Greater Flamingo
Phoenicopterus roseus Pallas, 1811
Photo © Kris Webb
STATUS
Eurasia and Africa. Monotypic.
OVERVIEW
Species not admitted nationally (BOU 1971).
NOT PROVEN
0). 1873 Kent Sheppey, female, shot, 9th August.
(A. J. Jackson, Field 16th Aug., 1873: 190; E. Newman, Zoologist 1873: 3693-94; Yarrell, 1871-85).
[E. Newman, Zoologist 1873: 3736].
History Arthur John Jackson of Sittingbourne (1873) in The Field of 16th Aug., Vol. XLII. p. 190, dated 7th August, and Edward Newman, Editor (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. pp. 3693-94, quoting from The Field, of 16th August, 1873, says: 'Although this bird is well known in Europe, it has hitherto been considered an entire stranger to Great Britain, specimens in private collections being obtained from abroad. It will be interesting perhaps to many to learn that a female Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) was on Saturday [9th] last shot at Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, full-winged, and measuring 4ft. 6in. in height. The plumage is perfectly white, excepting the wings, which are tinted with a beautiful rose-colour. It is now in the hands of Mr. George Young, naturalist, of Sittingbourne, for the purpose of being stuffed and mounted.'
[I think Mr. Jackson may be mistaken in the specific name; R. ruber is an American species; the European species, P. antiquorum, is more likely to occur in England, as suggested by the Editor of the Field - E. Newman.]
Edward Newman, Editor (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3736, adds: 'The fact of a Flamingo having flown away from the Zoological Gardens only two or three days before the notice of one having been killed in the Isle of Sheppey (s.s. 3693), renders it extremely probable that this escape was the bird in question. I was only aware when it was too late to correct the paragraph of the loss the Zoological Society had sustained.'
Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1881 Staffordshire Manifold Valley, caught, September.
(Yarrell, 1871-85; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).
History Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 245-246, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'No such suspicion attaches to a Flamingo captured in Staffordshire, respecting which Sir John H. Crewe, Bart., informs the Editor that the bird was seen for a week or so on his property in the northern part of the county, quite early in September. At that time it was probably completing the moult of its primaries and rectrices; for, having crossed the River Manifold to another property, it was stoned and captured by some youths, who took it to the owner of the land, by whom it was kept alive for a few days and then killed. The specimen was a richly-coloured adult, and still exists, although very badly stuffed. Sir John adds that he made all inquiry he could at the time, at the Zoological Gardens, and other likely places, without being able to hear of the escape of any bird of this species.'
0). 1883 Hampshire Beaulieu River, adult, shot, 26th November.
(Lord H. J. Scott, Zoologist 1884: 338-339; Yarrell, 1871-85; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).
History Lord H. J. Scott (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. pp. 338-339, says: 'The following particulars concerning a Flamingo, which was shot in Hampshire in November last, have been communicated by Lord Henry Scott to Lord Walsingham, who has very kindly forwarded them for publication: - "I have referred back to my journal, and find that the Flamingo was shot on the 26th November, 1883. It had been flying about the mudbanks outside the Beaulieu River for about a fortnight previously, and many people had gone out to try to shoot it. It was very wild and wary, and no one had been able to get within gunshot of it, as it was able to fly extremely well, and never allowed any boat to approach near enough to it. The coast-guardsmen frequently shot at it with their rifles. When I heard that the bird was being thus shot at, and had been at the mouth of the river so long, I sent a keeper of mine (a naval pensioner and a capital hand with the punt-gun) in the gunning-punt to try to get the bird for me. In this he succeeded, but he was not able to get nearer than about 120 yards. He was laying the punt-gun on the bird at about that distance, hoping he might get nearer and shoot it with the shoulder gun, when the Flamingo being on the alert and very wild, rose on the wing, and my keeper Goff fired the punt-gun at him and brought him down with three shots through him.
The bird is a very fine grown one, quite pink all over, and with a good scarlet wing. There was nothing to show that it could have been at any time in captivity, for its wings were quite perfect, and it was extremely wild and could fly well, taking long flights. I cannot remember much about the weather previous to the bird being seen off the Beaulieu river, for I only returned home on the 20th from Scotland; but there had been a great gale from the south-west about a fortnight before, and it is my belief that the Flamingo had been blown by this gale to the British shores. Whether he came from North Africa or from the South of France (mouth of the Rhone) it is impossible to tell; but that the bird was a wild one, and had been blown to England by stress of weather, I have no doubt".'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 246-247, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who adds: 'In this case again there appears to be no evidence that the bird had escaped from confinement.'
Accepted locally (Kelsall & Munn 1905: 207-208).
0). 1884 Kent New Romney, adult, seen, 12th August.
(Yarrell, 1871-85).
History Howard Saunders (1884-85 (4): 247, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Lastly, Capt. G. E. Shelley informs the Editor, that on the 12th August, 1884, when waiting for the evening flights of Curlews, near New Romney, an adult Flamingo flew past with outstretched neck and legs, in a south-easterly direction, its red wings and black primaries showing clearly in the light of the setting sun; and his two nephews, who put the bird up, told him that they got within about fifty yards of it while it was feeding by the sea amongst a flock of Gulls.'
0). 1898 Meirionnydd Traeth Bach, seen, 28th September, shot, 21st October.
(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 199: 29-30).
History G. H. Caton Haigh (1899) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. III. pp. 29-30, says: 'Early in October last my brother, Mr. H. E. Caton Haigh, wrote to me stating that, after a heavy gale from the south on the 26th and 27th of September, he had seen, on the 28th, a large bird on the estuary known as the "Traeth-bach", which, from his description, I had no doubt was a Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). I was, however, unable to come down until the 20th of October, and on the following day succeeded in shooting the bird. It was excessively wild, rising, as a rule, nearly a quarter of a mile off, and flying round the estuary in large circles for quite twenty minutes each time it was put up. We finally got a shot at about ninety yards with a heavy shoulder gun by allowing the boat to drift with the tide. It was in good condition, and showed no sign of having been in captivity. The beak was flesh-coloured at the base and black at the point; eyes brownish yellow, legs and feet bright pink. After being skinned the carcase was examine by Mr. Cordeaux, who tells me that it was excessively fat. The stomach contained nothing but fine gravel; the bird was, however, shot very early in the morning.'
0). 1902 Lincolnshire Kirton Marsh, male, shot, 22nd November.
(F. M. Burton, Naturalist 29: 61; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1903: 136-137; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 24).
History F. M. Burton (1903) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXIX. p. 61, says: 'On Saturday morning, 22nd November 1902, Mr. J. Hall, of Kirton Marsh, shot a male Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) which was swimming in the middle of the river at the outfall of the Welland. The plumage was in perfect condition, and the appearance of the bird indicated that it had been driven into this country by the recent stormy weather. The specimen measured 5 feet 8 inches in total length, and 6 feet from tip to tip of the wings. This is probably the specimen which escaped from Woburn Park recently.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. pp. 136-137, says: 'November 22nd. A Flamingo shot in the Wash, supposed to have been one released by the Duke of Bedford. If the plan was adopted, of putting thin rings of white metal or aluminium on the legs of birds before they are turned down unpinioned, their identity would be always easy to establish.'
H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 24, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899,' say: 'On November 22nd, 1902, a Flamingo was shot on the Wash.'
Comment Probable known escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1904 Kent River Medway, near Gillingham, immature male, killed, December.
(R. F. Brain, Field 24th Dec., 1904: 1111; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 24).
History R. F. Brain (1904) in The Field of 24th Dec., Vol. CIV. p. 1111, says: 'Mr. French, naturalist, of Chatham, has had a young male Flamingo placed in his hands for preservation. It was recently shot on the marshes close to Gillingham on the Medway. The shooter was not aware of the species, and thought it was some sort of goose; the red markings on the wings, however, dispelled that idea. Some of the tail feathers are black. It is reported that another one has been seen.'
H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 24, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899,' say: 'In December, 1904, one was killed in Kent.'
0). 1904 Norfolk No locality, seen, 5th November.
(H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 24).
History H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 24, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899,' say: 'on November 5th, 1904, another was seen in Norfolk.'
0). 1906 Norfolk Near Dereham, caught, 20th August.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 133; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 24).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 133, says: 'August 20th. A Flamingo with a fractured leg but perfect wings, captured near Dereham, was kept alive for a few days by Mr. Dillistone (W. G. Clarke).'
H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 24, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899,' say: 'in Norfolk...in August, 1906, three were shot in the same county.'
0). 1906 Suffolk River Alde, seen, 22nd August; also in Norfolk.
(J. Murie, Zoologist 1906: 393-394; Piotrowski, 2003).
History J. Murie of Leigh-on-Sea (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. pp. 393-394, says: 'While lately on a cruise in the steamship "Oithona" (from Marine Biol. Laboratory, Lowestoft) fish-marking, &c, besides other grounds, that of Hollesley Bay was trawled northwards to beyond Orfordness, and anchor was cast for the night abreast of Aldeburgh. Going ashore, through the kindness of a local resident, Mr. Ganz, I had an interesting conversation with Mr. Charles Clarke, naturalist and birdstuffer, 1, Brudnell Terrace.
Among other things, he informed me of a Flamingo frequenting the neighbourhood. I there and then wrote at his dictation the subjoined statement of the case: - "Mr. and Mrs. Perry, visitors at the Brudnell Hotel, were coming up the River Alde today (Wednesday, Aug. 22nd), in company with William Brinkley, wildfowler and fisherman of Orford, when they saw standing on the mud a strange bird, taller than a Heron, and apparently quite white, but which on nearer approach seemed to have salmon-pink wing-coverts and dark or blackish primaries. The bird rose from the mud, and flew close over their boat. Then on its flight it showed a long and slim body, and outstretched neck and legs. In fact, it resembled a great white cross from underneath. It flew off towards Orfordness". Mr. Clarke is decidedly of opinion that it was a Flamingo. His and Brinkley's practical knowledge of the shore birds of the district guarantees their recognizing a stranger. Their description of its coloration, &c, supports the idea of its being an immature Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus, Pallas). On Aug. 23rd. the "Oithona" returned to Orford Haven, entered the Alde, and worked up and down the river to as far as Aldeburgh, leaving on the 25th, but without seeing or hearing more of the bird in question.
In Yarrell's British Birds, Vol. IV. (1885), edited by Howard Saunders, and in the latter's Manual (1899), reference is made to four instances of Flamingoes, viz. Sheppey, August, 1873 (a doubtful escape); Staffordshire, September, 1881; Hampshire, November, 1883; and South Kent, August, 1884. I am unaware whether others have since been recorded. Although this presumed Suffolk example has not been unmistakably identified, it may still be deemed worthy of notice, to be taken for what it is worth, the possibility being that more may be heard of the straggler.'
P.S. - A report (Aldeburgh, Leiston, and Saxmundham Times) states that the Flamingo seen on the Alde river was also noticed later on the Woodbridge river.
0). 1906 Norfolk Morston, male, shot, 23rd August; presumed same as Suffolk.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1906: 432; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 133; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 24; Pashley, 1925).
History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 432, says: 'The Flamingo which Dr. Murie describes (ante, p. 393) as being seen on the Eiver Aide on August 22nd was not allowed to live long, for no doubt it is the same which was shot by Mr. George Musters at Morston, on the north coast of Norfolk, the following day. It is a very fine bird, in beautiful plumage, and has been preserved by Mr. Pashley, and neither he nor I can see the slightest trace of confinement about it, its feet, wings, and plumage generally being in perfect condition, without swellings on the former, or any abrasions.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 133, says: 'Another Flamingo, which, as already announced (Zool., 1906, p. 393), had been previously seen in Suffolk, shot on Morston sands. A third was reported later in the Aldeburgh Times on the Woodbridge Eiver, and yet another on the coast of Holland, where also one was shot in November (Field, Dec. 15th, 1906). It is possible that all these had escaped from the lakes at Woburn, where the Duchess of Bedford informs me the Duke turned out some full-winged Flamingoes during the summer, which the great heat at the end of August may have driven to the coast. One, if not more, was known to have flown away from Woburn. Baron van Schauburg also informs me of one having been lost from Lady Dunleath's park in Ireland. If turned-out birds were ringed on the leg, with the owner's initials stamped on the ring, their identity would be, comparatively, easily established. White metal interlocking rings can be made of any size to fit birds' legs.'
H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 24, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899,' say: 'in Norfolk...in August, 1906, three were shot in the same county.'
Pashley (1925) says: '1906. August. Nothing came in this month worth noting, but on the 23rd Mr. G. Musters shot a fine male Flamingo, a perfect bird with no sign of having been in captivity; no corns on feet (sure sign of captivity), every feather perfect.'
Further, under 'List of Cley Birds,' he adds: '...but the Duke of Bedford released some full winged birds at Woburn in 1906.'
Comment Probable known escape.
0). 1909 West Midlands Warley, shot, 22nd December.
(F. C. R. Jourdain & H. F. Witherby, British Birds 4: 106; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).
History F. C. R. Jourdain & H. F. Witherby (1910) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 106, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'One shot during a fog on December 22nd, 1909, at the Smethwick end of Warley, close to the Worcestershire boundary. Mr. Coburn devotes a couple of pages to trying to prove that this bird was a genuine migrant. One of his arguments is, that the Duchess of Bedford informed him that in her opinion, if the bird had escaped from Woburn (whence none had been lost for some months), its fate would have been sealed much nearer home than Staffordshire. With this Mr. Coburn agrees, and thinks that the birds from the London Zoological Gardens (which had escaped recently) would also have been shot. He proceeds to argue that the escaped birds, whose death has not been reported, must have got safely out of the country, and that if they can find their way out, they can also find their way in! Mr. Seth-Smith writes to us: "I have no doubt that the Flamingo shot on December 22nd, 1909, in Staffordshire was one of those which escaped from here [London Zoological Gardens] about that time. They were in first-rate plumage and condition, and I doubt if anyone could have told for certain that they were not wild birds". We quite agree with Mr. Coburn that such birds kept in captivity should be marked; we suggest with rings. While on this subject we should like to remark that we are of opinion that the previous Staffordshire record of a bird captured alive in September, 1881, although accepted by the late Howard Saunders, is open to similar objection.'
Comment Probable escape.
0). 1910 Clyde Cardross, Clyde Estuary, seen, 9th and 23rd October; same, Port Glasgow, shot, undated.
(Field 2nd Mar., 1911: 35, 71; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 140).
History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 140,' under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1910,' say: 'A Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), probably an escaped bird, was seen at Cardross, on the Clyde Estuary, on 9th and 23rd October; it had been noticed for some time before. It was finally reported as killed off Port Glasgow (2.iii.35 and 71).'
0). 1912 Devon Sidmouth, seen, 28th September.
(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 277).
History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 277, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One seen on shore, Sidmouth (Devon), September 28th.'
0). 1913 Essex River Crouch, Bridgemarsh Island, shot, 23rd September.
(Essex Weekly News 26th Sept., 1913; Eds., Zoologist 1913: 439).
History In an Editorial (1913) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVII. p. 439, quoting from the Essex Weekly News of 26th Sept., 1913, it says: 'Mr. James Parker, of Burnham, shot a Flamingo on the evening of Sept. 23rd. The bird, which is a splendid specimen of its species, measures 5 ft. 8 in. across the outstretched wings. When shot it was swimming on the Crouch off Bridgemarsh Island.'
0). 1913 Meirionnydd Dysynni Estuary, four, seen, 30th September.
(Forrest, 1919).
History Forrest (1919) says: 'Has occurred twice in Merioneth. Four seen on the Dysynni estuary on 30th September, 1913 - one of them shot next day by Mr. Sydney Westwood of Birmingham - were probably escaped birds.'
0). 1913 Hampshire Langstone Harbour, adult, shot, 10th December.
(Shooting Times 20th Dec, 1913; Eds., Zoologist 1914: 40).
History In an Editorial (1914) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVIII. p. 40, says: 'Mr. W. Kingdom-Murrill, writing in the Shooting Times of December 20th, 1913, reports that an adult Flamingo was shot in Langstone Harbour, near Portsmouth, on Wednesday, December 10th. Although the bird showed no signs of captivity, naturally there is a doubt as to whether it may have been an escape, though there is nothing against the supposition that the successive south-westerly gales may account for the appearance of this southern species on our coast. It is, at any rate, the first known example that has been recorded from Langstone Harbour but in November, 1883, a similar adult specimen was obtained near the Beaulieu River, nor far distant.'
0). 1916 Sussex Jury's Gap, adult, shot, 1st August.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 351) says: 'I have examined an adult in Mr. J. W. Southerden's possession which he shot on 1st August 1916 about one-and-a-half miles to the west of Jury's Gap.'
0). 1916 Dorset Langton Herring, adult male, killed, 26th August.
(W. R. Thompson, British Birds 16: 184).
History W. R. Thompson (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 184, says: 'In the middle of the last century my grandfather, William Thompson of Lytchet near Poole and afterwards of Weymouth, a keen naturalist and careful observer, compiled a Fauna of Dorsetshire. This was never published because, unfortunately, no one could read his writing, and the manuscript has since been dissipated, some of his observations being incorporated in Pleydell's Birds of Dorset. Recently, however, whilst overhauling some of his papers I came across several natural history notes which do not appear to have been previously published, and from those dealing with birds I have extracted most of the following information, the remainder being made up of extracts from the Shooting Diaries kept by my father, James Yarrell Thompson, and by my uncle, Stanley Thompson, together with observations made at various times by my brother, Major R. N. Thompson, and myself. Where I have made use of other sources of information, the fact has been acknowledged in the text....The following is from one of my grandfather's notes: "Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber antiquorum). - An adult male was killed at Langton Herring by Mr. Carter of that place on August 26th, 1916. It passed into the hands of Mr. Wallis, who presented it to the British Museum. This appears to be the only record for Dorsetshire".'
0). 1925 Suffolk Little Ouse, Lakenheath, early November.
(Piotrowski, 2003).
History Piotrowski (2003) lists one as occurring on the Little Ouse, Lakenheath, during the first week of November.
0). 1926 Hampshire Beaulieu, seen, 30th September.
(T. H. C. Troubridge, British Birds 20: 156; Eds., British Birds 20: 228).
History Thomas H. C. Troubridge (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. p. 156, says: 'Several birds worth recording have been observed in the summer of 1926 at Beaulieu, Hampshire. They are as follows: - Flamingo (Phoenicopterus r. antiquorum). - Major C. Paddon, who lives at Needs Ore Coastguard Station, while watching an aeroplane from a window on September 21st, saw a Flamingo about 1,000 feet up coming from the east. The bird flew down and pitched on a mud-flat of the Beaulieu river. Major Paddon at once called Col. Hodgkinson and Captain Cheverton of the Indian Army, and all three took a big telescope down to the old coastguard boat-house, from which they were able to watch the bird for a long time feeding and preening its feathers. All three are well acquainted with Flamingoes. The bird may have been an escape, but as it came in from so high up this seems rather unlikely. It may be remembered that a Flamingo which appeared to be a genuinely wild one was shot at the mouth of the Beaulieu river in November, 1884.'
In an Editorial (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XX. p. 228, they say: 'With reference to the note on page 156 of a Flamingo, which appeared to have been a wild bird, seen by Major C. Paddon at Beaulieu on September 31st, 1926, it would now seem certain that this bird was an escape from captivity. Sir Thomas Troubridge informs us that having seen a paragraph in The Times he now finds that Lt.-Col. F. E. E. Bailey lost a Flamingo from his aviary at Lake, near Salisbury, in the early summer. Mr. E. S. McEuen informs Sir Thomas Troubridge that a Flamingo has been haunting Langstone Harbour since last September, when it was seen coming from the west over Portsmouth Harbour. It is thought that there may be two Flamingos in this neighbourhood, another having been lost from here in December.'
0). 1927 Sussex Glyndebourne, male, seen, 21st April to July.
(F. R. Finch, Field 7th Jul., 1927: 32; B. Brand, Field 4th Aug., 1927: 207; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History F. R. Finch (1927) in The Field of 7th Jul., Vol. CXLVIII. p. 32, says: 'I do not know if it is worth mentioning that on June 10th, at a place in Sussex, I saw a Flamingo. I had a thoroughly good view of the bird, and watched it for a long time. I have written the locality, for your information, on a separate piece of paper.'
Blanche Brand of Glynde Combe, near Lewes (1927) in The Field of 4th Aug., Vol. CXLVIII. p. 207, says: 'On March 31st, 1927, I purchased two male Flamingoes. On April 7th one died in the night in a shallow flood. On April 21st the other bird flew away.
A lady telephoned to me that the bird was on their brooks at Alfriston. And again, that it was seen flying towards Seaford. A day or two after that the bird was seen on Laughton brooks. This is the last I heard. I am very anxious to know the fate of the bird, and should like to get it back. Perhaps your correspondent, F. R. Finch, would communicate with me. His note was in the Field of July 7th.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 351) says: 'Two were seen in different parts of Sussex during April to July, 1927, had probably escaped.'
0). 1930 Norfolk Breydon, seen, 6th and 10th August; presumed same, Wells, August to 19th November.
("G.T.C." "Eastern Daily Press", 26th Nov., 1930; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 24: 315).
History B. B. Riviere (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 315, in the 1930 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'On August 6th and again on August 10th, a Flamingo was seen on Breydon. From about this date until November 19th or 20th one was frequently seen on the Wells marshes ("G.T.C.", Eastern Daily Press, November 26th, 1930)....A Flamingo which had been found in an exhausted condition near Yarmouth three years before, and had since been kept unpinioned in his garden by Mr. Powell of Lowestoft, escaped early in August of this year (J.K., t.c., August 11th, 1930) and it is possible that this was the bird seen on Breydon.'
0). 1930 Norfolk Between Winterton and Hemsby, seen, 23rd November; same, Bacton, 23rd November; same, Overstrand, injured, 25th November.
("G.T.C." Eastern Daily Press, 25th & 26th Nov., 1930; J. Vincent, Field 29th Nov., 1930: 786; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 24: 315).
History Jim Vincent of Hickling (1930) in The Field of 29th Nov., Vol. CLVI. p. 786, says: 'On Sunday, November 23rd, Mrs. Morel, Burnley Hall, Somerton, and Major Arnold saw a Flamingo fly in from the sea and settle on the beach half-a-mile to the south of Winterton. They stalked within 35 yds. of the bird, which appeared very tired, when it took to wing and flew westward. They motored over for me, but the bird could not be seen again. I saw the footprints of the bird on the sand, also where it had given side jumps. Before taking off the strides were over 4 ft. apart. If any of your readers have lost an escaped bird I should be glad to hear.'
B. B. Riviere (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 315, under 'Ornithological Report for Norfolk for 1930', placing the record in square brackets, says: 'On November 23rd one was seen on the coast between Winterton and Hemsby in the morning, and on Bacton beach in the afternoon, and on November 25th one, probably the same bird, was found injured on Overstrand beach and destroyed ("G.T.C.", Eastern Daily Press, November 25th and 26th, 1930).'
A Flamingo which had been found in an exhausted condition near Yarmouth three years before, and had since been kept unpinioned in his garden by Mr. Powell of Lowestoft, escaped early in August of this year (J.K., t.c., August 11th, 1930) and it is possible that this was the bird seen on Breydon. The specimen killed at Overstrand appears, however, not to have been Mr. Powell's bird as might have been assumed, for Mr. F. C. Ratcliff, who examined it after death, tells me that this bird had both wings clipped, whereas Mr. Powell's was full-winged. From whence the Overstrand bird escaped has not been ascertained.'
0). 1931 Sussex Norman's Bay, near Eastbourne, seen, spring.
(Arnold, 1936; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 351) says: 'A Flamingo seen several times in Norman's Bay, near Eastbourn in the spring of 1931 may just have been a genuine immigrant (Arnold 1936).'
0). 1931 Norfolk Salthouse Broad, seen, 23rd to 24th May; same, Cley, 24th to 7th June.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 25: 350).
History B. B. Riviere (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 350, in the 1931 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'On May 23rd a Flamingo arrived on Salthouse Broad, where I saw it both feeding and on the wing on the 24th. It was seen every day for the next fortnight, either on Salthouse or Cley Marshes, and left on June 7th (R. Bishop).'
0). 1931 North-east Scotland Ythan Estuary, adult female, shot, 15th July.
(J. Ritchie, Scottish Naturalist 51: 140; Eds., British Birds 25: 307).
History James Ritchie (1931) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LI. p. 140, says: 'I regret to record that a Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber antiquorum) was stalked and shot near Ellon, on the River Ythan, on 15th July. It had been seen in the district for a day or two, and rumour has it that a second Flamingo was also present in the district. I had an opportunity of examining the shot bird in the flesh. It was a female in adult plumage, which had not yet laid, the largest of the eggs in the overy being only 1.5 mm. in diameter. Except for the bill, significant measurements fell well within the range given in Witherby's Practical Handbook: wing 392 mm.; tarsus 295 mm.; bill 117 mm.
Careful examination was made to see whether any indications of captivity were present, such as faded plumage, broken or much worn wing feathers or overgrown nails; but the bird was in perfect and brilliant plumage, and there seems to be no reason to doubt that it was a wild individual and not an escape from captivity. There is no great unlikelihood of occasional wanderers visiting this country since the bird breeds in Spain and occasionally in South France.
From correspondence in the Press I learn that at least one Flamingo was seen on the Kent coast at Cley-Salthouse Marshes [Norfolk] and at Sheppey [Kent] earlier in the year, and the bird-watcher there records that on the night of the earthquake, 7th June, the bird left the area, flying north. It is just possible that the Ellon Flamingo may be the same bird. In Scotland Flamingoes have been previously recorded from the Clyde area, from the counties of Renfrew, Dumbarton [sic], and Lanark, but they are considered to have been birds escaped from captivity.'
In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 307, says: 'Prof. J. Ritchie states that a Phoenicopterus r. antiquorum was shot on the river Ythan on July 15th, 1931, and that a Ciconia ciconia was shot at Mintlaw on June 2nd, 1924 (Scot. Nat., 1931, pp. 140 and 147). These birds so frequently escape from captivity that it is impossible to accept them as genuine migrants. Prof. Ritchie remarks on the perfect plumage of the Flamingo.'
0). 1932 Dorset Abbotsbury, two, early to 5th November when shot.
(W. R. Thompson, Field 7th Jan., 1933: 19; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 54: 207).
[F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 54: 207].
History W. R. Thompson of Weymouth (1933) in The Field of 7th Jan., Vol. CLIX. p. 19, says: 'You recently published a note from me of two Flamingoes seen near Weymouth, and about which I now have to report as follows: (1) Both these birds were unfortunately shot on the evening of November 5th. (2) Two gentlemen, Mr. Hy. C. Slade and Mr. T. H. Kerslake, very kindly took the trouble to answer my note from Torquay, and informed me that two of these birds had recently escaped from the lakes at Cockington Manor, near that town.
Mr. Kerslake, the agent to the Cockington Manor Estate, wrote as follows: "On the lakes in the private grounds of Cockington Court on this estate there have been two Flamingoes for about two years, and until recently (Towards the end of October) they were apparently contented. In the course of last week of that month they seemed restless, and were attempting to fly across the water. Before they could be caught and pinioned, one left the lakes at 2.30 p.m. on November 1st, and next day at about the same time the other disappeared".
I think we may safely assume that the birds shot at Weymouth were the two which escaped from Torquay. If this is so, then two points of interest arise: (1) Why were they going east, and (2) what reason had they for leaving after two or more years' captivity? I would suggest that the answer to the first question is, they were following the coast line in order to obtain a short sea crossing, which instinct, or eyesight - one at least of the birds rose high in the air before moving off - told them was to be found to the east.
The answer to the second question is, perhaps, also instinct - are we in for a harder winter than those we have experienced in recent years?'
F. L. Blathwayt (1933) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LIV. p. 207, in the Annual Report for 1932, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Early in November two appeared on the Abbotsbury Swannery, but on leaving it were unfortunately shot on November 5th lower down the Fleet. Enquiries were made for escaped birds and W.R.T. was informed that two escaped from Cockington, near Torquay just at that time.'
Comment Known escapes. Not acceptable.
0). 1934 Norfolk Breydon, seen, 14th to 23rd July.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 28: 362).
History B. B. Riviere (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 362, in the 1934 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'One was observed on Breydon from July 14th to 23rd (S. H. Long). So many of these birds are kept in semi-semi-captivity that this must be regarded as a probable "escape".'
0). 1935 Highland Kishorn, Ross & Cromarty, seen, 14th July.
(K. McLaren, Scottish Naturalist 55: 160).
History K. McLaren (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 160, says: 'On 14th July 1935 I saw a Flamingo in brilliant plumage, feeding on the mud flat at Kishorn, Ross-shire. The bird disturbed the mud by rapidly moving its feet, and then drew its long, peculiarly curved bull through the water, between its long pink legs. The brilliant pink colour of the wings contrasted strikingly with the black under-surface, which I saw clearly when the bird flew. The Flamingo looked up frequently, grew restless and finally flew to another pool. I was informed that this bird had been living there for three weeks."
[About this time the Flamingo was reported in the press, where it was stated to be an escape from a pond in Lord Strathcona's garden. - Eds.]
Comment Known escape from Lord Strathcona's garden.
0). 1939 Yorkshire Halifax Sewage-farm, seen, 14th August to 12th September when found dead.
(Eds., British Birds 33: 141).
History In an Editorial (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 141, they say: 'Mr. G. R. Edwards informs us that a Flamingo (Phoenicopterus r. roseus) arrived at sewage works two miles from Halifax on August 14th, 1939. The first day it was wild, but later it became tame and could be approached. It was found dead on September 12th. In plumage it was like an adult, but the legs were dull greyish. When the bird flew it could be seen that some of the inner primaries were short and made a gap. Evidently this bird had escaped from captivity.'
0). 1939 Lincolnshire Between Boston and Wainfleet, seen, 16th August.
(Eds., British Birds 33: 141-142).
History In an Editorial (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 141-142, they say: 'Mr. F. J. F. Barrington, F.R.C.S., and Col. A. E. Hamerton write that on August 16th at 8 p.m. they observed a Flamingo flying along the shore in a north-westerly direction between Boston and Wainfleet on the Wash. The bird appeared to be in good plumage and was a rich pink with pink legs and not faded as is usual in captive birds. Also none of the wing-quills appeared to be ragged or missing. The bird continued to fly strongly in a north-westerly direction until out of sight. Col. Hamerton remarks that most captive Flamingos when imported by dealers have one wing clipped and not pinioned. If the wing is not subsequently pinioned these birds, of course, regain the power of flight after they have moulted, but often some of the cut feathers are not dropped. If subsequently handled and carefully examined, escaped birds would probably show some other signs of captivity, but we have known of cases where a Flamingo, subsequently proved to have escaped from captivity, has been as unapproachable as a genuine wild bird and has looked like one. It seems therefore probable that both these birds were escapes from captivity.'
0). 1940 Dorset Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, early June to 7th July.
(F. H. Haines, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1940: 81).
History F. H. Haines (1940) in the Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, p. 81, says: 'Reported on Stanpit marshes at the beginning of June and again on 23rd; said to be fairly tame and easy to approach; seen by me 7th July, on the marshes, consorting with Cormorants; on being approached it took flight, eventually landing on the water; seemed to be in good condition, not quite full adult plumage (C.P.).'
0). 1942 Sussex Pagham Harbour, seen, 14th, 17th to 18th June.
(J. & E. Tatum, British Birds 36: 74-75).
[Eds., British Birds 36: 100].
History James and Eileen Tatum (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. pp. 74-75, say: 'On June 14th, 1942, we saw a Flamingo (Phoenicopterus r. roseus) on the mudflats at Pagham Harbour. We were able to approach to within 180-200 yds. and had an excellent view through glasses. The plumage conformed to The Handbook description of an adult, but of the legs only the "knees" and the feet were a deep pink, the main length appearing pale grey. We again saw the bird on the 17th and 18th, but being on only a week's leave could not observe thereafter. When feeding in shallow water the bird moved very slowly, generally backwards and occasionally turning around in small circles, both the treading movement of the feet and the immersion of the bill in an inverted position being clearly visible. It was also seen in water deep enough to cover the legs up to the belly, so that at times it appeared to be swimming, and on these occasions the whole length of the neck was often immersed. At other times it roosted for lengthy periods on one leg undisturbed by flocks of mixed gulls, Shelducks and an odd Heron or two in close proximity. Unfortunately we did not see it in flight, although before finally leaving we attempted to make it fly by shouting, etc., but, probably owing to our being on its leeward aide, this only caused it to stalk siowly away.'
In an Editorial (1942) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVI. p. 100, they say: 'Major H. T. Gosnell informs us that the Flamingo reported at Pagham Harbour (antea, p. 74) was in all probability a pinioned bird, which has frequented the harbour for many years.'
0). 1952 Dorset Poole Harbour, 23rd March and 1st April.
(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 75: 192).
History K. B. Rooke (1953) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXV.p. 192, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'One in W. Poole Harbour on 23rd March (S.E.W.P.) and again on 1st April (T.F.A., A.J.B.) - presumably. though not for certainty, an escaped bird.'
