Eurasian Eagle Owl
Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Photo © By Kamil.Corrections: Piotr_J - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=595019
STATUS
Eurasia. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
The BOURC (Ibis 139: 198) removed this species from the British List in 1996, and after two well-known breeding pairs in northern England led to further interest, another review was undertaken by T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty (Brit. Birds 101: 478-490) to assess the likelihood of natural vagrancy.
The outcome is that it is considered a sedentary bird and vagrancy is unexpected, with most records referring to escapes.
NOT PROVEN
0). 1678 Greater London St James's Park, London, two, undated.
(Ray, 1678)
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Ray (1678: 100) says: 'Of this kind of Owl we saw one in France at the Kings Palace of Bois de Vincennes: And two in his Majesties Park of St. James near Westminster. They were as big as Eagles: Their legs and feet hairy down to the claws. They had three fore-toes in each foot; but the outmost of them was so framed that it could be turned backward, and made stand like a hind-toe. So that in that respect there is no difference between this and other sorts of Owls, but this may as well be said to have two back toes as they say whatever Aldrovandus hath delivered to the contrary. Their colour was much like to that of a Bittour, the feathers being marked with long black strokes in the middle, the out-sides of a light bay. About the belly some of the feathers were beautified with transverse lines. The irides of the eyes were of a reddish yellow or flame colour, [rather of a golden.]'
0). Pre 1684 Orkney No locality, undated.
(Latham, 1781-85, 1821-28; Clarke, 1927).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Latham (1781 (1): 117, pt. i.) says: 'It has been shot in Scotland.' Latham (1821 (1): 301) adds: 'Said to be not uncommon in the Orknies (Neil's Tour in Orkney, 195. Hist. Orkney, 312. Called Stock-Owl and Kat-ogl).'
Clarke (1927: 353, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'Sibbald in his Scotia Illustrata (1684) refers to the "Great Horn Owl" as being found in the Orkney group of islands.'
0). 1752 Sussex Coastal locality, seen, undated.
(Hill, 1752; Morris, 1856-62).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'Others have been met with in Sussex.' Walpole-Bond (1938) Vol. II. p. 205, says: 'I place not the least reliance in Dr. John Hill's (p. 319) declaration in 1752 that the "Great Horn-owl or Eagle Owl has been seen wild...about the Sussex coast". Hill was too much of a romancer for my taste. But in any event the notice, as applying to a species like the present one, is far too general.'
0). Pre 1768 Yorkshire No locality, shot, undated.
(Pennant, 1776; Latham, 1781-85).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Pennant (1776 (1): 202, 4th ed.) says: 'The Eagle Owl has been shot in Scotland and in Yorkshire.'
Latham (1781 (1): 117, pt. i.) says: 'It has been shot in Scotland and in Yorkshire.'
0). 1770 Kent No locality, seen, spring.
(Latham, 1781-85; Morris, 1856-62; Ticehurst, 1909).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Latham (1781 (1): 117, pt. i.) says: 'If a friend of mine does not deceive me, has once been seen in Kent, perched upon a gate, near to a large wood, in the spring 1770.'
Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'Others have been met with in Kent.'
Ticehurst (1909: 261) says: 'The only reference to it in the literature of the county is by Latham, who wrote: "It has been shot in Scotland, and in Yorkshire, and, if a friend does not deceive me, has once been seen in Kent, perched upon a gate, near to a large wood, in the spring of 1770".'
0). Pre 1772 Fife No locality, killed, undated.
(Pennant, 1777; Harting, 1872; Smout, 1986).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Harting (1872) says: 'One, Fifeshire: Pennant, Caledonian Zoology, p. 18.'
Smout (1986) says: 'Pennant, in his Tour of Scotland 1777, mentioned an Eagle Owl that was shot in Fife and that it was probably a migrant from Norway, but gave no further details.'
0). Pre 1774 Shetland No locality, undated.
(Pennant, 1776; Saunders & Clarke, 1927).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Pennant (1776 (1): 202, 4th ed.) says: 'The Eagle Owl has been shot in Scotland.'
Clarke (1927, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'Birds which were probably genuine migrants from Northern Europe, have, however, been obtained in Shetland, where it occurred several times prior to 1774....'
Comment Possibly refers to this record.
0). 1782 Sussex Herstmonceaux, shot, 29th December.
(Latham, 1787; Fox, 1827; Morris, 1856-62; Harting, 1872; Harting, 1901; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Latham (1787: 40, 1st supp.) says: 'Is now and then seen with us, one being shot by the game-keeper of the Rev. Mr. Hare, at Hurstmonceaux in Sussex in the year 1784.'
Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'Others have been met with in Sussex.'
Ticehurst (1909: 261) says: 'The one which Mr. Harting refers to as mentioned by Latham in the first Supplement to the Synopsis was shot in 1784 in Herstmonceaux, in Sussex, and not in Kent.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 205-206) says: 'Even as to the Eagle Owl shot at Herstmonceaux, carrying though it does date of long ago, there is nothing to indicate that it was free from "taint", and I am not at all sure that I ought not to enclose the species in square brackets. According to Latham (1st Supplement to Gen. Syn. B., 1787, p. 40) - the first, I believe to publish the event - this bird was procured in the year 1784, no month, however, being appended. But in Tunstall's MS. notes, incorporated in Fox's Synopsis of the Newcastle Museum (1827, p. 53), I find December 29th, 1782, given as the date of its undoing. I wonder which is right. Tunstall, by the way, acclaimed Hurst-monceaux (as he spelled it) as being near Lewes. Actually the two places are a good five leagues apart. But what matter! Doubtless this is the Sussex Eagle Owl referred to by Montagu (Orn. Dict.) and certain other ornithological writers on British birds without detail of any description.'
0). Pre 1813 Orkney No locality, undated.
(Low, 1813; Macgillivray, 1840).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Low (1813: 41) says: 'This bird I have never seen, but am credibly informed is still to be found in the Orkneys, especially in the hilly parts, where it is often surprised sleeping. When the horns are erected, I am told it has very much the appearance of a cat, whence the Orkney appellation. Not having a specimen, I shall give the description of this bird from Mr Pennant's British Zoology.'
Macgillivray (1840 (3): 432) says: 'Mr Low, who is often quoted as an authority for its occurrence in Orkney, merely says he has been credibly informed that it "is still to be found, especially in the hilly parts, where it is often surprised sleeping".'
0). 1813 Shetland No locality, undated.
(Clarke, 1927).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Clarke (1927, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'Birds which were probably genuine migrants from Northern Europe, have, however, been obtained in Shetland, where it occurred several times prior to 1774, and also in 1813....'
0). 1820 Devon Honiton, seen, undated.
(E. Moore, Transactions of the Plymouth Institute 1830: 208; E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 115; Morris, 1856-62; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History E. Moore (1830) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institute, Vol. I. p. 298, says: 'I have seen one specimen near Honiton in 1820.' E. Moore of Plymouth (1837) in the Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 115, dated 7th January 1837, says: 'I have only seen one specimen in Devonshire, and that in a living state, near Honiton, in 1820.'
Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'Others have been met with in Devonshire.'
Pidsley (1891: 67) placing the record in square-brackets, says: 'A doubtful visitant. Dr. Moore writes in 1837: ...If Dr. Moore was correct in his identification, and the bird had not escaped from confinement, no doubt the species may be retained in the county list; but the absence of fuller particulars renders its inclusion open to criticism.'
D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 137) say: 'The only authority for the occurrence of this species in this county is Dr. Edward Moore (Trans. Plym. Inst., 1830, p. 298); and "I have only seen one specimen in Devonshire, and that in a living state near Honiton in 1820" (Mag. Nat. Hist., 1837). These are but meagre particulars, as we are not informed whether the bird had been captured in a wild state; or if there were any reasons to conclude that it had not escaped from an aviary. It is only with the greatest diffidence that we mention this fine bird in our book at all.'
Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1824 Yorkshire Horton, near Bradford, shot, undated.
(H. Denny, Annals of Natural History 1840: 388; Morris, 1856-62; Gurney, 1876; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History H. Denny (1840) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. V. p. 388, says 'One shot at Horton near Bradford about 1824.'
Morris (1856 (1): 138-139, reissue) says: 'Another at Horton, near Bradford, about the year 1824.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881:43) say 'Horton, near Bradford, one, about 1824 (Denny, Leeds Cat.).'
0). 1828 Derbyshire Shardlow, shot, undated.
(Glover, 1829; J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1849: 2477; Morris, 1856-62; Whitlock, 1893).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Glover (1829) says: 'Great Horned Owl - One of these fine birds has been shot at Shardlow recently; it approaches the size of an Eagle.'
J. J. Briggs (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2477, says: 'Several have been killed hereabouts, but none in this parish. One shot at Shardlow in 1828.'
Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'One at Shardlow, in 1828.'
Whitlock (1893: 124) says: 'A single example of this fine species has been shot in Derbyshire. It was recorded by Glover in his History of the County of Derby, published 1829....Mr. Briggs, in his Melbourne notes, confirms the above record and gives the date as 1828....In any event it would not be safe to trust the above records, with the exception of the first [this one].'
0). 1830 Orkney Sanday, shot, undated.
(Baikie & Heddle, 1848; Gray, 1871; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Thom, 1986).
[Eds., British Birds 90: 71; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Baikie & Heddle (1848) and Gray (1871) say: 'One was killed in Sandy [Sanday], by Mr. Strang, in 1830.'
Accepted locally (Buckley & Harvie-Brown 1891: 140).
0). 1832 Yorkshire Harrogate, caught alive, summer.
(Alliss, 1844; Morris, 1856-62; Gurney, 1876; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486).
History Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: '...and a third was caught in a wood near Harrogate, in the summer of 1832.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881) p. 43, say: 'Harrogate, one taken alive in the summer of 1832 (Allis). Probably an escape.'
0). 1833 Oxfordshire Weston-on-the-Green, shot, late December.
(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2596; F. Holme, Zoologist 1856: 5042).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2596, say: 'A fine male specimen of this rare bird was shot near Oxford in the winter of 1833. It was purchased by Mr. P. Forrest, of that town, in whose shop we saw it in the flesh.'
Frederick Holme (1856) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIV. p. 5042, in a letter to E. H. Rodd, says: 'Strickland writes me...The Eagle Owl was shot in the last week of the old year, at Weston-on-Green, nine miles from Oxford, a singular instance of its occurrence so far South.'
0). Pre 1833 Co. Durham "Moorland locality", killed, undated.
(Selby, 1833; Morris, 1856-62).
[Gurney, 1876; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Selby (1833 (1): 83) in a footnote, says: 'I have been lately informed, from very good authority, that one of the above species was killed on the upland moors in the county of Durham some years ago. This specimen was afterwards in Mr. Bullock's museum.'
Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'Others have been met with in Durham.' However, Gurney (1876) says: 'Another, supposed on "very good authority" (Selby, Brit. Birds I. p. 83) to have been killed in Durham, is said to have been in Mr. Bullock's collection, but there is no Eagle Owl entered as British-killed in his sale list.'
0). c. 1836 East Glamorgan Swansea, killed, undated.
(Dillwyn, 1848: 4; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 17).
[Hurford & Lansdown, 1995; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 17, say: 'One was killed near Swansea, in 1836 (See Fauna and Flora of Swansea - Dillwyn).'
Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.
0). 1837 Yorkshire Flamborough head, caught alive, undated.
(P. Hawkridge, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 155; Gurney, 1876; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Patrick Hawkridge of Scarborough (1838) in Wood's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 155, dated 7th August 1837, says: 'A specimen of this rare British bird was captured off that celebrated headland Flamborough Head, after alighting upon the mast of a sloop sailing by, and was with difficulty secured, after it had actually pinned down with its powerful talons the cabin boy, who had been sent aloft to seize it.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 43) say: 'Off Flamborough Head, one captured alive (Hawkridge, Wood's Nat., 1838, p. 155).'
0). 1841 Greater London Hornsey, Middlesex, spring.
(Booth, 1901; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486).
History Booth (1901: 213, 3rd ed.) says: 'This owl flew out of a barn at Hornsey, Middlesex, into the face of a man who was opening the door of the barn, where he was going to thresh, and he thereupon knocked it down with his flail. Mr. W. Borrer saw it the next day in the flesh.'
Comment Borrer died in 1898.
0). 1842 County unknown No locality, undated.
(Anon., 1888).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History Scotland.
0). 1843 Berkshire Near Goring, seen, autumn.
(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2596; Noble, 1906).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2596, say: 'In the autumn of 1843, while travelling on the Great Western Railway, I observed a very large bird start from an embankment near Goring, in this county, and alight on a willow-tree close to the line; as soon as it had settled, it turned its head round, and disclosed to my astonishment the features of an eagle owl. The bird at that time was not more than fifty yards distant, so that even if I had not previously noticed its colour, shortness of tail, and general appearance while on the wing, I could hardly have been mistaken as to its identity (A.H.).'
Noble (1906 (1): 152) in the Victoria County History of Berkshire, says: 'In the autumn of 1843 the Rev. A. Matthews states that he had a good view of an Eagle Owl on the railway embankment near Goring, which is little over half a mile from our boundary (Zool., 1849, p. 2596). He adds: 'The bird at that time was not more than 50 yards distant, so that even if I had not previously noticed its colour, shortness of tail and general appearance whilst on the wing, I could hardly have been mistaken as to its identity.'
0). Pre 1844 Derbyshire No locality, three, obtained, undated.
(J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1844: 644-646; J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1849: 2477).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History J. J. Briggs (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 645, says: 'In the Derby Museum are three specimens of this noble bird, in beautiful condition of plumage. They are not labelled, but were probably shot in the neighbourhood.'
J. J. Briggs (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2477, under 'The Birds of Melbourne,' says: 'Several have been killed hereabouts, but none in this parish.'
0). 1845 Yorkshire Clifton Castle, Bedale, shot, March.
(Morris, 1856-62; Gurney, 1876; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
History Morris (1856 (1): 138, reissue) says: 'In Yorkshire, a specimen of this bird was shot in the month of March, 1845, in the woods of Clifton Castle, near Bedale, one of the most beautifully-situated residences in the kingdom, the seat of Timothy Hutton, Esq., late High-Sheriff.'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 43) say: 'The specimen recorded by Morris (B. Birds, 1851, I. 181) as shot at Clifton Castle, near Bedale, proves on investigation to be an escape from Hornby Castle.'
0). 1845 Greater London Hampstead, Middlesex, female, obtained, 3rd November.
(T. Hall, Zoologist 1846: 1496; Morris, 1856-62; Harting, 1866; Swann, 1893; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486).
History Thos. Hall of London (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1496, says: 'On the 3rd of November, 1845, my father preserved for Mr. Burgess, Temple House, Hampstead, a female specimen of the great-horned owl (Strix bubo) ; it was caught, after much trouble, in a hedge near the house, and was kept for some time, and until it died: it was very fierce during its captivity, and had been severely wounded in the wing by shot previously to its capture.'
Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'One at Hampstead, near London, on the 3rd of November, 1845, which had been previously wounded in the wing.'
Swann (1893: 129) says: 'In the Zoologist, Mr. Thos. Hall writes that "on the 3rd November, 1845, my father preserved for Mr. Burgess, Temple House, Hampstead, a female specimen of the Great Horned Owl (Strix bubo). It was caught, after much trouble, in a hedge near the house, and was kept for some time until it died", - it having been severely wounded in the wing (Birds of Middlesex, p. 13).'
0). 1845 Yorkshire Greetland, near Halifax, seen, November.
(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 43) say: 'Greetland, near Halifax, one seen, Nov. 1845 (Birds of Yorkshire, p. 50).'
0). c. 1845 Dorset Handley Common, caught, undated.
(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 17: 119; Smith, 1887; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 67: 107).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 486].
History A. P. Morres (1878) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XVII. p. 119, says: 'There is an authentically recorded capture of one of these fine birds on Handley Common, on the borders of this county. This bird was captured alive and kept for some time by a Mr. King, of Alvediston. It came then into the possession of Mr. Hayter, of Woodyates, who writes thus to me concerning it: "In reference to the Eagle Owl - I have a very beautiful one, but I am afraid I cannot give you as much information about the bird as you would wish. It belonged to Thomas King, Esq., of Alvediston, Wilts, and about the year 1853 or 1854 I had it from him; and I know he had the bird alive for some years, perhaps seven or eight, and then it died. I never heard from him how he became possessed of it, but I believe I have heard some one say that Mr. King thought it must have escaped from some menagerie". I would remark that this is the immediate and somewhat natural conclusion concerning every very rare bird which is captured amongst us. But let us remember it does not, of necessity, always follow that it is the right conclusion to draw.'
F. L. Blathwayt (1946) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXVII. p. 107, in 'A Revised List of Birds of Dorset', says: 'One captured on Handley Common, Dorset, about the middle of last century (Birds of Wiltshire, A. C. Smith, 1887).'
0). 1848 Lincolnshire Stainton-le-Vale, obtained, undated.
(Morris, 1856-62; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
[Cordeaux, 1872; Gurney, 1876].
History Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'One was taken in the year 1848, as I am informed by the Rev. R, p. Alington, in the parish of Stainton Le Vale, Lincolnshire.' Cordeaux (1872) says: 'This noble bird has been recorded, on the authority of Mr. Alington, as having been taken alive in the parish of Stainton-le-Vale, on the Lincolnshire North Wolds, in the year 1848 (Morris' Brit. Birds, Vol. I. p. 184). Mr. Alington has quite recently kindly informed me that he has good reasons for thinking that this bird was not a wild specimen. Some time after mentioning the circumstance of its capture to Mr. Morris, he learnt that the late Mr. D'Eyncourt, of Bayon's Manor, kept several of these birds in. a semiwild state in an old castellated building near his house; and he has now little doubt that it was an escaped bird from that colony.'
Gurney (1876: 253) says: 'Cordeaux stated it was an escape and I'm not sure why he included it.'
Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1849 Derbyshire Near Melbourne, undated.
(J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1849: 2477).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History J. J. Briggs (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2477, says: 'Several have been killed hereabouts, but none in this parish.
Comment This is the main reference quoted by Melling et al., but I find it to be a duplicate record. See Pre 1844 Derbyshire record.
0). 1849 Norfolk Easton, bred in captivity, undated.
(Morris, 1856-62; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Morris (1856 (1): 140, reissue) says: 'The Eagle Owl is easily reconciled to confinement; and in two instances has been known to breed in captivity. A pair of these birds, in the possession of Mr. Edward Fountaine, of Easton, near Norwich, formed a nest of straw in the corner of their cage: the first egg was laid on the 13th. of April, 1849; and two others about a week afterwards. Two young birds were hatched on the 19th of May, and the third on the 22nd.'
Comment The other was at the Zoological Gardens.
0). Pre 1851 Suffolk No locality, undated.
(Morris, 1856-62).
[KAN].
History Morris (1856 (1): 139, reissue) says: 'Others have been met with in Suffolk.'
0). 1853 Norfolk No locality, taken alive, undated.
(G. Jeans, Naturalist 1865: 258; Gurney, 1876; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
C. J. C. Bulteel, Field 29th Nov., 1873: 558; J. Walker, Field 13th Dec., 1873: 606].
History George Jeans (1865) in The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 258, says: 'Eagle Owl. One was taken alive in Norfolk, in 1853, and brought to my brother-in-law, the Rev. J. Bramhall. It was purchased by the Rev. C. W. Bagot, of Castle Rising, where I saw it dining on a Rook.'
Gurney (1876: 252) says: 'In Norfolk an Eagle Owl was taken alive in 1853, according to the Rev. G. Jeans (Naturalist, 1865, p. 258). Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'In the Field of December 13th, 1873, this example is stated to have come from Norway.'
Comment Imported. Not acceptable.
0). 1855 Hampshire New Forest, adult male, shot, undated, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/108).
(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clarke, 1927; Hart MS.).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Kelsall & Munn (1905) say: 'The specimen in the Hart collection formerly belonged to the Hon. Grantley Berkeley, and was obtained in the New Forest in the year 1855.'
Clarke (1927: 353, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'In England it has been obtained or observed in the counties of...Hampshire in 1855.'
Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot in 1855 in the New Forest and was mounted by Gardener of London.
0). 1859 Northumberland Embleton, seen, December.
(Morris, 1895-96, 4th ed.; Bolam, 1912; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Bolam (1912) says: 'Some years ago I had as full an account from the late J. Aitchinson, of Belford, of a bird which he and a friend had seen on the rocks, on Embleton beach, in December, 1859, and about the identity of which there ought not, from his description, to have been any room for doubt. Some of his observations, however, were admittedly wrong, and although in the case of an Eagle Owl, sitting on a rock so near them that it was shot at, there would seem to be no possibility of a mistake, the record cannot be unreservedly accepted.'
Comment Embleton is in Northumberland!
0). 1860 Devon Tavistock, obtained, undated.
(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).
[D'Urban & Mathew, 1892].
History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 137) say: 'In the MS. Notes of birds sent to him for preservation, Mr. Bolitho of Plymouth records, under date May 10th, 1860, a "Great-eared Owl received from Wm. Chichester, Esq., Grenofen, Tavistock, which weighed 4¾ lbs, extent of wing 5 feet 11 inches. Mr. J. Gatcombe informed us that this specimen was understood at the time to have died in captivity. It was purchased at Bolitho's sale by the late Mr. Marsh-Duns, and we saw it in 1883 in his fine collection at Teignmouth".'
0). 1862 North-east Scotland Near Methlick and Haddo House, Aberdeenshire, seen, 2nd February.
(Gray, 1871; Eds., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 224; H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 35; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 365; Sim, 1903).
[Sim, 1903].
History Gray (1871: 55-56) says: 'Such were the very scanty notes I had gleaned respecting the occurrence of this splendid Owl in Scotland previous to the receipt of the following interesting notice of its capture in Aberdeenshire, kindly forwarded to me by my correspondent, Mr. Angus: - "Mr. John Wilson, Methlick, has just sent me word that on the 2nd February, 1866, while out shooting, he saw an Eagle Owl, of which he says: - "It flew very low, keeping close to the ground, rising and falling in beautiful undulations over the uneven surface. I saw it from a considerable distance, and in the grey dawn of the morning thought it was a heron. I could have easily reached the point to which it was flying, but as I did not want a specimen (herons being plentiful in this locality), I let it go. Some doubts, however, having occurred to me at this moment, I made a rush upon this bird, and got near enough to discover my mistake. It did not diverge in the least in its flight at my approach, and I might after all have killed it, but trusted to a better opportunity. After this it was often seen about Haddo House, and always in company with a smaller owl". In the last week of February of the same year and adult female Eagle Owl - no doubt the same bird - found its way to Aberdeen, from Mr. Wilson's neighbourhood. It fell into the hands of a wright, who brought it to me for identification. It weighed seven and three quarter pounds. The stomach contained two water rats, nearly whole. The owner would not dispose of the bird, nor would he put it into the hands of a taxidermist to have it properly stuffed. He gave me the body, and I preserved the sternum and made a full description of the plumage. I afterwards saw the the Owl in the hands of the lucky fellow, displayed as a curiosity; and in this he succeeded perfectly, as I was forced to confess I had never seen such a fine bird so thoroughly caricatured.'
In an Editorial (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. p. 224, it says: 'Mr. Robert Gray mentions, on the authority of Mr. Angus, the capture of one in Aberdeenshire, in February, 1866.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 35, says: 'Reported by Rev. T. Bell, as noticed on the higher hills of Aberdeenshire. This is probably the bird alluded to by Mr. Gray (p. 55), as reported to him from Aberdeenshire by Mr. John Wilson, Methlick.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 365, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record.
While Sim (1903: 122) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Gray, in his Birds of the West of Scotland, pp. 55 and 56, records the occurrence of this species in Aberdeenshire. "It had been seen by Mr. John Wilson at Methlick on 2nd February, 1866...Mr. Wilson has been long a keen and careful ornithologist, so that there can be no doubt he saw what is reported". Gray further adds that in the last week of the same month "an adult Eagle Owl found its way to Aberdeen from Mr. Wilson's neighbourhood". The above, Gray adds, "had been kindly forwarded to me by my correspondent, Mr. Angus". Having had conversation with Mr. Wilson regarding ornithological matters, he informed me that the above story is defective. Mr. Wilson says he never asserted or wished anyone to believe he was sure of the identity of the bird, which was seen in the early morning while the light was yet indifferent; and in addition to this, the date 1866 is wrong. His journal shows the real time to have been 1862, from which he argues that the one said to have been seen by Mr. Angus from the Methlick district can have little relation to the bird which he (Mr. Wilson) saw.'
0). 1863 Shetland Near Haroldswick, Unst, seen, autumn.
(H. Saxby, Zoologist 1864: 9240; Saxby, 1874; Gurney, 1876; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Thom, 1986).
[Eds., British Birds 90: 71; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History H. Saxby (1864) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. p. 9240, says: 'A man to whom I showed my captive [Snowy Owl] told me that last autumn he saw an owl about the same size, only it was of a dark colour, and had "ears like a rabbit's". It was sitting upon a stone on a low piece of ground near Haroldswick, and allowed him to get very near. Of course this must have been an eagle owl, a bird which formerly visited these islands not unfrequently, but is now of extremely rare occurrence.'
Saxby (1874) adds: 'The Eagle Owl had not been observed in Shetland for several years, until in the autumn of 1863 Robert Nicolson saw one in Unst. It was sitting upon a stone on a low piece of ground near Haroldswick, and allowed him to approach very near. He described it as being about the size of a Snowy Owl, but much darker, '"with ears like a rabbit’s, only sticking out from each side of its head". He also said that he had seen a bird of the kind only twice or thrice before, and that in all cases they were remarkably tame.'
Gurney (1876: 253) says: 'In Shetland Mr. Saxby has two to notice, the first on the faith of a Mr. Nicholson, who saw it sitting on a stone in dignified solitude in the autumn of 1863.'
Evans & Buckley (1899: 110) say: 'The first example was observed by Robert Nicholson, in the autumn of 1863, sitting upon a stone on low ground near Haroldswick.'
0). 1863 Montgomeryshire Near Llanidloes, November.
(W. E. Beckwith, Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological and Natural History Society 2: 365-395; Forrest, 1919; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Forrest (1919) placing the record in square-brackets, says: 'Beckwith mentions one killed in a big wood near Llanidloes in November, 1863 - doubtless an escaped bird.'
0). Pre 1863 Moray & Nairn Brodie, undated.
(St. John, 1863; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896) say: 'In his Natural History and Sport in Moray, St. John says, p. 299: "I have only known one instance of the Eagle Owl (Bubo maximum) being seen in this district, and it was not then captured; but the description given to me could not have applied to any other bird. The Owl which I allude to was seen in a tree in the woods of Brodie".'
0). 1863 Norfolk Somerton, shot, undated.
(Gurney, 1884).
[Gurney, 1884].
History Gurney (1884: 23) recording the record in square-brackets, says: 'A fine specimen, formerly in the collection of Mr. J. Tomlinson, of Yarmouth, and obtained by him through Mr. George Watson, a game dealer, in 1863 or 1864, was stated to have been killed at Somerton, but it may possibly have escaped.'
0). 1864 Suffolk Somerleyton, shot, undated.
(Gurney, 1876; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Gurney (1876: 252) says: 'A second in Mr. J. Tomlinson's collection was shot at Somerleyton [Norfolk] in 1864. I believe it would not stand a careful enquiry, which at present has never been made, but would speedily find themselves in the category with our tame bird.'
Comment Too much of a coincidence with previous record. Not acceptable.
0). 1866 North-east Scotland Near Aberdeen, caught, February
(Gray, 1871; Eds., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 224; Sim, 1903; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Gray (1871: 55-56) says: 'Such were the very scanty notes I had gleaned respecting the occurrence of this splendid Owl in Scotland previous to the receipt of the following interesting notice of its capture in Aberdeenshire, kindly forwarded to me by my correspondent, Mr. Angus: - "Mr. John Wilson, Methlick, has just sent me word that on the 2nd February, 1866, while out shooting, he saw an Eagle Owl, of which he says: - "It flew very low, keeping close to the ground, rising and falling in beautiful undulations over the uneven surface. I saw it from a considerable distance, and in the grey dawn of the morning thought it was a heron. I could have easily reached the point to which it was flying, but as I did not want a specimen (herons being plentiful in this locality), I let it go. Some doubts, however, having occurred to me at this moment, I made a rush upon this bird, and got near enough to discover my mistake. It did not diverge in the least in its flight at my approach, and I might after all have killed it, but trusted to a better opportunity. After this it was often seen about Haddo House, and always in company with a smaller owl". In the last week of February of the same year and adult female Eagle Owl - no doubt the same bird - found its way to Aberdeen, from Mr. Wilson's neighbourhood. It fell into the hands of a wright, who brought it to me for identification. It weighed seven and three quarter pounds. The stomach contained two water rats, nearly whole. The owner would not dispose of the bird, nor would he put it into the hands of a taxidermist to have it properly stuffed. He gave me the body, and I preserved the sternum and made a full description of the plumage. I afterwards saw the the Owl in the hands of the lucky fellow, displayed as a curiosity; and in this he succeeded perfectly, as I was forced to confess I had never seen such a fine bird so thoroughly caricatured.'
In an Editorial (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. p. 224, it says: 'Mr. Robert Gray mentions, on the authority of Mr. Angus, the capture of one in Aberdeenshire, in February, 1866.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 35, says: 'Reported by Rev. T. Bell, as noticed on the higher hills of Aberdeenshire. This is probably the bird alluded to by Mr. Gray (p. 55), as reported to him from Aberdeenshire by Mr. John Wilson, Methlick.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 365, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record.
While Sim (1903: 122) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Gray, in his Birds of the West of Scotland, pp. 55 and 56, records the occurrence of this species in Aberdeenshire. "It had been seen by Mr. John Wilson at Methlick on 2nd February, 1866...Mr. Wilson has been long a keen and careful ornithologist, so that there can be no doubt he saw what is reported". Gray further adds that in the last week of the same month "an adult Eagle Owl found its way to Aberdeen from Mr. Wilson's neighbourhood". The above, Gray adds, "had been kindly forwarded to me by my correspondent, Mr. Angus". Having had conversation with Mr. Wilson regarding ornithological matters, he informed me that the above story is defective. Mr. Wilson says he never asserted or wished anyone to believe he was sure of the identity of the bird, which was seen in the early morning while the light was yet indifferent; and in addition to this, the date 1866 is wrong. His journal shows the real time to have been 1862, from which he argues that the one said to have been seen by Mr. Angus from the Methlick district can have little relation to the bird which he (Mr. Wilson) saw.'
0). c. 1868 Shropshire Steventon, Ludlow, caught, undated, now at Ludlow Museum.
(Forrest, 1899).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Forrest (1899: 133) says: 'One was caught at Steventon, Ludlow, about 1868, and kept alive for three years; it is now in the Ludlow Museum.'
0). 1869 Norfolk Trimingham, first-year, seen, 4thSeptember.
(W. B. Tegetmeir, Field 11th Sep., 1869: 216; T. F. Buxton, Field 18th Sep., 1869: 239; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1869: 1913; H. Stevenson, Field 18th Sept., 1869: 239; Gurney, 1876; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
[Gurney, 1876].
History W. B. Tegetmeir (1869) in The Field of 11th Sep., Vol. XXXIV. p. 216, says: 'I had the pleasure of seeing a magnificent specimen of that rare English bird the Great Eagle Owl (Bubo maximus), in the flesh, at Mr. E. Ward's Wigmore Street, on Monday. The expanse of the wings was 5 ft. 8½ in. This specimen was shot on Saturday on the coast of Norfolk, and was sent to be preserved by Mr. T. F. Buxton....The bird is apparently a female, and it exceeds the dimensions given by MacGillivray. About twenty-three years since one was caught in a hedge near Hampstead; this was, in all probability, an escaped specimen. The condition of one belonging to Mr. Buxton, precludes the idea of its ever having been in confinement.'
T. F. Buxton of Ware (1869) in The Field of 18th Sep., Vol. XXXIV. p. 239, says: 'As the capture of the above has been recorded in your paper of this date, I think it necessary to inform your readers that there is no doubt that it was an escaped bird - one of the two that were reared last year by Mr. John Henry Gurney having lately escaped from its cage, within a few miles of the spot where this bird was killed. I was not aware of the fact when I sent the specimen to Mr. Ward.'
Henry Stevenson (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1913, says: 'The bird stated by Mr. Tegetmeir, in The Field of September 11th, to have been shot wild in Norfolk, was a young bird of the year, escaped from confinement at Northrepps, near Cromer. See Field of September 18th.'
H. Stevenson (1869) in The Field of 18th Sept., Vol. XXXIV. p. 239, says: '...but inasmuch as the bird was killed on the 4th of September by Mr. Buxton's keeper at Trimingham, in the same neighbourhood....'
Gurney (1876: 252) says: 'Our tame bird, which escaped at Northrepps in 1869, was recorded in more than one journal with much pomp and parade.'
Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1871 Hertfordshire Near Harpenden, undated.
(Davis, 1874; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Trodd & Kramer (1991) say: 'Davis (1874) mentions "one shot some three years ago near Harpenden" and states further that it was kept in the possession of Mr. Cane, of Luton. Presumably this bird found its way into the collection of Mr. G. P. Cane and is now in the Bedford Museum. It was not mentioned by Steele-Elliott (1904) so its authenticity is doubted.'
0). 1871 Shetland Balta Isle and Huney Isle, Unst, seen, early March.
(Saxby, 1874; Gurney, 1876; Eds., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 224; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Clark, 1927; Thom, 1986; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
[Eds., British Birds 90: 71].
History Saxby (1874) says: 'It has been my own lot to meet with this magnificent bird only once. This was in Balta early in March 1871. It was sitting upright upon a large stone on the east side of Balta, and was so little alarmed by my sudden appearance above the brae, that it merely flew for about two hundred yards and realighted. When I returned a few days afterwards, having been detained by rough weather during the interval, it was nowhere to be found, although some people had observed it several times in the small island of Hunie, a little further southwards, in which also rabbits abound. Surrounding the large stone upon which I had first seen it, were numerous pellets of rabbits' fur and bones, showing the place to be a favourite resort. The flight, though vigorous and rapid, struck me as being less buoyant than that of other owls.'
Gurney (1876: 253) says: 'In Shetland Mr. Saxby has two to notice...and a second at Balta in March, 1871, seen by himself, in which on that account, knowing what an accurate and conscientious naturalist he was, I should be ready to place confidence.'
In an Editorial (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. p. 224, it says: 'In March, 1871, Saxby himself saw one in Balta, sitting on a stone. It flew off when he approached, but was afterwards observed on the small island of Hunie, a little to the southward, in which also rabbits abound.'
Evans & Buckley (1899: 110) say: '...The second, which was also sitting upon a stone, was noticed by Saxby in Balta, early in March 1871, and was subsequently seen in the small isle of Huney.'
Clarke (1927, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'Birds which were probably genuine migrants from Northern Europe, have, however, been obtained in Shetland, where it occurred several times prior to 1774, and also in 1813 and 1871.'
0). 1872 Northumberland North Sunderland, seen, October.
(Hancock, 1874; Gurney, 1876).
[Evans, 1911; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Hancock (1874: 22-23) says: 'I am obligingly informed by Mr. James Sutton, of Durham, who is a careful observer, and has an extensive collection of birds and eggs, that he fired at an Eagle Owl on the "links", near North Sunderland, in October, 1872. He states that "it soared a great height after I fired, then descended to a rock on the beach: it again rose and flew at a great elevation, mostly in circles, away to the Farne Islands".'
Gurney (1876) says: 'One was seen at North Sunderland in October 1872, fide Mr. J. Sutton (Birds of Northumb. and Durham, p. 22).'
Evans (1911: 119) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Mr. James Sutton of Durham informed Hancock that he fired his gun at an Eagle Owl on the links at North Sunderland, in October 1872, but that it flew away to the Farne Islands. Mr. Sutton may have identified the species quite correctly and fully satisfied himself and his friends, but we must place square brackets round this paragraph for the present, as the bird was not procured.'
0). 1873 Perth & Kinross River Tummel, Pitlochry, Perthshire, shot, January.
(Land and Water 15th Feb., 1873; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 2: 58; Gurney, 1876; H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 35; Harvie-Brown, 1906).
[Gurney, 1876].
History In an Editorial (1873-74) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 58, they say: 'At a recent meeting of the Glasgow Natural History Society, Mr. Robert Gray communicated a note from Mr. McLeay, Inverness, regarding the occurrence of an Eagle Owl (Bubo maximus) in Perthshire. It was shot near Pitlochry last January.'
Gurney (1876: 253) says: 'One or two in 1873, I believe, on the Tummel in Perthshire which had come from the stock of Mr. Fountaine, the noted breeder of these birds, and had been purposely set at liberty on an estate in that county.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 35, says: 'One was also shot at Faskally, Perthshire, a few years ago; but this bird was ascertained to have escaped from confinement, indeed, it is not unlikely that the Aberdeenshire bird may also have been an escape, and Mr. Harvie Brown in a note to me says it occurs in a semi-wild and domesticated state in Glenshee, at Mr. Paterson's Dalnagar; and any shot or reported, are probably escapes, whether in Braemar, Forfar, or Perth.'
Accepted locally by Harvie-Brown (1906: 178) who adds: 'One had escaped shortly before from Fountains Abbey [Yorkshire] and was doubtless the same bird.'
Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1873 Shropshire Bridgnorth, male, shot, autumn.
(N. Cooke, Zoologist 1874: 3997; Gurney, 1876; Eds., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 224; Forrest, 1899; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Nicholas Cooke of Liscard, near Birknehead (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. p. 3997, says: 'Last autumn a fine specimen of this bird (Bubo maximus) was shot by Mr. Reynolds, taxidermist, of Wolverhampton. A friend of mine informed me of the occurrence and offered to procure the bird for me, but received no reply to a letter he wrote about it. He, however, went there to spend his Easter holidays, and brought the bird back with him. I think it is a male; its length is twenty-four inches. It is of a rich dark colour, and is now in the possession of Messrs. B. Cooke, jun., and Co., naturalists, of 21, Renshaw Street, Liverpool.'
In an Editorial (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. p. 224, it says: 'In the autumn of 1873 a male was shot by Mr. Reynolds, of Hermitage Farm, Bridgenorth; was stuffed by Mr. Edwards of Wolverhampton; and, in April, 1874, was in the possession of Messrs. Cooke, naturalists, Liverpool.'
Accepted locally (Forrest 1899: 133).
0). 1875 Yorkshire Near Hummersea, shot, 5th November.
(K. McLean, Naturalist 25: 138; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Kenneth McLean of Harrogate (1899) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXV. p. 138, says: 'One shot by myself on 5th Nov., 1875, on the banks near Hummersea, now in my possession, is represented in the accompanying illustration.'
0). Pre 1876 Cleveland/Co. Durham Seaton Carew, Durham, undated.
(Gurney, 1876; Temperley, 1951).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History Gurney (1876) says: 'I receive with some doubt the statement of an Eagle Owl being got on the moors (Selby, Brit. Orn., I. p. 83), but I am assured that one was seen at Seaton Carew.'
Temperley (1951) says: 'As undated is given nor a name of the authority, it is impossible to check the record.'
0). 1876 Yorkshire Rombald Moor, Ilkley, female, caught, July.
(E. P. Butterfield, Zoologist 1877: 178; W. Raine, Naturalist 1878-79: 152-153; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History E. P. Butterfield of Wilsden (1877) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. I. p. 178, says: 'My brother saw an Eagle Owl which was captured by two farm servants in July, 1876, on the edge of Rombald Moor, near Ilkley. I think Pennant mentions the occurrence of this species in the county.'
[It is Montagu who mentions the occurrence of the Eagle Owl in Yorkshire. The specimen recorded by Pennant, in his Caledonian Zoology, p. 18, was killed in Fifeshire. - Ed.].
Walter Raine of Leeds (1878-79) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 152-153, dated 25th March, says: 'Three living specimens of this beautiful bird are now being exhibited in Roundhay Park, near Leeds. The largest, a female, was taken on Rombalds Moor in 1876; the other two are young birds, male and female, taken out of a nest last August, about twelve miles north of Aberdeen. They are kept by Todd, photographer, in a small room built on purpose for them....'
Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 43) say: '...Probably an escape.'
0). 1879 Lincolnshire Near Stamford, female, shot, about 12th April.
(J. Cullingford, Zoologist 1879: 306; Haines, 1907; F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 61; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History J. Cullingford of the University Museum, Durham (1879) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. III. p. 306, says: 'A fine female specimen of the Eagle Owl was shot near Stamford, Lincolnshire, on or about the 12th April last, and was sent to me for preservation. The bird had every appearance of being a wild one. It was in good condition, and had been feeding upon a rabbit, the flesh of which was quite fresh in the crop, and pieces of down were still adhering to the claws. The feathers were in good order, but slightly worn, and rather darker than in many specimens I have seen. The Rev. Canon Tristram examined the bird soon after it was skinned, before mounting, and his valuable opinion fully corroborates me in what I have stated.'
Haines (1907: 93-94) says: 'A female Eagle Owl was killed near Stamford on April 12, 1879 (Zool. III. s. iii. 306). This has always been considered one of the most trustworthy occurrences of the bird in England. The specimen was examined, soon after it had been skinned, by Canon Tristram, who stated that there were no signs of the bird having been in captivity. According to a note in the Zoologist, this specimen was placed in the Durham University Museum, but Mr. J. Cullingford, son-in-law of the late Mr. Evans, of Bourne, who set it up, and now Curator of the Durham Museum, denies that it is there. The above-mentioned Mr. Evans informed me that he received two Eagle Owls to stuff, one from Normanton on April 16, 1879, and the other on May 3, 1879, with no locality named, only "Lord Aveland". One was undoubtedly shot by a keeper named Galletly in Normanton Park. It was only wounded, but fought so fiercely that it was killed. Though in fine condition, it was identified by the Rev. Robert Hurt, of Carlby, Lincolnshire, as a bird which had escaped from his aviaries. It is now in Lord Ancaster's possession at Normanton Park. There is no evidence as to the other, nor is it certain whether it was shot in Rutland or Lincolnshire, as Lord Aveland (now Lord Ancaster) would have had property in both counties, viz., at Normanton and at Grimsthorpe. The dates seem to be confused, as the one shot near Stamford, unless there were three Eagle Owls shot in the same locality and about the same time, must have been the one received on April 16, and must have been also the one marked "Lord Aveland", while the escaped specimen must have been shot about May 1. Whether all this entitles Rutland to enrol this splendid bird among its accidental visitors, I do not know, but it would have been scientific pedantry to omit all notice of it.'
F. L. Blathwayt (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 61, under 'Additions to the Birds of Lincs.,' says: 'One shot near Stamford, April 12th, 1879; Zoologist, 1879, p. 306.'
0). 1879 Yorkshire Scarborough, seen, 30th October.
(W. E. Clarke, Zoologist 1880: 358; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History W. E. Clarke (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 358, says: 'On the 30th October, after a heavy gale from the N.E., Mr. Roberts was on his way to the Scarborough Museum at about 1 p.m., when he was startled by seeing a very large Eagle Owl flying quite low in one of the back streets. On arriving within ten yards of him, it rose with difficulty over the cottages and disappeared. The bird was immediately afterwards seen to alight in Lord Londesborough's grounds, by Mr. Robert Champley.'
Accepted locally (Clarke & Roebuck 1881: 43).
0). 1879 Yorksire, East Market Weighton, obtained, first week of November, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3876.1).
(Watson, 2010).
History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was shot in the first week in November, skinned and stuffed by myself, with the stomach containing the remains of a rabbit. Received in the flesh from Scott, gunmaker, Doncaster.
0). 1879-80 Yorkshire Easington, seen, winter.
(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 365).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 365, says: 'In the winter of 1879-80 one was seen at Easington, in Holderness, and remained all night in a tree in a cottage garden (Cordeaux MS.).'
0). 1880-1900 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Blackpool, adult male, shot, undated.
(E. Hardy, British Birds 25: 132-133; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
[H. W. Robinson, Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1932: 15].
History Eric Hardy (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. pp. 132-133, says: 'In view of the fact that neither Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire nor Wrigley's Birds of Formby mention the Eagle Owl (Bubo b. bubo) in their lists, and that Lancashire is not included in the county records mentioned in the Practical Handbook, it is worth recording that there has recently come into my possession a mounted specimen of this species, shot in the vicinity of Blackpool between 1880-1900, though never previously recorded. The specimen was originally in the collection of my uncle. Mr. E. T. Turner, the Leicestershire naturalist-taxidermist, who received it, with other birds, from his friend the late Mr. Robert Drummond of Blackpool, who was also a keen naturalist. Mr. Drummond commenced shooting about 1880 and was killed in the Boer War. undateds can be found of these specimens, but they were all shot in the vicinity of Blackpool, and though the Eagle Owl was, in former years, occasionally kept in captivity, there is no doubt but that the above was a truly wild specimen. It is a male bird in adult plumage, twenty-four inches in length.'
[In view of the fact that the history of these two birds is incomplete, the records cannot be accepted as fully authenticated. It should be noted that both are species kept in captivity. - Eds.]
H. W. Robinson (1932) in the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee 18th Report, p. 15, says: 'Note re Notice in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 132, of unrecorded Eagle Owl and Ruddy Shelduck from Blackpool seen in a taxidermist's collection at Leicester. These cannot be accepted as they no doubt came out of the Tower Aviary, where I saw them myself when alive, and there is no evidence at all as to their being shot anywhere. The Blackpool man, in whose collection they once were, was an inveterate collector of anything and everything, and there is little doubt but that he obtained them when they at last died in the Tower Aviary.'
0). 1881 Hertfordshire Bayfordbury Estate, near Hertford, 23rd December.
(J. E. Littleboy, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 2: 219; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History J. E. Littleboy of Hunton Bridge (1884) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. II. p. 219, says: 'An Eagle Owl was shot on the 23rd of December, 1881, on the Bayfordbury estate, about two miles from Hertford, and was reported by Mr. George Shrimpton, of Port Yale. Hertford. On making further inquiry, I ascertained that an Eagle-owl had escaped, about three months previously, from the garden of Mr. Richard Hoare, Marden Hill, near Welwyn, and it seems more than probable that the bird shot at Bayfordbury was the fugitive from Marden Hill. Under these circumstances I have concluded, with considerable self-denial, not to place it on our register. Mr. Hoare informs me that he kept a pair of eagle-owls in his garden for six or seven years, and that they laid eggs in a small round hole on the ground, but never hatched young birds. On the death of the female the male bird forsook the garden and appears to have met his fate as already described. Under favourable circumstances the Eagle-owl breeds successfully in confinement; Mr. Gumey writes to me that they have succeeded in breeding more than twenty at Northrepps Hall.'
0). 1882 Argyll Near Ardrishaig, Kintyre, trapped, 23rd March, photo.
(Eds., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgowy 5: 224-225).
History In an Editorial (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. pp. 224-225, it says: 'Mr. Robert Gray Mentions...This specimen, which I am enabled, through the kindness of the Messrs. Eggleton, bird-stuffers, Glasgow, to exhibit, was trapped on the estate of Colonel Malcolm, of Poltalloch, near Ardrishaig, and was seen by me in the flesh on the 23rd inst. It is a male, in fine condition, and its dimensions are as follows: - Total length, 2 feet 1⅝ inches; girth, 1 foot 9 inches; stretch of wing, 5 feet 3¼ inches; length of wing, 2 feet 4 inches; length of wing from carpal, 1 foot 6½ inches; tail, 10½ inches; beak, over the culmen, 1¾ inches; gape, 1⅞ inches; leg, 3 inches; foot, 3½ inches; weight, 4 lb 6½ oz; colour of the irides, yellow. Of course, like all our hawks, eagles and owls, the Great Eagle Owl is under ban, and is killed as vermin by keepers and game-preservers, so that its occurrence will be less frequent from year to year.'
0). 1883 Argyll Duntrune, Kilmartin, February.
(Clarke, 1927; Thom, 1986; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
[Eds., British Birds 90: 71].
History Clarke (1927: 353, 3rd ed.) in Saunders' Manual of British Birds, says: 'On the mainland of Scotland one appeared in Argyll in 1883.'
In an Editorial (1997) in British Birds, Vol. XC. p. 71, they say: 'The BOURC has reassessed about 90 British reports of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo and concluded that there is no evidence that the species has occurred in the wild state in Britain or Ireland for over 200 years, and has removed the species from Category B of the British List.'
0). 1885 Yorkshire Fixby, male, shot, 1st January.
(C. C. Hanson, Naturalist 12: 114).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487].
History C. C. Hanson of Greetland, Halifax (1886) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XII. p. 114, dated 9th December, 1885, says: 'On the 1st of January, 1885, Mr. Joseph Firth, while standing near a bushy place at Fixby, saw a big brown bird flying rapidly from him, which he shot at, but failed to stop. After considerable search he found it sitting in a large tree, close to the trunk, and a second shot secured it. It was a beautiful specimen of the Eagle Owl, in perfect plumage, and showing no signs whatever of having been in captivity. It is now in Mr. Firth's possession at the Shepherd's Rest Inn, Cowcliffe, where it may be seen. It is a male specimen. In length, from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail it is two feet, and four feet four inches in expanse of wing; in weight, a little over 4 lbs. In my opinion, which is shared by Mr. Goff, taxidermist, Huddersfield, it is a specimen of the Virginian Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), being less in size and finer in markings than the European Eagle Owl (B. maximus).'
[We asked the opinion of Mr. J. H. Gurney, who is the recognised authority on the Owls, and have been favoured with the following reply: - ]
I do not think it is possible from the information submitted to me to say whether the Owl in question should be referred to B. ignavus or to B. virginianus, especially as the latter is a very variable species. If I could see the bird I could readily determine the question, but not otherwise. If the bird be an escaped one it may possibly not belong to either of the above, but to some other species of the genus Bubo; but I doubt whether any reliable opinion could be given without personal inspection of the specimen - J. H. Gurney, 9th February, 1886.'
0). 1887 Shropshire Near Onslow, undated.
(Forrest, 1899; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 487).
History Forrest (1899: 133) says: 'A third [for Shropshire] near Onslow in 1887 - now in the possession of Mr. Barrett, Cross Gates Inn.'
0). 1888 Yorkshire Spurn, seen, October.
(J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 15: 2; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 365).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1889) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 2, says: 'Eagle Owl? (Bubo ? species). A large owl, said to be much the largest observed at Spurn, was seen several times in October, on the sand-hills and warren, either sitting in the bents or in flight - on the wing it is described as looking as big as one of the large gulls. One informant spoke to its having horns or tufts of feathers on the head.'
J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 365, says: 'Another, presumable of the same species, was observed on the sand-hills on several occasions in October, 1888 (Nat., 1889, p. 2).
0). Pre 1890 Essex No locality, between May and October.
(Christy, 1890).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History Christy (1890) says: 'I have no record of this large, rare and showy species having ever been obtained in Essex, but Mr. Hope has "seen it on the borders of Essex in May and October".'
0). c. 1890 North-east Scotland No locality, Kincardineshire, shot, undated.
(J. M. St John Yates, Scottish Naturalist 1932: 57; Bannerman, 1955).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History J. M. St John Yates of Newton Lodge, Lochmaddy, North Uist (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 57, says: 'I am the shooting tenant of Newton Lodge, Lochmaddy, North Uist, and on 26th November, whilst out shooting, I flushed an Eagle Owl. My only knowledge of this bird in Scotland is one that was shot (unfortunately) upon my uncle's estate in Kincardineshire about forty years ago, and which is still in the house.'
Bannerman (1955 (4): 170) says: 'Yates informed Miss Baxter that forty years ago [prior to 1931] an Eagle Owl was shot in Kincardineshire and that the specimen, which he had often seen, was preserved.'
0). 1891 Hampshire Paultons, near Romsey, male, killed, winter.
(D. Meinertzhagen, jun., Field 2nd May 1891: 641; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 316).
History D. Meinertzhagen, jun., of Mottisfont Abbey, Romsey (1891) in The Field of 2nd May, Vol. LXXVII. p. 641, says: 'It may interest your readers to know that an Eagle Owl (Bubo maximus) was caught in a trap at Paultons, two miles from Romsey, in Hampshire. I saw it in the shop of Mr. Dawkins, the Romsey birdstuffer. It measures 66 in. from tip of one wing to tip of the other; its body measures 30 in., and one wing 30½ in. It has been seen about the place for a month or so, and during this last week it has eaten five Pheasants which were kept in a pheasantry. It is a male bird in the winter plumage, and, since it has been there a short time, there most likely is a female bird about.'
[We should not be surprised to hear that the bird referred to belonged to a gentleman resident in Hampshire, who has turned out a great many owls of different species, and is very successful in taming them and inducing them to come and take food from the hand. This bird may have strayed from his friendly coverts - Ed.]
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 316, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
0). 1902 Norfolk Trimingham, seen, undated.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1903: 124).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 124, says: 'An Eagle Owl is also supposed, on the word of an intelligent gamekeeper, to have been seen at Trimingham (cf. Pigott, Bull. B. O. Club, XIII. p. 20), where Owls of all kinds have for many years been protected.'
0). 1908 Nottinghamshire No locality, undated.
(Dobbs, 1975; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488).
History Dobbs (1975) with his usual lack of information, says: 'One shot in 1908 was not accepted as genuinely wild at the time as some individuals had been released in the country.'
0). 1915 Cleveland/Yorkshire Near Redcar, October.
(Chislett, 1952).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History Chislett (1952: 141) says: 'C. E. Milburn recorded an Eagle Owl near Redcar in October, 1915 (The Birds of the Tees Valley, Almond, Nicholson and Robinson).'
0). 1931 Outer Hebrides Newton Lodge, North Uist, seen, 26th November.
(J. M. St John Yates, Scottish Naturalist 52: 57; Eds., British Birds 26: 58).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History J. M. St John Yates of Newton Lodge, Lochmaddy, North Uist (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 57, says: 'I am the shooting tenant of Newton Lodge, Lochmaddy, North Uist, and on 26th November, whilst out shooting, I flushed an Eagle Owl. My only knowledge of this bird in Scotland is one that was shot (unfortunately) upon my uncle's estate in Kincardineshire about forty years ago, and which is still in the house. Mr. George Beveridge of Vallay informs me that the Eagle Owl has never been recorded here before. I have been an observer of birds for over forty years, and from a distance of six yards I am sure an Eagle Owl could not be mistaken for anything else - it is much too distinctive a bird, and its size precludes it from being any other variety of Owl. I visited the locus in quo on several other occasions, but did not see the bird again, nor could I find any traces. I am quite familiar with the Long-eared Owl - in fact I saw four at Newton, and I cannot well mistake a bird which weighs about 7 lbs. for one that weighs less a pound; the flight, too, is quite different.'
[We cannot doubt the identification of this bird. The record is of much interest and a new one for the Outer Hebrides. Previous occurrences in Scotland are from Orkney, Shetland, and Argyll. - Eds.]
In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 58, they say: 'Mr. J. M. St. John Yates writes (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 57) that on North Uist he saw on November 26th, 1931, an Owl which from its size could not have been anything but an Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo). Mr. Yates approached the bird within a few yards and flushed it.'
0). 1933 Devon Morchard Bishop, shot, 23rd April, now at Royal Albert Museum, Exeter.
(F. C. Butters, A. B. Gay, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1933: 12; F. C. Butters, British Birds 27: 75; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488).
History F. C. Butters (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 75, says: 'On April 23rd, 1933, an Eagle Owl (Bubo b. bubo) was shot at Morchard Bishop, Devon. The bird was harrying young Pheasants at their coops. The skin has been presented to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, where I have had an opportunity of examining it. I am inclined to think it may be an "escape", because its tail feathers and one or two of the primaries of the right wing are abraded, as if the bird had rubbed itself against the bars of some enclosure. I have made enquiries at the Zoos at Paignton, Clifton and Oxford, and of Miss Chawner of Leckford, Hants., who breeds Eagle Owls, but none are reported as missing.'
F. C. Butters, A. B. Gay, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns (1933) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VI. p. 12 says: 'Morchard Bishop. April 23rd. One shot by a keeper as it raided Pheasant coops. Skin presented to R. A. M. Museum, Exeter, by Lord Portsmouth. I have seen the mounted specimen. Its primaries on one side are abraded, which suggests that it may have been in captivity (F.C.B.).'
Comment According to the Museum The Right Honourable Earl of Portsmouth presented this specimen to the Museum on the 24 April 1933. It was shot by his head gamekeeper Mr Ernest Isles.
0). 1937 Devon Exmoor, January.
(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-watching and Preservation Society Report, 1937: 16; Eds., British Birds 32: 159).
History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell (1937) in the Devon Bird-watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. X. p. 16, say: 'East Exmoor. January. One. (F. Glanville). (cf. 1936 Report, p. 14).'
In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 160, in a Review of the Devon Bird-watching and Preservation Society Report, for 1937, they say 'An Eagle-Owl is recorded on Exmoor in January (one was shot in Devonshire in 1933 which was thought to have escaped from captivity).'
0). 1938 Argyll Kintyre, pair, autumn.
(J. A. Gibson, Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin 2: 32; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488).
History J. A. Gibson (1953) in the Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 32, says: 'A pair of Eagle Owls was seen in autumn 1938 by Mr. T. F. Broom of Killellan, Kintyre. They were observed from twenty feet distance and a full description was taken at the time.'
0). 1939 Sussex Cuckfield, shot, 13th January.
(E. M. Cawkell, South-Eastern Bird Report 1939: 19; des Forges & Harber, 1963; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488).
History E. M. Cawkell (1939) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 19, says: One shot near Cuckfield on Jan., 13th is now in the Booth Museum, Brighton (H.C.U.). In all probability an "escape" (J.W.-B.), O. R., Dec., 1939.'
0). 1941 Dumfries & Galloway Newton Stewart area, Kirkcudbrightshire, pair, seen, 21st April to mid-July.
(M. Bedford, British Birds 36: 180). T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488
History Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1943) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 180, says: 'A pair of Eagle Owls (Bubo b. bubo) was kept under observation in Kirkcudbrightshire during the late spring and early summer of 1941. The territory occupied by the birds consisted of rough moorland including a ridge of low hills. The first bird observed - the male, easily recognizable by his smaller size and greyer colour - was seen late in the afternoon of April 21st. On the evening of the same day the pair were seen together flying at a great height, the male occasionally displaying by falling head downwards in the air. During this performance the wings were extended below the body and given a kind of shivering flip and the tips appeared almost to touch. On this occasion a rather heron-like cry was heard from the pair. The usual call of the male when flying at a great height above his territory was a deep, soft "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo" repeated eight or more times in succession with pauses of fairly short duration. The sound had great carrying power and was very ventriloquial and could be heard when the bird himself was a mere speck in the sky. In the late afternoon the male owl would fly over his territory calling and occasionally indulging in the display "tumble" for a considerable period at a stretch. When high in the air he looked rather like a Buzzard but his tail was shorter and he flapped his wings slowly and continuously and rarely sailed. A common call note in captivity - a deep, gruff "Boo-hoo" was, strange to say, never heard. The owls appeared quite diurnal in their habits, beginning to fly or hunt many hours before sunset. One evening I was able to stalk one of the birds and got close enough to see quite clearly its orange eyes and its ear-tufts. Many castings were examined and the pre appeared to consist entirely of voles and shrews and when the male owl was seen capturing prey or carrying it in his foot it was always of the same nature. Although many were present on the territory, no birds, or large prey such as rabbits appeared to be taken. The female owl was less often seen than her mate and although no nest was ever discovered it seems reasonably certain that an attempt at nesting must have been made. The birds appeared to leave their territory about the middle of July.'
0). 1941 Clyde Fannyside Moor, Dumbartonshire, undated.
(J. A. Gibson, Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin 2: 32).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History J. A. Gibson (1953) in the Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin, Vol. XI. p. 32, says: 'Mr. David Stephen has recorded single Eagle Owls at Fannyside Moor and the surrounding woods in 1941, 1942, 1947 and 1949.'
0). 1942 Dumfries & Galloway Newton Stewart area, Kirkcudbrightshire, seen, November.
(M. Bedford, British Birds 36: 180). T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488
History Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1943) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 180, says: 'One of them [pair from last year], or a bird of the same species, was seen by me and others about ten miles away the following November.'
0). 1942 Clyde Fannyside Moor, Dumbartonshire, undated.
(J. A. Gibson, Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin 2: 32).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History J. A. Gibson (1953) in the Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 32, says: 'Mr. David Stephen has recorded single Eagle Owls at Fannyside Moor and the surrounding woods in 1941, 1942, 1947 and 1949.'
0). 1943 Yorkshire Yarker Bank Wood, Wensleydale, seen, 17th December.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 70: 65; J. P. Utley, British Birds 37: 215-216).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History Ralph Chislett (1944) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXX. p. 65, in the Yorkshire Annual Report for 1943, says: 'Eagle Owl. In Yarker Bank Wood, Wensleydale, on December 17th, a huge owl swept low along a glade for a hundred yards and up into a pine. The wingspan appeared double that of a Tawny Owl, upper plumage dark with reddish mottlings, underparts lighter, and tufts could be seen on the dark head. Before more than a glimpse had been obtained of the upright stance the bird flew low and away to another wood; after which commotion ceased among the Thrushes and Wood-pigeons, whose excitement had attracted attention before the owl was seen (J. P. Utley).'
0). 1947 Clyde Fannyside Moor, Dumbartonshire, February.
(J. A. Gibson, Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin 2: 32).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History J. A. Gibson (1953) in the Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 32, says: 'Mr. David Stephen has recorded single Eagle Owls at Fannyside Moor and the surrounding woods in 1941, 1942, 1947 and 1949. The 1947 bird, which was seen by several observers, was present for a week in February. It was seen to kill a rabbit and attack a goose.'
0). 1948 Norfolk Horsey, seen, 24th August to early November.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1948: 21-22).
History Anon. (1948) in the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1948, pp. 21-22, says: 'On August 24th in the late evening Mr. Crees daughter called his attention to a brown owl which was making a great deal of noise just outside his house. While listening to it they heard a much louder owl-call which sounded angry and consisted of three or four notes. It was not a call which Crees knew and he is familiar with the notes of all the five species of owls which inhabit Horsey. The brown owl was flying up and down the trees calling all the time, but the other bird maintained his position and kept answering angrily. The next afternoon Mrs. Crees, while walking through the trees at the bottom of my garden heard a large bird bundle out of a thick holly. She just caught a glimpse of it and said it was remarkably large and flew strongly. Beneath the holly was a mass of fresh feathers of a full-grown Kestrel. Every attempt to get a further sight of the bird failed. On my return from Scotland Mr. Dove told me that between August 13th and 27th, while talking to a visitor he had heard a remarkably loud owl note and had remarked to his companion that he had never before heard an owl make such a noise. He could not recall the exact date, but it conformed with the Crees' observation. I have no doubt that the bird heard by Mr. Crees and Mr. Dove, and seen by Mrs. Crees, which killed and ate a Kestrel was one and the same, and that it was an Eagle Owl on its way south from Scandinavia. Early in November both Mr. Crees and Mr. Dove are practically certain that they separately again heard an Eagle Owl on one night.'
0). 1949 Clyde Fannyside Moor, Dumbartonshire, undated.
(J. A. Gibson, Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin 2: 32).
[T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History J. A. Gibson (1953) in the Glasgow & West Scotland Bird Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 32, says: 'Mr. David Stephen has recorded single Eagle Owls at Fannyside Moor and the surrounding woods in 1941, 1942, 1947 and 1949.'
0). 1952 Borders Hawkslaw, near Coldstream, 9th October.
(T. Yeoman & D. G. Andrew, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 3: 10).
[KAN].
History T. Yeoman & D. G. Andrew (1953) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 10, say: 'We hear through Col. W. M. Logan Home that a probable Eagle Owl was seen on or about 9th October 1952 at Hawkslaw, near Coldstream. The bird was desrcibed as being dark brown in colour and having a wing span of about 6 feet. It was seen flying in daylight, when it was mobbed by gulls, crows and a host of small passerines.'
Comment Published as a "probable" only.
0). 1954 Shropshire Near Oswestry, killed, 14th April.
(D. Wilson, British Birds 48: 92).
[BOU (1974), Ibis 116: 579; T. Melling, S. Dudley & P. Doherty, British Birds 101: 488].
History Doris Wilson (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 92, says: 'On the night of 14th April 1954 an Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) was accidentally killed near Oswestry, Shropshire. The bird was preserved.'
[We have been sent a photograph of the mounted specimen, which clearly confirms the identification. - Eds.]
The specimen was traced and proved on examination to be the Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus (BOURC (1974) Ibis 116: 579).
Comment Misidentified: Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus.
