. Giles informs us that in Breconshire on April 15th, after observing Kites and Buzzards, he watched a bird which from its large size, long wings and outspread pinions with upturned tips was evidently an Eagle. It was high up and its coloration could not be observed but its tail was not white. Mr. Giles thought it was a Golden Eagle, but an immature White-tailed is perhaps more probable. - Eds.]

466). 1936 Kent Near Dover, seen, 31st March.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1936: 35).

History R. Whitlock (1936) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 35, says: 'A bird was seen and accurately identified near Dover on March 31st (G.E.T.).'

467). 1936 Norfolk Gunton Park, immature, seen, 27th to 28th October.

(M. Barclay, British Birds 30: 228-229).

History Miss M. Barclay (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. pp. 228-229, says: 'On October 27th, 1936, I was walking in Gunton Park with Mr. F. R. Hoare and as we approached the Great Water we saw a large bird, which flew across the water and was immediately mobbed by masses of Rooks and Jackdaws. Ducks and Gulls were flying all round. We saw that the bird was much too large for a Buzzard. It then came right over us and we saw clearly its very powerful pale yellow bill. It only needed to see its legs to be able to identify it as a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla). We watched it for over 20 minutes and it often came so close as to be within easy shot. At last it made for a dead tree at the side of the lake, dropped its legs to perch, and we saw plainly that the tarsi were unfeathered. Its plumage was dull and rather ragged, the mantle being pale brown and mottled and the tail brownish and mottled with white, not barred. Its flight was slow and heavy, with primaries very splayed out and turned up. It was the largest Eagle I have ever seen; I know the Golden very well. I saw the bird again the following morning but it has not been seen since.'

468). 1938 Devon Princetown area, Dartmoor, seen, June.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1938: 7; Moore, 1969).

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell (1938) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 7, say: 'Dartmoor. An Eagle again appeared on the part of the moor frequented by an immature of this species in early months of 1936, but this time in the unusual month of June. It was seen on at least three occasions and probably was the same bird. (G.M.S.).'

Comment G. M. Spooner of the Marine Biological Laboratory, Plymouth.

469). 1939 Derbyshire/Yorkshire River Derwent, immature, seen, 20th February to 19th March.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 65: 8; Eds., British Birds 34: 69; R. E. Knowles, North Western Naturalist 16: 83-84, 194; R. Wagstaffe, North Western Naturalist 16: 194; Chislett, 1952; Frost, 1978; Mather, 1986).

History Ralph Chislett (1940) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXV. p. 8, says: 'White-tailed Eagle. An eagle, believed to be an immature bird of this species, frequented the Yorkshire and Derbyshire borders, about the upper reaches of the Derbyshire Derwent, from February 20th to March 19th. Good views of it were obtained by E. H. Peat, A. Whitaker, Professor C. J. Patten, and others.'

In an Editorial (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 69, in a Review of the above, they say: 'An Eagle believed to be an immature White-tailed was seen by several observers on the Derbyshire border in February and March.'

R. E. Knowles of Macclesfield (1941) in the North Western Naturalist, Vol. XVI. pp. 83-84, says: 'In the early spring of 1940 I hear through my friend, Mr. C. S. Wright, of Eyam Hall, near Sheffield, that an Eagle was frequenting Derwent Moor, near Ashopton, Co. Derby. I was unable to get over to see it, but I think a record of the occurrence should be made in this Journal so I send a few facts.

On February 27th, a water bailiff named Froggatt was proceeding along the edge of the Derwent Dam below the moor with his dog, which was walking ahead of him when suddenly a huge bird appeared in the sky, descended in spirals until about twenty yards above the man and dog, hovered in the manner of a Kestrel for a few moments, and then sheered off to hunt along the hill sides.

On March 12th, a well-known ornithologist, Mr. A. Whitaker, of Sheffield, having heard from a gamekeeper on Derwent Moor that he had seen an Eagle about for several days, motored over with a friend to look for the bird, and they were fortunate enough to find it and watch it for about an hour.

Although Whitaker is very conversant with Eagles in Scotland, he was unable to decide whether this bird was a Golden Eagle or an immature White-tailed Eagle which had not yet developed the white tail, but he was inclined to diagnose the latter species.

Both the above references appeared in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph.

On March 18th, Mr. C.S. Wright went early in the morning, together with Professors Patten and Craig of Sheffield University, to try and get a view of the Eagle. Unfortunately, the former had to leave the Moor before the bird showed itself, but the two latter watched it later that day through powerful glasses in the neighbourhood of the upper Dam.

Mr. Wright further informs me that a water bailiff told him that a gamekeeper had found the carcase of a lamb on some crags, which bore traces of having been killed by some bird of prey, but nothing more definite is known as to that matter.

In all, Mr. Wright went to the moor three times, but was not lucky enough to get a view. He writes me that he can hear of no record of the bird after March 18th.'

R. Wagstaffe of the Yorkshire Museum, York (1941) in the North Western Naturalist, Vol. XVI. p. 194, says: 'Unless Mr. Richard E. Knowles can produce evidence in order to substantiate the above title for his note, which appeared in the last issue of this Journal, I trust it will be regarded as an interesting speculation only and not as a record of permanent value. The facts put forward by Mr. Knowles, apparently in substantiation of his title, are quite inadequate. Curiously enough, the most pertinent refer to Mr. Whittaker's inconclusive diagnosis.'

Accepted locally for Yorkshire (Chislett 1952: 164) and for Derbyshire (Frost 1978).

470). 1940 Norfolk Hickling, immature, 22nd November to 1st December.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1940: 19).

History J. Vincent (1940) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 19, under 'Bird Notes from Hickling, 1941', says: 'This noble bird, an immature one, was first seen by me on November 22nd, though prior to this I had heard of a large bird being mobbed by Crows. On the 24th it was flying around Whiteslea and alighted in the woods near by. I had a fairly close view with glasses of the tarsus as it threw its feet forward to settle. The bird is still here on December 1st.'

471). 1940 Norfolk Narford Hall, King's Lynn, immature, seen, 23rd December to 19th March 1941.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1941: 16-17; Eds., British Birds 36: 118).

History C. E. Gay (1941) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1941, pp. 16-17, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'An immature bird of this species was seen near the lake at Narford Hall, King's Lynn, on December 23rd, 1940, and thereafter at frequent intervals until March 19th of this year. It was at first assumed that this was the same bird which was seen at Hickling on November 22nd, during December, and again in February. That this was not so is clear from the notes supplied by Mrs. MacAllister who was staying at Narford during the Eagle's visit there, and who kept a diary of its movements. She notes having seen it on February 22nd, again on the 24th, sitting on the top of a fir tree, and on the 25th when it frightened some courting Goosanders on the lake near the house. It was on that day February 25th, that Jim Vincent reports having had such a good view of the Hickling bird which had previously been seen in the vicinity of the Broad for several days.'

In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 118, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1941, they say: 'A White-tailed Eagle was at Hickling in February and March and what was proved to be another individual at King's Lynn at intervals between December 1940 and March, 1941.'

472). 1941 Norfolk Hickling, seen, 25th February to mid-March.

(J. Vincent Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1941: 12; Eds., British Birds 36: 118).

History Jim Vincent (1941) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1941, p. 12, under 'Bird Notes from Hickling, 1941', says: 'On February 25th I had a good view of an immature Sea Eagle as it alighted on a dead tree and, with the aid of field glasses, was able to see the bare tarsus. It had been seen some days previously being mobbed by Rooks as it flew. This bird remained at Hickling for practically a month frequenting the two woods near by. It was seen carrying rabbits which it ate on the marsh, and I have reason to believe that it caught a fish - probably bream. The duck on the Broad were terrified of it.'

In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 118, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1941, they say: 'A White-tailed Eagle was at Hickling in February and March.'

473). 1941 Devon Wrangaton, immature, seen, 27th December.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1941: 16; Eds., British Birds 36: 120).

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell (1941) in the Devon Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 16, say: 'Wrangaton. December 27th. An eagle mobbed by Ravens. Very dark in colour except for some greyish patches on back, and, I think, on upper surface of tail. The noticeably heron-like flight referred to in the new Handbook of British Birds seemed to confirm the probability that it was an immature bird of this species. (H.G.H.).'

In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 120, in a Review of the Devon Bird-watching and Preservation Society, for 1941, they say: 'An Eagle, most probably a young White-tailed, was seen at Wrangaton on December 27th.'

474). 1942 Norfolk Narford, late January.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 13; Eds., British Birds 37: 240).

History C. E. Gay (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 13, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'An immature Sea Eagle was again at Narford at the end of January, but it did not make a long stay there. It is possible that this was the bird which arrived at Hickling on February 11th and which remained there for a considerable time.'

475). 1942 Norfolk Hickling, immature, seen, 11th February.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 11; Eds., British Birds 37: 240).

History J. Vincent (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1942, p. 12, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'An immature bird turned up again on February 11th and stayed for a long time feeding on wounded wildfowl, Coots and rabbits. It spent a lot of its time resting in the wood near Whiteslea Lodge.'

476). 1942 Norfolk Brancaster Staithe, seen, 8th March.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 13; Eds., British Birds 37: 240).

History C. E. Gay (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1942, p. 13, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'On March 8th Dr. Sumpter of Brancaster Staithe saw one coming in from the sea. His first impression was of a circling aeroplane until it came inland and, passing over the village, disappeared in the direction of Docking.'

477). 1942 Yorkshire Cloughton, near Scarborough, sub-adult male, picked up dead, had been shot, 12th March.

(W. J. Clarke, British Birds 36: 161; R. Chislett, Naturalist 1942-43: 47; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History W. J. Clarke (1943) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 161, says: 'On March 12th, 1942, I received information that a large bird had been picked up dead at Cloughton Bank about 4 miles north of Scarborough, by a Mr. Green of the Forestry Commission. On proceeding to view the specimen I found it to be a nearly adult White-tailed Eagle still bearing slight traces of immaturity in the form of ash grey blotches upon the otherwise all white tail-feathers. The bill, eyes and legs were yellow. It bore recent gun shot wounds on its body, and at some remote period had been in a trap, three toes of the left foot being missing and the injury completely healed up. The bird was not preserved so far as I know.'

Ralph Chislett (1942-43) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXVIII. p. 47, in the Annual Report for 1942, admits it.

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 164-165).

478). 1942 North-east Scotland No locality, Kincardineshire, immature, head only picked up, mid-June.

(I. D. Pennie, British Birds 36: 113; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Ian D. Pennie (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 113, says: 'I have recently had the opportunity of examining the mounted head of a White-tailed Eagle, obtained in Kincardineshire this year (1942). The bird was found about the middle of June, alive, but injured and very emaciated. The most noticeable feature is the comparatively large size and great depth of the beak, which measures 55mm. from tip to cere. The beak is dark horn coloured, and the cere a very artificial bright yellow. Unfortunately the head only had been preserved, but I was assured that there had been no feathers on the tarsus, and that the tail was not white, showing that the bird is an Immature White-tailed Eagle.'

479). 1945 Norfolk Didlington, seen, 18th April.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1945: 18; Eds., British Birds 40: 31).

History C. E. Gay (1945) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1945, p. 18, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'One was seen on April 18th by John and Michael Parker and by an army officer stationed nearby. The bird rose from a tree on an island in Didlington lake and flew off with a slow rather laboured flapping of its immense wings, the width of which was particularly striking.'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 31, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1945, they say: 'A Sea-Eagle at Didlington on April 18th.'

480). 1945 Norfolk Hickling, adult, seen, 25th to 29th October.

E. Piggin, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1945: 10; Eds., British Birds 40: 31).

History E. Piggin (1945) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1945, p. 10, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'An adult bird with a white tail was first seen on October 25th and during the following four days. Nearly all the previous records for this district have been of immature birds.'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 31, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1945, they say: 'A Sea-Eagle at...and an adult, with white tail, at Hickling on October 25th.'

481). 1945 Sussex Holts Farm, East Dean, immature, trapped and killed, 18th November, now at Natural History Museum, Tring (Acc. No. 1945.46.1).

(P. James, Sussex Bird Report 1999: 32).

History P. James (1999) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 32 says: 'An immature was snared and then clubbed to death at Holts Farm, East Dean on 18th November 1945. The specimen is now in the Natural History Museum at Tring (Acc. No. 1945.46.1).'

482). 1945 Somerset Steart, immature, shot, 1st December, now at City Museum, Bristol.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1945: 13; Eds., British Birds 40: 95; Palmer & Ballance; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1945) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 13, says: 'An immature bird was brought to the Taunton Museum by Mr. J. E. Govett, of Manor Farm, Steart, who had shot it on his farm on Dec. 1, not knowing it to be a protected bird. As there are already three specimens in the Museums collection, it was offered to the Bristol City Museum, where it is now in good keeping (H.St.G.G.).'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 94, in a Review of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, for 1945, they say: 'Among the more notable records are those of...an immature White-tailed Eagle shot at Steart on December 1st.'

483). 1945 Worcestershire Wannerton, near Kidderminster, immature, shot, 25th December.

(A. J. Harthan, Report on the Birds of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and South Staffordshire 12: 17; Eds., British Birds 39: 379-380; C. A. Norris, Report on the Birds of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and South Staffordshire 13: 37; C. A. Norris, British Birds 40: 184; Harthan, 1946; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. pp. 379-380, in a review of the Birmingham and District Bird Club Report they say: 'The section of classified notes in this report is very short compared with some other county publications and a weakness is the lack of supporting evidence for some of the records of the rarer birds. We feel sure the Editor satisfied himself as regards all of them, but we are obliged to re-iterate once again that when rarities are recorded the evidence should be available in print along with the records. For example we imagine that a (Golden Eagle recorded as shot at Wannerton on December 25th (a deplorable event) was critically examined by an ornithologist in view of the great rarity of this species in the south and its frequent confusion with the young White-tailed Eagle, but we are not given this crucial information.'

C. A. Norris (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 184, says: 'Some considerable publicity has been given elsewhere to a record of a Golden Eagle Aquila ch. chrysaetus which was reported to have been shot at Wannerton, near Kidderminster, on December 25th, 1945 (cf. antea. Vol. XXXIX. p. 379-380). At the request of Mr. A. J. Harthan I inspected this bird, as the record had at that time been substantiated by no detailed description. On examination the bird proved to be a juvenile Sea-Eagle Haliaetus albicilla and not a Golden Eagle as had been reported. In general plumage the bird compared very closely with the description of the juvenile given in The Handbook (Vol. III. p. 94). The bill was far deeper than in the Golden Eagle, measuring in this case 55 mm. from the cere, the centre toes were covered for nearly their whole length with twelve separate scutes, exactly as in the diagram in The Handbook, Vol. III. p. 42, and at least half of the tarsus was bare of feathers.'

484). 1946 Devon Hope's Nose, Torquay, seen, 14th January.

(M. Brooks-King et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1946: 32; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King et al. (1946) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIX. p. 32, say: 'Black head to Hope's Nose, Torquay. January 14th, under observation for half-minute through binoculars. Very much bigger than Buzzard, which I know well, also different colour. Colour of neck - rather lighter than body which was a golden bronze. Tail same colour as body. A distinct impression of yellow about head and under body. Size - gave impression of being twice that of a Buzzard, and had a much longer tail. When first observed the bird was apparently motionless over the sea in a very strong south-east wind. Some gulls flew towards it and the bird dived steeply from four hundred feet to about fifty feet and then rose gain to about eight hundred feet, and disappeared in the direction of Thatcher Rock. Wedge-shaped tail especially noted. (C. Ransom).' [An immature White-tailed Eagle. - Eds.]

485). 1947 Hampshire Somerley Park, near Ringwood, immature, 6th January.

(Cohen, 1963; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History Cohen (1963) states on 6th January 1947 an immature was at Somerley Park, Ringwood (Cohen).

486). 1947 Isles of Scilly Various islands, adult, seen, April to 21st December.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1947: 37, 40; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1947) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVII. p. 37, under 'Notes on Migrants' by Major A. A. Dorrien Smith, says: 'November 4th and 7th. A White-tailed Eagle.' Further, p. 40, Dorrien Smith adds: 'Its presence was reported in April. From May onwards it was seen in certain definite haunts early morning and late evening. Suspected of roosting on Gugh and seen eating a Shag. Its habits were regular and it was seen most evenings flying from the Bar Point district over Porthmellon and the Garrison, on occasions remarkably low when markings could be easily distinguished. From July onwards it was seen only about once a fortnight; by mid-September it had again resumed its old haunts; this was followed by another spell of irregular sightings; last seen December 21st. (Description. Large size - simply immense when flying low. Coral white pearly colour of tail when seen sitting on rock in evening light, but definitely white when seen flying compared with rest of body which was brown. I had seen this species before many years ago in West Scotland, but hesitated to be definite until Mr. Wardle, gamekeeper to A.A.D.S., had a close view. On no occasion did I see any suggestion of brown markings on tail, neither did Mr. Wardle, who had a marvellous close-up view in flight). W.P.K.'

Penhallurick (1978: 86) says: 'An adult seen on Scilly for most of the year from April onwards, was perhaps the same as the bird near Zennor in 1947. It was thought to roost on the Gugh where it was once seen devouring a Shag. From July it appeared only about once a fortnight, though more often in mid-September, and was last seen on 21st December.'

Comment I have recorded it as the same as the one in Cornwall. W.P. Kennedy wrote the description.

487). 1948 Yorkshire Dovedale Griff, near Bridestones, immature, 20th January to 17th February.

(R. M. Garnett, Naturalist 73: 114; R. Chislett, Naturalist 74: 65; Eds., British Birds 43: 62; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History R. M. Garnett (1948) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIII. p. 114, says: 'A visit of about a month's duration paid by a White-tailed Eagle to North-east Yorkshire seems worthy of a special note in The Naturalist. The bird was first seen on January 20th (R.M.G.) when it was flapping about at a very low altitude amongst the many waterfowl collected on flooded ground beside the River Derwent at Thornton marshes, and it was seen again next day by two farmers who were threshing a stack in the same locality. The next news of it came in an excellent description sent by Mrs. Mercer of Low Staindale Farm who, with her husband, saw it near The Bridestones, a recently acquired property of The National Trust on January 28th. It was subsequently seen on many occasions by many others, including a number of experienced ornithologists, a party of whom found a roost on February 8th in a sheltered ghyll near to The Bridestones. Some pellets, one a very fresh one in which some staph beetles were preparing to breed, were sent to the Yorkshire Museum. Mr. Wagstaffe wrote that identifiable material consisted of sheep's wool and the feet and feather remains of a Partridge. Its usual line of flight in the morning was from the roosting area down Thornton Dale to Ellerburn and over to the south side of the dale into the Vale of Pickering, returning in the afternoon. On January 30th it was seen by F. Dunning, a gamekeeper, at Ellerburn fish-pond, when it came to blows with a Mute Swan resting on the water. The ornithologists who saw it are agreed that it was an immature bird, and the following notes on its field characteristics are compiled from observations made by C. E. A. Burnham, M. F. M. Meiklejohn, and A. J. Wallis, who have kindly sent me their notes.

General plumage dark brown below with almost black flight feathers and wholly dark brown tail. Mantle speckled golden brown so as to give general light appearance. Light patches on sides of neck. Under wing-coverts lighter than primaries. Beak very thick vertically and pronounced forehead. Tarsus appeared bare when legs were twice lowered in flight (M.F.M.M.). When gliding the emarginated flight feathers appeared of equal length, giving a vulture-like outline. Tail very short, fan-shaped when open, wedge-shaped when closed. It was last seen on February 17th by W. Hoggard, the warrener, over Dalby forest, and is believed to have escaped molestation.'

Ralph Chislett (1949) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIV. p. 65, in the Annual Yorkshire Report for 1948, admits it.

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 62, in a Review of the above, they say: 'There are a number of interesting records of more or less rare species elsewhere. Of these might be mentioned, in 1948: an immature White-tailed Eagle present in N.E. Yorkshire for about a month from Jan. 20th.' Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 165).

488). 1948 Cornwall Zennor, adult, seen, June.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1948: 24; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1948) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, p. 24, says: 'Seen again this year in June at Wicca. I had a close view, and clearly noted poise on rock and white tail as it flew. (A.W.A.).' Penhallurick (1978) p. 86, says: '1948, another, an adult, again reported in Zennor - at Wicca in June.'

Comment A.W.A. = A. W. Adams of Clifton, Bristol.

489.0). 1949 Shetland Hermaness, Unst, 11th June; possible same as Fair Isle.

(Venables & Venables, 1955).

History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'We have only seen one in eight years: wheeling high over Hermaness on 11th June 1949.’

489.1). 1949 Fair Isle No locality, adult, 19th June; also in Shetland.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1949: 8; Venables & Venables, 1955; Dymond, 1991).

History K. Williamson (1949) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 8, under 'June', says: 'Two of the islanders independently reported a White-tailed Eagle on the 19th, perhaps the same bird as was seen in Unst by L. S. V. and Ursula Venables towards the end of the month.'

490). 1949 Norfolk Blakeney Harbour area, immature, 10th December to 20th January 1950.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1950: 4, 6, 10).

History Anon. (1950) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1950, pp. 2, 4, says: 'The following records are taken from the diary of the late Charles Chestney and, during the latter part of the year, of his son Robert....White-tailed Eagle. - An immature Sea Eagle was seen flying a mile offshore on January 7th. This was undoubtedly the bird which spent the winter of 1949-50 on the coast between Brancaster and Cley, making Blakeney Point its headquarters.'

Further, p. 6, under 'Notes from the diary of the Warden, Ted Eales', they add: 'The immature White-tailed Eagle which first arrived in this area on December 10th, 1949, was seen almost daily until January 20th. Sometimes it was flying a short distance off-shore, sometimes hunting the sandhills and once or twice it was seen resting on the beach. On several occasions it flew inland towards the woods above Cley and Blakeney and was last seen on the Bayfield Hall estate on the 20th.' Further, p. 10, under 'Cley and Salthouse', with records from the diary of W. F. Bishop, they add: 'The immature White-tailed Eagle which arrived in the district on December 10th was seen at Bayfield on January 16th and flying inland over Cley on the 18th and along the beach on the 20th.'

1950-57 RECORD

491). 1957 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, immature, 29th December.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 27; Gantlett, 1984).

History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 27, says: 'An immature east at Cley, December 29th (H.P.M., J.I., R.E.E.).'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1837-38 Norfolk Horsey Warren, three seen together, winter.

(Stevenson, 1866; Babington, 1884-86; Patterson, 1905).

[KAN].

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 4) says: 'The late Mr. Girdlestone, of Yarmouth, also informed Mr. Lubbock that in the sharp winter of 1837 "he had three of these eagles in sight at once", on Horsey warren.'

Babington (1884-86: 22) says: 'Three seen at once near Yarmouth in the winter of 1837 (Dresser, Birds of Eur., under Sea Eagle).'

Comment It would appear that Stevenson and Babington have erroneously stated 1837 for 1827, which was later corrected for 1828-29. Girdlestone died in 1831. Duplicate record. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1842 Leicestershire & Rutland Swannington, killed, undated.

(Potter, 1842).

[KAN].

History Churchill Babington under 'Ornithology of Charnwood Forest' in Potter (1842: 65), under 'Appendix' says: 'A specimen killed at Swannington, by Mr. William Burton. The head and wings only were preserved. These I have seen.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1842 Suffolk No locality, caught, undated.

(Meyer, 1842).

[KAN].

History Meyer (1842 (1): 12-13) says: 'Another individual which had been taken alive in a trap in Suffolk, was for some time in the possession of John Spicer, Esq. of Esher Place, Surrey, from whence it was transferred to Ashley Park, the seat of Sir Henry Fletcher, which bird I have had frequent opportunities of observing.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). 1844 Yorkshire Cronkley Scar, Upper Teesdale, trapped, undated.

(Nelson, 1907).

[Nelson, 1907].

History Nelson (1907 (1): 336) says: 'Mr. James Backhouse, writing in 1880, states that an eagle, probably of this species, was trapped at Cronkley Scar, Upper Teesdale, in 1844, by C. Dowson, whose son described the specimen.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1847 Highland Near Loch Alsh, Ross & Cromarty, seen, 26th May.

(W. M. E. Milner, Zoologist 1848: 2015).

[KAN]

History W. M. E. Milner (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2015, says: 'Between Bonar Bridge and the west coast, opposite Skye, we did not observe much beyond...a White-tailed Eagle near Loch Alsh, on the 26th May.'

Comment No supporting identification details for a sight record. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1850 Northamptonshire Bulwick Park, Wansford, immature, shot, undated.

(Lilford, 1895).

[J. S. Clark, Cambridge Bird Report 2004: 137-138].

History Lilford (1895 (1): 5) says: 'A specimen stuffed at Bulwick Park, Wansford, the seat of Lieut.-Col. Tryon, was killed, as the late Thomas Tryon, Esq., assured me, near that place. I have no record as to date, but it is at least forty years since I first saw it there, and it had then been stuffed for some years.'

Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'This eagle was very kindly sent to me as a present by Mrs. Tryon, widow of Lieut.-Col. Tryon, in August 1891.'

J. S. Clark (2004) in the Cambridge Bird Report, pp. 137-138, says: 'Although Wansford is in Cambridgeshire, Bulwick Park is around 11 km away, well inside Northamptonshire. Because doubt exists to the actual site, the above record is no longer acceptable.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1851 Pembrokeshire Near Haverfordwest, undated.

(Mathew, 1894).

[Lockley, 1949].

History Mathew (1894: 50) says: 'Sir Hugh Owen has informed us that in the winter of 1851 an Eagle was seen almost daily in the neighbourhood of Haverfordwest, more particularly frequenting the covers of Picton Castle and Slebech, and that it escaped being shot. This bird was supposed to have been a Golden Eagle, but with more probability may be considered to have been an immature White-tailed Eagle, a species not unseldom observed as a straggler along the western coasts of the kingdom.'

Lockley (1949: 52) says: 'Mathew (1894) gives an uncertain record from 1851 at Haverfordwest.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1857 Hampshire Near Haslar, Gosport, immature female, shot, 7th January.

(C. Barron, Zoologist 1857: 5426).

[Kelsall & Munn, 1905].

History Charles Barron of Haslar (1857) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XV. p. 5426, dated 11th January, 1857, says: 'A specimen of the White-tailed Eagle, in immature plumage, was shot by a person in this neighbourhood on the 7th inst., and from whom I obtained it. Extreme length 3 feet 3 inches; expanse of wings from tip to tip 7 feet 5 inches; weight 8lbs. It proved on examination to be a female, and I have little doubt was a bird of last year.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 158) say: 'The example referred to in The Zoologist for 1857, as having been obtained at Haslar, had been brought home from the Crimea by soldiers.'

Comment Imported. Not acceptable.

0). 1860 Sussex Seaford, shot, about 20th February.

(G. D. Rowley, Ibis 6: 224; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History George Dawson Rowley (1864) in The Ibis, Vol. VI. p. 224, in a Letter, says: '...One of these eagles appears to visit this neighbourhood every two or three years, as I have a memorandum of the death of another from an ornithological friend, 23rd February 1860, who states that it met its end not far from the Lighthouse, Seaford, a few days before. Their destruction I mention with regret.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 311) says: 'The specimen shot at Seaford some time prior to February 23rd, 1860, on which date (in litt.) the Rev. R. N. Dennis told Dawson Rowley (Orn. Miscell., I. p. 53) of the event - is said by the former to have been an adult. But if it was, it is strange that no mention is made of its then most striking plumage-attribute, namely, the totally white tail. All Dennis said as regards its maturity was that it possessed a white crest. But this of itself is no earnest that the bird was as Stated. For although the very aged albicilla has got a hoary head, though, too, under pressure of excitement and anger the feathers of the crown can be slightly elevated, it carries no vestige of a crest proper, which, be it noted, the Osprey, always white-headed and in those days, at any rate, locally often also called Sea-eagle (which is how Dennis named his bird), invariably possesses. On the other hand Pandion's presence in these Islands during winter is of phenomenally rare occurrence. All the same I begin to wonder. Dennis's diaries - now printed and designated 'Notes on Sussex Ornithology' – are unfortunately of no avail in the quest, since that part of them which might have been helpful is missing.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1861 Yorkshire Skirne, Driffield, shot, 3rd December.

("A Constant Reader" Field 14th Dec., 1861: 536).

["F.H." Field 21st Dec., 1861: 558].

History "A Constant Reader" of Driffield (1861) in The Field of 14th Dec., Vol. XVIII. p. 536, says: 'A fine specimen of the Cinereous or Sea Eagle was shot on the 3rd inst., on the estate of Lord Londesborough, by Mr. Thomas Kemp, gamekeeper to A. Bannister, Esq., at Skirm [sic], near Driffield. It was in fine plumage, and measured from the beak to the tail 2 feet 9 inches, and 6 feet 6 inches across the wings from tip to tip. It had been seen for several days hunting the turnips, and had no doubt had good sport, having a great deal of hare's down between its talons when shot. Please say in your next whether it is not a very rare bird so far south in England.'

[The Cinereous or White-tailed Eagle occurs occasionally, but not frequently, in the south of England; the Golden Eagle is a much rarer bird. - Ed.]

"F.H." of Hull (1861) in The Field of 21st Dec., Vol. XVIII. p. 558, says: 'The eagle shot at Skirne, near Driffield, on the 3rd inst., is in my possession, and is a Golden Eagle of this year. The broad white bar at the root of the tail has led your correspondent to mistake it for the White-tailed Eagle.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1862 Sussex River Adur, Arundel Park, November.

("Sussex Blackthorn" Field 22nd Nov., 1862: 473).

[KAN].

History "Sussex Blackthorn" (1862) in The Field of 22nd Nov., Vol. XX. p. 473, says: 'One of your correspondents records an instance of the capture of one of these noble birds, and inquires whether such an instance is not rare, or even unprecedented in the south of England. As a resident in Sussex for a long time, I beg to say: that I can report many instances of this bird being seen and shot. Not long since there was a report in a Sussex paper that a fine Golden Eagle was taken in Arundel Park; this proved to be a Sea, or Cinereous Eagle. I was lucky enough to see this specimen flying over the Adur a short time before its capture. Another was taken in a rabbit-trap near Beachy Head; another at Shoreham; two on the beach near Brighton, at different times. Again, one was found gorged on the beach at Pagham; and indeed scarcely a year goes by without one being shot.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1863 Norfolk Breydon, shot, winter.

(Stevenson, 1866).

[Stevenson, 1866].

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 1) in a footnote, says: 'In the autumn of 1864, a skin of H. albicilla was brought to one of our Norwich birdstuffers, with a statement that the bird had been shot on Breydon during the previous winter. This bird exhibited the white tail and other indications of adult plumage, and from this and other appearances, more than doubting its history, I at once instituted enquiries at Yarmouth. From a resident ornithologist there, upon whose information I can implicitly rely, I ascertained that no Sea Eagle had been either seen or shot on Breydon in the winter of 1863, and that the bird in question was brought by a fisherman about Christmas-time from Norway as a skin, and had been offered to various collectors in Yarmouth for £1.'

Comment Imported. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1864 Lancashire & North Merseyside Blundell sands, immature, shot, undated.

(Gregson, 1864; Saunders, 1892; Hardy, 1941; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).

[Oakes, 1953].

History Howard Saunders (1892: 126, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Mr. C. S. Gregson says: (Nat. Scrap Book, 1864, pt. 16) that he has examined an immature Sea-Eagle, shot on Blundell sands, some time before.'

Oakes (1953: 194) says: 'Cannot be accepted without any explanation.'

White, McCarthy & Jones (2008: 92) state that Oakes rejected an immature but gave no reason.

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1864 Meirionnydd Crogen, Llandrillo, immature, shot, undated.

(J. Rocke, Zoologist 1865: 9684; Dobie, 1893; Forrest, 1907; Jones, 1974; Pritchard, 2012).

[WOS, Scarce and Rare Birds in Wales 2019: 46].

History J. Rocke of Shropshire (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9684, says: 'I may also mention that one was killed last year at Croggen, in Merionethshire, at present in the occupation of Mr. Henry Robertson, C. E.: this was a fine and well-marked example of an immature bird.'

Dobie (1893: 314) says: 'Sir H. B. Robertson has a specimen in the Palé collection, shot on the Berwyns, Merionethshire, near the Denbighshire border, in 1863 [T. R.].'

Forrest (1907) says: 'This bird was seen to course and kill a hare and was shot whilst feeding on it. It passed into Sir Henry B. Robertson's collection.'

0). 1865 Yorkshire Long Pain, Bedale Wood, near Scarborough, male, trapped, 17th January.

(Nelson, 1907).

[KAN].

History Nelson (1907 (1): 336-337) says: 'A fine male trapped at Long Pain, Bedale Wood, near Scarborough, on 17th January 1865, and sent to D. Graham of York, to stuff, by Lady Downe, was exhibited at a meeting of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Club. Graham remarked that it had been noticed in the neighbourhood for several winters. This information is, however, too vague to warrant any opinion as to the maturity or immaturity of the bird.'

Comment Due to David Graham being discredited over the 'Tadcaster Rarities' fraud (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237), this record is no longer acceptable.

0). 1875 Suffolk Lakenheath, shot, about December.

(Babington,1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 23) says: 'One shot at Lakenheath, about Dec., 1875 (Baker in litt.).'

Comment Baker has been found to be unreliable (I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 54: 345). Not acceptable.

0). c. 1875 Highland Canna, Lochaber, pair, bred, undated.

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

[KAN].

History R. Carrick & G. Waterston (1939) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIX. p. 13, say: 'J. A. Harvie-Brown's Journals state a pair bred for many years among the highest cliffs on the north-west of Canna, c. 1875.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Possibly residents and this list is for migrants. Not acceptable.

0). 1878 County unknown Scottish locality, first-year male, trapped, 26th March, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Howse, 1899).

[KAN].

History Howse (1899: 5) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says: 'Case 8. Male in first plumage. Trapped in Scotland, March 26th, 1878. Presented by George E. Crawhall, Esq., Oct., 1885.'

Comment Lacks a precise location for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1886 Anglesey Aberffraw Common, seen, June.

(Forrest, 1907; Jones & Whalley, 2004).

[KAN].

History Forrest (1907) says: 'Mr. E. Gosling came across this bird engaged in eating a rabbit on the common and got to within five yards before it perceived him.'

Comment Probably a mistaken identification because of the time of year seen. Not acceptable.

0). 1886 Derbyshire Derwent Moors, two, shot, undated.

(Whitlock, 1893).

[KAN].

History Whitlock (1893: 134) says: 'A year previous to this (i.e., 1886), I am informed by Mr. W. Storrs Fox that two Eagles and a Buzzard were frequently seen on the Derwent moors, and I learn from the Rev. J. E. Andrew, of Derwent Vicarage, that they were subsequently shot.'

Further, p. 135, he adds: 'According to Mr. Edwin D. Doncaster, an Eagle was shot on the moors near Strines in the winter of 1889. It was pronounced at the time to be a Golden Eagle; but my informant, from his knowledge of the latter species gained in Scotland, thinks it far more likely to have been a young White-tailed Eagle. I am not quite satisfied, however, that this Eagle was not one of the pair reported as shot in 1886 or 1887. A slip in the date may easily have occurred.'

Comment Third hand report. Not specifically identified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1887 Montgomeryshire Nant-y-gifer, near Llanidloes, male, shot, 22nd November.

(H. Jerman, Field 26th Nov., 1887: 829; Forrest, 1907; Holt & Williams, 2009).

[WOS, Scarce and Rare Birds in Wales 2019: 44].

History Hugh Jerman, Principal at The Severn Grove Academy, Llanidloes (1887) in The Field of 26th Nov., Vol. LXX. p. 829, under 'Golden Eagle in Montgomeryshire', dated 22nd Nov., says: 'I have just received a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetus) which was shot this day by a farmer's son, named Richard Davies, residing at Nant-y-gifer, a farm on a spur of the Plynlimon range, some four or five miles from this town and in the far west of the county. Young Davies, busied in his occupation, this morning observed the bird making several swoops, and ultimately alight upon the carcase of a sheep not far from where he stood. He cautiously fetched his gun from the house, and after some fruitless attempts to approach within range of the wary creature, he contrived to elude its vigilance by crawling along under cover of a hedge, until he considered the distance sufficiently near for an effective shot.

The bird had by this time carried of the carrion wholesale a considerable distance from where it had first lain, and was feasting himself upon its daintiest morsels. The first pull of the trigger had the desired effect, to the delight of the young mountaineer. From the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail it measures 37 in., and is nearly 6 ft. across the expanded wings, and scales upon 12 lb. This is the first instance, within living memory, of such an event having occurred in this locality, and many theories have been suggested to account for this Eagle appearing so far south. My impression is, that he has been driven here from the Highlands of Scotland, by the severe weather experienced there during the past few days, or that, having lost his mate in the prevailing fog, he may have wandered thus far in search of her.'

[We are so accustomed to hear of so-called Golden Eagles turning out to be the young of the Sea Eagle, a much commoner species, that we venture to direct attention to an unfailing mark of distinction in case any such mistake may have been made in the present instance. The foot of the Golden Eagle is feathered down to the base of the toes, the middle to being reticulated for the greater portion of its length, and terminated by three broad scales. The foot of the White-tailed or Sea Eagle is bare for some distance above the toes, and the middle toe has broad scales throughout its entire length. In other respects, a young Sea Eagle, before it acquires the white tail, is not very unlike a Golden Eagle, though of a stouter build, and with a more robust beak. - Ed.]

Accepted locally for Montgomeryshire (Holt & Williams 2009: 26).

0). 1891 Norfolk Winterton, seen, spring.

(Emerson, 1895).

[KAN].

History Emerson (1895: 185) says: 'One lovely day in the early spring of '91, as I walked under the tall steeple of Winterton Church, I saw a large bird beating over the hummocky warrens, flying like a harrier. The sandhills glittered in the sun like snow-peaks, and the bleak scrubby vegetation of the sandy marshes around that squalid village looked blacker than usual as I saw this large bird alight on the warren to eat some incautious rabbit. I suspected him to be an eagle, and my suspicions were confirmed; for that very night a keeper at Somerton shot him as he was flying into a fir-tree in a planting to roost for the night. And such are the glimpses you get of the eagle in the Broadlands. A large bird is seen shaling above the marshes or "warrants", and you hear a day or so after that an "eagle" has been shot. But the birds are very rare thereabouts.'

Comment Not specifically identified. No supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). 1891 Devon Dartmoor, seen, May to June.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

[KAN].

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892) say: 'An Eagle, probably of this species, was seen on Dartmoor in May and June, 1891 (J.B.R.).'

Comment Strange date for this winter visitor. Not specifically identified. No supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). 1892 Derbyshire Monsal Dale, seen, March.

(Whitlock, 1893).

[Frost & Shaw, 2013].

History Whitlock (1893: 135) says: 'About the end of the following March an Eagle was seen by a railway guard named Gardner as he was waiting with his train Monsal Dale station. For several minutes it remained within a hundred yards of the railway, on one occasion swooping down almost to the earth, so that my informant had excellent opportunities for observation. Gardner, I find, is an ex-gamekeeper, and takes a great interest in birds. He not unnaturally concluded that this bird was a Golden Eagle. It is far more probable, however, that it was a young White-tailed Eagle, perhaps the companion of the individual shot at Hathersage the previous October. This Eagle was afterwards seen by Jordan, the driver of Gardner's train, also by the stationmaster at Monsal Dale, and by several other people. It appears to have remained in the neighbourhood about a week. I am indebted to Mr. John Hill for this note.'

Comment Third hand report. Not specifically identified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1892 Sussex Eastbourne, seen, 6th December.

(Arnold, 1936).

[D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1951: 23].

History Arnold (1936: 50) says: 'On December 6th, 1892, Mr. Morris saw an eagle, which he judged to belong to this species, flying "a few feet" above the house he occupied in Seaside Road. It was being mobbed by Rooks.'

D. D. Harber (1951) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 23, says: 'A record of 6th December 1892 in the Birds of Eastbourne (Arnold 1936). Morris considered it doubtful at the time he saw a large brown bird flying away from himself. Next day he learned that a coastguard had some two hours before his sighting also seen a large brown bird but with yellow on the head and it was considered an eagle. This is the sole basis of the record.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1900 Surrey Wintershall, killed, undated.

(Surrey Art Loan Exhibition Catalogue; Wheatley, 2007).

[KAN].

History Wheatley (2007) states that in the Surrey Art Loan Exhibition Catalogue mention is made of one killed prior to 1900 at Wintershall.

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1908 Ceredigion Near Cardigan, shot, February.

(Ingram et al., 1966).

[WOS, Scarce and Rare Birds in Wales 2019: 46].

History Ingram et al. (1966) state that in February 1908 one was shot near Cardigan (late Max. A. Wright).

0). 1910 Ceredigion Aberaeron, autumn.

(Forrest, 1919; Ingram et al., 1966; Roderick & Davis, 2010).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Forrest (1919) says: 'An immature White-tailed Eagle, which had haunted the neighbourhood for a fortnight previously, was shot in the wing and captured alive near Abersoch, 29th November, 1910. It was sent alive to Mr. Godfrey Fitz-Hugh, Wrexham, and placed in an aviary. An eagle, probably the same bird, haunted the vicinity of Aberaeron (Cardigan) for about a fortnight earlier in the same autumn.'

Not accepted nationally (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1911 or 1912 Somerset Exmoor, seen, undated.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1928: 8).

[KAN].

History F. L. Blathwayt (1928) in the Report on Somerset Birds, p. 8, says: 'One was watched on Exmoor by A.H.B. in 1911 or 1912.'

Comment A. H. Burge of Weston-super-Mare. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1920 Radnorshire No locality, February.

(Peers, 1985).

[Ingram & Morrey Salmon, 1955; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Ingram & Morrey Salmon (1955: 15) recording the record in square brackets, say: 'The Rev. D. Edmondes Owen writing to Professor J. H. Salter in February 1920, stated "I reported a visit of the White-tailed Eagle to Radnorshire some eight years ago". No details or confirmation of this statement can be found.'

Not accepted nationally (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1932 Devon Near Hunter's Inn, near Ilfracombe, two, seen, 13th March.

(S. Lewis, British Birds 25: 362).

[Moore, 1969].

History Stanley Lewis (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 362, says: 'On March 13th, 1932, Mr. Stuart Lovell and three companions saw two Eagles on the Exmoor coastal road, about one mile from the Hunter's Lodge, between Ilfracombe and Lynton, north Devon. One of the birds flew over the moorland, while the other flew a little distance over the sea, then returned and alighted on a post, where it remained for some time, giving the observers a near and clear view of it. The description given me by Mr. Lovell of these "gigantic birds" as he termed them, leaves no doubt of their being Haliaetus albicilla.' Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1934 Cumbria Coniston Water, adult, seen, 21st March.

(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 78; Hutcheson, 1986).

[KAN].

History Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 78, says: 'A great dark-plumaged bird with broad, white-tail, seen high over Coniston Water by Mrs. K. W. Towndrow, on 21st March, 1934, was believed to be an adult White-tailed Eagle.'

Comment Not specifically identified. No supporting details of identification for this sight record. Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Suffolk Brampton, undated.

(J. C. Herrington, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 3: 304).

[KAN].

History John C. Herrington (1937) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 304, dated 27th November 1937, says: 'My son, formerly a Member, reports to me that a Brampton farmer (Mr. Bens or Bains) has recently found various carcases of Rabbits, with their heads ripped off, upon his farm. So he set traps and caught an Eagle that is said to be Norwegian [breeds in Scandinavia and, till recently, the Scots isles. - Ed.] and possess a wing-expanse of six feet. I considered I, though no Ornithologist, ought to report the occurrence.'

[Haliaeetus albicilla, L., exactly fits the above facts and is the sole Eagle likely to occur: cf. Kirkman and Jourdain 1930, p. 145. – Ed.]

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1943 Devon Wigford Down, adult, seen, 3rd July.

(F. C. Butters et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1943: 17; Eds., British Birds 38: 159).

[Moore, 1969].

History F. C. Butters et al (1943) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVI. p. 17, says: 'Adult bird with pure white tail flying north, then veering east. (Mr. Morcom, reported to H. G. Hurrell.).'

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 159, in a Review of the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, for 1943, they say: 'This report contains a number of noteworthy records, mostly satisfactorily authenticated, but two or three not above criticism. We may mention (amongst those not already recorded in British Birds): ...an adult White-tailed Eagle at Wigford Down on July 3rd.'

Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

0). 1943 Isles of Scilly Tresco, seen, 11th September.

(B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1944: 45; Robinson, 2003).

[Eds., British Birds 38: 358].

History B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1944) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 45, say: 'The following records of very exceptional interest come from Major Dorrien Smith: - White-tailed Eagle. On September 11th, 1943, a bird of this species, as far as I could judge, was seen on the Islands at about 1,000 feet.'

In an Editorial (1944-45) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 358 on the Cornwall Birdwatching Preservation Society Report for 1943, this record was recorded as a probable of this species.

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1944 Sussex Hove, immature, seen, 12th March.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1944: 10; Eds., British Birds 40: 61).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History R. Whitlock (1944) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 10, says: 'On March 12th an immature passed over our house. I identified it by its outline and flight, which is different from that of the Golden Eagle, and, anyhow, the latter is almost unknown in the South of England (J.W-B.).'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 61, in a Review of the South-Eastern Bird Report, for 1944, they say: 'An immature White-tailed Eagle was seen over Hove on March 12th.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1945 Devon Shipley Bridge, two, immatures, 17th April.

(M. Brooks-King et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1945: 23; Eds., British Birds 39: 381).

[Moore, 1969].

History M. Brooks-King et al. (1945) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVIII. p. 23, say: 'Shipley Bridge. April 17th, two Eagles, presumably of this species, in immature all-dark plumage, seen by Mr. Barker of Brent Moor House to pitch in the same fir-tree. Another observer, who lives in this valley, described to me two Eagles he watched soaring there at a later date. (per H. G. Hurrell.).'

Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

0). 1947 Cornwall Bosigran Cliff, Zennor, seen, late May; also on Scilly.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1947: 21; Penhallurick, 1978).

[KAN].

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1947) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVII. p. 21, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'A bird whose description fits this species was seen by several persons at different times in the neighbourhood of Bosigran. The most authentic report is of a sight of the bird at Whitsuntide on the Ridge at Bosigran, from which it flew off within a few yards of the observer. I did not myself see it closely enough to be positive, but it seemed to me that it could only be this bird.'

[Since a White-tailed Eagle was definitely seen in the Scillies later in the year, the above record seems not unlikely. - Eds.]

Penhallurick (1978: 86) says: '1947, one about Bosigran Cliff, Zennor, around Whitsuntide. Perhaps the same as seen on Scilly.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1947 Herefordshire Staunton-on-Arrow, seen, undated.

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

[KAN].

History Gilbert & Walker (1954) state that one was seen at Staunton-on-Arrow during 1947.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1951 Bedfordshire Biddenham, immature, 1st May.

(H. A. S. Key, Bedfordshire Naturalist 6: 31; Eds., British Birds 46: 151; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

[D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers, British Birds 99: 464].

History H. A. S. Key (1951) in the Bedfordshire Naturalist, Vol. VI. p. 31, says: 'The occurrence of this bird was the strangest record of the year and the following is a brief account of the event. Hearing a noise among her own and her neighbours' poultry on 1st May, Mrs. H. E. Christian of "Attwood", Bromham Road, Biddenham, opened her back door and walked down the garden to investigate. The cause of the disturbance was evident for in her own words: "A large dark bird, with a body nearly a yard long and a wingspan of over six feet was gliding along above the poultry pens. (The houses here are widely separated with large gardens which let on to open "fields adjoining the River Ouse). The whole colouring was dark brown or blackish with no prominent patches or markings of lighter shade and the extremities of the wings (primaries) were spread like fingers. The wings too were brown. Other prominent features were a large pale and very hooked beak and yellow talons drawn up". "Instinctively I picked up a clod of earth and hurled it at the bird which swooped and, thinking that I was about to be attacked, I flung myself on the ground picking myself up some seconds later. The cries of the bird were very angry and sounded harsh and rasping. As the bird turned upwards I saw a greenish-mauvish sheen on the feathers and it was then that I noticed that it had a shortish tail with a broad and unrelieved white patch at the end, the rest being dark. Gradually the bird flapped away and slowly gaining height disappeared over Bromham Church".

Shaken by her experience the informant, after recovering, visited several neighbouring houses only to discover that their occupants were out and that apparently no other person had witnessed the occurrence. The Recorder interrogated Mrs. Christian on 3rd and satisfied himself as to the genuineness of her observations, learning among other things that although she did not profess a knowledge of birds she was familiar with the Common Buzzard having lived in Wales and said that the bird in question completely dwarfed that species. She further recognised the species from illustrations supplied. It would seem therefore to have been an immature Sea Eagle which had wandered across the valley of the River Ouse and had been attracted by the spacious poultry pens with their plentiful supply of prey. (An almost similar occurrence took place at Cardington in April 1863).'

D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. p. 464, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found this record to be unacceptable.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

White-tailed Eagle (3/3)

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

White-tailed Eagle (2/3)

Dark-breasted Barn Owl