Woodchat Shrike (1/2)

Lanius senator Linnaeus, 1758 (71, 61)

Photo © Kris Webb - Airfield, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, May 2024

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1990

STATUS

Western Palearctic. Polytypic.

OVERVIEW

A review of the earlier records for this species was carried out by Oliver Aplin (1892) and published in The Zoologist (3rd ser. Vol. XVI. pp. 345-352).

Mid-April to mid-October is the range of records with just one for July. Fifteen having occurred in non-coastal counties. Four records were undated.

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RECORDS

1). 1829 Norfolk/Suffolk Bradwell, Suffolk, shot, April.

(Paget & Paget, 1834; J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1305; Babington, 1884-86; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Patterson, 1905; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History Paget & Paget (1834: 4) say: 'A specimen, shot at Bradwell, April 1829, by Mr. Adams, a farmer in that village, and in whose possession it now is.'

John H. Gurney & William R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1305, say: 'Two specimens of the Woodchat are recorded to have been taken in the district...and the other at Bradwell, near Yarmouth.'

Babington (1884-86: 45) says: 'A specimen shot at Bradwell in April 1829 by Mr. Adams, who had it (Paget, Y. 4).'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, in a review of the species.

Patterson (1905) says: 'An example was obtained at Bradwell in April 1829 by a farmer, who had it preserved (Paget & Paget 1834).'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 124).

2). 1839 Derbyshire Melbourne area, seen, 19th May.

(J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1849: 2478; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Frost, 1978).

History J. J. Briggs (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2478, says: 'I have a note of observing a Woodchat, May 19, 1839, operating upon a Yellow Bunting, which it had firmly impaled to a thorn: the entrails were eaten, and the bird half-plucked. It appeared rather shy, and deserted its prey as I approached. I have never seen the Red-backed Shrike to butcher small birds.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 348, in a review of the species, who says: 'Mr. F. B. Whitlock states that this is the only note he has of the Woodchat in Derbyshire.'

Accepted locally (Frost 1978).

Comment Inland records are quite rare.

3). 1840 Isles of Scilly No locality, adult male, caught on a boat exhausted, September.

(E. H. Rodd, Report of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1840: 74-75; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1843: 142; E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1: 290-291; Harting, 1880: 25, 308; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 352; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 248; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd (1840) in the Report of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, pp. 74-75, had the following read on 6th November 1840, and also reprinted in The Zoologist (1843) 1st series, Vol. I. p. 142, where it says: 'A specimen of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius rufus), was taken in a fishing-boat at Scilly. The claims of this species to rank as a British bird, at the time Mr. Selby published the first edition of his Illustrations of British Ornithology, were so much doubted by him, that he refrained from giving either a figure or description of the bird, although it had been considered as British by most of our naturalists; but since the first publication of his valuable work, whatever doubts existed then, some instances have occurred of its capture in England; and I am proud in being able to report that Cornwall can afford one of the instances of the occurrence of so rare a British bird.

The specimen, which I now have in my collection, is an adult male bird, equal in size to the Red-backed Shrike, or common butcher-bird (Lanius collurio), which in shape and form it greatly resembles. The figures given by Bewick and Yarrell afford a correct representation of the bird: with these references it would be not worthwhile to describe the bird.'

Yarrell (1845 (1): 168, 2nd ed.) says: 'E. H. Rodd of Penzance, in a communication read before the Royal Institution of Cornwall in 1840, referred to a male specimen which had been taken in a fishing boat at Scilly.'

E. H. Rodd (1849) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, Vol. I. pp. 290-291, read 6th October 1849, says: 'The first notice of the capture of this bird has been recorded in one of the early reports of the society, and reference was then made to the claims it had to be enlisted with British birds having been so doubtful, as to have induced Bewick, Selby, and I believe some other celebrated ornithologists, not to include it in their catalogues. In the later editions of their works they have however given a figure and description of it. This specimen was an adult bird, and the figure in Gould's Birds of Europe, now lying on the table, perfectly corresponds with this specimen.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 25) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'I have an adult specimen in my collection, which was caught in a boat, off Scilly, in September 1849, and during the same autumn several birds of the year of this species were captured on the Scilly Islands, apparently driven there by a strong east wind which intercepted their migratory movement southward.'

Rodd, p. 308, under 'Appendix' corrects the above statement by saying, for "September 1849, and during the same autumn" read "September 1840, and during the same month in 1850.' However, p. 299, under 'List of the Birds Observed on the Scilly Islands', it says: 'Woodchat, twice, in September.'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 352, says: 'An adult male was caught in a boat off Scilly. September, 1839 (in the text of the work, 1849; but from the 'Annual Summaries', p. 191, it appears that the former is the correct date). In collection of late Mr. E. H. Rodd; and now in that of Mr. F. R. Rodd (Birds of Cornwall, p. 25).'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 248, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'In September, 1840, an adult male in an exhausted condition was caught in a boat.'

4). Pre 1842 Surrey Between Hatchland and Guildford, adult, undated.

(Meyer, 1842, plate 44; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 349; Bucknill, 1900; Wheatley, 2007).

History Meyer (1842 (1): 225) says: 'This beautiful species of Shrike is very rarely seen in England, and has not many years been included among British accidental visitants. We have once, only, had the pleasure of seeing it alive in a wild state; this we met with in the richly-wooded part of Surrey, between Hatchland, the estate of Holme Sumner, Esq., and Guildford. The red colour on the upper plumage first attracted our notice to the bird, which sat within four or five yards of us on a thin branch of an oak, where it remained for nearly a quarter of an hour, and allowed us to have a full and distinct view of it; it did not appear at all alarmed at our near approach, but took very little notice of us. Its attitude and general appearance we have represented in our plate....We rather suspect that the vicinity of certain trees in any given district may attract this bird, and we are strengthened in this supposition by the Wood-Shrike being said to construct its nest in the branch of an oak, and to form it of tree moss, such as abounds on oaks, namely, the crisp white moss and the soft bright green; besides, the bird seen by us was in such a locality, where young oaks constitute the greater part of the surrounding trees; the place was also sheltered and hilly.'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 349, says: 'An adult bird of this species was seen by H. L. Meyer between Hatchland and Guildford, perched on an oak bough. He figures the bird in his Illustrations of British Birds, 1842, pl. 44.'

Bucknill (1900: 89-90) after quoting the above, says: 'Probably on this authority both Yarrell and Morris state that it has been met with in Surrey. Apart from this accepted specimen, the record is poor....These three records constitute the only information which I have been able to gather concerning the occurrence of this species in the county, and as they are none of them, with the exception possibly of the first, satisfactory, a really properly authenticated instance does not appear to have been yet recorded.'

Accepted locally (Wheatley 2007).

Comment Meyer married in January, 1830 and lived firstly in Woburn Place and later at Esher, Surrey, where in 1835 he started his Illustrations, the first volume being published in 1842 containing the Woodchat. So, I think we can safely assume this record does not pre-date the first record and is acceptable on his painting of the said individual.

5). 1849 Isles of Scilly Tresco, immature, shot, late September.

(E. H. Rodd, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1849: 290-291; Morris, 1856-62; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2201; Harting, 1880; Clark, 1906; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd (1849) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, pp. 290-291, read 6th October, 1849, says: 'In the secretaries' report reference is made to the importance of watching, with peculiar care, the migratorial movements of birds, at the proper seasons, in this district, which, from its maritime and extreme westerly position, has proved hitherto so valuable for the advancement of ornithological science.

Every dispatch from Scilly, since the drawing up of the secretaries' report, has brought over some additional examples of migratory birds more or less rare. But nothing has been received of so especial a value as to deserve a particular notice until yesterday, when Mr. Smith forwarded a bird which has only once before authentically been noticed in Cornwall, and that occurred also in the same district as the present specimen.

The bird referred to is a Woodchat Shrike. The present example is apparently a young bird of the year, and it may be recognized from the young of its congener Lanius collurio from an indistinct development of certain characters in the plumage of the former which are not observed in the latter, especially the white scapulary feathers and the white basal halves of the quill feathers. That now exhibited is not only interesting as the same rare species in a different state of plumage, but also as affording every reason to believe that it was bred in Britain, - no instance of its being bred in this country having hitherto recorded by any naturalist.'

Morris (1856 (1): 187, reissue) says: 'The following are the only specimens of the Woodchat that appear to have been recorded as having occurred in England: ...two in the Scilly Islands, one an adult male, the other an immature bird, in September, 1849.'

E. H. Rodd (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2201, says: 'In the autumn of 1849 several examples of the young of the year were captured on the Scilly Isles, apparently driven there by a strong east wind which intercepted their migratorial movement southwards....'

Harting, Editor (1880: 200-201) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'The...Woodchat Shrike...has been obtained from the Scilly Islands during the past Year [1849]. However, p. 299, under 'List of the Birds Observed on the Scilly Islands', it says: 'Woodchat, twice, in September.'

Clark (1906 (1): 333) in the Victoria County History of Cornwall, says: 'An accidental visitor to Scilly in 1840 and again in the autumn of 1849.'

Comment With David Smith being the gamekeeper on Tresco, it is assumed to be the locality, and one of the two acceptable records from Scilly.

6). 1853 Greater London/Surrey Winterdown, Esher, female, shot, 7th May.

(J. A. Bucknill, Zoologist 1902: 227; Self, 2014).

History J. A. Bucknill (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 227, says: 'A female was shot at Winterdown, Esher, on May 7th, 1853, and preserved by Mr. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).'

7). 1856 Hertfordshire Near Baldock, shot, spring.

(E. J. Tuck, Zoologist 1856: 5203-04; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History E. J. Tuck of Wallingford (1856) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIV. pp. 5203-04, dated 21st July, 1856, says: 'The Woodchat Shrike was shot near this place early in the spring, but I could not ascertain the exact date. The person who shot it was out late one evening when it was nearly dusk, and saw the bird on the hedge close to him: he drew back a little and fired at the place where he had seen it; but being so near and having a large gun, he shot off all the tail and otherwise injured it. He thought that he had spoiled the bird so much that it could not be stuffed, but thinking it uncommon, kept it by him just as it was for some time; when Mr. Norman, a birdstuffer, at Royston, saw it, and knowing its value took it home with him to try to set it up, although it was then getting decayed, in addition to being so badly shot.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 348, in a review of the species.

8). 1856 Isle of Wight Freshwater, immature, shot, September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3569).

(A. G. More, Zoologist 1860: 6851; Harting, 1880; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1889: 412-413; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 350-351; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Watson, 2010).

History A. G. More (1860) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVIII. p. 6851, under 'Rare Birds recently observed in the Isle of Wight', says: 'Has within the last few years bred at Freshwater. As one of the young birds was shot by Mr. Rogers in September, 1856, there can be no doubt as to the identification of the species, although the parents were carefully respected. One, if not both nests, with the eggs and young birds, are in Mr. Bond's collection.'

J. E. Harting (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. pp. 412-413, on Frederick Bond's bird collection, says: 'In the Case numbered 1, containing the British shrikes, a noticeable bird is the young Woodchat, shot by H. Rogers, at Freshwater, Isle of Wight, in September, 1856.'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. pp. 350-351, in a review of the species, adds: 'Mr. A. G. More was informed that the Woodchat had bred twice at Freshwater, and that one of the nests with eggs, as well as a young bird shot there in September, 1856, were in the collection of the late Mr. F. Bond (vide Zoologist, p. 6851). The bird (labelled on the back of the case, in Mr. Bond's handwriting, "Shot by Mr. H. Rogers, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, September, 1856"), is now in Mr. R. W. Chase's collection, where I have seen it. "As some pairs are sometimes to be seen [in the New Forest] in the summer, I should not be surprised to hear of its breeding, more especially as Mr. Bond has obtained the eggs in the Isle of Wight" (Wise's New Forest). The late Mr. Braikenridge had a nest and eggs from the same source (Yarrell, Brit. Birds, Vol. I. p. 216).'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 51-52) say: 'Mr. Bond obtained its eggs near Freshwater, in the Isle of Wight, and one of the young birds of the second brood in September, 1856 (More). This clutch was sold with the Bidwell collection in 1904, together with the other clutch mentioned by Yarrell.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was ex Bond's collection. In his handwriting at back of case is the following: Shot by Mr. H. Rogers. Vide Yarrell's Birds 4th ed. Vol. I. p. 216.

Comment I think the record of the immature is genuine with Mr. More presumably having examined it, but the nesting of the species was probably erroneous. Alexander Goodman More (1830-1895) went on to become Curator of Natural History in the Dublin Museum in 1882.

9). 1857 Kent Near Tonbridge, shot, 14th May.

(H. W. Hadfield, Zoologist 1857: 5685; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 350; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History H. W. Hadfield (1857) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XV. p. 5685, says: 'May 14, 1857. Went out in quest of birds, and had not proceeded above a quarter of a mile from the town when I observed a strange one fly across the road; there was a peculiarity in its appearance, as well as flight, which attracted my attention, and I felt sure it was a species I had never before seen; consequently hastened to load my gun, and while doing so it passed so close that I could not only distinguish the reddish brown patch on the head and neck, but a fly that it had captured and still held between its beak. Having seen it alight on an oak tree, some fifty yards off, I followed it up and shot at it, when it fell among some nettles, but merely being winged it crept into a hedge, where it was subsequently seen by some boys who had joined me in the search, which was continued for an hour or two.

As I distinctly saw the rufous of the hind neck there can be no doubt of its being the Wood Shrike. Its flight was most buoyant, and, in passing over head with expanded wings, it seemed to float upon the air. I remarked that the whole of the under parts appeared perfectly white, which agrees with Temminck's description, "d'un blanc pur", whereas he tells us that the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) has the "poitrine, flancs et ventre d'un roux rose".'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 350, says: 'Another was seen and shot by Capt. H. W. Hadfield (but escaped wounded by creeping into a hedge) on 14th May, 1857, close to Tonbridge. The rufous of the head and neck and white underparts were remarked (Hadfield, Zoologist, 1857, p. 5685).'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 121). Harrison (1953 (2): 229) says: 'The fourth example [for Kent] was one seen, but not secured, by Capt. H. W. Hadfield, near Tonbridge, on May 14th, 1857.'

10). 1859 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, male, shot, 29th April, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1859: 6602; Gurney, 1884; Babington, 1884-86; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 268; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 347; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6602, dated 15th June, 1859, says: 'On the 29th of April a male Woodchat was shot at Yarmouth: this bird had very nearly completed its spring moult, but from the appearance of the old feathers still remaining in the tail, had probably but just attained its adult plumage: the chestnut patch on the back of the neck and the tints of back and wings were somewhat lighter than in some older specimens. The Woodchat is a rare visitant to this eastern district, not more than one or two examples having been previously met with.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 64) adds: 'On the 29th of April, 1859, a male Woodchat, now in the possession of Mr. J. H. Gurney, was killed at Yarmouth.'

Gurney (1884: 12) says: 'Has been supposed to have been killed four or five times, but I have reason to believe the beautiful male in my father's collection, shot at Yarmouth, in April, 1859, is the only veritable Norfolk specimen.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 268, say: 'Third for Norfolk.'

Babington (1884-86: 45) states he has seen the specimen.

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, in a review of the species, and accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 124).

11). 1859 Northumberland Near Bamburgh, shot, 29th April, now in the collection at Cresswell Tower.

(Hancock, 1874; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 346; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Hancock (1874: 42) says: 'A specimen of this rare casual visitant was shot near Bamburgh on April 29th, 1859, and is in the possession Henry Cresswell Esq., of Cresswell Tower.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 346, in a review of the species.

12). 1859 Suffolk Lound Gravel-pits, male, obtained, 2nd May.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1859: 6602; Babington, 1884-86; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Ticehurst, 1932; Payn, 1978).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6602, dated 15th June 1859, says: '...On the 2nd of May another, also, I believe, as adult male, was obtained at Lound, near Lowestoft, in the adjoining county of Suffolk. The Woodchat is a rare visitant to this eastern district, not more than one or two examples having been previously met with.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, in a review of the species, and accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 124).

13). 1860 Suffolk Henham Hall Park, adult male, shot, 10th May, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(Stevenson, 1866; Gurney, 1884; Babington, 1884-86; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Ticehurst, 1932; Payn, 1978).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 64-65) says: 'Mr. T. M. Spalding, of Westleton, has a fine old male, killed by himself in Lord Stradbroke's park (Henham Hall), in the same county [Suffolk], on the 10th of May, 1860.'

Gurney (1884: 12) in a footnote, says: 'Another particularly fine male, shot by Mr. T. M. Spalding in Lord Stradbroke's park at Henham, in Suffolk, came into my possession at the sale of Mr. Spalding's collection.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, in a review of the species, who added: '...formerly in his collection, now in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney.'

Babington (1884-86: 45) states that he has seen the specimen.

14). 1866 Sussex Preston, near Brighton, adult female, shot, 4th May, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 208059).

(West Sussex Gazette 10th May 1866; J. Pratt, Zoologist 1866: 267; Anon., Brighton and Sussex Natural History Society Report 1867: 13; Borrer, 1891; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 350; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

History John Pratt of Brighton (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 267, dated 8th May, 1866, says: 'I and my brother have been successful in shooting two very rare birds in one day, namely, the 4th of May; the first, a Woodchat Shrike, was seen by my brother at Preston, near Brighton; on his first observing it, it was on the ground: as soon as it observed him it flew into a thorn-bush, where he very quickly shot it, and found it to be a very fine male. He had not walked more than two hundred yards farther when he met with a pair of Golden Orioles.'

Anon. (1867) in the Brighton and Sussex Natural History Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 13, at the meeting held in June 1867, says: 'On the Recent Ornithology of the District, by Mr. Dennant. who gave an account of a number of rare birds which had been recently seen or shot in the vicinity of Brighton, among which were the Golden Oriole; the very rare Wood Shrike (in the collection of the Bishop of Oxford).'

Borrer (1891: 39) says: 'I have met with only one specimen myself, of which I find the following notes: - "On the 11th of May, 1866, I saw, at Mr. Pratt's shop in Brighton, a beautiful specimen of Lanius auriculatus in the flesh, which he told me had been shot at Preston, near that town, on the same morning, by one of his sons. It was in the fullest plumage of the adult male. The stomach contained portions of beetles and other insects. This is no doubt the specimen which is mentioned in Yarrell's British Birds (Vol. I. p. 216), as also in The Zoologist (p. 266, s.s.).'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 350, says: 'Mr. Edwin Pratt, of Brighton, tells me that he shot an adult male Woodchat on the 4th May, 1866, at Preston, near Brighton. It was seen in the flesh by Mr. E. T. Booth, and by Bishop Wilberforce, and was purchased by the latter (Zoologist, 1866). See also the Birds of Sussex (p. 39), by Mr. Borrer, who considers that it is the specimen mentioned in Yarrell (Vol. I. p. 216).'

Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 323) who adds: 'Borrer got the date completely wrong (11th May) as did Millais (11th May 1856) in the V.C.H. On the Bishop's death his son presented the specimen to the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

Comment Some discrepancy over the sex.

15). 1868 Kent Murston, male, shot, 7th May.

(A. Clark-Kennedy, Zoologist 1869: 1863-1864; Prentis, 1894; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History A. Clark-Kennedy (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. pp. 1863-1864, dated 11th September, 1869, says: 'For several days during the month of July, 1868, a Woodchat Shrike had been known to frequent gardens in the neighbourhood of Faversham and Murston, but for a time all endeavours to shoot the bird were unavailing, as it was extremely wild. Towards the end of the month, however, it was seen upon a cherry tree in an orchard at Murston, by Mr. N. Barlow, who killed it, and took it to a local taxidermist, who informed him it was a common bird and of no value; but as soon as the possessor of the rarity had departed the unscrupulous dealer sold it to a gentleman who well knew its worth for a large sum. My friend who is not an ornithologist, afterwards found that he had been cheated out of a fine male specimen of one of the rarest birds that visit this country.'

Prentis (1894: 18) says: 'One was shot May 7, 1868, not exactly in my district, in an orchard; in its crop, as I was informed, was a bee, some caterpillars, and two pieces of grit; it is a light coloured specimen, probably immature.'

Ticehurst (1909: 121) says: '...This bird was a male, and is probably the same one that is now in the Prentis collection at Rochester, though in the MS. Catalogue and also in the Birds of Rainham the date of capture is given as the 7th of May, 1868.'

Harrison (1953 (2): 229-230) says: 'One shot at Murston, either towards the end of July 1868, or, as given by Prentis in his MS. Catalogue and in his Birds of Rainham, as May 7th, 1868. Ticehurst (loc. cit.) believes the bird in the Prentis collection at Rochester is the one to which the above particulars relate.'

16). 1872 Cumbria Stainburn, near Workington, seen, 11th April.

(Macpherson & Duckworth, 1886; Macpherson, 1892; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 347; Hutcheson, 1986).

History Macpherson & Duckworth (1886: 29) say: 'In the spring of 1872 the late Mr. W. Dickinson observed a single example near Stainburn tannery, and stood within twenty yards of it for some minutes.'

Macpherson (1892: 120-121) adds: 'The occurrence of this shrike in Lakeland rests on the authority of the late Mr. Dickinson. He states: "On April 11th, 1872, I saw a Woodchat Shrike near Stainburn tannery. It sat on the wall several minutes, while I stood within twenty yards of it, and saw the pure white body, with red-brown back, very distinct. This was the only one I ever saw. Mr. George Mawson asserts that a pair had a nest near Braystones a year or two earlier. The point which Mr. Dickinson mentions, of the white body, is a very good one.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, in a review of the species.

17). 1872 Wiltshire Near Salisbury, shot, May.

(A. H. Macpherson, Zoologist 1888: 429; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 349; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 282; Buxton, 1981).

History Arthur H. Macpherson (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 429, says: '...Then, in May, 1872, my cousin, the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, was shown, for identification, a Woodchat which had been sent, in the flesh, to a tradesman at Reading: this bird had been shot close to Salisbury.'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 349, says: 'Another said to have been killed at Salisbury. The Rev. H. A. Macpherson was informed that it was shot some few years before he saw it by a relative of the man who showed it to him (at Reading) as an unknown bird.'

G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 282, 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"....There are no less than four records of this bird having been seen in the county....and one near Salisbury in 1872 (M.C.N.H., 1888).'

Comment M.C.N.H. = Marlborough College Natural History Transactions.

18). 1873 Greater London/Hertfordshire Near Hertford, seen, May.

(H. A. Macpherson, Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Association No. 9; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986; Self, 2014).

History Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 348, in a review of the species, who says: 'One seen by Rev. H. A. Macpherson near Hertford, in May, 1873 (Trans. Cumberl. and Westmorl. Assoc. no. ix).'

19). 1875 Hampshire Bransgore, adult female, shot, 21st June, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/60).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 18: 189; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022, photo).

History A. P. Morres (1879) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XVIII. p. 189, says: 'The nearest to us is a specimen which I have seen in Mr. Hart's collection at Christchurch, and which was killed not many years since near that place.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 51) say: 'It has occurred at Christchurch in June, 1875 (Hart).'

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult female (with the 1880 adult male record) was shot at Bransgore on 21st June 1875 and mounted by me.

Comment Although not included in Cohen (1963) and Cohen & Taverner (1972) for Hampshire (as that was where Christchurch was at the time), the record is allowed to stand as it was seen by Morres; this being the only known record from that area. These further details from Hart now place the record in Hampshire.

20). 1876 Dorset Near Lyme Regis, adult male, seen, 22nd June.

(A. Lister, Field 8th July 1876: 60; A. Lister, Zoologist 1876: 5080; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 351; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 175; Moore, 1969; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History Arthur Lister of Lyme Regis (1876) in The Field of 8th July, Vol. XLVIII. p. 60, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 508, quoting from The Field, of 8th July, 1876, says: 'On the 22nd of June, being on the Lyme Undercliff with a companion,- both of us provided with good telescopes,- we observed a fine male Woodchat Shrike perched on one of the bushes which abound over that vast tract of tumbled ground. I had no doubt of the identity of the bird; but, not having seen one before in this country, I made a sketch while watching it, noting carefully the arrangement of its colours - remarking the rich red-brown of the upper part of the head and neck, the black line running backwards from the forehead and inclosing [sic the eye, the large white patch on the shoulder and the smaller white mark on the otherwise black wing, and the pale grey of the throat and breast. These observations we were able to make at our leisure, as the bird remained for some minutes before us, within easy range, frequently changing its position, turning now its front and now its side to our view. My notes having been taken down and verified on the spot, though they are imperfect as a description of the shrike, are yet sufficient to leave no doubt as to the identity of the species.'

Accepted locally (Mansel-Pleydell 1888: 17, 2nd ed.) and admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 175, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'. Also, it was admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 351, in a review of the species.

21). 1876 Northumberland Holy Island, shot, mid-September.

(G. Bolam, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 81-82; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History G. Bolam (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. pp. 81-82, says: 'I was informed by Mr. Frederick Raine, of Durham, that about the middle of September 1876 he shot a specimen, on the links at Holy Island, but unfortunately lost among the bents. Mr. Raine wrote of it as follows: "I was on the links near the lime kilns with W. Lilburn (pilot) when I saw it sitting on a clump of ragwort. After having a good look at it I called Lilburn to see it. He did not know it, and said it was a "foreign bird". He was carrying my gun, so I told him to shoot it. He fired, and the bird flew a short distance and dropped amongst the bents. Taking the gun, I went to where it fell; up it got, I fired, and it dropped amongst the bents again, and we could find nothing more of it.'

Evans (1911: 75) says: 'In the Annals of Scottish Natural History for 1897 (p. 82), Mr. G. Bolam says that he was informed by Mr. Frederick Raine of Durham that about the middle of September 1876 he shot an example on the links at Holy Island, which was lost among the bents. As the bird was not actually handled, this record cannot be considered on the same footing as that of Hancock, but Mr. Raine was well known in the north of England as a competent observer.'

Bolam (1912: 116) says: 'I was obligingly informed by Mr. Frederic Raine, of Durham, that one was shot by that gentleman on the links at Holy Island, about the middle of September, 1876, and although the specimen was not recovered from the thick covert amongst which it fell, Mr. Raine had so good a view of it before it was shot that his identification may be unquestioningly accepted.'

22). 1880 Dorset Somerford, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 29th May, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/60).

(Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult male (with the 1875 adult female) was shot by me at Somerford on 29th May 1880 and mounted by me.

23). 1880 Essex Between Elmdon and Arkesden, two: male and female, shot, 27th August, both now at Saffron Walden Museum (Acc. No's. NB199B & NB199C).

(J. Travis, Proceedings of the Essex Field Club 1: 63; Christy, 1890; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 348; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 106) says: 'Mr. Travis (1881) records in the Proceedings of the Essex Field Club, Vol. I. p. 63, that on 27th August, 1880, he received, for preservation "a pair of Woodchat Shrikes shot by a man named Jeffrey, between Elmdon and Arkesden". A boy driving sheep into Walden was accosted by Jeffrey, who had a gun. He gave the birds to the boy, remarking that they were "a pretty pair, and perhaps the birdstuffer might give something for them". Mr. Travis adds, "I received them within two hours of their death, quite fresh and hardly stiff. These are the first specimens of this very rare bird I have heard of as occurring in Essex". I have personally inspected these specimens, which are undoubtedly a fine pair, male and female.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 348, in a review of the species, who says: 'Two, male and female, received in the flesh by Mr. Travis, 27th August, 1880. Said to have been shot (by a man named Jeffrey) between Elmdon and Arkesden (Miller Christy, Birds of Essex, p. 106).'

Glegg (1929: 65) adds: 'These birds were sold at Travis' sale on 4th November 1896 for 39 shillings, being purchased for the Saffron Walden Museum, where they are still in existence.'

Wood (2007: 59, 521) states that these specimens are still in the Saffron Walden Museum (Acc. No's. NB199B & NB199C).

Comment Two together is highly unusual but the date fits well with known migration.

25). 1881 Yorkshire Hackness, near Scarborough, adult male, shot, June, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3567).

(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 347; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986; Watson, 2010).

History O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, says: 'An adult male shot at Hackness, near Scarborough in June, 1881. In Mr. R. Chase's collection.' Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 82).

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

26). 1884 Wiltshire Savernake Forest, near Marlborough, seen, 6th June.

(A. H. Macpherson, Zoologist 1888: 429; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 349; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 282; Buxton, 1981).

History Arthur H. Macpherson (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 429, says: 'As the Woodchat, Lanius pomeranus, is not included in the Rev. A. C. Smith's Birds of Wilts., the following note of its occurrence may be worth recording. On June 6th, 1884, in Savernake Forest, I saw a very brightly-coloured bird of this species. It was very tame, and I made a rough sketch of it at the time, which I afterwards compared with Dresser's plate.'

O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 349, says: 'One seen by Mr. Arthur H. Macpherson in Savernake Forest, 6th June, 1884. It was a very brightly coloured bird, and very tame....'

G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 282, 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"...There are no less than four records of this bird having been seen in the county. One in Savernake Forest on June 6th, 1884 (M.C.N.H., 1888)....The first of the above records was of a bird seen by Mr. A. H. Macpherson. He made (at the time) a rough sketch of it in coloured chalks, which he found corresponded exactly with the plate in Dresser's Birds of Europe.'

Comment M.C.N.H. = Marlborough College Natural History Transactions.

27). 1885 Norfolk Apollo Gardens, Great Yarmouth, male, obtained, mid-May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3568).

(R. W. Chase, Zoologist 1886: 27-28; J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 268; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 347; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990; Watson, 2010).

History R. W. Chase of Edgbaston, Birmingham (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. pp. 27-28, says: 'On May 16th I received, in the flesh, from Mr. G. Smith, of Yarmouth, a male Woodchat, Lanius rufus, I hear that several others were obtained on the East Coast further north.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 267, say: 'Fourth for Norfolk.'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 347, in a review of the species, who added: '...Mr. J. H. Gurney, in 1884, considered that this was the only veritable Norfolk specimen ('List of Birds' in Mason's History of Norfolk.).'

Ticehurst (1932: 124) says: '...taken on the Norfolk side.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen, dated 17th May 1885, and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was shot by Ben Angel; received by me in the flesh.

Comment This was the only specimen recorded for Britain that year. Smith was a dealer who has had some records rejected.

28). Pre 1887 Avon Near Bristol, Somerset, undated.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1888: 221; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1892: 351; Palmer & Ballance, 1968).

History M. A. Mathew (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 221, says: 'Since writing the above I have come across the notice of a Woodchat Shrike, Lanius rutilus, in the Rev. A. C. Smith's Birds of Wilts., p. 123, which he states is in his collection, and "was killed in the county of Somerset, within a short distance of Bristol".'

Admitted by O. V. Aplin (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 351, in a review of the species.

29). 1892 Devon River Avon, near Bantham, immature female, shot, 2nd September.

(E. A. S. Elliot, Zoologist 1892: 412; Moore, 1969).

History E. A. S. Elliot of Kingsbridge (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 412, says: 'On the 2nd September last, whilst driving in the village of Bantham, situated at the mouth of the River Avon, I noticed a bird of this species flitting from bush to bush in front of me. I quickly got out my gun and secured the stranger, which proved to be a female, in immature plumage. According to the authors of The Birds of Devon, the evidence relating to the recorded instances of this species in Devonshire is not satisfactory.'

30). 1893 Dorset Corfe Castle, male, seen, 21st April.

(E. R. Bankes, Field 29th Apr., 1893: 635; Field 13th May 1893; N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 15: 196; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 175; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History Eustace R. Bankes of The Rectory, Corfe Castle (1893) in The Field of 29th Apr., Vol. LXXXI. p. 635, says: 'I am glad to be able to record the occurrence here of the Woodchat (Lanius auriculatus), which is so rare a visitant to the British Isles. On April 21, as the Rev. Owen L. Mansel, rector of Church Knowle, was walking along a footpath close to our village, he had a grand view of a male bird of this species, which was sitting on the hedge that borders the path, with the sun shining full upon its rich plumage. He was within a very few yards of it before it took any notice of him, but as soon as it became conscious that it was the special object of his attention, it flew off down the course of the stream, and since then I have looked for it in the most likely spots, but in vain. As it is a "summer migrant", it seems probable that it had just reached our coast, and has now passed on further inland, where I hope that, even if observed, it will be left unmolested. In Mr. Mansell Pleydell's recent work, The Birds of Dorsetshire, besides the general statement made many years ago by Pulteney, that he was assured that the Woodchat had now and then been shot in Dorsetshire, there are only two records of its appearance in this county - once at Bloxworth, and once at Lyme Regis in 1876.'

Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1894) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XV. p. 196, says: 'Woodchat Shrike (E.R.B.). - One seen at Corfe Castle by Rev. Owen L. Mansel on April 21st.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 175, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

31). c. 1898 Herefordshire Rotherwas, seen, undated.

(Walker & Smith, 1975).

History Walker & Smith (1975) say: 'C. W. Mackworth Praed in a letter to H.A.G. wrote: "I chased one round an orchard at Rotherwas - I must have been seven or eight at the time - say 1898 or 9 - with a catapult borrowed from a garden boy for which I could find no stones! It was quite tame. Maddening!"

The late Mr. Mackworth Praed was a distinguished ornithologist and president of the B.O.U. He was capable of identifying birds with accuracy even at this tender age!'

32). 1901 Sussex Near Barcombe, seen, 2nd May.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 324) says: 'For the best part of the morning of 2nd May 1901, the Rev. C. A. Toogood observed at close quarters a Woodchat near Barcombe.'

33). 1901 Norfolk Framingham Earl, seen, 2nd June.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1902: 89; J. H. Gurney, jnr. & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 735; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 89, says: 'June 2nd. Mr. S. Bligh observed a Woodchat at Framingham Earl fly down from a high fence and take a large insect, the size of a May-chaffer, which it was carrying in its bill when it passed him; the under parts were dull white, the back black and white, the scapular feathers looking perfectly white, as in a male, which it probably was. It is many years since a Woodchat has been identified in this county.'

J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 735, say: 'On the 2nd June, 1901, a Woodchat was seen at Framingham Earl by Mr. Bligh.'

34). 1903 Yorkshire Reighton, male, seen, 9th May.

(C. G. Danford, Naturalist 29: 262; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 148; Mather, 1986).

History C. G. Danford of Reighton (1903) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIX. p. 262, says: 'On Saturday, 9th May, I saw a fine male Woodchat Shrike (Lanius pomeranus) among the furze bushes on the broken ground on what is known as the Speeton Middle Cliff. I was sitting at the time, and the bird came and perched on the top of a bush some twenty paces off. Having often seen this easily-recognisable Shrike in other localities (out of England) I think I can hardly have made a mistake in my identification of this somewhat rare species.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 145) says: '...Mr. Danford is familiar with the bird, and has often seen it in Hungary.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 148, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

35). 1904 Sussex Hove, male, seen, 7th May; presumed same, Devils Dyke, male, seen, 11th May.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 324) says: 'In 1904 I was fortunate enough to meet with this species twice near Brighton - above Hove on May 7th, and, again, four days later, by the Devil's Dyke. Probably, however, it was the same bird seen on both occasions. Anyway, it was a male each time, and the Dyke is only a step from Hove.'

36.0). 1905 Oxfordshire Fifield Warren Farm, Milton-under-Wychwood, seen, 20th to 23rd May; same as Gloucestershire.

(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1907: 323; Eds., British Birds 1: 193; Swaine, 1982; Radford, 1966).

History O. V. Aplin (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. pp. 323-324, says: 'Away from home May 4th-June 9th. Mr. C. B. Chambers wrote me word from Fifield, Milton-under-Wychwood, that on each day from the 20th to the 23rd he saw and watched near there a Woodchat Shrike, which he described accurately. On two days he watched it for a considerable time, but did not hear it utter a sound. It seldom settled on the hedge, but preferred to perch in the small ash trees that stood in the fence, flying down to the ground, hopping about for a second or two, and then up in the trees again. Sometimes it would sit motionless in a tree for five or ten minutes together. The Chaffinches "spinked" as though its presence was not required, but it seemed to be feeding on insects only. Mr. Chambers thought it was a male. It has only occurred in Oxon once previously. Although it seemed attached to this particular spot, where it was a conspicuous object, it could not be found on the 25th, or ever afterwards.'

In an Editorial (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 193, they say: 'Mr. C. B. Chambers saw and watched near Fifield, Milton-under-Wychwood, from May 20th to 23rd, 1905, a Woodchat (Lanius pomeranus) (O. V. Aplin, Zool., 1907, p. 323).'

36.1). 1905 Gloucestershire Westcot Heath, 20th to 23rd May; also in Oxfordshire.

(Wild, MS.; Swaine, 1982).

History Swaine (1982) says: 'A bird that remained for several days inhabiting a hedge on the county boundary in May, 1905 close to Westcot Heath (Glos.) and Fifield Warren Farm (Oxon.) was the first conclusive record for Gloucestershire.'

37). 1906 Wiltshire Lyddington and Aldbourne area, seen, 13th June.

(D. P. Harrison, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 35: 150; G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 282; Buxton, 1981).

History D. Percy Harrison (1908) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXXV. p. 150, says: 'On June 13th, 1906, when bicycling from Lyddington to Aldbourne I saw, half-way between the two places, just where the downs begin to cease, but still on them, by a farm house and a small copse, that very rare bird the Woodchat (Lanius rufus). It was not at all shy, and I got off and watched it for a quarter of an hour, and there was no doubt of the species.'

G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 282, 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"....There are no less than four records of this bird having been seen in the county....Finally the Rev. Percy Harrison saw one near Aldbourne on June 13th, 1906 (W.A. & N.H., XXXV. p. 150).

38). 1907 Kent/Sussex Near Tunbridge Wells, seen, 23rd May.

(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 1: 185; H. G. Alexander, British Birds 1: 226; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History J. B. Nichols (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 185, says: 'I have been much interested in Mr. H. Saunders' and Messrs. Witherby and Ticehurst's papers in British Birds on "Additions since 1899" to the British Bird List. I should like to supplement them with the following records of rare birds in my own collection. I have also received a male of this species which was shot at Hadlow, near Tonbridge, Kent, on July 4th, 1907.'

H. G. Alexander (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 226, says: 'On May 23rd I saw a Woodchat (Lanius pomeranus) near Tunbridge Wells. The white bars on its wings were conspicuous as it flew, looking very similar to the bars on the wings of the Great Grey Shrike, with which bird I am familiar. But the chestnut on the head and nape I only saw when the bird was settled partially out of sight in a hawthorn bush. From thence it flew to an oak tree, and after this I was quite unable to see it; presumably if flew from one side of the tree whilst I was at the other side. I spent about half an hour near the place but did not see it again. I hoped that as it was so late in the spring it would stay, but I frequently visited the place without seeing it, so I suppose it was on migration. It is possible that this was the same bird as that recorded in the last issue of British Birds (p. 185) as having been shot at Hadlow.'

Ticehurst (1909: 121) says: '...This may or may not be the bird which was shot on July 4th near Hadlow, and which I saw two days later, shortly after it was mounted, in Mr. Bristow's shop. It was an adult male and the plumage was a good deal worn. It is now in the collection of Mr. J. B. Nichols.'

Comment Bristow was at the heart of the "Hasting's Rarities" fraud.

39). 1908 Cheshire & Wirral River Dane, near Congleton, two, seen, 2nd May.

(J. M. St. John Yates, British Birds 2: 60; Coward, 1910; Hedley Bell, 1962; Conlin & Williams, 2017).

History J. M. St. John Yates (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 60, says: 'On May 2nd, 1908, I saw two Woodchats (Lanius pomeranus), I think male and female, on some furze bushes by the side of the River Dane, about two miles above Congleton. The reddish-brown head and conspicuous black and white plumage of the male, coupled with the unmistakable Shrike beak, struck me at once. The female was not so bright in colour. I watched them for about fifteen minutes. The birds were remarkably tame, and allowed me to approach within about three yards of them. They seemed to be hunting for something among the spines of the furze. Eventually they flew away. I have been to the spot on several occasions since, but have not seen them again. The Woodchat has not been observed in Cheshire on any previous occasion, but it has twice been recorded from Lancashire.'

[Mr. T. A. Coward kindly substantiates the above record, which is rather wanting in detail. Mr. Yates described the birds fully to Mr. Coward, and we are quite satisfied that the identification was correct. Mr. Yates is, Mr. Coward writes, an enthusiastic bird observer, and knows the Red-backed Shrike well. We have only to add that it is a pity that those who observe rare wanderers and do not obtain them, do not always write down on the spot as full a description as possible of what they see. - Eds.]

Accepted locally (Coward 1910; Hedley Bell 1962; Conlin & Williams 2017).

Comment Two together is rather unusual as is this inland record.

41). 1911 Isle of May No locality, juvenile male, killed, 19th October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1965.38.952).

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 1912: 10-11; Eds., British Birds 5: 255; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 281; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Thom, 1986; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1912) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXII. pp. 10-11, say: 'By the kindness of Mr. Baigrie, assistant light-keeper on the Isle of May, we are enabled to record the first authenticated occurrence of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator senator = L. pomeranus of Saunders, etc.) for Scotland.

A bird of this species was taken at the lantern by him at 2 a.m. on 19th October 1911, and sent to us. The wind had been easterly for several days, and a great many birds had arrived on the island. It is a young bird, mainly in the dress described by Dr. Hartert as the "nest-kleid"....It occasionally strays to England, and has twice bred in the Isle of Wight....There is no previous authenticated record of the Woodchat Shrike in Scotland.

It is mentioned in Don's Forfarshire list of 1813, but without any data, and has therefore only been retained on the Scottish list in square brackets. Our identification of the specimen was confirmed by Mr. Eagle Clarke, and we have presented it to the Royal Scottish Museum.

The following is a description of the plumage of this interesting visitor: - Crown of the head and upper surface generally white or greyish white barred with black, and with rufous spots on the nape and sides of the neck; scapulars dull brown; primaries and secondaries brownish black, lighter at the tips; lower half of primaries and of the secondaries and their coverts edged externally with pale rufous buff; basal half of the outer web of the primaries white, forming a narrow wing bar; primary coverts edged with white; centre tail feathers brownish black, outer ones dull grey on the outer web and tips, greyish brown on the inner web; under surface dull white, the feathers on the chest and flanks with narrow penultimate bands of black.'

In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 255, they say: 'The occurrence of an immature example of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius pomeranus), taken at the Light on the Isle of May in the early morning of October 19th, 1911, is announced (Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 10) by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter. Although the bird has occurred as a vagrant in most English counties (most frequently in the south and east), there is no previous authentic record for Scotland.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'One taken, Isle of May Lt. (Fife), October 19th.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'A young bird was killed at the lantern there at 2 am on 19th October 1911; this was the first record of the bird in Scotland.'

Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (2): 1334) say: 'Specimen now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1965.38.952).'

42). 1913 Fair Isle No locality, adult female, obtained, 4th June, now at National Museums of Scotland.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 54; Eds., British Birds 7: 349; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; R. Y. McGowan, M. Pennington & C. J. McInerny, Scottish Birds 28: 49-50).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 54, says: 'An adult female occurred on 4th June, the fourth recorded instance of the appearance of this species in Scotland, but third in chronological sequence.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 349, they say: 'The following interesting records have been published in recent issues of the Scottish Naturalist. All the references given refer to the volume for 1914. Woodchat Shrike. An adult female on June 4th, 1913, at Fair Isle (W. E. Clarke, p. 54).'

43). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, adult male, caught, 6th June.

(H. Laidlaw, Scottish Naturalist 34: 45; Eds., British Birds 7: 349; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History H. Laidlaw of Auskerry (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 45, says: 'An adult male Woodchat Shrike (Lanius pomeranus) was captured on the Island of Auskerry on the 6th of June 1913, and is now in the collection of British birds in the Royal Scottish Museum at Edinburgh. Mr. Eagle Clarke informs me that this species is new to the list of birds known to have occurred in the Orkney Islands, and that it is the third recorded Scottish specimen.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 349, they say: 'The following interesting records have been published in recent issues of the Scottish Naturalist. All the references given refer to the volume for 1914. Woodchat Shrike. An adult male on June 6th, 1913, at Auskerry, Orkney (H. Laidlaw, p. 45).'

44). 1921 Isle of May No locality, adult male, obtained, 12th May, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1965.38.952).

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 42: 72; Eds., British Birds 16: 315; Witherby, 1920-24; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'A male Woodchat Shrike appeared on the Isle of May on 12th May.'

In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 315, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1921, including Migration', by Leonora J. Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter, they say: 'A male at the Isle of May on May 12th is only the fourth recorded occurrence of the bird in Scotland.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'On 12th May 1921, in east wind and fog, a beautiful full-plumaged male visited the island; it was given to taking short flights, returning to the place from whence it started, as do other shrikes.'

45). 1922 Sussex Near Climping, adult male, seen, 5th June.

(J. E. S. Dallas, British Birds 16: 48-49; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History John E. S. Dallas (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. pp. 48-49, says: 'While walking over the strip of country immediately behind the shore near Climping, Sussex, in the early morning of June 5th, 1922, I was surprised to see an unfamiliar black and white bird fly into a hedge close by. I watched and presently a typical Shrike perched on the top of another part of the hedge. Its bright brown head and black eye-stripe were at once noticeable; the back was of a dark shade and there was a white patch on the shoulders; the under-parts were light greyish-white.

It flew high in the air to catch an insect in the approved Shrike fashion, and again the impression of a small black and white bird was obtained. It finally flew off towards the sea, and although I returned to the spot in the afternoon I could get no further sight of it.

By a coincidence I happen to have a specimen of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) at home and I feel confident that the Climping bird may be identified as of this species, which I read is an occasional visitor to the south-eastern counties of England.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 324).

46). 1923 Pembrokeshire Penally Golf Course, near Tenby, seen, 4th May.

(G. Charteris, British Birds 17: 22; Witherby, 1920-24; Lockley, 1949; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Guy Charteris (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 22, says: 'On the afternoon of May 4th, 1923, in some marshy ground on the Penally Golf Course close to Tenby, I saw a brilliant specimen of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius s. senator). The bird was very tame and twice allowed me to approach within a few yards. According to The Practical Handbook (Vol. I. p. 271), the species has not previously been recorded from Wales.'

Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 45).

47). 1925 Cornwall Marazion Marsh, male, seen, 21st to 28th May.

(G. H. Harvey, British Birds 19: 232; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1978).

History G. H. Harvey (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 232, says: 'A male frequented a small patch of furze- and thorn-bushes at the Marazion Marsh from May 21st to 28th. The bird was in beautiful plumage and was easy to approach. The only recent occurrence in Cornwall appears to have been on May 12th, 1908, (B. B., III. p. 271), and the only other records for the county are those given by Rodd for Scilly (B. of Cornwall, 1880, pp. 191 and 201).'

Ryves (1948: 154) says: 'Between 21st and 28th May, 1925, a fine male was seen at various times at Marazion Marsh.'

48). 1926 Somerset Near Bossington, seen, 26th to 27th May.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1926: 7; F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1940: 26; Hendy, 1971; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1926) in the Report on Somerset Birds, p. 6, says: 'One seen by competent observers near Somerset coast, 26th and 27th May.'

F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell (1940) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIII. p. 26, say: 'W. Somerset, May 26th, 1926. (E.W.H.).'

49). 1928 Anglesey Near Porth Dafarch, female, seen, 6th June.

(R. W. Jones, British Birds 22: 39; Jones & Whalley, 2004).

History Richard W. Jones (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII, p. 39, says: 'When near Porth Dafarch on the west coast of Anglesey on June 6th, 1928, my attention was drawn, by the anxious piping of two distracted Hedge-Sparrows on a whitethorn, to another bird which was perched on the top of the bush.

At a distance of some fifteen yards I had splendid views through my glasses of the intruder and was pleased to find that the cause of the disturbance was a female Woodchat Shrike (Lanius s. senator). It had a buffish-chestnut crown, nape and hind neck, lighter on the forehead, a conspicuous white bar across each brown wing extending to the shoulders where the bar was broadest, mantle and tail brown, chin, throat and underparts white, and a brownish bill. The bird eventually flew on to some palings showing its white rump in flight. No black or brown feathers were visible on the fore-part of the crown or anywhere about the head.

So far as I am able to ascertain this is the first record of the occurrence of the species in Wales.'

Still accepted locally by Jones & Whalley (2004: 409) who state that Witherby (1940) in The Handbook accepted this as L. s. badius. [But in my 1952 edition the record is under the nominate form.]

50). 1928 Dorset Portland, adult female, shot, 23rd June.

(F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 22: 61; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 50: 60; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 175; Ash, 1956; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History F. C. R. Jourdain (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 61, says: 'A Woodchat (Lanius s. senator) was shot in a garden on Portland on June 23rd, 1928, and shown to Mr. A. Blinn, who sent it to me. Mr. H. F. Witherby, who did not receive the bird until the 28th, managed to make a skin of it and reports as follows: "It was an adult female of the typical race. The ovary was somewhat developed, and it might have finished laying or it might not have laid". There appear to be only two previous definite records for the county - in one case the bird was killed and in the other seen only.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1929) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. L. p. 60, in the Annual Report for 1928, and (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 175, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

Ash (1956: 188) says: 'One past record: a female, June 23rd, 1928.'

51). 1931 Isle of Wight Freshwater, adult, seen, early June.

(H. M. Livens, British Birds 25: 199-200).

History H. M. Livens (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. pp. 199-200, says: 'In the first week of June, 1931, a Shrike, which was evidently a Woodchat (Lanius senator) was seen at Freshwater, Isle of Wight. The bird was first seen by Mrs. Coates, who watched it from her window at ten to twelve yards with binoculars. It was on a fallen elm tree and Mrs. Coates was immediately struck by its red head and the white bar on the wing. Mr. R. Drake, who has an aviary and is a successful breeder of birds, also saw the Shrike in the same locality early in June. It was on the top strand of a wire fence with its back to Mr. Drake, who described it as a Shrike with the top of the head and right back to the nape vivid chestnut red, the back black and the wings and tail black and white.'

52). 1934 Greater London/Kent Longfield, male, 24th April, found dead, 9th May.

(D. C. Keef, Field 12th May 1934: 1076; E. A. Woods, Field 19th May 1934: 1190; London Natural History Society, 1957; Self, 2014).

History D. C. Keef of Kent (1934) in The Field of 12th May, Vol. CLXIII. p. 1076, says: 'I had a very good view of a Woodchat Shrike near here on April 28th. The bird flew off the road in front of my bicycle and sat in a hedge a few feet away; it had a large beetle, which it pulled to pieces with its beak, holding it to the branch with its foot. It showed no fear of me and only flew a short distance when I moved. By the description in T. A. Coward's book, I think it was a male. I hope the bird escapes the gun, but I could almost have knocked it over with a stick.' [Locality omitted for obvious reasons. - Ed.]

Mrs. E. A. Woods of Longfield, Kent (1934) in The Field of 19th May, Vol. CLXIII. p. 1190, says: 'Will you be so good as to identify the enclosed bird for me? I found it dead outside our garage.'

[The bird was a Woodchat Shrike, a very rare summer visitor to this country, and almost certainly the same bird reported by Mr. D. C. Keef in last week's Field. He saw it near Longfield, but we did not publish the locality for obvious reasons. - Ed.]

London Natural History Society (1957) say: 'On 24th April, 1934, a male Woodchat Shrike was seen by D. C. Keef at Longfield, and a dead bird, presumed the same one, found dead in the following month.'

53). 1934 Sussex Bremere Rife, Sidlesham, seen, 16th May.

(G. Crowe, British Birds 28: 50; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 35; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

History Geoffrey Crowe (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 50, says: 'On May 16th, 1934, while walking along Bremere Rife, at Pagham, my attention was drawn by the peculiar dipping flight of a dark-headed bird with pied plumage. It was comparatively tame and allowed me to examine it with glasses on successive perches at a distance of ten yards, when I made out that the back of the head and nape were a rusty brown, the forehead, sides of neck and wings brownish-black, the latter with a white wing-bar and the under-parts white. It had the typically hooked upper mandible of a Shrike and I have no doubt that it was a Woodchat (Lanius senator). It eventually crossed the stream, which was too deep for me to follow, and I lost sight of it, but I had had it under observation for quite seven minutes.'

R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 35, quotes from British Birds.

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 324; James 1996).

54). 1935 Caithness Wick, seen, late September.

(P. Sinclair, Scottish Naturalist 55: 170; Eds., British Birds 29: 360; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Peter Sinclair of Wick (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 170, says: 'One was observed here in the third week of September. It was perched on a wooden paling and very ill at ease. I had an opportunity of consulting Mr. Bain, Keeper of Noss Lighthouse here, who is somewhat of an authority, and he says the he has never known of one being seen in Caithness, but he saw a Grey Shrike on one occasion at Noss.'

In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 360, they say: 'Mr. P. Sinclair states (Scot. Nat., 1935, p. 170) that a Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) was observed at Wick in the third week of September, 1935. No details of the bird's appearance are given and it is therefore impossible to judge whether the identification is likely to be correct or not.'

55). 1937 Kent Ash Levels, near Canterbury, pair, 5th May.

(Harrison, 1953).

History Harrison (1953 (2): 230) says: 'Mr. T. C. Gregory informs me (in litt.) that he watched a pair of Woodchats on 5th May 1937 on the marshes known as the Ash Levels near Canterbury.'

57). 1942 Norfolk Beeston Common, seen, 16th May.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 14; Eds., British Birds 37: 240).

History C. E. Gay (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1942, p. 14, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'Mr. Marsham reports that he had an excellent view of a bird of this species perched on the top of a bush on Sheringham Common on May 16th.'

In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 240, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1942, they say: 'A Woodchat Shrike was seen in May.'

58). 1945 Fair Isle No locality, 31st May.

(Williamson, 1965; Dymond, 1991).

History P. E. Davis (Williamson 1965) says: '31st May 1945.'

59). 1945 Sussex Near Filsham, 2nd June.

(Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1945; Eds., British Birds 40: 30).

History In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 30, in a Review of the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, for 1945, they say: 'Other records which may be mentioned are: a Woodchat near Filsham on June 2nd.'

60). 1945 Norfolk Hickling, seen, 1st July.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1945: 17; Eds., British Birds 40: 31).

History C. E. Gay (1945) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1945, p. 17, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'On July 1st at Hickling Miss C. E. Gay and I had the good fortune to see a Woodchat Shrike perched on the top of a bare bush at no more than ten yards distance. Later it was seen near the same place devouring a lizard. There appear to be only five previous records of this bird in Norfolk. (B. B. Riviere).'

In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 30, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1945, they say: 'A Woodchat was seen at Hickling on July 1st.'

61). 1946 Kent Isle of Grain, male, seen, 12th May.

(E. Gillham, British Birds 39: 279; Harrison, 1953).

History Eric Gillham (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 279, says: 'On May 12th, 1946, I was in company with Mr. D. C. Pegram bird-watching in the Isle of Grain, N. Kent. While walking along the road by Grain Crossing Halt a bird showing much black and white about the size of a Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio, flew across the road a few yards in front of us and alighted on the top of a bush. I quickly put my glasses on the bird and was surprised to find it was a male Woodchat Lanius s. senator.

Between 1943 and 1945 I knew the bird in Algeria, Tunisia and Italy. Both Mr. Pegram and I followed the bird for three quarters of an hour and obtained excellent views. It perched on the tops of bushes, telegraph wires and the posts of marsh fences. A brief description is as follows: - crown and nape chestnut, fore-head, ear-coverts, sides of neck, back and wings black; wing-bars, scapulars and upper tail-coverts white; rump greyish; under-parts creamy white. Later in the day we again watched the bird at the same spot for about half an hour. It perched on the post of a marsh fence and kept shooting down into the grass to catch insects. Having secured an insect it returned to the post to devour it. The operation was repeated many times.'

62). 1947 Suffolk Waldringfield, male, April.

(Payn, 1962, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states that between the years 1947 and 1954 one was seen at Waldringfield in the spring months. Piotrowski (2003) states that a male occurred at Waldringfield in April, 1947.

63). 1947 Gower Near Singleton Park, Swansea, male, seen, 22nd May.

(G. R. Shannon, British Birds 40: 275-276; Eds., British Birds 46: 147).

History George R. Shannon (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. pp. 275-276, says: 'On the evening of May 22nd, 1947, while walking across a common, near Singleton Park, Swansea, I was surprised to see a strikingly pied bird fly from a small birch tree. I kept it under continuous observation for half an hour at close range, and through x8 glasses, as it flew from one perch to another.

Having checked in The Handbook the notes and sketches made in the field, I was satisfied that this was a male Woodchat Shrike Lanius s. senator. The following features were clearly observed: - crown, nape and upper mantle chestnut; rest of mantle and back black with greyish tinge, shading to grey on rump, and white upper tail-coverts; tail feathers black with some white markings; a black band extending from forehead through superciliary region and ear-coverts to shoulders; prominent, white scapulars, and wing-bar towards bases of primaries; throat and upper breast pure white shading to cream on rest of under-parts.

The flight throughout was low, near ground, with shallow undulations, a final upward sweep to the perch and with several fan-like spreadings of the tail on settling. Further it was observed to dive repeatedly from its perch into the undergrowth, whence it returned with captured insects.'

64). 1947 Kent New Romney, seen, 5th June.

(Harrison, 1953).

History Harrison (1953 (2): 230) says: 'I am indebted to Mr. W. S. Niven (in litt.) who refers to a bird he saw on June 5th, 1947, in a field west of New Romney. Mr. Niven writes: "It was very tired and apparently had just arrived. I made a sketch of it, wrote a description, walked up to it and flushed it, noting its flight. Mr. Charles C. Flisher of New Romney, who was with me, reported it to the late Dr. McMillan of New Romney who produced a plate from which I identified it. I also compared my notes with a Woodchat shot by Mr. W. Horton, at Newchurch, about 1880, which confirmed the identity beyond a doubt".'

65). 1947 Sussex Offham, near Lewes, male, seen, 8th June.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1947: 22; Harrison, 1953; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History R. Whitlock (1947) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 22, says: 'On June 8th near Lewes I had good views (one close) of a male Woodchat Shrike. He was only a passer-by, I think; in any case there was no sign of him two days later. (J.W.-B.).'

Harrison (1953 (2): 230) says: 'Mr. [W. S.] Niven mentions (S.E.B.R., 1947, p. 22) that a male Woodchat was seen by Mr. J. A. Walpole-Bond near Lewes on June 8th, 1947, and believes it might possibly be the same bird [as New Romney, Kent] - a point which must remain undecided.'

des Forges & Harber (1963) lists three inland records with one of them at Offham, which is near Lewes.

66). 1948 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, male, 12th to 17th June, trapped 12th June.

(P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1948: 11; P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, British Birds 42: 57; Lockley, 1949; Betts, 1992).

History P. J. Conder & J. Keighley (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 57, say: 'On June 12th, 1948, a male Woodchat Shrike (Lanius s. senator) was trapped and ringed on the Island of Skokholm, Pembrokeshire. It was in summer plumage, and the inner tail feathers, primaries, secondaries and wing-coverts had lost most of their white tips. It was first seen among the bushes in the garden at 15.30 G.M.T. and during the five days it was on the island it stayed in the vicinity of the garden, usually perching on the wire-netting roof of the trap, on the wall, or on the rock outcrop not many yards away. It was last seen at about 18.00 G.M.T. on June 17th.

This appears to be the fourth record for Wales, the others being: one, Pembroke, May 4th, 1923; one, Anglesey, June 6th, 1928 (Handbook Brit. Birds), and one near Swansea, Glamorgan, May 22nd, 1947 (antea. Vol. XL. p. 275).'

P. J. Conder (1948) in the Skokholm Bird Report, p. 11, adds: 'Second record for Pembrokeshire.'

Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 45).

67). 1948 Kent River Stour, near Sandwich, adult male, 5th July.

(G. R. Shannon, British Birds 45: 289; Harrison, 1953).

History G. R. Shannon (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 289, says: 'On July 5th, 1948, I observed, on the banks of the River Stour near Sandwich, an adult male Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator). Viewing it in good light, with the aid of x 8 glasses, I was able to make full notes of plumage details before the bird was disturbed by a passing train. These details agreed with those of a Woodchat Shrike which I recorded in Glamorgan, in 1947 (antea, Vol. XL. p. 275), with the exception that this bird's breast was of an even more brilliant whiteness. The bird flew off with a markedly undulating flight.'

Accepted locally under 'Appendix' (Harrison 1953).

68). 1949 Devon Lundy, male, 16th June.

(H. Boyd, British Birds 43: 215; H. J. Boyd, Lundy Field Society Report 1949: 10; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 17).

History Hugh Boyd (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 215, says: 'A male June 16th (S. F. Ball).'

H. J. Boyd (1949) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 10, says: 'A male June 16th. The first record for the island.'

M. Brooks-King (1949) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 17, says: 'Lundy, June 16, one male (H. Boyd, of Bristol).'

69). 1949 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, juvenile, trapped, 18th August.

(P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, British Birds 43: 119; Anon., Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1949: 10).

History P. J. Conder & J. Keighley (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 119, says: 'A Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) was caught on August 18th, 1949, on Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire. The bird was apparently moulting from juvenile to first winter plumage....This is the third record for the county.'

70). 1949 Cornwall Near Land's End, age/sex uncertain, seen, 20th August.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1949: 18).

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1949) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIX. p. 18, say: 'August 20th, near Land's End, one perched in a thorn hedge allowed prolonged scrutiny at close quarters. Striking chestnut crown and black, white and grey markings made identification clear and immediate. The full description taken on the spot by means of sketches suggest an adult male. It had a small, but distinct white patch on either side immediately posterior to the upper mandible. I cannot see any mention of this in The Handbook. It captured what appeared to be a large beetle. There was no sign of it next morning.'

71). 1949 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, juvenile, trapped, 31st August.

(P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, British Birds 43: 119; Anon., Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1949: 10).

History P. J. Conder & J. Keighley (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 119, says: '...On August 31st, 1949, a second juvenile was caught. This is the fourth record for the county.'

Further, p. 213, they add: '...juveniles on 18th and 31st August.'

Comment Green (2002) erroneously lumps this with the 18th August bird. Both individuals were trapped so surely they would have seen the ring and stated the fact.

1950-57 RECORDS

72). 1950 Sussex Pagham Harbour, pair, 19th May.

(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1950: 9; Eds., British Birds 45: 258).

History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1950) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 9, says: 'A pair at Pagham on May 19th. "Male: white with cream tinge; crown and nape chestnut; tail black with white markings on underside; wings black with white bar; eye-stripe black. Female: lacking creaminess of breast and with brown head" (B.P.).'

74). 1950 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, male, 23rd to 26th May, trapped 23rd May.

(P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, British Birds 44: 63).

History P. J. Conder & J. Keighley (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 63, say: 'A male Woodchat Shrike was caught and ringed on Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire, on May 23rd, 1950. It remained on the Island until May 26th. This is the fifth record for the county.'

75). 1950 Cornwall Botallack, 5th June.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 13; J. E. Beckerlegge, British Birds 44: 63; Eds., British Birds 44: 140, corr.).

History J. E. Beckerlegge (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 63, says: 'On May 5th, 1950, on the cliffs at Botallack, Cornwall, I saw a Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator). I watched the bird through x 8 binoculars at ranges varying from fifteen to thirty yards and noted the following points: - About seven inches long; reddish-brown crown extending to the nape; dark bill; black line through the eye; white throat and under-parts; white upper tail-coverts and black tip to the tail; black legs. At rest the wings appeared grey. The mantle and back were very light coloured - much lighter than in the plate in The Handbook.

While watching the bird I had the sun behind me, but the day was extremely hot, and the heat may have tended to distort the normal colouring of the back. The most striking points which at once attracted attention were the gleaming chestnut cap, and the pure white under-parts. As the superciliary stripe and the tail feathers were black, and not brown, I think the bird was a male. It perched freely on the stone and earthen walls which divide the fields in these parts. I did not see it hawk for food. This seems to be the third recorded occurrence of the species for the mainland of Cornwall.'

In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 140, they say: 'Cornwall - The Woodchat Shrike reported (antea, p. 63) in Cornwall was seen on June 5th, 1950, not May 5th as stated.'

76). 1950 Leicestershire & Rutland Braunstone, Leicester, juvenile, 29th October to 3rd November.

(R. A. O. Hickling, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1950: 20-21; R. A. O. Hickling, British Birds 45: 410-411; R. A. O. Hickling, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1951: 13; Hickling, 1978; Frey et al., 2009).

History R. A. O. Hickling (1950) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, pp. 20-21, under 'Lesser Grey Shrike', says: 'An immature shrike frequented G.A.T.'s garden and neighbouring gardens at Braunstone, Leicester, from October 29th to November 3rd, 1950, during a period of north-east and south-east winds. It was also seen by C.W.H., who made a cine film in colour.

Its size was about that of a Skylark, and this comparison is borne out by the film which shows a House Sparrow in close proximity. The upper parts were greyish-brown of varying shades, and the underparts light grey barred with darker grey. Head and mantle were barred with crescentic markings, and the film clearly shows a light-grey patch on the shoulders. There was a buff-cream terminal band to the tail which was especially noticeable when fanned. The bird had a wing bar, about which there was some confusion; G.A.T. described and sketched it as a whitish area, but the film shows a clearly-defined white patch, and this was its most striking feature.

R. A. O. Hickling (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. pp. 410-411, says: 'From October 29th to November 3rd, 1950, an immature shrike frequented the gardens of a group of houses at Braunstone, on the outskirts of the city of Leicester, and was observed by G. A. Todd and C. W. Holt; the latter also made a cine-film in colour. It was described as being about as big as a Skylark (Alauda arvensis); the upper parts were greyish-buff, closely barred with crescentic darker brown, and the rump was light buff-grey. Tail and upper tail-coverts appeared uniform dark grey-brown except for narrow buff edge and more noticeable buff-cream terminal band on tail. Primaries, secondaries and median coverts were dark grey-brown with well marked warm buff edges and tips; primary coverts were dark brown and lesser coverts mottled light grey and brown. The underparts were light greyish, barred all over darker grey, and there was a lightish patch on the scapulars. The most striking feature of the bird was a clearly defined white wing-patch.

The bird seemed to be an immature Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) from all characters except the wing-patch, which caused great doubt as no ornithologist consulted had any experience of such a wing-patch in an immature bird of this species, nor was there any reference to it in the literature. The record was therefore submitted to M. Georges Olivier, the French authority on the shrikes. In view of its general interest, a translation of his report is given: "From examination of the photographs my immediate impression was that the bird was an immature Lanius senator. I then studied the written notes and sketches, which confirmed my impression for the following reasons:

1. Size: With different proportions the size of a lark and this shrike are about the same.

2. Colour: The colours, indicated in the notes by Mr. Holt and Mr. Todd, as well as on the sketches, correspond to those of L. senator, even bearing in mind that there are very wide variations of colour in the young of this species. This applies even to birds hatched from the same clutch of eggs. L. collurio must be ruled out, because its general colouration is quite different. The rump of the young senator is whitish or greyish-white (which is never the case in the young collurio). The scapulars are always very visible in senator, forming a whitish or greyish-white zone much paler than the rest of the plumage. This characteristic does not occur in collurio. In addition the tail pattern is different, the creamy part being larger in senator than in collurio. L. minor in immature plumage has a yellowish colour, and sometimes sandy yellow. It never has the light patch on the scapulars. L. excubitor can be eliminated, because of its larger size and its lack of the light patch on the scapulars.

3. Vermiculations: In the young senator these are dark, and very close, giving to the young birds an added characteristically closely mottled appearance. In minor these marks are more widely spaced.

4. Wing-bar: I believe that the chief confusion has arisen because the bird observed by Mr. Holt had an abnormally

accentuated wing patch. In young senator observed in September I have already noticed wide differences in the "importance" of the wing-bar (and also on the scapulars) in terms of the visibility, but I have never seen specimens in which the wing patch was quite as strongly marked as on the Leicester bird. I should add that I have never seen young senator after September in France, Spain or North Africa, though I have seen them in June. It is possible that the Leicester bird had already begun to moult when observed....'

It is the first Woodchat Shrike recorded for Leicestershire.'

Frey et al. (2009) add: The film, which has been tracked down, was taken by Clifford Holt and clearly shows it to be a juvenile Woodchat Shrike.

77). 1951 Greater London/Surrey Bookham Common, Leatherhead, 26th to 27th May.

(Eds., British Birds 45: 258; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Self, 2014).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 258, they say: 'Messrs. A. R. F. Hills and E. Giles have supplied a satisfactory report of a Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) seen at Bookham Common, Leatherhead, Surrey, on May 26th and 27th, 1951. Excellent views were obtained....It seems possible that this species, of which "over forty" occurrences are mentioned in The Handbook, is now appearing in greater numbers. We would be glad to receive further records.'

78). 1951 Suffolk Near Dunwich, 10th June.

(Eds., British Birds 45: 258; Payn, 1962).

History In an Editorial (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 258, they say: '...Mr. Peter J. Oram has sent details of a Woodchat Shrike on a common near Dunwich, Suffolk, on June 10th, 1951....It seems possible that this species, of which "over forty" occurrences are mentioned in The Handbook, is now appearing in greater numbers. We would be glad to receive further records.'

Comment Not in Suffolk Bird Reports!

79). 1951 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, juvenile, 11th to 12th September.

(P. J. Conder, British Birds 45: 243; Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1951: 8).

History P. J. Conder (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 243, and in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 8, says: 'A young bird was seen on September 11th and 12th. Fifth record for the island.'

80). 1952 Isles of Scilly Tower Farm, St Martin's, adult male, 14th April.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 44; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 94).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 44, say: 'April 14th. I was walking along the lane from Tower Farm, St. Martin's, when I suddenly became aware of a lovely little black and white bird, rather bigger than a sparrow, on the top of the bushes surrounding the flower fields. I watched it flying to and fro for about a quarter of an hour. It had a brilliant crimson red-brown head and pure white breast; the back appeared black and white. Its movements were typically Shrike or Flycatcher-like. R.C.'

81). 1952 Devon Lundy, female, 5th May.

(Lundy Field Society Report 1952: 14; P. E. Davis, British Birds 46: 437).

History P. E. Davis (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 437, says: 'A female May 5th, a first-winter bird August 21st. Second and third records.'

82). 1952 Yorkshire Spurn, trapped, 9th or 13th May.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 78: 77; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 46: 427; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1953) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 77, says: 'A bird was put into the Warren trap at Spurn on May 13th by J. A. Chadwick and J. B. Nelson in pouring rain. Its plumage soon dried in the cottage and in excellent condition it was also inspected by W.F.F., H.J.W., O.M.P. and G.H.A.'

Chislett (1958: 29) says: 'On 9th May in rain a bedraggled shrike was caught in the Warren trap by J. A. Chadwick; its identity was not revealed until its plumage had dried out. Spurn bird log contains details and measurements taken. It was detained by the Wharfedale party until G. H. Ainsworth arrived in the evening.'

G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 46: 427, say: '13th May, 1952.' However, Chislett (1952) p. 82, now states 13th May 1952 as the date.

83). 1952 Dorset Portland Bill, male, 20th to 22nd May.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 74: 146; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 176).

History K. B. Rooke (1952) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXIV. p. 146, says: 'A male frequented brambles near Coastguard Cottages, Portland Bill, May 20th to evening of 22nd. First seen by Mr. and Mrs. E. W. A. Garrett, subsequently by M.S.H. and several others, lastly by coastguards. Full and conclusive details supplied, including "orange" crown, black upper-parts, white scapulars, wing-bar and rump, white under-parts (E.W.A.G., M.S.H.). Three previous Dorset records mentioned in Revised List.'

84). 1952 Suffolk Near Bungay, May.

(Payn, 1978).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states that between the years 1947 and 1954 one was seen at Bungay in the spring months.

Comment Not in Suffolk Bird Reports!

85). 1952 Essex Fordham, Colne Valley, adult, 5th June.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 47: 92; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Pyman (1952) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 27, says: 'Fordham: one on telephone wires, June 5th (N. St. J. Cuming, per J.F.). This bird, which was apparently tired, allowed a very close and leisurely inspection and the following description was made on the spot: - size as Red-backed Shrike, crown reddish-brown, black eye patch, underparts white, upperparts dark, large white patch on closed wing, bill black, tail fairly long. There appears to be only one other satisfactory record for the county, although the late W. E. Glegg (Birds of Essex: 1929) quotes three other records which must be considered doubtfully authentic.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007).

86). 1952 Sussex Seaford Head, adult male, 8th June.

(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1952: 11; Eds., British Birds 46: 220-221).

History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1952) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 11, say: 'On June 8th D.V.F., when driving near Seaford Head, noted a "smallish bird displaying a large amount of white in flight. It alighted on top of a roadside post where the following was noted: crown and nape chestnut; broad black patch through eye; upper parts black with brilliant white scapulars, tail edged with white; under parts white. Size about the same as Red-backed Shrike. It was seen to perch only on the tips of posts and finally on telephone wires".'

87). 1952 Devon Lundy, juvenile, 21st August.

(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1952: 14; P. E. Davis, British Birds 46: 437).

History P. E. Davis (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 437, says: 'A female May 5th, a first-winter bird August 21st. Second and third records.'

88). 1953 Greater London/Surrey Richmond Park, Surrey, immature male, 13th April to 5th May, photo.

(Eds., British Birds 46: 292, 305-306, plate 47; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007; A. Pitches, British Birds 106: 186, plate 120; Self, 2014).

History In an Editorial (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. pp. 305-306, they say: 'Several observers have sent us details of a Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) that remained in Richmond Park, Surrey, for some three weeks in April and May, 1953.

It was first seen on April 13th (an early date) by A. Crutchley; the identification was confirmed on April 19th by E. D. Bushby, and on the 21st by B. A. Marsh. It was later seen by a large number of observers (including E.M.N, and P.A.D.H.) until the morning of May 5th.

On May 3rd a photograph was taken by Mr. Marsh and this is reproduced on plate 47; unfortunately the front of the head and the under-parts are thrown into shadow by the sun's shining directly onto the bird's back, but a good impression is given here of the rather poor plumage in which the bird was. It seemed to be an immature with somewhat worn feathers; and the amount of black on the forehead and round the eye, unmixed with chestnut, suggested a male. The scapular-patches, rump, and under-parts were greyish rather than white or cream.'

89). 1953 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, adult male, 8th May.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1953: 35; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 408).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1953) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIII. p. 35, say: 'On May 8th, on St. Agnes, I saw one at about 30 yards distance in a good light. The bird had a reddy-brown crown and nape, and the remainder of the body (back view) gave the impression of black and white. As it turned its head I noticed the hooked bill and black patch at the eye. F.M.'

90). 1953 Devon Lundy, female, 14th to 15th May.

(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1953: 14; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1953: 47; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 65; Eds., British Birds 46: 306).

History P. E. Davis (1953) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 14, says: 'A female May 14th and 15th, a probable male June 8th, and a male September 5th to 10th. There are three previous records for the island.'

In an Editorial (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 306, they say: 'Other records of Woodchat Shrike in Britain that have been reported to us in the first half of 1953 include: Lundy Bird Observatory (Devon). A female on May 14th; it is interesting to note that this was only the day following that on which one was trapped at Great Saltee. Another on June 8th; this appeared to be a male. These are the fourth and fifth records for Lundy. (Peter Davis).'

91). 1953 Fife Kinghorn, male, 21st to 22nd May.

(T. Yeoman & D. G. Andrew, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 3: 69-70, 72; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 104; Smout, 1986).

History T. Yeoman & D. G. Andrew (1953) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. III. pp. 69-70, say: 'In a letter to the Scotsman, Mr. W. Curran records having seen a male Woodchat Shrike near Kinghorn on 21st and 22nd May 1953. Features noted at a range of 15 yards were rust-coloured head, black flashes around and past the eyes, off-white body and brown wings. This is the third occurrence of this species in the Forth area, both previous records being from the Isle of May.'

E. V. Baxter (1955) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVII. p. 104, says: 'On 21st and 22nd May 1953 a male was seen at Kinghorn, Fife. This is the first record for the mainland of Scotland, for Forth and for South Fife (Edin. Bird Bull., 3: 60).'

92). 1953 Fair Isle No locality, 22nd to 23rd May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (11): 26; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 104; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 423; Williamson, 1965).

History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (XI). p. 26, says: 'There was more movement, again cyclonic, from 22nd to 24th [May]...a Woodchat Shrike on 22nd.'

E. V. Baxter (1955) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVII. p. 104, says: 'On 22nd May a Woodchat visited Fair Isle (F.I.B.O. Bull., 11: 26).'

93). 1953 Leicestershire & Rutland Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland, adult, 6th June.

(R. A. O. Hickling, Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report 1953: 38; Eds., British Birds 48: 372; Hickling, 1978; Mitcham, 1984; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. A. O. Hickling (1953) in the Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report, p. 38, say: 'E. B. Res., June 6th, one was observed at close quarters. It was perched at the top of hawthorns near the reservoir, and frequently made sallies down to the ground and back again. Details noted include chestnut crown, black eyestripe, mantle and wings, white rump, shoulder patches and underparts (A.T.). This is the first authenticated record for Rutland.'

Accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

94). 1953 Devon Lundy, male, 8th June.

(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1953: 14; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1953: 47; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 65; Eds., British Birds 46: 306; P. Davis, British Birds 47: 420).

History P. E. Davis (1953) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 14, says: 'A female May 14th and 15th, a probable male June 8th, and a male September 5th to 10th. There are three previous records for the island.'

In an Editorial (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 306, they say: 'Other records of Woodchat Shrike in Britain that have been reported to us in the first half of 1953 include: Lundy Bird Observatory (Devon). A female on May 14th; it is interesting to note that this was only the day following that on which one was trapped at Great Saltee. Another on June 8th; this appeared to be a male. These are the fourth and fifth records for Lundy. (Peter Davis).'

95). 1953 Orkney Evie, Mainland, male, 23rd June.

(Eds., British Birds 46: 306; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History In an Editorial (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 306, they say: 'A presumed male was watched at Evie, Mainland, by Edwin Cohen, E. Balfour and P. E. Brown on June 23rd. Apparently the second record for Orkney.'

96). 1953 Kent Dungeness, juvenile, trapped, 23rd August.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 33; D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 363).

History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. p. 33, say: 'A juvenile trapped at the D.B.O. on Aug. 23. Full details submitted by W.D.P. and K.E.I.B., extracts of which are: upper parts mottled grey and dark brown; scapulars and rump noticeably lighter; underparts dirty white; the wing opened showed an irregular whitish bar across middle; tail dark brown, outer feathers greyish.'

97). 1953 Devon Lundy, male, 5th to 10th September.

(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1953: 14; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1953: 47; P. Davis, British Birds 47: 421).

History P. E. Davis (1953) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 14, says: 'A female May 14th and 15th, a probable male June 8th, and a male September 5th to 10th. There are three previous records for the island.'

P. Davis (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 421, says: 'A spectacular arrival of Continental drift-migrants affected the area between September 5th and 8th. By the 5th an anticyclone had been established over the North Sea, bringing fine weather with easterly winds to southern Britain and much of western Europe....The rarer birds included a Woodchat at Lundy and a Spoonbill at Bardsey on the 5th...'

98). 1954 Suffolk Mellis, about April.

(Payn, 1962).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) states that between the years 1947 and 1954 one was seen at Mellis in the spring months.

Comment Not in Suffolk Bird Reports!

99). 1954 Northumberland Inner Farne, Farne Islands, adult, 23rd to 25th May.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 128; R. B. Clark, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria 55: 186).

History G. W. Temperley (1954) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 128, says: 'From May 23rd to 25th an adult, probably a cock, was on the Inner Farne (J.M.C. & E.C.).'

R. B. Clark, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria 55: 186, says: '...23-25 April 1954.'

100). 1954 Dorset Portland Bill, two, 13th June.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 77: 74).

History K. B. Rooke (1955) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVII. p. 75, says: 'Addendum 1954. Members of Salisbury Field Club had excellent views of a male among brambles near the Coastguard Cottages, Portland Bill, on June 13th, 1954. Characters included: chestnut head and nape, black face; general plumage black and white; conspicuous white shoulders and whitish rump; white throat and whitish under parts; tail black edge white; voice variable, chattering, with some harsh notes - posture, behaviour and size similar to Red-backed Shrike (Miss E. Batchelor, C.M.R. Pitman et al.).

C.M.R.P. feels certain there were actually two Woodchats there, and that he saw them both at the same time - the second bird being more shy and elusive, apparently less brightly marked than the first, and presumably a female. Neither was seen there a few days later. The third Portland and fifth Dorset record.'

102). 1954 Cheshire & Wirral Birkenhead, Wirral, 22nd June to early July.

(N. F. Ellison, North Western Naturalist 2: 462; Raines, 1960; L, p. Samuels & T. H. Bell, Cheshire Bird Report 1957-60: 52; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History N. F. Ellison (1954) in the new series of the North Western Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 462, says: ' Mr. Geoffrey Pass had the pleasure of identifying an exceedingly rare visitor to Cheshire - a Woodchat Shrike - Lanius senator L. For several weeks in June-July 1954 it haunted the edge of the Prenton Golf Links, within the Bebington boundary and practically every ornithologist on Merseyside must have seen it. It is as far back as May 1908 since this species was last reported in Cheshire, when two were seen near Congleton.

The following notes on behaviour were observed by various watchers: - Dr. R. J. Raines and R. Wagstaffe - catching and eating bees; attacked and put to flight by a Whitethroat Sylvia communis Latham feeding young; Dr. J. D. Craggs - catching and eating crane-fly spp.; the writer watched it on two occasions - once for twenty minutes on end. It was restless, flying from one vantage point to the next - the top of a hawthorn hedge, a bare branch on an oak tree, a fencing post and then the wire fence, the top supporting bar of a high net surrounding a tennis court in a back garden. Periodically it flew down to the ground and ate some small insect - possibly beetles.

Once it flew up from its perch on top of a hawthorn bush and made a half-hearted attack on a passing Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Linnaeus but made no attempt to pursue it. A little later from the same perch, it repeated the action against another small bird (Linnet ?) but again, the impression given was that it was not a serious attack. The Shrike was in splendid plumage.'

Locally, Hedley Bell (1962) says: 'From June 22 into early July 1954 a bird remained in an area of Birkenhead.'

103). 1954 Kent Near Sheerness, Sheppey, 24th June.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 32; D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 365).

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 32, say: 'Single birds near Sheerness on June 24 (A.H.) and either the same or another at Swalecliffe, c.15 miles S.E., on Aug. 26 (A.K.C.). In both cases the bird was seen closely and following points were included in descriptions: chestnut or reddish brown crown; black back, tail, and frontal band through eyes; whitish breast; and white rump and wing bar.'

104). 1954 Ceredigion Glandyfi, juvenile, 18th August.

(W. M. Condry, Nature in Wales 1: 12; Ingram et al., 1966).

History W. M. Condry (1963) in Nature in Wales, Vol. I. p. 12, says: 'A small immature shrike was seen on a railway telephone wire near Glandyfi station on 18th August 1954. Examined at close range in good light, it appeared too pale and grey for a young Red-backed Shrike. This feature and the presence of light scapulars and wing bar pointed to the bird being a young Woodchat, which identification was confirmed by the editors of British Birds in consultation with George Olivier, the French authority on shrikes. This is the first record of the species for Cardiganshire.'

105). 1954 Kent Swalecliffe, 26th August.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 32; D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 365).

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 32, say: 'Single birds near Sheerness on June 24 (A.H.) and either the same or another at Swalecliffe, c.15 miles S.E., on Aug. 26 (A.K.C.). In both cases the bird was seen closely and following points were included in descriptions: chestnut or reddish brown crown; black back, tail, and frontal band through eyes; whitish breast; and white rump and wing bar.'

106). 1954 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, juvenile, 28th September to 10th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1954: 31-32; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 409).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1954) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. p. 31, say: 'September 28th, in a hedge, St. Agnes, I saw a bird which was strange to me. It was very shy, and the back views I got of it suggested a female Pied Flycatcher - i.e., brownish back, darker primaries and small white bar on wing. When it flew it looked a very pale bird. It perched like a shrike. On October 2nd A.G.P. arrived, and had good views of it with telescope at 50 yards. He identified it as a juvenile Woodchat Shrike. It was last seen on October 10th. H.M.Q.

On October 2nd - 3rd this bird gave me good views owing to its liking for the top of a wire-netting fence and its supporting posts. It appeared to be more solidly built than a Pied Flycatcher, but the general colour scheme was very similar, as also the breast streaking. When perched it adopted a typically Shrike pose and frequently dropped into the grass beneath. At rest a very clear-cut system of small white squares sharply divided by tiny vertical black bars, both having an "Indian ink" on "Chinese white" contrast, made up an apparent white wing-bar. In flight a conspicuous pale, but not white, rump provided the essential distinction between juvenile Woodchat and Red-backed Shrike. A.G.P.'

107). 1955 Isles of Scilly Tresco, 13th April.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 34).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 34, say: 'April 13th. One seen on Tresco. E.W.F.' [Details provided and acceptable. - Eds.]

108). 1955 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 8th May.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1955: 34).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1955) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 34, say: 'May 8th. St. Agnes. Mr. Lewis Hicks described to me, in detail, a bird which was evidently an adult of this species. H.M.Q.'

109). 1955 Hampshire Widden Bottom, New Forest, male, 19th to 20th May.

(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1955: 208; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).

History E. Cohen (1955) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 208, says: 'A male at Widden Bottom, New Forest, on May 19th and 20th; not seen there on 21st, 22nd, 23rd. Seen from a carat from 20 to 100 yards for half an hour on the 19th and one and a half hours on the 20th (Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Seth-Smith).'

110). 1955 Norfolk Muckleburgh Hill, Weybourne, adult, 19th May.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 56; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 107).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 56, says: 'Muckleburgh Hill, Weybourne: One watched for half an hour at close range and under good conditions at noon on May 19th (R.A.G.). Points noted include shrike-like bill; chestnut crown, white scapular patches, whitish underparts, black forehead and cheeks. Shrike-like habits. Sketch supplied.'

111). 1955 Shetland Foula, 28th May.

(C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 10; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955/56: 34; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 175; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 50).

History C. K. Mylne (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 10, under 'Spring Migrants at Foula 1955', says: 'One, May 28th.'

K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 34, says: 'Mr. C. K. Mylne again kept record of the spring migration at Foula...The most interesting spring migrants were a Woodchat Shrike on May 28th.'

E. V. Baxter (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 175, says: 'A Woodchat Shrike on Foula on 28th May 1956, is new to Shetland ex. Fair Isle (F.I.B.O. Bull., 3: 10).'

112). 1955 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, male, 11th to 12th June.

(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1955: 208; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).

History E. Cohen (1955) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 208, says: 'A male June 11th and 12th at Farlington Marshes (G.H.R., D.F.B. et al.); not seen after the 12th.'

113). 1955 Kent Allhallows, juvenile, 4th to 18th September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1955: 28).

History E. H. Gillham (1955) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. IV. pp. 28-29, says: 'A juvenile on edge of marsh at Allhallows on Sept. 4 was seen at ten yards range and watched for an hour.

General appearance greyish above and greyish white below; throat: whiter; under tail coverts: white with a buffish tinge; breast and flanks with crescent-shaped marks giving a scaly appearance; head and upper parts with darker scaly marks or bars; tail: drab greyish brown; rump: dirty white; scapulars: dirty white; a small triangular white patch and a smaller black patch beside it showed on leading edge of closed wing; eye: large and dark; typical shrike bill was dark with a light base (E.H.G., G.W.A., R.J.E.). This bird remained in area until Sept. 18 and was seen by several other observers.'

114). 1956 Isles of Scilly Annet, adult, 9th April; same, St Agnes, adult, 10th to 21st April.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 30).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 30, say: 'April 9th. An adult seen on Annet. (N.S.) April 10th - 21st. One adult present on St. Agnes, probably the same bird. (H.M.Q.).'

115). 1956 Devon Lundy, 10th April.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1956: 16; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 53).

History B. Whitaker (1956) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 16, says: 'One April 10th.'

S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 53, says: 'Lundy, April 10, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1956).'

116). 1956 Norfolk Gunton and North Walsham, 14th May.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 51).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 51, says: 'One on roadside trees between Gunton and North Walsham, May 14th (A.C.C.) Satisfactory details.'

117). 1956 Kent Dungeness, juvenile, 19th to 20th and 29th to 31st August, trapped 19th August.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 37, 49).

History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 37, says: 'Two juveniles were trapped and ringed at Dungeness between Aug. 19-Sept. 8 (H.E.A., D.B.O.). Details will be found in the D.B.O. log. Woodchats have occurred in each of the past three years.'

Further, p. 49, he adds: 'Woodchat Shrike: A juvenile seen August 19, trapped 20th and seen again 29th-31st.'

118). 1956 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, juvenile, trapped, 21st to 24th August.

(W. M. Condry et al., Bardsey Observatory Report 1956: 20; W. M. Condry et al., Bardsey Observatory Report 1957: 31).

History W. M. Condry et al. (1956) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 20, says: 'Two immature birds were ringed. The first was present from 21st to 24th August. The second was ringed on 25th September and retrapped on 8th October, but was probably the bird present on 21st and 24th Sept. The pale rump, single wing bars and only slightly rounded tail, combined with the generally pale appearance, were good recognition features in the field. The main food was apparently grasshoppers.'

119). 1956 Dorset Culverwell, Portland Bill, juvenile, trapped, 22nd August.

(A. J. Bull et al., Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 78: 47; K. D. Smith & J. S. Ash, British Birds 51: 29; K. D. Smith, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 159).

History A. J. Bull (1956) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 47, says: 'Portland Bill: a juvenile was watched and caught in fields above Culverwell on Aug. 22nd (P.B.O.). This is the fourth Portland record and the sixth for the county.'

K. D. Smith & J. S. Ash (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. p. 29, say: 'A juvenile trapped on 22nd August. Weight 33.9 gms., wing 98.5 mm.'

120). 1956 Pembrokeshire Dale, juvenile, 4th September.

(W. M. Condry, Nature in Wales 2: 360).

History W. M. Condry (1956) in Nature in Wales, Vol. II. p. 360, says: Pembs. A juvenile at Dale on 4 September. The diagnostic features were clearly seen. J. H. Barrett.'

121). 1956 Kent Dungeness, juvenile, 5th to 8th September, trapped 7th September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 37, 49; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 350).

History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 37, says: 'Two juveniles were trapped and ringed at Dungeness between Aug. 19-Sept. 8 (H.E.A., D.B.O.). Details will be found in the D.B.O. log. Woodchats have occurred in each of the past three years.'

Further, p. 49, he adds: 'Woodchat Shrike:...Another juvenile September 5-8 (trapped on 7th).'

122). 1956 Sussex Near Shoreham-by-Sea, two, juveniles, 12th September.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1956: 26; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 350).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 26, says: 'On September 12th an immature by Shoreham railway bridge (B.A.E.M., R.R., J.M.T.) and another c. a mile further inland (B.A.E.M., R.R.). Very detailed descriptions have been given which include: size, apparently slightly larger than Red-backed Shrike, general grey-brown appearance, the second bird being much greyer than the first, in flight a narrow white bar across base of primaries, rump pale greyish (in first) or off-white (in second), pale patch on scapulars. Both birds were very tame. Neither had been ringed. Immature Woodchats occurred elsewhere on the South Coast during the autumn and one of these, at Dungeness, had been seen both in the field and in the hand by B.A.E.M. and R.R. about a fortnight previously.'

124). 1956 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, juvenile, 21st September to 8th October, trapped 21st September and 8th October.

(W. M. Condry et al., Bardsey Observatory Report 1956: 20; W. M. Condry et al., Bardsey Observatory Report 1957: 31).

History W. M. Condry et al. (1956) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 20, says: 'Two immature birds were ringed. The first was present from 21st to 24th August. The second was ringed on 25th September and retrapped on 8th October, but was probably the bird present on 21st and 24th Sept. The pale rump, single wing bars and only slightly rounded tail, combined with the generally pale appearance, were good recognition features in the field. The main food was apparently grasshoppers.'

125). 1957 Sussex Mill Creek, Newhaven, 24th April.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1957: 21).

History D. D. Harber (1957) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 21, says: 'One at Newhaven on April 24th (A.A.B.). "A bunting-sized bird with a light reddish-brown head and nape, a dark eye stripe, very white breast and under-parts, longish tail, dark bill, an extensive white area on the scapulars, brown back". The earliest spring record for the county.'

126). 1957 Fair Isle Observatory, adult male, trapped, 23rd to 25th May.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 15; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 171; P. E. Davis, British Birds 51: 199; Williamson, 1965).

History P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 171, says: 'An adult male May 23rd to 25th.'

P. E. Davis (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. p. 199, under 'Serin at Fair Isle', says: 'A period of easterly winds in the fourth week of May 1957 brought a wide variety of Continental species to Fair Isle. The movement was heralded by the appearance of a very handsome adult male Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) on the 22nd (see below), and confirmed by the arrival of an old male Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) and a sprinkling of small night-migrants, as the wind moved south of east on the 23rd...'

P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 15, says: 'A Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator), which first appeared on a wire fence outside a bedroom window, and ended up ten minutes later in the catching-box of the Observatory trap! Like the two rare buntings, it was a male in immaculate plumage.'

127). 1957 East Glamorgan East Sully, adult male, 24th to 27th May.

(H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1956-57: 21; Heathcote, Griffin & Morrey Salmon, 1967).

History H. Morrey Salmon (1956-57) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXVI. p. 21, says: 'Mrs. Myer Cohen informed the Editor that one had appeared in her garden at Sully on May 24th, 1957. It proved to be an adult male and it was seen by a number of members of the Ornithological Section. It remained there until May 27th.'

128). 1957 Norfolk Near Stanford, male, 26th May.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 45).

History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 45, says: 'Breck: A male near Stanford, May 26th (A.E.V.). Details supplied.'

129). 1957 Devon Lundy, 5th, 10th to 11th June.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1957: 20; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1957: 49).

History B. Whitaker (1957) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 20, says: 'One June 5th, 10th, 11th.'

S. G. Madge (1957) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXX. p. 49, says: 'Lundy, 5 to 11 June, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1957).'

130). 1957 Northumberland Denton Burn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, adult male, 9th June.

(F. G. Grey, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 217; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History F. G. Grey (1957) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 217, says: 'An adult male was seen on June 9th near Denton Burn, Newcastle. (T.W.). As yet unrecorded in Co. Durham, this rare species has been reported on only three previous occasions in Northumberland, the last being May 23rd, 1954, on Inner Farne.'

131). 1957 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, juvenile, 3rd to 4th August.

(Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1957: 16).

History Field Studies Council (1957) in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 16, say: 'A juvenile August 3rd, seen again 4th.'

132). 1957 Sussex Thorney Island, juvenile, 27th August.

(D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1957: 21).

History D. D. Harber (1957) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 21, says: 'A bird of the year at Thorney on August 27th (R.J.W.). A detailed description has been given including upper-parts grey-brown, feathers having U-shaped dark tips, head lighter, under-parts creamy with light grey U tips to feathers, scapulars lighter than rest of upper-parts, very noticeable light patch at base of primaries, rump very light, outer edge of tail light.'