European Roller (1/2)

Coracias garrulus Linnaeus, 1758 (177, 10)

Photo © Bryan Thomas

STATUS

Palearctic. Polytypic.

OVERVIEW

Records during 1958-2017 fall between 6th May and 26th October. There are two winter records (Feb.).

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RECORDS

1). 1664 Norfolk Near Crostwick, killed, 14th May.

(Browne, 1835-36; Stevenson, 1866; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4840-41; Yarrell 1876-82; J. Cordeaux, Ibis 1891: 148-149; J. H. Gurney, jun., Ibis 1891: 296).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 312) says: 'The earliest record, however, of the Roller in Norfolk is contained in the following remarkable note, by Sir Thomas Browne, just two hundred years ago: - "On the 14th of May, 1664, a very rare bird was sent to me, killed at Crostwick, which seemed to be some sort of Jay. The bill was black, strong and bigger than a Jay's; somewhat yellow claws, tipped black; three before and one claw behind. The head, neck, and throat of a violet colour; the back and upper parts of the wing of a russet yellow. The fore part of the wing azure; succeeded downward by a greenish blue, then on the flying feathers bright blue; the lower parts of the wing outwardly of a brown; inwardly of a merry blue; the belly a light faint blue; the back towards the tail of a purple blue; the tail, eleven feathers of a greenish colour; the extremities of the outward feathers thereof white with an eye of green".'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 4840-41, says: '...The earliest notice of the Roller in Great Britain is by Sir Thomas Browne in 1664.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 428-429, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: 'The earliest recorded notice of its occurrence in this country is by Sir Thomas Browne, who left a description, now in the British Museum*, of a specimen, killed near Crostwick in Norfolk, May 14th, 1644, and sent by him to Merrett.'

*Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'This is on a separate paper (MS. Sloan. 1830, fol. 31) appended by Wilkin to Browne's 'Account of Birds found in Norfolk', as though it had formed part of that treatise. That Browne sent the bird to Merrett appears by another paper in the same volume (fol. 42).'

John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1891) in The Ibis, Vol. III. 6th series, pp. 148-149, dated 9th October 1890, says: '...Although the description, compared with the light of the present day, is somewhat imperfect, there cannot be any doubt that the bird was a Roller of some sort, but it was clearly not C. garrulus; what, then, was it? The matter has been referred to the highest possible authority on Rollers - Mr. Dresser; he writes as follows: - "I have carefully looked at the reference in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, and certainly the description does not apply to Coracias garrulus in any stage of plumage. It agrees to some extent with C. indicus; but he says: nothing of the striation on the throat and breast, and his description of the tail "greenish, the extremities of the outer tail-feathers thereof white with an eye of green", does not agree with any Roller that I know. We certainly cannot expect the description of more than two hundred years ago to be minutely accurate; and I think there is nothing in Sir Thomas Browne not mentioning the throat-stripes on the bird (if it had any). The "eye of green" in the tail raises a greater difficulty, but the expression may have meant only the green patch on the rectrices. I think we may consider the weight of evidence in this description to be at least suggestive of the occurrence of Coracias indicus in Norfolk in 1664.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1891) in The Ibis, Vol. III. 6th series, p. 296, adds: 'Sir Thomas Browne, in describing the Roller as having "an eye of green", probably meant a lustre of green. Shakespeare says: - "The ground, indeed is tawny, with an eye of green in it.' - (The Tempest). Taken in this sense, his description is not inapplicable to the tail of Coracias garrulus.'

2). 1698 Orkney Sanday, killed, undated.

(Wallace, 1700; Yarrell, 1845; Yarrell, 1871-85; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 213, 2nd ed.) says: 'Mr. Bullock had in his Museum in London a specimen also killed in Orkney.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 429, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The next known appearance of the species with us, is mentioned by Wallace, who in 1700 (Account of the Islands of Orkney, pp. 48, 49) sufficiently described an example, killed two or three years before in Sanda [sic], and received by him. Both these occurrences were unknown to Pennant.'

Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 133) say: 'The first mention we have of the Roller in Orkney is in the 2nd edition of Wallace's Description of the Orkneys (1700), where he mentions the bird as occurring along with the Hoopoe.'

Comment Yarrell's statement possibly refers to this record. Prof. Newton accepted the record.

3). 1765 Cornwall Near Helston, shot, autumn.

(Pennant, 1776; Jenyns, 1835; Anon., Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1: 41; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4840-41; Yarrell, 1871-85; Penhallurick, 1978).

History Pennant (1776 (2): 624, 4th ed.) under 'Appendix' says: 'Of these birds we have heard of only two being seen at large in our island; one was shot near Helston-bridge, Cornwall and an account of it transmitted to us by the Reverend Doctor William Borlase. They are frequent in most parts of Europe, and we have received them from Denmark.'

Jenyns (1835: 156) says: 'First noticed as a British bird by Pennant, who describes one killed in Cornwall.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 4840-41, says: '...The earliest notice of the Roller in Great Britain is by Sir Thomas Browne in 1664, and the next, apparently, by Borlase in 1765 (see p. 41 of additions to Borlase, Natural History of Cornwall, in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall). This latter is said to have passed into Donovan's collection, which was dispersed in 1817.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 429, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Both these occurrences [1664 Norfolk and c.1698 Orkney] were unknown to Pennant, when he, in 1768, as if for the first time, introduced the species to our fauna (Br. Zool., ed. 2, I. p. 176, note; App. p. 487), stating on the information of Borlase, that one was shot near Helston in Cornwall in the autumn.' Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'Of 1766, says: Pennant; but of 1765 according to Borlase's own note as since printed (Journ. Roy. Inst. Cornw., no. iv. suppl. p. 41).'

Penhallurick (1978: 161) says: '1765. Borlase (additional MS.) recorded one shot on the moor near Helston in the autumn by Humphrey Millet of Ninnis; "it was never noted to have been seen here before". This, the fourth British record, was published by Pennant (British Zoology, 1766) who gave the wrong year.'

Comment The description in Pennant probably applies to a Danish specimen, but a very nice line drawing.

4). 1790 Sussex Crowhurst, immature, caught, 22nd September.

(W. Markwick, Transactions of the Linnean Society 4: 3, 14; Latham, 1821-28; Borrer, 1891; G. W. Bradshaw, Zoologist 1897: 469; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History William Markwick of Catsfield (1795) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. IV. p. 3, under 'Aves Sussexienses', read 5th May, 1795, says: 'Roller. A bird of this species was killed in this neighbourhood.' Further, on p. 14, he adds: 'This uncommon bird was killed in our neighbourhood: I made a drawing from its skin, which differed, in some respects, from Mr. Edward's figure; whence I had reason to think that mine was a young bird of the preceding year, driven across the sea into this island by the stormy weather which prevailed about that time.'

Latham (1822 (3): 72) in a footnote, notices one killed in Sussex (Linn. Trans. p. 14).

Borrer (1891: 358) says: 'Mr. Markwick...Of the Roller, which he mentions in his Catalogue in the Trans. Linn. Soc. Vol. IV. he gives a figure and adds: the following: - "The bird from which I drew this Figure was shot and caught alive near Crowhurst Church, in this Neighbourhood, on the 22nd of September, 1790. It lived several days, but was dead, flayed, and badly stuffed, when I saw it on the 2nd of October after".'

G. W. Bradshaw of Hastings (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 469, says: '...Markwich [sic], who lived at Catsfield, recorded, in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, one shot near Crowhurst Church, on Sept. 22nd, 1790.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 168).

Comment Crowhurst is two miles away from Catsfield. The reference to Mr. Edward's would probably be to that author's Gleanings.

5). 1807 Suffolk Near Benacre, male, shot, May.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 11; Ticehurst, 1932).

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 11, quoting from the Brit. Zool. edit. 1812, say: 'In the month of May Sir Thomas Gooch's keeper shot a female Roller near Benacre in Suffolk, on the same spot where he had killed the male four years since: the ground they frequented was a coarse sort of heath and fen intermixed.' It was accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 200).

6). 1811 Suffolk Near Benacre, female, shot, May.

(Pennant, 1812; R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 11; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 11, quoting from the Brit. Zool. edit. 1812, say: 'In the month of May Sir Thomas Gooch's keeper shot a female Roller near Benacre in Suffolk, on the same spot where he had killed the male four years since: the ground they frequented was a coarse sort of heath and fen intermixed.'

Locally, Babington (1884-86: 100) adds: '...that Pennant first recorded this record in his Brit. Zool. I. 300, ed. 1812', also accepted (Ticehurst 1932: 200).

7). 1817 Suffolk Bungay, shot, 23rd September.

(Hunt, 1815-22; R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 11; Eds., Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 252; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Hunt (1815 (2): 65) in a footnote, says: 'The Portrait accompanying the History of the Garrulous Roller, was taken from a specimen killed at Bungay Up-lands, on the 23rd of September, 1817, and is now in the possession of Mr. Crickmer [sic] of Beccles, to whom we feel extremely obliged.'

R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 11, say: 'In answer to some queries respecting a Roller killed in Suffolk, Mr. Hunt of Norwich replies, "The specimen of the Roller, which was shot at Bungay, September 23, 1817, I suspect was a young male bird, as it differs materially in plumage from a female one now in my possession. This bird is now in the collection of Joseph Sabine, Esq.'

Anon. (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 252, reading the diaries of William Whitear, says: '1819. On my way to Yarmouth I saw a collection of stuffed birds at Mr. Crickmore's of Beccles. Among them was a Roller, killed at Bungay about two years since.'

Locally, Babington (1884-86: 100) says: 'A specimen supposed to be a young male, shot at Bungay, Sept., 23, 1817; this specimen, in possession of Mr. Crickmore of Beccles, is figured in Hunt's Brit. Ornith. see Vol. II. 65).'

Acceped locally (Ticehurst 1932: 200).

8). 1818 Norfolk Near Cromer, killed, late spring.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 11; Stevenson, 1866).

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 11, say: 'And late in the spring of 1818 another was killed in the neighbourhood of Cromer.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 310) says: 'I have been wholly unable to trace the specimen or ascertain its existence in a collection at the present time.'

9). 1818 Northumberland Bromley-hope, near Bywell, shot, May.

(Bewick, 1847; Morris, 1863-67).

History Bewick (1847 (1): 94, 8th ed.) in a footnote, says: 'One of these birds was shot in Bromley-hope, near Bywell, in May, 1818.'

Morris (1863-67 (2): 10, reissue) says: 'One in Northumberland, near Newcastle; another near North Shields; a third in Bromley-hope, near Bywell, in May, 1818; and another, a female, was found dead at Howick, June 19th., 1828.'

Comment Although Northumberland avifaunas seem to have overlooked this record, it is better than most with a full date.

10). c. 1820 Suffolk Bromeswell, shot, undated.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, Transactions of the Linnean Society 15: 11; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History R. Sheppard & W. Whitear (1826) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. XV. p. 11, say: 'A few years since a Roller was shot at Bromeswell in Suffolk.'

Accepted locally (Babington 1884-86: 100; Ticehurst 1932: 201).

11). 1822 Cornwall Near Falmouth, killed, 4th October.

(J. Couch, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 3: 175; Couch, 1838; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1978).

History J. Couch (1830) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. III. p. 175, says: 'One shot near Falmouth, Oct. 4, 1822.'

Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Dr. Bullmore has recorded a specimen of this bird killed at Falmouth in October 1842.' Penhallurick (1978: 161) says: '1822. One killed near Falmouth on 4th October (Couch, 1838).'

Comment Rodd recorded the date erroneously as 1842.

12). 1823 or 1824 Perth & Kinross Megginch, Perthshire, seen, undated.

(H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 4: 289; H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 34; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 364; Harvie-Brown, 1906; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History H. M. Drummond Hay (1877-78) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 289, says: 'Roller. - This bird was seen by me, many years ago, at Megginch, remaining for some time in the neighbourhood, and was called by the people the German Parrot.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 34, says: 'A pair were seen several times in 1823 or 1824, at Megginch, in Perthshire.'

Baxter & Rintoul (1953 (1): 250) say: 'One is recorded from Megginch, Perthshire in 1823 or 1824.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 364, under 'Report of the East of Scotland Union', admits this record.

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown 1906: 167) and nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (2): 951).

Comment Drummond Hay was born on 7th January 1814, making him nine years old when he saw this bird, that's if he saw it alive, or maybe he just saw the stuffed specimen. In his second report the mention of a "pair" is at odds with the original version and is ignored through lack of detail.

13). 1824 Norfolk Waxham, male, shot, February.

(Stevenson, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Eds., British Birds 25: 335; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 310-311) says: 'I have recently ascertained, however, through Mr. Rising, of Horsey, that a male in the possession of Mr. R. F. Whaites, of Ingham, was shot in February, 1824, at Waxham, near Yarmouth, by a man named Tuck, the son of a farmer then living there.'

In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 335, they say: 'One was recorded in Norfolk in February 1824.'

Still accepted locally by Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999) who state it is one of only two winter records.

Comment Imported? British Birds appear to accept it, but it is way out of the known migration period.

14). 1827 Cumbria Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire, shot, 26th May.

(Bewick, 1847; Macpherson, 1892; Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 64).

History Bewick (1847 (1): 94, 8th ed.) in a footnote, says: 'One of these birds was shot...near Dalton, in Furness, on the 26th of May, 1827.'

Howard Saunders (1892: 111, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Pennant mentions one being shot at Dalton-in-Furness on May 26th, 1827.'

Accepted locally (Oakes 1953: 159).

15). 1828 Northumberland Howick House, female, found dead, 19th June.

(P. J. Selby, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham 1831: 265; Selby, 1833; Morris, 1863-67; Bolam, 1912).

History P. J. Selby (1831) in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham, Vol. I. p. 265, says: 'A male specimen of this rare visitant was found dead, about eight years ago, in a plantation near Howick, the seat of Earl Grey.'

Selby (1833 (1): 117) says: 'I had also an opportunity of examining another (a female bird) that was found dead in a plantation at Howick House in Northumberland, the seat of Earl Grey.'

Bolam (1912: 236) says: 'Selby mentions two, at Howick, and Beaufront, prior to 1831.'

16). c. 1830 Suffolk Sutton Heath, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Babington (1884-86: 5) says: 'For this district I have used two catalogues carefully made for me by the Rev. Canon Moor, Rector of Great Bealings, and by Mr. Kerry, of Harwich. In the former, birds found near Woodbridge and Great Bealings are separately marked, and in some cases notes are added; and this list is augmented by information supplied by the Rev. W. H. M. Carthew, Rector of Stanningfield, long resident at Woodbridge, also by his brother, Mr. T. Carthew, of the Abbey, Woodbridge, by Mr. Hillen, of Woodbridge, and by Mr. W. T. Phillips, of the Grange, Melton.'

Further, p. 100, he adds: 'One shot about 1830, on Sutton Heath, by Mr. Hillen of Woodbridge (Moor MS., Carthew MS.).' Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

17). Pre 1831 Northumberland Beaufront, Hexham, shot, undated.

(P. J. Selby, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham 1831: 265; Bolam, 1912).

History P. J. Selby (1831) in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham, Vol. I. p. 265, says: 'I am informed that the late Mr. Bewick saw the wings of an individual that had been shot at Beaufront, upon the river Tyne.' Bolam (1912: 236) says: 'Selby mentions two, at Howick, and Beaufront, prior to 1831.'

18). 1831 Suffolk Blundeston, killed, May.

(W. J. Hooker, MS.; Stevenson, 1866; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 310) says: 'Strangely enough, in Messrs. Paget's Sketch, there is no mention of the Roller as having appeared near Yarmouth, and only a Suffolk specimen, killed at Blundstone in May, 1831, is noticed in Sir W. J. Hooker's MS. notes of the same district.'

Babington (1884-86: 100) says: 'Blundeston, May, 1831 (Sir W. J. Hooker in Stev. B. of N., I. 310).'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

19). 1831 Moray & Nairn Ballindalloch Castle, Moray, obtained, 30th August.

(G. Gordon, Zoologist 1844: 511; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Cook, 1992; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History G. Gordon (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 511, under 'A Fauna of Moray', says: 'The Garrulous Roller is reported in a newspaper notice to have been killed at Ballindalloch in 1831.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 36) say: 'In 1831 one is said to have been obtained at Ballindalloch, as reported at the time in a local paper.'

Cook (1992) adds: 'One was shot at Ballindalloch Castle on 30th August 1831 and placed in Elgin Museum (Catalogue of British Birds in the Elgin Museum).'

Nationally, Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (2): 951) add that the specimen is no longer traceable.

20). 1831 Co. Durham Near South Shields, shot, undated.

(P. J. Selby, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham 1831: 265; E. H. Greenhow, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 5: 569; Bolam, 1912).

History P. J. Selby (1831) in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and Durham, Vol. I. p. 265, says: 'A fine specimen now in the possession of Edward Backhouse, jun., of Sunderland, was shot lately near South Shields.'

E. H. Greenhow of North Shields (1832) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. V. p. 569, dated 22nd September, 1831, says: 'Several rare birds have been shot here lately, as follows: - Coracius garrula, Roller.'

21). c. 1831 Suffolk North Cove, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Babington (1884-86: 100) says: 'One shot at North Cove, preserved by Mr. Edwards, of Bungay, is in possession of John Cooper Esq. (Spalding, List).' Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

22). 1832 Greater London/Surrey Penge Common, seen, summer.

(E. Blyth, Rennie's Field Naturalist 2: 53; Bucknill, 1900; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History E. Blyth of Tooting (1834) in Rennie's Field Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 53, dates 18th December 1833, says: 'It would be useless here to say: much on the plumage of rare species, such as the Roller (Coracias europeus), the Hoopoe (Upupa epops), &c. which in any state of feather are desiderata in almost every collection; but I may take this opportunity to mention, that the summer before last a pair of Hoopoe's frequented a garden in this neighbourhood, the male of which, in beautiful plumage, was shot, but as a specimen was most irretrievably ruined by a tyro stuffer. The same summer a Roller was observed on Penge Common, Kent.'

Bucknill (1900: 160-161) says: 'Mr. Blyth states that a Roller was observed on Penge Common in the summer of 1832 (Field Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 53, writing on December 18, 1833). This may not perhaps be properly included in Surrey, but is certainly on its borders.'

Ticehurst (1909: 238) says: 'The earliest note we can find is one which may be equally claimed by Surrey, since it is of a bird which was recorded by Blyth (Field Nat. II. p. 53) as having been observed on Penge Common in the summer of 1832.'

23). 1832 Norfolk Acle, immature, undated.

(Lubbock, 1845; Stevenson, 1866).

History Lubbock (1845) says: 'One in immature plumage at Acle in 1832.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 311) says: 'Mr. Lubbock mentions one, in immature plumage, at Acle, in 1832.'

24). 1833 Yorkshire Seamer, Scarborough, immature female, shot, June, now at Scarborough Museum.

(W. Yarrell, Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1833: 88; P. Hawkridge, Naturalist, 1838: 216; Yarrell, 1845; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History W. Yarrell (1833) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, part 1. p. 88, at the meeting of 23rd July 1833, says: 'A letter was read, addressed to the Society by W. WilIiamson, Esq., dated Scarborough, July 2, 1833. It contained a full description of a specimen of the Garrulous Roller, Coracias garrula, Linn., which was shot in the previous week in a limestone quarry near that place. The description was that of a female in nearly adult plumage.'

Patrick Hawkridge of Scarborough (1838) in Wood's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 216, dated 7th August 1837, says: 'In 1832 one of these accidental stragglers - a bird of exquisite beauty - was shot while feeding on a heap of manure in a turnip-field at Seamer, four miles from Scarborough, and was purchased for the Museum of that town.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 213, 2nd ed.) says: 'Three or four specimens have been killed in Yorkshire, the last of which happened at Scarborough in 1833.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Scarborough, June, 1833.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 281) who adds: 'From Allis's Report, they are as follows: - Coracias garrulus. Roller - One near Scarborough in 1832, now in the Museum there.' Further, p. 282, he adds: 'Another specimen, obtained at Scarborough in 1833, is referred to in the P.Z.S. of that year.' Both accepted locally (Mather 1986: 413).

Comment I believe that the two records (1832 and 1833) at Scarborough should be just one record, as does Jim Middleton, Scarborough Museum.

25). 1834 Isle of Man Marown parish, shot, about 5th August.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Cullen & Jennings (1986) state that one which was shot in Marown parish about 5th August 1834, appeared in Mona's Herald (Stevenson 1941) with a good description.

26). 1835 Cambridgeshire Near Oakington, shot, October.

(Cambridge Chronicle, Oct. 30. 1835; H. Turner, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 9: 202; Yarrell, 1845; Marr & Shipley, 1904; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History H. Turner of Bury St Edmunds (1836) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. IX. p. 202, says: 'The Roller (Coracias garrula) a beautiful individual of, was lately shot at Oakington, Cambridgeshire, and is now in the possession of the Cambridge Philosophical Society. [Cambridge Chronicle, Oct. 30. 1835].'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 213, 2nd ed.) says: 'One was killed at Oakington, in Cambridgeshire, in October, 1835.'

A. H. Evans (1904: 92) under 'The Birds of Cambridgeshire' in Marr & Shipley's Handbook to the Natural History of Cambridgeshire, says: 'An example obtained near Oakington in October 1835 is in the University Museum.'

Accepted locally (Lack 1934: 73; Bircham 1989).

27). 1835 Highland Near Inverness, Inverness-shire, shot, undated.

(Macgillivray, 1837-52).

History Macgillivray (1840 (3): 542) says: 'In 1835, an individual shot in the neighbourhood of Inverness was sent to Mr. Carfrae in Edinburgh, to be prepared.'

Comment Macduff Carfrae also preserved the 1840 Lothian Great White Egret and was known personally to Macgillivray.

28). 1837 Orkney Waas, Hoy, shot, undated.

(Baikie & Heddle, 1848; "H." Field 4th June 1859: 452).

History Baikie & Heddle (1848) say: 'One, shot in Waas in 1837, is now in the possession of Mr. Heddle of Melsetter.'

"H." of Melsetter, Orkney (1859) in The Field of 4th June, Vol. XIII. p. 452, says: 'The (German ?) Roller was some years ago killed at the same place [Hoy Island]....in fact, the number of collectors there is so great no rare bird escapes the gun.'

29). 1838 Yorkshire Hatfield, obtained, undated.

(Allis, 1844; Morris, 1856-62; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Morris (1857 (2): 9, reissue) says: 'One at Hatfield, near Doncaster.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Hatfield (Allis, 1844).'

Nelson (1907 (1): 281) says: 'From Allis's Report, they are as follows: - Coracias garrulus. Roller - Hugh Reid reports one killed at Hatfield, which went into the possession of Mr. Joseph Cook of Rotherham. F. O. Morris mentions the Hatfield specimen.'

Mather (1986: 413) says: 'One was obtained at Hatfield about 1844 (actually 1838) as reported by T. Allis in 1844 in his 'Birds of Yorkshire' for the British Association meeting at York in 1844.'

Comment Presumably this was the bird purchased by J. B. Hodgkinson from T. Allis when on his business rounds, as recorded by him (Zoologist 1874: 4158).

30). 1838 Yorkshire Halifax, shot, undated.

(Morris, 1856-62; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Morris (1857 (2): 9, reissue) says: 'Another, about the same time [1838], near Halifax.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 281) says: 'From Allis's Report, they are as follows: - Coracias garrulus. Roller - F. O. Morris mentions one that was shot near Halifax about the same time [as the Hatfield specimen].'

Comment There is no great distance between Halifax and Huddersfield and as no specifics are mentioned, I believe this to be the Huddersfield specimen.

31). 1839 Gloucestershire Guiting Estate, shot, late June.

(T. Goatley, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 6: 73-74).

History Thomas Goatley of Chipping Norton (1841) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VI. pp. 73-74, dated 9th July 1840, says: 'A fine specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrula) has lately come under my notice, which was shot in the end of June, 1839, by the gamekeeper, on the Guiting estate, Gloucestershire.'

32). 1839 Yorkshire Near Whitby, shot, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (1): 282) says: 'Mr. E. R. Turton, writing under date of 6th of March 1903, informs me that an example of this species, in his museum at Upsall Castle, was procured near Whitby in 1839, and is probably the bird referred to in Ord's History of Cleveland, "Shot near Kildale, by John Bell Esq., M.P. In the collection at Kildale Hall". There is no collection at Kildale now, the late Capt. Turton having removed it to Upsall.'

33). 1841 Devon Daleditch Lane, near Budleigh Salterton, obtained, September.

(J. Brooking Rowe, Transactions of the Plymouth Institution 1862-63: 67; D'Urban and Mathew, 1892; W. Walmesley White, British Birds 17: 86; Moore, 1969).

History J. Brooking Rowe (1862-63) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, Vol. I. p. 67, says: 'The only specimen recorded as having been obtained in this county, was shot in September, 1841, at Budleigh Salterton.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 118) say: 'A specimen is recorded by Mr. F. W. L. Ross (MS. Journ. III. p. 50) as having been obtained at the hamlet of Daleditch, near Budleigh Salterton, in September 1841.'

W. Walmesley White (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 86, says: '...This record is of special interest because a Roller was shot in Daleditch Lane in September, 1841 (vide D'Urban and Mathew's Birds of Devon, p. 118).'

Comment Lightning does strike twice; further records in 1923 and 1989 were also at Budleigh Salterton.

34). 1841 North-east Scotland St Cyrus, Kincardineshire, shot, undated.

(Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Baxter & Rintoul (1953 (1): 250) say: 'One was "lately shot" in the parish of St Cyrus, Kincardineshire, in 1841.'

35). 1843 At sea Sea area Humber, 40 miles off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, found on board a steamer, shot, May.

(H. Denny, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 12: 297; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Mather, 1986).

History Henry Denny of Leeds (1843) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XII. p. 297, dated 13th September, 1843, says: 'In May last a fine male Roller flew on board the Hamburg steamer when about forty miles beyond Flamborough Head, and was shot and brought to Leeds by my friend Mr. Thomas Stansfeld of this town.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - off the coast, May, 1843.'

Accepted locally (Mather 1986: 413).

Comment H. Denny was the Curator of the Philosophical Hall and Leeds Museum. At 40 miles distance from land it is categorised as an "At sea" record, but still in category A.

36). 1843 Orkney South Ronaldsay, caught by cat, mid-June.

(Yarrell, 1845; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 213, 2nd ed.) says: 'Sir William Jardine [1800-74] possesses one that was killed in Orkney.'

Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 133) say: 'In a letter from E. F. Sheppard to T. C. Heysham, he says: 'About the middle of June 1843 a Roller was caught by a cat in S. Ronaldsay, which, I was told, was not the first time this bird had been killed there".'

Comment Yarrell's statement possibly refers to this record.

37). 1843 Sussex Cuckmere Haven, shot, July.

(Knox, 1849; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Knox (1849: 215-216, 1st ed.) says: 'An example was shot...and another in July, 1843, on Chinton Farm, near the sea at Cuckmere Haven, by a person in the employment of Mr. Scott, of Litlington, near Lewes.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 169).

38). Pre 1844 Kent Wootton, near Dover, obtained, undated.

(J. Pemberton Bartlett, Zoologist 1844: 623; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History J. Pemberton Bartlett (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 623, says: 'A good specimen was shot a year or two ago at Wooton.'

Ticehurst (1909: 238) says: 'According to Pemberton Bartlett (Zool., 1844, p. 623), Plomley met with the Roller more than once in Romney Marsh, in the thirties and early forties of the last century, and the specimen which he states was in his collection (but has since disappeared) must have been obtained there prior to 1844. Bartlett also records (1844) a specimen shot "a year or two ago" at Wootton, between Dover and Canterbury.'

Comment The Romney Marsh records are ignored through lack of detail.

39). 1844 Cornwall St Levan, immature female, shot, 8th October.

(Royal Cornwall Gazette 18th Oct., 1844: 2; F. Holme, Zoologist 1844: 794; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2240; Penhallurick, 1978).

History The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 18th October 1844, p. 2, says: 'Penzance, Natural History - An interesting specimen of a very rare British bird has been lately obtained in this neighbourhood, the European Roller. From the subdued tone of its colours and small size, it appears to be a female.'

F. Holme of Penzance (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 794, dated 21st October, 1844, says: 'A female specimen of the Roller was shot between the Land's End and St Seven's [Levan], on the 8th of the present month, the day preceding the severe gale, and is now in the possession of E. H. Rodd, Esq., of Penzance. It is apparently a bird of the second-year, as some of the tail feathers were imperfectly developed, and it presented other marks of the adult plumage not being complete. It was extremely fat, and in good condition: its stomach was filled with the remains of Geotrupes stercorarius [common dung beetle]. The countryman who shot it could give no account of its manners, note &c.'

E. H. Rodd (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2240, says: '...a female shot at St. Levan: is in my collection - plumage dull.'

40). Pre 1845 Norfolk Antingham, shot, undated.

(Lubbock, 1845; Stevenson, 1866; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1876: 4840-41).

History Lubbock (1845) says: 'Has been killed at Holkham; another at Antingham.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. pp. 4840-41, says: 'The beautiful Roller has occurred in several well-authenticated instances in Norfolk, but Mr. Stevenson remarks that except in two or three cases he has been wholly unable to trace the specimens (Birds of Norfolk, Vol. I. p. 511). I have just ascertained the site of one of these lost rarities, which was shot at Antingham, near here, and, still better, had the specimen presented to me. It appears that it was taken to Mr. Spink, a barber and birdstuffer (why do these trades so often go together?) at North Walsham, and some attempt was made to keep it alive, but, being a good deal shot in the legs, it died on the third day. My father happened to be passing through, bought the bird, and gave it to the gentleman who has now most kindly - after having it in his possession three years or more - made a present of it to me. The earliest notice of the Roller in Great Britain is by Sir Thomas Browne in 1664, and the next, apparently, by Borlase in 1765 (see p. 41 of additions to Borlase, Natural History of Cornwall, in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall). This latter is said to have passed into Donovan's collection, which was dispersed in 1817. Linnaeus, with his usual accuracy, says: that Rollers feed on small frogs, which is perfectly true.'

41). 1846 Northumberland Embleton, shot, undated.

(R. C. Embleton, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 2: 168; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Anon. (1847) in the History of the Berwick Naturalists' Club, Vol. II. p. 168, at the anniversary meeting held on the 16th September 1846, says: 'Mr. R. Embleton mentioned that a Roller had been shot in his neighbourhood during the past year.'

Evans (1911: 112) says: 'An example was shot near Embleton in Northumberland, but possibly outside our limits, in the year 1845 (Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, Vol. II. p. 168).'

Comment It would appear Evans has misread the Club article about the year.

42). 1847 North-east Scotland Seaton House, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, shot, April.

(Eds., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 2: 175; Gray, 1871; H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 34; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 364; Phillips, 1997).

History In an Editorial (1869-75) in the Proceedings of the Glasgow Natural History Society, Vol. II. p. 175, on 14th November 1871, they say: 'Mr. James Thompson, of the Kelvingrove Museum, exhibited specimens of several rare Scottish birds; a Roller (Coracias garrula), from Aberdeenshire.'

Gray (1871) says: 'I have likewise been informed by Mr. Angus that a fine specimen of this beautiful bird was shot in April, 1847, in the enclosure at Seaton House, Aberdeenshire, by Mr. Davidson, gamekeeper there.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 34, quotes from Gray. H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 364, under 'Report of the East of Scotland Union', admits this record.

Comment All these notices possibly refer to this specimen.

43). 1847 Cleveland/Yorkshire Skelton Castle, near Redcar, Yorkshire, pair, (female killed with eggs inside), 26th June.

(T. S. Rudd, Zoologist 1848: 1968; Nelson, 1907; Temperley, 1951; Mather, 1986).

History T. S. Rudd of Redcar (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 1968, dated 4th November, 1847, says: 'Last July a pair of Rollers were seen in a plantation called "Forty Pence" belonging to John Thomas Wharton, Esq., of Shelton [sic] Castle. One of which was shot by Mr. Rickaby, who farms the land adjoining the plantation, and is now in the hands of Mr. Lawrence Wetherell of Guisboro'. This proved, on dissection, to be a female having eggs in it, consequently we may infer the other seen was a male, and that they would have bred in that locality if they had not been disturbed.'

Hancock (1874: 28) says: 'Another fine individual was killed June 26th, 1847, on the estate of J. T. Wharton, Esq., near Redcar, and is in my possession.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Skelton Castle, near Redcar, a pair, July, 1847.' Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 282).

Comment I think we will only count the female. Rollers cannot be sexed in the field, but it was only an inference.

44). 1847 Clyde Greenock Harbour, Renfrewshire, obtained, 27th June, now at National Museums of Scotland.

(J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 247; McWilliam, 1936).

History J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 247, say: 'A Roller, obtained in Greenock Harbour on 27th June 1847, is in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh.' No further details in McWilliam (1936).

45). 1847 Norfolk Burnham, shot, September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(Stevenson, 1866; Booth, 1901).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 312) says: 'Of more recent instances I am indebted to Mr. Alfred Newton, for the knowledge of one killed at Bircham, Norfolk, in September, 1847, now in the collection of Mr. W. Borrer, of Cowfold, Sussex.'

Booth (1901: 215, 3rd ed.) says: 'Shot at Burnham, Norfolk, September, 1847.'

Comment Discrepancy in the location. Presuming there is data on the specimen in the Booth Museum, Brighton, so I would imagine Booth to be correct.

46). 1848 Lancashire & North Merseyside Marsden Heights, near Burnley, shot, 25th August.

(Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History Howard Saunders (1892: 111, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Mr. W. Naylor [bird-stuffer] writes me that one is still preserved at Burnley, shot at Marsden near there, on August 25th, 1848.'

Oakes (1953: 159) states the location as Marsden Heights, and is now in the possession of N. Duerden in excellent condition.

47). 1848 North-east Scotland Boyndie, Aberdeenshire, female, obtained, 25th September.

(J. Smith, Zoologist 1848: 2302; T. Edward, Zoologist 1859: 6672; Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Phillips, 1997).

History James Smith of Manse of Monquhitter by Turriff (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2302, dated 2nd October, 1848, says: 'On the 25th September last there was shot in the woods of Boyndie, near Banff, a specimen of the Roller. This is a bird of very great rarity, and has only been met with seven or eight times in the whole kingdom. With the exception of this one, which was obtained many years ago near to the Loch of Strathbeg, - an extensive sheet of water on the sea coast between Peterhead and Fraserburgh, - I am not aware of any specimen having been previously seen or heard of in this part of the country. The one to which I am alluding proved on dissection to be a female.

Although the plumage would seem in some parts not to have reached its full maturity, it nevertheless exhibits colouring of exquisite beauty, particularly on the under wing-coverts, the upper portion of which is of a delicate pale sea-green, and the remainder of the richest purplish or mazarine blue, changing in hue and intensity according to the light to which it is viewed.

The line in which these birds are to be found is farther to the east than our own island; and as a strong gale had blown from that quarter for some days previously to it being killed, it is probable that it had, in this manner, been driven out of its usual course. It was, however, in no danger from famine, for its stomach was completely crammed with the remains of the insects on which it had been feeding: these consisted of dragonflies (Libellula), of the black and red burying beetles (Necrophorus), of the small green or grass beetle, but principally of the common dor or clock (Glotrupes stercorarius): one small brown beetle with a black head, which is to be met with on trees and bushes, was found entire. When shot, the bird was in the act of flying from one tree to another.'

T. Edward of Banff (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6672, adds: 'I am only aware of one specimen of this pretty and rare bird being obtained in our county; it was a most splendid specimen, killed on the hills of Boyndie, by Mr. J. Brown, gamekeeper to R. C. Nisbet, Esq.'

Gray (1871) says: 'Mr. Thomas Edward has sent me word that a female, was obtained at Boyndie, near Banff, in September, 1848, by J. Ker Fraser, Esq.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 36) say: 'Edward records "one killed on the hills of Boyndie", near Banff. No trace of this specimen is left, and there are none in the Museum, nor has it a place in Smith's lists. Gray mentions Edward's bird, but adds: "in September 1848"; he appears to have obtained his information direct from Edward, and in the Zoologist the Rev. A. Smith records the same bird (op. cit. 1848, p. 2302).'

Comment The reference to one "many years ago" at Loch of Strathbeg is ignored through lack of details, and is unacceptable.

48). 1849 Sussex Nutley, Ashdown Forest, male, shot, 29th May.

(W. May, Zoologist 1849: 2497; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History W. May of East Grinstead (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2497, dated June, 1849, says: 'A specimen of the Roller was shot on the 29th of last May, near Nutley, on the borders of Ashdown Forest. It proved on dissection to be a male; and a cockchafer, with the remains of several other large Coleoptera, were found in its stomach.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (2): 169).

49). c. 1850 Devon Near Barnstaple, shot, undated.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 118) say: 'Only one example, as far as we know, can be recorded from North Devon, which was shot in a ploughed field near Barnstaple, about 1850, and brought into that town to be preserved.'

50). c. 1850 Norfolk Earsham, shot, undated.

(Stevenson, 1866).

History Stevenson (1866 (1): 312) says: 'Of more recent instances I am indebted to Mr. Spalding, of Westleton, for the account of another, shot at Earsham, near Bungay, by a farmer named Rackham, about fifteen years ago.'

51). 1852 Hertfordshire Callipers Hall, Chipperfield Common, adult female, shot, 20th September.

("C.A.J." Morris and Bree's Naturalist 2: 251; A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 10: 91; Owen, 1909; Eds., British Birds 25: 335; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History "C.A.J." of Callipers Hall, Herts., (1852) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 251, dated September, 1852, says: 'On Monday the 20th inst., a labourer came running in from the Orchard, with the intelligence that there was a "comical bird in an apple tree". My neighbour, who was lucky enough to be in the way, went out with his gun, and forthwith came to me with a magnificent specimen, an adult female in full plumage, of Coracias garrula, (Chattering Roller). The bird was but slightly wounded, and uttered a most discordant note. I observed that it was exceedingly tenacious of life.'

A. F. Crossman (1901) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. X. p. 91, says: 'On 20th September, 1852, a Roller was obtained at Callipers, near Chipperfield.'

Johns (1909: 134-135, 7th ed.) edited by J. A. Owen, says: 'About twenty specimens in all of this bird have been observed in England, the one of the most recent occurrence being, I believe one which was shot close to my garden, on the twentieth of September, 1852.'

In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 335, they say: 'A previous occurrence in Hertfordshire is dated September 20th, 1852, Chipperfield Common.'

Comment "C.A.J." was the Rev. C. A. Johns, author of British Birds in their Haunts.

52). c. 1852 Yorkshire Whitby, obtained, undated.

(J. Braim, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 84-85; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History John Braim of Sleights Bridge, Whitby (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 84-85, dated 16th December, 1852, says: 'Within the last two years, the following birds have been obtained in our neighbourhood: - a Roller (Coracias garrula).'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Whitby, 1852.'

Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 282; Mather 1986: 413).

53). 1853 Cornwall St Just, female, caught, about 15th October.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1853: 4123-24; Ed., Field 18th May 1889: 687; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1853) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XI. pp. 4123-24, dated 17th October, 1853, says: 'The Roller again has made its appearance on our western shores; and the specimen now under notice was captured a few days since in the parish of St Just, in Penwith, a few miles north of Land's End. On dissection it proves to be a female, with the ovarium fully developed; and from the hard and compact state of the bones, it appears to be beyond a bird of the year. The plumage is generally obscure, and presents the characters of a bird of the year; the brilliant hues of blue are confined to the quill-feathers and tail, and the rich brown on the dorsal feathers is only partially developed. This specimen now in the possession of Mr. Vingoe, corresponds exactly with the example brought to me some years since, and reported at the time in The Zoologist.'

In an Editorial (1889) in The Field of 18th May, Vol. LXXIII. p. 687, on the sale of Vingoe's collection at Stevens, Covent Garden, in May, 1889, he says: 'Lot 21, including the Hoopoe, Roller, Bee-eater and Rose-coloured Pastor, £4.'

54). 1854 Highland Morvich, Sutherland, killed, 9th June.

(Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887).

History Gray (1871: 202) says: 'Mr. Harvie Brown has written to inform me that a specimen killed in Sutherlandshire is now in the museum at Dunrobin Castle.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 157) say: 'There is a specimen in the Dunrobin Museum labelled "Morvich, June 9, 1854".'

55). 1855 Suffolk Honiton, near Somerleyton, adult female, shot, 28th May.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1855: 4808; Eds., Field 17th Nov., 1860: 415; Stevenson, 1866; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932; C. Morley, Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 3: 103-104).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1855) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIII. p. 4808, dated 23rd June, 1855, says: 'A specimen of this rare and handsome bird was shot on the 28th of May, at Honiton, near Somerleyton. It proved to be adult female.'

In an Editorial (1860) in The Field of 17th Nov., Vol. XVI. p. 415, he says: 'The last specimen of the Roller killed in this country was in Suffolk in May, 1855.'

Babington (1884-86: 100) says: 'An adult female shot at Fritton, near Somerleyton, May 28, 1855.' It was admitted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 201).

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

56). 1856 or 1857 North-east Scotland Parkhill Estate, shot, undated.

(Gray, 1871; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Sim (1903: 117) says: 'In 1856 or 1857, one was shot on the estate of Parkhill by the gamekeeper there, who gave it to Mr. William Davidson, keeper at Seaton House. He preserved the specimen, and in his possession I saw it.

Ultimately he gave the bird to a friend, from whom I bought it, and it is now in the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. This is the specimen mentioned at p. 203, in Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland; but the story given in that work is altogether wrong.'

57). 1857 Flintshire Near Holywell, immature, shot, September.

(T. Mather, Zoologist 1858: 5976; "A Small Observer" Field 24th Nov., 1860: 438; "KAT", Field 1st Dec., 1860: 457; Yarrell, 1871-85; Dobie, 1893; Forrest, 1907; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History T. Mather of Holywell (1858) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVI. p. 5976, dated 22nd January, 1858, says: 'I am glad to be able to record in The Zoologist the occurrence of this rare visitor to Britain. The specimen which appears to be a young bird, was killed by Captain E. H. Mostyn, of Saethelwydd, about a mile from the town of Holywell, while sitting on some railings in front of his house.'

"A Small Observer" (1860) in The Field of 24th Nov., Vol. XVI. p. 438, says: 'In answer to "C" I beg to say: that there was a fine specimen of this beautiful bird killed near Holywell, Flintshire, in 1858.'

"Kat" (1860) in The Field of 1st December, Vol. XVI. p. 438, says: 'Having read a statement in the number of The Field of the 17th ult., to the effect that, the last specimen of the Roller seen in this country was killed in Suffolk about May, 1855, I may state for the information of your readers, that one was shot in August, 1855, about two miles from Holywell, Flintshire, and the specimen is still preserved in the neighbourhood.'

Dobie (1893: 309) says: 'Mr. A. O. Walker tells me that on January 21st 1858, he saw a Roller which had been shot by Captain Mostyn at Saeth-elwydd, near Holywell, in the previous September.'

Forrest (1907) says: 'Dr. W. H. Dobie states in his list: "Mr. A. O. Walker tells me that on January 21st 1858, he saw a Roller which had been shot by Captain Mostyn at Saeth-elwydd, near Holywell, in the previous September". This same bird is recorded in The Zoologist 1858: 5976, by Mr. T. Mather, taxidermist, who adds: that it was a young bird, and, when killed, was sitting on some railings in front of the house.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 430, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'Newman, in his edition of Montagu's Dictionary, says: that the Flintshire bird, already mentioned, was killed Feb. 1st, 1858; but his authority (Zool., p. 5976) gave no date for the incident, and as the communication is dated Jan. 22nd, 1858, the assertion must be wrong.'

Comment There was an article by "C" in The Field which the Editors replied that the last Roller in Britain was in 1855 in Suffolk. The year can't possibly be 1858 because that is when it was first recorded in the January. Forrest would most likely be correct because writing in his local avifauna, he would have got as much detail as possible from the people involved with the record. Lovegrove, Williams & Williams (1994) state both these records but express a doubt to their confusion of possibly being one and the same record. I have adopted the fact that this is one and the same bird on the basis that Holywell is not really going to have two Rollers within two years even though birds are known to return to sites.

58). 1857 Caithness Ulbster, seen, undated.

(R. I. Shearer, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 2: 334-341; Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887).

History R. I. Shearer (1862) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. II. pp. 334-341, at the meeting held on 22nd January 1862, says: 'I have been induced to gather together a full and authentic list of all the birds hitherto found in Caithness....The European Roller I saw at Ulbster in 1857.'

Gray (1871: 202) says: 'Mr. Shearer, in a communication to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh in January, 1862, states that a Roller was seen and watched by himself for two or three days at Ulbster, in Caithness, in 1857.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 157) say: 'It has been placed on the Caithness List by Mr. R. T. Shearer, who saw a solitary specimen at Ulbster, and observed its movements for two or three days. During that time it was usually followed, or attended, by a small bird, in the same way as the Cuckoo is attended (H. Osborne in MS.).'

59). 1859 Northamptonshire Lilford, seen, September.

(Lilford, Lord, 1895; Taylor MS., 1959).

History Lord Lilford (1895 (1): 253) says: 'My reason for including this fine species amongst the birds of Northamptonshire is the fact that on my return to Lilford from Scotland, in September, 1859, I was assured by two of my sisters that they had seen and watched for some time from their windows a very brightly-plumaged bird, which was quite unknown to them, in a large beech tree close to the house; I suggested Jay, Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher, an escaped Parrot, and other more improbable birds than these, but all these suggestions were received with scorn, and one of my sisters aforesaid, on seeing long afterwards the plate of the Roller in Gould's Birds of Great Britain, exclaimed at once, without any question from me, "Why that is the bird we saw in the old beech tree!" She assured me she had no doubt whatever on the subject, and her decision was subsequently confirmed without hesitation by the other sister who had seen the bird. This evidence is perfectly satisfactory to my own mind, for I cannot conceive the possibility of any other British bird being mistaken for a Roller at such a short distance as the above bird was from its admirers.'

60). 1860 Cumbria Walney Island, Lancashire, shot, June.

(Macpherson, 1892; Mitchell, 1892; Oakes, 1953; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 64).

History Mitchell (1892: 111) says: 'Mr. A. Wood, of Simpson Clough, has a specimen killed in June 1860, on Walney Island.' Oakes (1953: 159) adds: '...it is undoubtedly authentic.'

61). 1861 Cornwall Near Land's End, adult female, killed, mid-June.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1861: 7646; Royal Cornwall Gazette 30th May 1862; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1861) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIX. p. 7646, dated 20th June, 1861, says: 'I examined, yesterday, a female, adult specimen of the Roller, killed last week, in the Land's End district. Mr. Michael Roberts, of this town, who set the bird up, told me that there were well-developed eggs in the ovary.'

The Royal Cornwall Gazette 30th May 1862, p. 7 says: 'Dr. Jago read the following paper from E. Hearle Rodd Esq., of Penzance: - "The Roller - Shortly after your last Spring meeting I had an opportunity of examining a female specimen of the Roller, which was captured near the Land's End in the early part of June. We have at distant intervals several examples of this rare British bird, and from its rarity as well as the fine and brilliant assemblages of the various tints of blue which adorn the plumage of the adult male, its occurrence is always interesting, and from its striking and attractive colours every straggler is pretty sure of detection. The present female bird displayed the ovary full of well developed eggs, and there seemed every probability of the bird nesting in this district if it had not been disturbed. The specimens I have noticed as Cornish have been either females or young males, without the dazzling tints which characterize the adult males.'

Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, under 'Annual Summaries' read to the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall in 1862 on p. 227, says: 'Shortly after your last Spring meeting I had an opportunity of examining a female specimen of the Roller, which was captured near the Land's End in the early part of June.'

62). 1863 Suffolk Friston, killed, 23rd June.

(N. F. Hele, Zoologist 1863: 8721; Field 4th July 1863; Hele, 1870; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History N. Fenwick Hele of Aldeburgh (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8721, dated 19th July, 1863, says: 'A very perfect and handsome specimen of this bird was killed by Mr. R. Pratt in this neighbourhood, on Tuesday, June 23rd. It has been sent to Mr. J. Cooper, the taxidermist, of 28, Radnor Street, St. Luke's, for preservation, where it can be seen, together with some very well mounted specimens of fish, &c. It is well worth any naturalist's inspection.'

Accepted locally by Babington (1884-86: 100) who adds: '...in possession of Richard Pratt, Esq. of Twickenham', also (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

63). 1863 Lincolnshire Near Louth, immature, shot, October.

(T. H. Allis, Zoologist 1865: 9418; Cordeaux, 1872; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Thomas H. Allis of York (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9418, dated November, 1864, says: 'A specimen, evidently in immature plumage, was shot at Louth, in North Lincolnshire, in October, 1863, and is now in my possession.'

Cordeaux (1872: 71) says: 'A Lincolnshire specimen of this rare bird (as Mr. Edward Clayton the Louth bird-stuffer informs me) was captured in the parish of Keddington near Louth in the autumn of 1863, and subsequently came into the possession of Mr. Alliss, of York, who has recorded the fact in The Zoologist for 1865, p. 9418.

64). 1864 Dumfries & Galloway Near Bankhead, Tinwald, Dumfriesshire, October.

(W. Jardine, Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society 1865: 7; Gray, 1871; Gladstone, 1910).

History William Jardine (1865) in the Transactions of the Dumfries & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. III. p. 7, says: 'The Chairman proceeded to call the attention of the Society to the subject of his communication, which was the first on the programme of the proceedings of the evening. It was the occurrence of a very rare bird, the Roller (Coracias garrula), in this district. Very few specimens (about nine or ten in all) had ever been seen in this country.'

Gray (1871: 202) says: 'In Dumfriesshire in October, 1864, as I have been informed by Sir William Jardine, who communicated a notice of the occurrence to the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society in February, 1865.'

Gladstone (1910: 165-166) says: 'It is recorded in February 1865 that "The Chairman [Sir William Jardine] proceeded to call the attention of the Society to...the occurrence of a very rare bird, the Roller (Coracias garrula) in this district...Very few specimens (about nine or ten in all) had ever been seen in this country....Some time ago, viz., October, 1864, he got notice of an unknown bird having been observed near Bankhead, (Tinwald); and shortly afterwards it was found lying dead and partially decayed. When he sent for its remains he only got some feathers of the wings and tail, which he now exhibited. These were sufficient, however, to prove its identity (Trans. D. and G. Nat. Hist. Soc., February 7th, 1865).

In A Catalogue of the Birds contained in the Collection of Sir William Jardine, this specimen is entered as "(No. 1459), e. (Wings and feathers) Tinwald. Found dead by Mr. Yorstoun's Gamekeeper.'

65). 1865 Norfolk/Suffolk Great Yarmouth, adult male, caught on a boat at sea, c. 25th May, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1865: 9664; T. E. Gunn, , Naturalist 1865: 64-65; M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1865: 183; Babington, 1884-86; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1886: 478; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 409; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9664, dated 21st June, 1865, says: 'A very beautiful example of the rare and accidental visitant to our coast was taken alive on board a vessel off Yarmouth about the 25th of May, but died before the ship arrived in port. It was there purchased off the sailors for Mr. Sayer, one of our Norwich birdstuffers, who received the bird in the flesh on the 26th. I was sent for that evening to see it, but being away from home the bird had been stuffed before I examined it, on the 29th. It proved to be a male in perfect plumage, though in rather poor condition, the stomach containing only a minute fragment of a beetle's leg.'

T. E. Gunn (1865) in The Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 64-65, says: 'A most magnificent specimen, a mature male of this very rare species to the British Isles, occurred off the coast of Yarmouth, about the 24th inst. It was apparently directing its course to that locality, but being fatigued by its journey it alighted on the rigging of a ship a short distance out at sea in the Yarmouth Roads; one of the sailors captured it while in this exhausted condition and brought it with him ashore, and soon parted with it to another party who kept it alive a day or two; but refusing food it soon died, when it was sent up quite fresh to Norwich, and purchased by Mr. J. Sayer, who still has it in his possession.

In passing through my hands for preservation, I had excellent opportunities of making a few personal observations on this rare visitor; and it affords me much pleasure in placing them before the readers of the Naturalist, thinking at the same time that my remarks although brief may not be uninteresting. - It measured twelve and a half inches from tip of beak to tip of tail; twenty-five inches across the extended wings to the extreme tip of each; and seven and three quarters inches from carpal joint to tip; the second and third primary quill feathers are the longest; tail five inches; bill, tip to gap, one and three quarters inches; the upper mandible is slightly hooked at the tip, and of a blackish brown, assuming a paler hue towards the base. The inside of its mouth is of a pale greenish yellow; iris dark brown; legs and toes dull lemon yellow; claws blackish brown. I opened its stomach which emitted rather an unpleasant odour of coleoptera, it was however empty, excepting a small portion of the leg of a beetle, apparently that of the dung beetle Getrupes stercorarius.'

M. C. Cooke (1865) Editor of Hardwicke's Science Gossip, p. 183, says: 'The Roller. - A beautiful male, in perfect plumage, was taken alive on board a vessel off Yarmouth about the 25th of May, as recorded by Mr. Stevenson in The Zoologist (p. 9664).'

T. E. Gunn (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 480, adds: 'This bird has recently been added to the Norwich Museum. I found on dissection that it had been feeding on the tumbler dung-beetle.'

Babington (1884-86: 100) says: '...now in the possession of J. H. Gurney, jun., who informed him in writing.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 478, says: 'At page 480 of The Zoologist for 1885 I recorded the capture of a female Roller near Norwich, and, having twenty years previously received a male bird, I have compared the two, with the following result: - The principal measurements were - In total length (beak and tail inclusive), male 12½ in., female, 13¼ in.; expanse of wing, male 25 in., female 25½ in.; wing (from carpus), male 7⅝ in., female 7¾ in.; bill to gape, male 1¾ in., female 1¾ in.; tail, male 5 in., female 5 in. The female, being slightly the larger of the two, weighed 4¾ ounces.'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 409, says: '...one taken in the rigging of a vessel off Yarmouth, May 25th, 1865.' It was accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

66). 1865 Essex Little Chesterford, shot, 14th June, now at Saffron Walden Museum (Acc. No. NB208).

("W.R." Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1865: 184; Yarrell, 1871-85; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History "W.R." (1865) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. I. p. 184, says: 'On the 14th of June a beautiful Roller was shot by a gamekeeper at Little Chesterford Park, near S. Walden. The bird was carried to Walden to be stuffed by Mr. Joseph Travis.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 429, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Following the many records along the coast of Great Britain, we find that one to Essex - and that, strange to say, on its inland border.'

Christy (1890: 150) says: 'In the Museum at Saffron Walden is a specimen shot at Great Chesterford Park in 1865, and presented by Geo. Sanders, Esq. Presumably the specimen mentioned by Yarrell is identical with this.'

Glegg (1929: 111) says: 'One still in Saffron Walden Museum was shot at Little Chesterford Park on 14th June 1865.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968: 68; Cox 1984: 192) and by Wood (2007: 58) who states that this specimen is in the Passmore Edwards Museum of the Essex Field Club, Essex. However, p. 380, he states it to be in Saffron Walden Museum (Acc. No. NB208).

Comment The Museum is between moving to a new locality (2007).

67). 1865 Devon Near Yealmpton, male, shot, 20th June.

(J. Gatcombe, Field 1st July 1865: 14; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969).

History J. Gatcombe of Plymouth (1865) in The Field of 1st July, Vol. XXVI. p. 14, says: 'On Wednesday last I examined a fine male specimen of the Roller, killed by a farmer's boy on Spriddlescombe Farm, the property of J. H. Eccles, Esq., in the neighbourhood of Plymouth. Its stomach contained the remains of beetles, and the skins of several whitish grubs or caterpillars. A female was in its company, but was not obtained. The specimen above mentioned is now in possession of F. C. Hingston, Esq., of Plymouth.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 118) say: 'Mr. J. Gatcombe examined a male shot on June 21st, 1866, at Spriddlestone Farm, near Yealmpton, which is now in the collection of Mr. F. C. Hingston, of Plymouth. Mr. J. Brooking Rowe gives the date of the occurrence of this specimen as June 20th, 1865 (MS. Notes). It was killed in a hay-field, and is reported to have been bold and fearless. It was a fine male, and a female is said to have been in company with it, but was not obtained. The stomach contained beetles and the skins of long whitish grubs or caterpillars.'

Moore (1969: 195) also erroneously gives the year as 1866.

Comment Spriddlescombe Farm is probably Spriddlestone House situated at SX530510, near Yealmpton.

68). 1865 Cornwall Logan Rock, St Levan, female, killed, 14th September.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1865: 9782; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2240; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9782, dated 16th September, 1865, says: 'I saw a specimen yesterday of this species, which, on dissection, appeared to be an old female which had been killed a day or two since near the Logan Rock, a locality favourable for this bird, as other specimens (my own amongst the rest [1844]) have been procured from there.'

E. H. Rodd (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2240, says: '...another female specimen was obtained from St. Levan in September, 1865.'

69). 1866 Clyde Coulter House, near Biggar, Lanarkshire, shot, early October.

(E. R. Alston, Zoologist 1866: 512; Gray, 1871; J. D. W. Gibson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 211; Evans, 1911; Murray, 1986).

History Edward R. Alston of Lesmahagow (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 512, dated 10th October, 1866, says: 'A Roller was killed near Glasgow in the beginning of October. Most unfortunately the skin fell a victim to the prevailing "plume mania", but I got the legs, still fresh and pliant, from Mr. McCulloch, bird-stuffer, Sauchiehall Street [Glasgow].'

Gray (1871: 202) says: 'This was shot at Coulter House, near Biggar, in October, 1866.'

J. D. W. Gibson (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 211, says: 'Gray (B.W.S.) notes that a bird of this species was shot at Culter House, Biggar, in October 1866.' It was admitted by Evans (1911: 112).

70). 1866 Devon Alphington, near Exeter, shot, 20th October.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 118) say: 'One was shot at Alphington, near Exeter, on October 20th, 1866, by Mr. Edmund Hart, and is still in the possession of Mrs. Hart.'

71). 1867 Northumberland Howick, shot, May.

(R. C. Embleton, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 5: 341; Field 22nd June 1867: 470; Bolam, 1912).

History R. Embleton (1863-68) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. V. p. 341, says: "A very fine specimen of this very rare visitant was shot a few days ago, at Howick, by the gamekeeper. It is very curious that another specimen of this bird was found by the late Mr. George Moffat, lying dead near the village of Howick, several years ago: I have often seen the specimen, but what has become of it I cannot say.'

Bolam (1912: 236) says: 'Dr. Embleton (Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol. V. p. 341) recorded one shot at Howick, in May, 1867. This may have been one of two Rollers which used to be exhibited in Mr. Pape's gun-shop at Alnwick, years ago, both of which had been killed at Howick about that date.'

72). 1868 Lancashire & North Merseyside Blackpool, shot, May.

(Mitchell, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History Howard Saunders (1892: 111, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'One in poor condition, was shot at Blackpool, being now in the possession of Mr. R. Drummond.'

Oakes (1953: 159) adds: '...it is undoubtedly authentic and gives the date as May 1868, being obtained by R. Drummond.'

73). 1868 Dorset Near Dorchester, shot, 6th June.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1511; Mansel-Pleydell, 1873, 1888; A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 18: 314; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 181; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1511, under 'List of the Rarer Birds obtained by Mr. Hart in the vicinity of Christchurch, Hants.', says: 'Roller - 6th June 1868, Dorset. Not included in Mr. Wise's list, but Mr. Hart wrote to me while it was in the flesh.' Further, p. 1512, he summarises 'Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1873: 23) adds: 'A Roller passed through Mr. Hart's hands, in the flesh, in 1868, which had been killed in the neighbourhood of Dorchester.'

A. P. Morres (1879) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XVIII. p. 314, says: 'I am able to record a fairly recent specimen of this bird, which was killed near Christchurch, on June 16th, 1868. It was stuffed by Hart, and is now in Lord Braybrook's collection.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 181, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

74). 1868 Cumbria Carleton, near Carlisle, female, shot, 17th July.

(S. Watson, Field 15th Aug., 1868: 135; S. Watson, Zoologist 1868: 1378; J. B. Hodgkinson, Zoologist 1874: 4158; Macpherson, 1892; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 64).

History Samuel Watson (1868) in The Field of 15th Aug., Vol. XXXII. p. 135, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1378, undated, quoting from The Field, says: 'A fine specimen of the female European Roller was killed on the 17th of July last, at Carlatten [sic], near Carlisle, and is now in my possession. It was in fine plumage, and is a very beautiful bird. The stomach when opened contained black beetles and caterpillars, some of which were alive.'

J. B. Hodgkinson of Preston (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IX. p. 4158, says: 'I have two fine Rollers, one stuffed by Watson, of Carlisle, shot near that city about five years ago; this was also noted in the newspapers at the time.'

Macpherson (1892: 169) says: 'In the year 1868 two examples occurred in Lakeland....The second was shot on the 17th of July that year at Carleton, near Carlisle. Sam Watson [of Carlisle] received it in the flesh, and found that its body contained beetles and caterpillars, some of them in a living state. It was subsequently purchased by J. B. Hodgkinson.'

75). 1868 Northumberland Near Thrunton Mill, Whittingham, adult male, shot, 22nd September.

(Lord Ravensworth, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 3: 173; Hancock, 1874; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Lord Ravensworth (1869) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 173, says: 'On the 22nd of September, 1868, a Roller (Coracias garrula) was seen in a plantation near Thrunton Mill, in the parish of Whittingham, Northumberland, and was shot immediately afterwards by William Cochun, Esq., then residing at Eslington House. This beautiful species is extremely rare in England, so rare, according to Bewick, as hardly to deserve the name of a British bird. Other examples, however, have since been recorded - notably one in the woods of Howick, the seat of Earl Grey. The specimen in question is not quite so brilliant as some others; but on dissection it proved to be a male bird, and is thought an adult specimen. It was shy and restless, but appeared somewhat bewildered and lost.'

Hancock (1874: 28) says: 'One was shot at Eslington, September, 1868, and is in the collection at Ravensworth Castle.' Accepted (Evans 1911: 112-113) and locally (Bolam 1912).

Comment Bowey & Newsome (2012) claim this as the second Durham record after admitting that Temperley (1951) made no mention of it. Obviously they haven't read this original article whereby it was the shooter who lived at Eslington House, Co. Durham, not where the bird was shot.

76). 1868 Highland Near Dornoch, Sutherland, female, killed, 25th September.

(Eds., Field 17th Oct., 1868: 318; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1868: 1484; Eds., Zoologist 1869: 1519; Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887, 1896).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1484, undated, says: 'A Roller during the past month [October] has been obtained in the North of Scotland.' Recorded in The Field (1868) of 17th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 318, and in The Zoologist (1869) 2nd series, Vol. IV. pp. 1519-1520, is an extract from the Inverness Courier which says: 'Another extremely rare bird, the Roller, was killed near Dornoch last week, by Mr. J. C. Ker Fraser....Length of the bird thirteen inches; the head, neck and wing-coverts are of a greenish-blue colour; back chestnut; under wing-coverts pale bluish green; quill feathers of a rich blue; tail same hue as neck, except the exterior feathers, which are furnished with black tips.'

Gray (1871) says: "In addition to these instances, Mr. McLeay, taxidermist, Inverness, has sent me notice through Mr. Harvie-Brown that he preserved a female specimen of the Roller which was killed near Dornoch on 25th September, 1868.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887) p. 157, say: 'An example was shot by a nephew of Mr. Fraser, the Fiscal of the county, near Dornoch, and was set up by Mr. Macleay of Inverness. There is a specimen in the Dunrobin Museum labelled "Morvich, June 9, 1854". The Dornoch one was shot much later (auct. Dr. J. M. Joass).'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 36) say: 'One was obtained near Elgin a week after the one obtained at Dornoch; the latter is still in possession of Sheriff Mackenzie of Dornoch.'

77). 1868 Suffolk Pakefield, adult, shot, 14th October.

(L. J. Peto, Field 31st Oct., 1868: 361; Ticehurst, 1932).

History L. J. Peto of Kirkley, Suffolk (1868) in The Field of 31st Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 361, says: 'I shot a fine specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) on the 14th inst. It is now being preserved by Mr. T. T. Freeman, of Lowestoft.'

Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 201) who says: 'Recorded by Babington as 1875 or 1876.'

78). 1868 Moray & Nairn Oakwood, near Elgin, Moray, shot, October.

(Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown and Buckley, 1896).

History Gray (1871: 203) says: 'I have also been informed by the Rev. Dr. George Gordon of Birnie, that a remarkably fine specimen, which he saw, was shot about a month afterwards at Oakwood, near Elgin, by Mr. Nicholson, gamekeeper. I have since visited Elgin and seen this bird.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 36) say: 'One was obtained near Elgin a week after the one obtained at Dornoch.'

79). 1868 Clyde Crookston, Renfrewshire, shot, undated, now at Paisley Museum.

(Anon., Transactions of the Paisley Naturalists' Society 2: 75; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 247; McWilliam, 1936).

History J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 247, say: 'Another was shot at Crookston in 1868.'

80). 1868 Cumbria Near Thornholm, shot, undated.

(Macpherson, 1892; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 64).

History Macpherson (1892: 169) says: 'In the year 1868 two examples occurred in Lakeland. Mr. Dickinson recorded one of the two as shot near Thornholm by Mr. J. Dalzell, a brewer of Whitehaven, who described it as a chattering, noisy bird, and not at all shy. I subsequently examined this specimen in the collection of Dr. Lumb.'

81). 1868 Yorkshire Bridlington, shot, undated.

(Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Bridlington, 1868.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 282) says: 'In 1868 Mr. H. Machen of Bridlington shot one, but it was not found at the time, and when picked up, was decomposed (Machen MS.).' Accepted locally (Mather 1986: 413).

82). Pre 1869 Somerset Orchard Portman, shot, undated.

(Smith, 1869; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

History Smith (1869: 272) says: 'As far as this county is concerned I only know of one instance of its having been taken, and that was a good many years ago, at Orchard Portman, near Taunton: this specimen came into the collection of Mr. Popham, of Bagborough, and is now in the possession of Mr. Bisset.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 118) say: 'Mr. Cecil Smith knew of only one Somerset example, shot many years ago near Orchard Portman, which was in the possession of the late Master of the Staghounds, Mr. M. Fenwick-Bisset, at Bagborough House.'

83). 1869 Oxfordshire Balscote, near Banbury, adult male, obtained, 27th May.

(E. F. Im Thurn, Field 5th June 1869: 468; Aplin, 1889; O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1903: 449; Davies, 1962; Radford, 1966).

History Everard F. Im Thurn of Adderbury Rectory, Banbury (1869) in The Field of 5th June, Vol. XXXIII. p. 468, dated 29th May, says: 'I have to report the recent capture of several uncommon birds in this neighbourhood - a splendid specimen (adult male) of the Roller on the 27th.'

Aplin (1889: 115) says: 'Has occurred in Oxon. on one occasion only, namely, at Balscot, on the 29th May, 1869.'

O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 449, from the notes of C. A. Stubbs, says: 'Has been shot once here, in the neighbourhood of Greys Court.'

[In the Egg Catalogue, Stubbs said he never knew of its occurrence in the neighbourhood, but the Sketch was written subsequently, just after the winter of 1867-8.]

Davies (1962: 31) says: 'The only record is of one shot at Balscote in May 1869.'

Comment Aplin has erroneously recorded the date of capture as the date of the letter.

84). 1869 Orkney Sanday, shot, late October.

(H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1871: 2561-62; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History H. L. Saxby (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. pp. 2561-62,) undated, but in the April, 1871 issue, says: 'About the end of October, 1869, Mr. Peter Anderson, one of the light-keepers on the island of Sanday, shot a Roller there, after it had been in the neighbourhood for several days. Not long ago he kindly sent me the wings, by means of which identification of the species was, of course, easy. This rare bird has now been obtained upon three occasions in Orkney, but only once in Shetland.'

Accepted locally (Buckley & Harvie-Brown 1891: 133; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984).

85). 1870 Sussex Isfield, male, shot, 12th June, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 208194).

(T. J. Monk, Zoologist 1870: 2224; "Sussex Express" 1870; "J.H.' Field 2nd July 1870: 4; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History T. J. Monk of Lewes (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2224, dated 20th June, 1870, says: 'A fine male specimen of the Roller was killed at Isfield, near Lewes, on the 12th of June, and purchased by Mr. R. R. M'Queen, of Chailey, for half-a-crown, and very kindly presented by him to me. The plumage of the bird is most beautiful, and the condition perfect. On dissection the only thing found in its stomach was a small cockchafer. It is now in the hands of Swaysland, of Brighton, for preservation.'

"J.H.' (1870) in The Field of 2nd July, Vol. XXXVI. p. 4, says: 'A few weeks ago a correspondent mentioned in The Field that a beautiful specimen of that rare bird had been seen on the 24th of May in Angmering Park, near Arundel. The distinguished stranger does not seem long to have survived his arrival on our hospitable shores, for the "Sussex Express" states that on 12th of June a Roller was shot at Isfield, near Lewes, and that it is now in the possession of Mr. T. J. Monk, of Mountfield House.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 169) says: 'This bird passed into the collection of Mr. T. J. Monk (who notified it in The Zoologist), but after his death the authorities at the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton, got hold of it. They also got hold of the wrong date - 1873 being given as the year of the bird's destruction. Was this the Roller seen by "Taffy" in Angmering Park on the preceding 24th of May? By no means impossible.'

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

86). 1871 Lincolnshire Elsthorpe Grange, near Bourne, male, shot, 10th May.

(J. Evans, Field 3rd June 1871: 442; Cordeaux, 1872; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History John Evans of Bourne (1871) in The Field of 3rd June, Vol. XXXVII. p. 442, says: 'A beautiful specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrula) was shot on the 10th May, by Mr. Marshall of Elsthorpe Grange, near Bourne, and has been sent to me for preservation. It is a male by dissection, and the only specimen of the kind which has fallen into my hands for a period extending over thirty years.'

Cordeaux (1872: 71) says: 'Another was shot by a Mr. Marshall at Elsthorpe Grange, near Bourne, early in May, 1871.'

87). 1872 Co. Durham Hunwick Estate, Durham, shot, 25th or 26th May, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Hancock, 1874; Temperley, 1951).

History Hancock (1874: 28) says: 'One shot on the Hunwick Estate, Durham, on May the 25th or 26th, 1872, by Mr. H. Gornall, Bishop Auckland, and was kindly presented to me by him.'

Temperley (1951) adds: 'This specimen is in the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.'

88). 1872 Yorkshire Near Bingley, obtained, July.

(E. Butterfield, Zoologist 1875: 4623; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History E. Butterfield (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4623, says: 'I have a Garrulous Roller which was shot in this part [near Bradford] by a gamekeeper, in July, three years ago.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Bingley, 1872.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 282) says: 'Mr. E. P. Butterfield possesses an example from near Bingley, in July 1872 (Zool., 1875, p. 4623).'

Comment E. P. Butterfield was involved in the 'Hastings rarities' fraud.

89). 1874 Yorkshire Grosmont, shot, June.

("C.T." Field 5th Dec., 1874: 594; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History "C.T." (1874) in The Field of 5th Dec., Vol. XLIV. p. 594, says: 'A fine Roller (Coracias garrula) has been recently shot near Grosmont Iron works, and a Hoopoe on the coast near Runswick Bay.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: 'The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Grosmont, June, 1874: Marske Hall, Richmond.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 282) says: 'At Grosmont one was taken by Mr. R. Hay, on "the haggs", in June 1874 (Turton MS.).'

90). 1874 Hampshire Allenworth, Hinton, near Christchurch, Hampshire, adult male, shot, July, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/102).

(Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 112) say: 'The Hart Collection contains a male, shot in July 1874, at Allenworth Hinton, near Christchurch.'

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot by G. Barnes (Keeper) at Allenworth, Hinton, Christchurch in July 1874 and mounted by me.

91). 1874 Lothian Dalhousie, near Edinburgh, Midlothian, immature male, shot, 15th October.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 4: 22; R. Gray, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 464; Bolam, 1912; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Kirke Nash, 1935; Andrews, 1986).

History Anon. (1874-78) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. IV. p. 22, says: 'Dr. J. A. Smith exhibited the following rare birds: Coracias garrula (the Garrulous Roller), shot by Mr. Dickson, gamekeeper at Dalhousie, near Edinburgh, on the 15th October.'

Robert Gray (1873-75) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VII. p. 464, says: 'It may not be out of place here to state that a young male Roller was shot at Dalhousie, near Lasswade, within ten miles of Edinburgh, by Mr. Dickson, gamekeeper on 14th October 1874.'

Bolam (1912: 237) says: 'A young male was shot at Dalhousie, near Edinburgh, on 14th October, 1874.'

Accepted locally (Kirke Nash 1935: 117).

92). 1874 Denbighshire Abergele, shot, 19th October.

(B. W. Wynne, Field 7th Nov., 1874: 485; Dobie, 1893; Forrest, 1907; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History B. W. Wynne Garthewin, Abergele (1874) in The Field of 7th Nov., Vol. XLIV. p. 485, says: 'On the 19th inst. a Roller (Coracias garrula) was shot here by my friend Mr. C. Jeffreys. Mr. Edwin Ward, of 49, Wigmore Street, [London], has the bird, and will show it to anyone who may like to see it.'

Dobie (1893: 309) says: 'One shot at Abergele by Mr. C. Jeffreys, October 19th, 1874 (Field).'

93). 1874 Orkney Eday, picked up dead, winter.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 133) say: 'Mr. Ranken informs us that a specimen of this bird was found lying dead underneath a boat in the island of Eday in the winter of 1874.'

94). 1875 Caithness Sandside Bay, Reay, adult male, shot, June.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; L. Dunbar, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1892: 136).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 157) say: 'One - an adult male - is recorded by Mr. L. Dunbar, shot by J. McLeod at Sandside, in the north-west of the county, in June 1875. It was preserved by Mr. L. Dunbar, and is now at Scotscalder.'

Lewis Dunbar of Thurso (1892) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. I. p. 136, says: '...Three specimens of this bird have come under my notice for the county during the past twenty-six years.'

Comment One was in 1891, another in 1890 and this is possibly the third.

95). 1875 Northumberland Scremerston, female, shot, 22nd September.

(A. Brotherston, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 500; G. Bolam, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1899: 70; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Andrew Brotherston of Kelso (1873-75) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VII. p. 500, says: 'A fine female of this rare and beautiful species was shot at Scremerston, Northumberland, by Mr. P. Cowe, on the 22nd of Sept, 1875. When first seen it was perched upon a "stook", from which it alighted on the ground now and then. When the stomach was opened it was full of beetles.'

G. Bolam of Berwick-on-Tweed (1899) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VIII. p. 70, says: 'Has frequently occurred in Northumberland, where I have examined several recently killed examples, generally young birds, obtained rather late in September....A female was shot by Mr. Peter Cowe, at Scremerston Town farm, only a mile or two beyond the limits of the Borough, on 22nd September 1875, and is still in his possession. It was shot from a "stook", in a stubble field, and when opened, the stomach was found to be filled with beetles.'

Accepted locally (Evans 1911: 113). Bolam (1912: 236) says: 'A female was shot by Mr. Peter Cowe, at Scremerston, on 22nd September, 1875, where it was noticed feeding amongst the stooks in a field of corn: its stomach, on examination, proving to be full of beetles. (A. Brotherston, Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol. VII. p. 500).'

96). 1876 Suffolk Reydon Wood, near Hadleigh, male, 14th June, now at Mansfield Museum.

(H. Miller, jun., Field 15th July 1876: 91; H. Miller, jun., Zoologist 1876: 5045; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History H. Miller, jun., of Ipswich (1876) in The Field, of 15th July, Vol. XLVIII. p. 91, and The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5045, quoting from The Field, of 15th July, 1876, says: 'A fine male specimen of the Roller (C. garrulus) was shot at Raydon [sic], near Ipswich, on the 14th of June, by a gamekeeper named Mortimer. A report having been circulated to the effect that the hen bird had also been seen, and the nest discovered, I went to Raydon [sic] on Saturday last, and saw Mr. Mortimer, who informed me that he had seen the bird for several days before he shot it, and it was always alone. He had kept a sharp look out for the hen bird ever since, but without success.

A woodman in the locality stated that he had seen a second bird. The supposed nest proved to be nothing more than a Blackbird's, with an abnormal egg in it.

The Roller being a very rare bird in this country, I am pleased to send you the above authentic account of its occurrence. I may add, the bird has been preserved by Mr. Podd, taxidermist, of this town, for Mr. Mortimer, who intends to retain possession of it.'

Babington (1884-86: 100) adds: '...in possession of Joseph Rand, Esq., of Hadleigh (Haward MS., F. Spalding MS., as well as the above).' It was acceped locally (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

97). 1878 Northumberland Near Redewater, Cat Cleugh, seen, summer, shot later.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 236) says: 'The late Mr. J. G. Goodchild, at that time engaged on the Geological Survey of that district, told me of one, in full plumage which he had seen for some time, in the middle of summer, 1878, in the neighbourhood of Cat Cleugh, at the head of Redewater; it was subsequently shot, and he believed, preserved locally.'

98). 1879 Kent Temple Ewell, killed, undated.

(S. Webb, British Association Handbook to Dover, 1899; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 238) says: 'Mr. Sydney Webb (Brit. Assoc. Handbook to Dover, p. 101) states that one was killed at Temple Ewell in 1879.'

Comment Both Ticehurst and Harrison quote the British Association as the source of this record but I cannot find the reference to it in the source quoted from the BHL! Recorded twenty years later!

99). c. 1879 Suffolk Blackheath, two, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Babington (1884-86) p. 100, says: 'Two shot at Blackheath, about 1879, in possession of Mr. Hillen (Hillen in litt.); seen by myself.' Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

101). 1880 Yorkshire Boltby, near Thirsk, female, obtained, 5th June.

(R. Lee, Field 4th Dec., 1880: 843; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History R. Lee (1880) in The Field of 4th Dec., Vol. LVI. p. 843, says: 'The following birds have come under my notice, having been obtained this year: June 5, a Roller (Merops apiaster), near Boltby, it proved to be a female.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 39) say: "The localities for which it has been recorded are: - Thirsk, June 5, 1880.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 282) says: 'At Boltby, near Thirsk, one, obtained on 5th June 1880, was preserved by Mr. R. Lee. Its last meal consisted of a mouse, swallowed whole, and several beetles (Lee MS.).'

Comment Someone has applied the scientific name incorrectly; I am presuming Bee-eaters don't eat mice. Robert Lee was a taxidermist at Thirsk.

102). c. 1880 Borders Near Kelso, Roxburghshire, killed, undated.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 237) says: 'In 1882 I saw one in the hands of Mr. A. Brotherston of Kelso, which had been killed in the neighbourhood of that town a year or two previously.'

103). 1881 Isle of Wight Nunwell, near Brading, immature male, shot, summer.

(W. T. Smyth, Field 14th June 1884: 810; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 12: 141).

History W. T. Smyth of Ryde (1884) in The Field of 14th June, Vol. LXIII. p. 810, says: 'A male Roller (Coracias garrula) about two years' old, was shot this year near Brading, I.W., on Lady Oglander's estate, and has been stuffed by P. Scott Conacher, Glenvoy High Park, Ryde. Is not this bird very rare in England?'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 112) say: 'Mr. A. Brooke-Leeds told Kelsall of a specimen killed at Nunwell, near Brading, in 1881.'

F. C. R. Jourdain (1918) in British Birds, Vol. XII. p. 141, says: 'In The Birds of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (p. 112) only two records of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) are given from the Isle of Wight: one killed at Nunwell, near Brading, in 1881, and another shot near Sandown in 1886, In the Field, June 14th, 1884, there is a note by Mr. W. T. Smyth, of Ryde, to the effect that a male Roller was shot in 1884 on Lady Oglander's estate, near Brading, and stuffed by Conacher, of Ryde. It is quite possible that this is the same bird as that recorded as having been killed in 1881, but the contemporary record of the date is far more likely to be correct. If both statements are accurate, another occurrence must be added to the county list.'

Comment A discrepancy in the year but I go with Kelsall's story.

104). 1882 Perth & Kinross Dunkeld, Perthshire, obtained, undated.

(H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 34; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 364; Harvie-Brown, 1906).

History H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 34, says: 'In 1882 a specimen was got at Dunkeld by Mr. J. Stewart.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 364, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record. Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown 1906: 167).

105). 1883 Norfolk/Suffolk Bradwell, Suffolk, immature male, shot, 9th October.

("F.G.C.P." Field 13th Oct., 1883: 523; W. Pycraft, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 459; Babington, 1884-86; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 409; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History "F.G.C.P." (1883) in The Field of 13th Oct., Vol. LXII. p. 523, says: 'While shooting near Yarmouth, Norfolk, on Oct. 9, I killed a Roller. I shall be obliged if you can inform me if this bird and the Indian Blue Jay are the same. I have shot many of the latter in India, and the Roller seems to me almost identical.'

[The Roller, which occasionally visits us from Africa in spring, is generally regarded as one of the rarer so-called "British birds". Seldom more than one or two are reported in the course of a year. As it breeds in Northern Europe, we may assume that the specimen above noticed was on its way back to Africa for the winter, and got blown out of its course. It has an extensive range eastward, visiting Persia, Afghanistan, and North-west India, where, as our correspondent surmises, it is known to Anglo-Indians as the Blue Jay. - Ed.]

W. Pycraft (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 459, says: 'The late Colonel Probert killed an immature male at Bradwell during the first week in October, 1883.'

Babington (1884-86: 100) says: 'A female shot at Bradwell, Oct. 9, 1883 by Col. Probart (W. Lowne in litt., who preserved it).' Further, Babington says: '...one killed there [near Somerleyton] in 1883, stuffed by Lowne (J. H. Gurney, jun., in litt.).'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 409, says: '...an example obtained at Bradwell, Oct. 9th, 1883.'

Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 201) who says: '...young male, Bradwell, 9th October 1883 (Tolhouse Museum), probably the same as a female recorded at Fritton.'

Comment I believe Babington has referred to this record twice.

106). 1883 Wiltshire Savernake Forest, seen, 21st October.

(T. N. Hart Smith, Marlborough College Natural History Society 1887: 103-117; Buxton, 1981; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

History Wiltshire Ornithological Society (2007: 495) state that it was seen in Savernake on 21st October, 1883 by a J. A. Lloyd, a master at Marlborough College and recorded by T. N. Hart Smith in the Ornithological Section (Marlborough College Natural History Society 1887: 103-117).

107). 1884 Norfolk Gresham, female, shot, 2nd or 6th June.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 284; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1884: 173).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 284, say: 'Mr. Stevenson enumerates fifteen occurrences of the Roller (Birds of Norfolk, Vol. I. p. 310). Of late years only two have been met with, one shot at Gresham, June 2nd, 1884. In no instance have they been met with more than fourteen miles from the coast, and generally much nearer. The reason is not far to seek: their handsome plumage and loud voice speedily draw attention, which as speedily leads to their destruction before they have time to pass inland. G.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 173, says: 'On June 6th a very good female Roller was shot at Gresham, near Cromer, and is now in the possession of Mr. Page.'

Comment Discrepancy in the date by the same author.

108). 1884 Kent River, near Dover, obtained, undated.

(Dowker, 1889; S. Webb, British Association Handbook to Dover, 1899; Ticehurst, 1909).

History Ticehurst (1909: 238-239) says: 'Mr. Sydney Webb (Brit. Assoc. Handbook to Dover, p. 101) states that one was killed at River, within a few miles of Dover, in 1884. It is to be noted that Dowker also, apparently on [Charles] Gordon's authority, records one from River, and as he is careful to state that it was obtained "only last year" (i.e. 1888), he may refer to a second specimen, but there are so many inaccuracies in his dates that it is doubtful whether he does not really refer to the same bird as Mr. Webb.'

Comment Both Ticehurst and Harrison quote the British Association as the source of this record but I cannot find the reference to it in there at all! However, KOS are happy with the record.

109). 1885 Norfolk Felthorpe, adult female, 21st to 24th October when shot.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 284; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 7: 47; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1886: 478).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 80, undated, says: 'On October 24th an adult female Roller was shot at Felthorpe, seven miles from Norwich. It was seen in the same spot three days previously by the person who eventually shot it. Just twenty years have elapsed since the first example of this uncommon bird passed through my hands - an adult male, which was caught in the rigging of a vessel off the Yarmouth coast (Huddersfield, Naturalist 1865: 64). This bird has recently been added to the Norwich Museum. I found on dissection that both had been feeding on the tumbler dung-beetle.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., & T. Southwell (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 284, say: 'Mr. Stevenson enumerates fifteen occurrences of the Roller (Birds of Norfolk, Vol. I. p. 310). Of late years only two have been met with...the other at Felthorpe in October, 1885. G.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1886) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1885, 7th report, p. 47, say: 'Felthorpe, near Norwich, October 24th, adult female.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 478, says: 'At page 480 of The Zoologist for 1885 I recorded the capture of a female Roller near Norwich, and, having twenty years previously received a male bird, I have compared the two, with the following result: - The principal measurements were - In total length (beak and tail inclusive), male 12½ in., female, 13¼ in.; expanse of wing, male 25 in., female 25½ in.; wing (from carpus), male 7⅝ in., female 7¾ in.; bill to gape, male 1¾ in., female 1¾ in.; tail, male 5 in., female 5 in. The female, being slightly the larger of the two, weighed 4¾ ounces.'

110). 1886 Isle of Wight Sandown, shot, summer.

(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1887: 387; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

History O. V. Aplin of Bloxham, near Banbury (1887) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XI. p. 387, says: 'A Roller, which was shot in the island in the summer of 1886, was shown to me as an unknown bird.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 112) say: 'Mr. O. V. Aplin, the author of The Birds of Oxfordshire, writes in The Zoologist of 1887, that he saw an example which was shot on the island in the summer of 1886. It was obtained near Sandown.'

111). 1887 Argyll Inveraray, seen, at least 3rd October.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; McWilliam, 1936; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 96) say: 'In February 1888 a Roller frequented the park and grounds of Inveraray for more than a week, and was repeatedly watched both by His Grace the Duke of Argyll and the keepers. It frequented the grounds of the deer-park. "Its habits", writes His Grace, "were markedly peculiar. After alighting on a tree, it sat quite still, like a shrike, and then darted suddenly to the ground, returning to its perch like a flycatcher. When it flew over my head, I saw that the flight was also very peculiar. Its wings were much longer than our Jay's; the primaries well separated at the tips, but not forming a very round-ended wing - like a Jay or a Crow. Its flight was flappy, but very strong, and it had the habit of descending before rising to a perch - as Jays do. On one occasion it was seen feeding with the poultry, close to a keeper's cottage. It was usually very wary, and the keeper could not approach it.'

McWilliam (1936) says: 'One was repeatedly seen by the Duke of Argyll at Inveraray during a week in February 1888.'

Accepted locally by ap Rheinallt et al. (2007: 272-73) who say: 'A letter sent by the Duke of Argyll to Harvie-Brown dated 2nd March 1888 begins "The Roller was first seen by me here on Oct. 3/87 in the wild ground of the Deer Park.' The remainder of the letter is quoted almost in its entirety above.'

Comment McWilliam seems to be at odds with what ap Rheinallt et al. (2007) states.

112). 1887 Cornwall St Buryan, October.

(J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 15: 201; Penhallurick, 1978).

History J. Clark (1902) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XV. p. 201, under 'The Birds of Cornwall', says: 'St Buryan, Oct., 1887.' While, Penhallurick (1978: 161) says: '1887. One at St Buryan in October (V.C.H.).'

113). 1888 Argyll Lochbuie, Mull, male, shot, 8th September.

(H. Platt, Field 15th Sep., 1888: 413; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History Henry Platt of Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (1888) in The Field of 15th Sep., Vol. LXXII. p. 413, says: 'On Sept. 8 Mr. Maclaine of Lochbuie, Mull, shot a good specimen of the Roller, a male bird. As far as we can learn, this is the first ever seen in the island.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 96) say: 'A Roller was shortly afterwards shot at Lochbuie in Mull by Maclaine, and was probably the same bird as that seen at Inveraray.'

Accepted locally by ap Rheinallt et al. (2007: 272-273) who add: 'Another postscript to another letter (date uncertain read: I think I sent a notice to the Scottish Naturalist, of the occurrence of a Roller here in Oct. 1887...I hear that another example of the same species occurred in 1888 - and was shot by Maclaine of Lochbuie, in the Isle of Mull. Given the changed date, it seems best to ignore Harvie-Brown & Buckley's assertion that the Mull bird was probably the same as the one seen at Inveraray.'

114). 1888 Kent Rainham Marsh, Gillingham, caught exhausted, 8th November, now at Rochester Museum.

(W. Prentis, Zoologist 1889: 33; Ticehurst, 1909; Gillham & Homes, 1950; Harrison, 1953).

History W. Prentis of Rainham (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 33, says: 'The recent occurrence of the Roller, Coracias garrula, one of our rarest continental visitors, is I think worth reporting. When first seen, on Nov. 8th, it was sitting upon the end of a mangold-wurzel clump, where my labourers were at work. As it appeared to be very weak, they gave chase over the hedge, and finally captured the bird alive on our Rainham Marsh. It was very thin in condition, dying soon after being caught, its death being probably hastened by the effects of a very cold day.'

Ticehurst (1909: 239) says: "The only specimen that has been obtained in north Kent is the one recorded by Prentis. It was caught alive in an exhausted condition on Rainham Marsh on the 8th of November, 1888. It died soon after capture, and is now in the Rochester Museum.'

Gillham & Homes (1950: 128) add that it was also recorded later in the Rochester Naturalist.

115). 1889 Borders Between Ramshope and Carter Fell, adult male, shot, 4th July.

(G. Bolam, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1899: 70; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912; Murray, 1986).

History G. Bolam of Berwick-on-Tweed (1899) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VIII. p. 70, says: 'Has frequently occurred in Northumberland, where I have examined several recently killed examples, generally young birds, obtained rather late in September. An adult male frequented the road, where it crosses Carter Fell, for about a week previous to 4th July 1889, on which date it was shot by Job Simpson, gamekeeper to Mr. Pawson, at White Lee. It was in beautiful plumage, but on dissection the generative organs were found to be in a diseased state.'

Accepted locally by Evans (1911: 113) who adds: 'This is an exceptionally early date, for, as will be seen, September and October are the usual months in which the bird has been observed on our northerly districts.'

Bolam (1912: 236) says: 'A beautiful adult male which I had an opportunity of handling shortly afterwards, was shot by Job Simpson, between Ramshope and the top of Carter Fell, on 4th July, 1889, after it had been observed in the neighbourhood for more than a week, and where its favourite perch was on the telegraph wires, whence it ever and anon descended to catch insects on the road beneath: although in excellent condition, dissection showed the organs of generation to be diseased.'

116). 1889 Dumfries & Galloway Mabie Estate, Kirkcudbrightshire, male, shot, 9th September.

(J. Wilkinson, Field 21st Sep., 1889: 416; J. Wilkinson, Zoologist 1889: 393-394).

History Johnson Wilkinson of Huddersfield (1889) in The Field of 21st Sep., Vol. LXXIV. p. 416 and in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. pp. 393-394, says: 'When out Partridge shooting on the Mabie estate, Kirkcudbrightshire, on Sept. 9th, one of our party killed a fine specimen of the Roller, Coracias garrula. It proved, on dissection, to be a male, and is now in the hands of Mr. Picken, of Bridge Street, Manchester, to be preserved for the collection of Mr. George Comber, of Myddleton Hall, Cheshire. I have carefully gone through several bird-books, including about ten years of The Zoologist, but cannot find any record of the Roller having been met with in Kirkcudbrightshire before.'

[For records of the occurrence of this species in Scotland, see Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland, pp. 202, 203. - Ed.]

117). 1889 Orkney Sandwick, Mainland, shot, October.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; J. W. Cursiter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 252; Omond, 1925; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 298-299) under 'Appendix' says: 'Mr. Mackay of the Masons' Arms, Stromness, informs us that a Roller now in his possession was shot by Mr. Alexander Young, a ship's carpenter, in the parish of Sandwick, on the Mainland, about the end of October 1889.'

J. W. Cursiter of Kirkwall (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 252, says: '...and a specimen was shot in Sandwick parish in 1889.'

Omond (1925) adds: 'Mr. Mackay, Hotel, Stromness, has one shot in Sandwick in 1889.'

118). 1890 Caithness Watten Mains, male, killed, 21st May.

(L. Dunbar, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1892: 136).

History Lewis Dunbar of Thurso (1892) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. I. p. 136, says: '...Three specimens of this bird have come under my notice for the county during the past twenty-six years. One of these, also a male, was killed at Watten on the 21st of May 1890.'

119). 1890 Orkney Westray, two, seen, 10th November.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; J. W. Cursiter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 252; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 299) under 'Appendix' says: 'Mr. Mackay further writes that he himself saw two Rollers in the hills of Westray, above Pierowal, on the 10th of November 1890.'

J. W. Cursiter of Kirkwall (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 252, says: '...Two specimens of this bird were seen in the same island [Westray] in 1890....' Accepted locally (Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984).

Comment Mackay had the 1889 specimen in his pub, so he must know what he saw, although the date is rather late.

121). 1891 Caithness Near Mey, male, found dead, 1st October.

(L. Dunbar, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1892: 136).

History Lewis Dunbar of Thurso (1892) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. I. p. 136, says: 'On the 1st of October 1891, a Roller, a male, was found dead near Mey. Three specimens of this bird have come under my notice for the county during the past twenty-six years. One of these, also a male, was killed at Watten on the 21st of May 1890.'

122). Pre 1892 Highland Abernethy Forest, Badenoch & Strathspey, shot, undated.

(Harvey-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Dennis, 1984).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 36) say: 'However, the following record can be relied upon. The Rev. Dr. Forsyth, Abernethy possesses a specimen killed in that parish, which was shot not very far distant from the famous 'Peter Porter's Pine'. In 1892 Harvie-Brown saw the bird, visited 'Porter's Pine', and Dr. Forsyth pointed out the place where the bird was shot. It is somewhat to be regretted that the specimen is in very poor preservation, but if it were placed in any of our museums, and properly overhauled by a capable taxidermist, it would yet be not absolutely unrecognisable.'

123). 1892 Norfolk/Suffolk Burgh Castle, Suffolk, immature, killed, 28th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1892: 401; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 409; Allard, 1990).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 401, says: 'The month closed, as I learn from Mr. Southwell, with the appearance, on the 28th [September], of a young Roller, Coracias garrulus, at Burgh.'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 409, says: '...also at Burgh Castle, Sept. 29th, 1892.' Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

124). 1892 Highland Swordale, Ross & Cromarty, adult female, shot, 30th September.

(Land and Water 29th Oct., 1892; R. B. Bell, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1894: 54; Harvie-Brown & Macpherson, 1904).

History Robert B. Bell of Edinburgh (1894) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. III. pp. 54-55, says: 'When in Ross-shire recently, I saw a specimen of this rare visitor to Scotland in the house of Mr. Brotherston, Swordale, by whom it was shot. The bird, an adult female, was obtained on Swordale Hill on the 30th September 1892. It frequented a piece of broken ground of whin and heather, and often alighted on an upright post. No sign of any shyness was exhibited, nor did it appear to be in the company of any birds in particular. When shot at, being allowed well out in order to preserve the plumage, it was only wounded; and as Mr. Brotherston was in the act of picking it up, it seized his hand with its beak, and speedily drew blood. The bird had been observed in the neighbourhood for some days before being shot.'

Harvie-Brown & Macpherson (1904: 126) say: 'At a meeting of the Edinburgh Field Nat. Soc. on 27th November 1895, Mr. Tom Speedy exhibited a specimen of the Roller, "shot at Swordale in Ross-shire".'

125). 1893 North-east Scotland Cruden, Aberdeenshire, shot, June.

(W. Serle, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1895: 123; Phillips, 1997).

History William Serle of Peterhead (1895) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. IV. p. 123, says: 'A fine specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) was shot in the parish of Cruden, four miles from Peterhead, on June 1893, and was mounted by a local taxidermist. I had heard about this specimen some time ago, but have only recently been able to obtain particulars of its capture.'

126). 1894 Northumberland Bassington, Alnwick Park, immature female, shot, 27th September.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 236-237) says: 'Another I examined, a young female, in very dull plumage, and in very thin condition, was shot by Walter Barnard, at Bassington, in Alnwick Park, on 27th September, 1894.'

127). 1894 Norfolk Barton Broad, immature female, shot, 23rd October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1895: 101; W. H. M. Ayres, Field 9th Mar., 1895: 311; Pashley, 1925).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 101, says: 'On the 24th I noticed the barometer very low, and the 25th was as cold a day as I ever experienced, when standing shivering outside a covert; in spite of which, Mr. Pashley informs me, a dull-plumaged female Roller was shot, either on this day or a few days before, at Barton; but the Roller, though tropical in appearance, has a high northern range.'

W. H. M. Ayres (1895) in The Field of 9th Mar., Vol. LXXXV. p. 311, says: 'On Oct. 20 last my father had a bird sent him from Neatishead, Suffolk, that had been shot by a man on Barton Broad. It was in the flesh, and proved to be a dull-plumaged female specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrula). It was a young bird, and was sent to Mr. H. V. [sic] Pashley, of Cley-next-Sea, for preservation.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1894. October 19th. A Roller shot by a man on Barton Broad, now in Mr. Connop's collection.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

128). 1894 Kent Betteshanger, adult male, shot, undated, now at Canterbury Museum.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 239) says: 'The specimen in the Hammond collection at Canterbury, an old male in very bright plumage, was shot at Betteshanger in 1894.'

129). 1895 Northumberland Callaly Castle, near Whittingham, immature, shot, 24th September.

(H. B. Tristram, Zoologist 1895: 433; Bolam, 1912).

History H. B. Tristram of Durham (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 433, says: 'On the morning of 24th Sept. last a good specimen of the Roller, Coracias garrula, was shot in the grounds of Callaly Castle, the ancient seat of the Claverings, about three miles S.W. of Whittingham station on the Alnwick and Cornhill line. I happened to be in the house at the time, and so was able to examine the bird while still quite fresh. It was apparently a bird of the year, but a very good specimen. I believe about a dozen specimens of the Roller are recorded to have been met with in Northumberland during the present century.'

Bolam (1912: 237) says: 'One preserved at Callaley [sic] Castle, was shot in the grounds there, on 24th September, 1895, and examined in the flesh by Canon Tristram, who chanced to be a guest in the house at the time, and was considered by him to be a bird of the year.'

130). 1896 Orkney Westray, caught, mid-June.

(J. W. Cursiter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 252; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History J. W. Cursiter of Kirkwall (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 252, says: 'A specimen of this comparatively rare bird was secured in the island of Westray, Orkney, during the second week of June, under the following circumstances: - A lad at the farmhouse at Baccaraas, near Noup Head, observed a hawk pursuing a bird and repeatedly striking it. The bird was observed to escape, and descended into the barn, where the lad succeeded in catching it alive and took it into the house, but it survived only a short time. It was sent to Mr. Sim, naturalist, Aberdeen, for preservation, and identified by him as the Roller (Coracias garrulus). Two specimens of this bird were seen in the same island in 1890, and a specimen was shot in Sandwick parish in 1889.'

131). 1896 Lothian Tyninghame, adult male, shot, 28th September.

(Haddington, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 43; "H.A.B.H." Field 12th Oct., 1901: 601; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Andrews, 1986).

History Haddington (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 43, in the January 1897 issue, says: 'An adult female Roller (Coracias garrulus) was shot at Tyninghame, Prestonkirk, on the 28th of September last, and is the second example that to my knowledge has occurred here.'

"H.A.B.H." of Tyninghame, Prestonkirk (1901) in The Field of 12th Oct., Vol. XCVIII. p. 601, says: 'Seeing the notice (on page 565 of last weeks' Field) of the occurrence of the Roller (Coracias garrula) in North Lincolnshire, I may state that a fine Roller was unfortunately shot here in September, 1897 [sic]. It was an adult male in good plumage, and was exhibited at a meeting of the Scottish Natural History Society. It is now in Lord Haddington's possession.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'One shot at Tyninghame, Prestonkirk, September, 1897 [sic] (Field, 1901, p. 601).'

Comment Male or female? Can only be sexed by dissection.

132). 1897 Denbighshire Nant-y-glyn Valley, near Colwyn Bay, seen, 7th October.

(Forrest, 1907; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Forrest (1907) says: 'The most recent occurrence was on 7th October, 1897, when Dr. W. B. Russell "was fortunate enough to see a Roller, in all its glorious blue and green plumage, hopping about on some mole-hills in Nant-y-glyn Valley, near Colwyn Bay".'

133). c. 1897 North-east Scotland Rubislaw, Aberdeenshire, shot, autumn.

(J. Simpson, Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society 1:128; Phillips, 1997).

History James Simpson of Aberdeen (1901-06) in the Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society, Vol. I. p. 128, says: 'Mr. Duncan brought to my knowledge, through a question asked in one of the Society's meetings, the occurrence of another specimen of this bird in addition to the one mentioned in the Fauna of Dee. On making enquiry at Mr. Craigmile, who shot the bird, and in whose possession it still remains, he said that he was sorry he could not recollect the exact year, but that it was five or six years ago, and that he remembered quite well it was after a heavy gale in the autumn. Mr. Craigmore showed me the bird, which was killed a little distance from his house at Ferrielea, Rubislaw.'

Comment The meeting was held at the Marischal College, Aberdeen, on 12th April, 1904, see p. 113.

134). 1898 Norfolk Yelverton, female, found dead, 28th May.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1899: 120; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 6: 509; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 281).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1899) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. III. p. 120, says: 'May 28th. A Roller picked up at Yelverton (T. Southwell), the twentieth in Norfolk, and a female, as most of the others have been.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. pp 281-282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

135). 1900 Lincolnshire Marshchapel, shot, undated.

(Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Lorand & Atkin (1989) state the bare facts of one shot at Marshchapel in 1900, which is not far away from Louth.

136). 1901 Lincolnshire Brackenborough, near Louth, 29th August; same, 26th September.

(L. D. Marsden, Field 5th Oct., 1901: 565; G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1902: 127; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History Louis D. Marsden of Red House, Louth (1901) in The Field of 5th Oct., Vol. XCVIII. p. 565, says: 'A beautiful specimen of the Roller has been seen on two occasions, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26. in the parish of Brackenboro, near Louth, Lincolnshire.'

[As the bird was only seen it may be doubted whether the species was that which occasionally visits this country as a summer migrant from the Continent, namely, Coracias garrula. Probably it was; but it may be worth noting that in the same locality on Oct. 8, 1883, a specimen of the Indian Roller (Coracias indica) was reported to have been obtained. The circumstance was noticed by the late Mr. John Cordeaux in The Ibis for January, 1891. - Ed.]

G. H. Caton Haigh (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 127, quotes from The Field above.

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'. Accepted locally (Lorand & Atkin 1989).

Comment You would have thought that there would have been some mention of the previous years bird, but probably the reason why is that they are one and the same record. It is amazing how many times when you see records collated that a county seems to have a run of a species in a very short space of time.

137). 1901 Norfolk Locality withheld, shot, 2nd September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1902: 92; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 737; Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 13: 39; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 92, under 'Ornithological Notes for 1901', says: 'September. On the 2nd Mr. Roberts received a Roller to preserve, but the carrier who brought it to Norwich declined to say: where it was shot; and later on the same secrecy was maintained about a Fork-tailed Petrel.'

Admitted by J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell (1904) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 737, under 'Additions to the Fourth List'. It was also admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Comment Probably the reason for the secrecy was the Wild Bird Protection law was in force and the person could have been prosecuted.

138). 1901 Northumberland Kirknewton, shot, 20th September.

(G. Grey, Field 12th Oct., 1901: 601; Bolam, 1912; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History George Grey of Milfield, Kirknewton (1901) in The Field of 12th Oct., Vol. XCVIII. p. 601, says: 'It may interest your natural history readers to know that one of my sons shot a Roller here on Sept. 20 last.'

Bolam (1912: 237) says: 'Mr. G. G. Butler informed me of one that was killed at Milfield Hill, near Wooler, in the autumn of 1902.'

Comment All three places are very close to each other and it is considered the same record.

139). 1901 Cleveland/Yorkshire Acklam, Yorkshire, immature female, obtained, 21st September.

(Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282; Stead, 1964).

History Nelson (1907 (1): 283) says: 'An immature female, brought from Acklam-in-Cleveland on 21st September 1901, was preserved by Mr. Geo. Mussell, of Middlesbrough, to whom I am indebted for the information, and for an opportunity of examining the specimen.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

140). 1902 Norfolk/Suffolk Rushford, near Thetford, shot, 9th September.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 13: 39; Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1903: 133; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 281, 282; Ticehurst, 1932: Payn, 1978).

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1903) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XIII. p. 39, at the 93rd Meeting of the Club held on 21st January 1903 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. E. Bidwell exhibited, through the kindness of Mr. George Evans, a Roller (Coracias garrula) shot at Rushford, Suffolk, on the 9th of September, 1902. The bird, whose plumage was in poor condition, was being mobbed by small birds, when seen by the keeper.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 133, says: 'September 9th. N.E., force 3. Roller at Rushford, near Thetford (E. Bidwell).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 281, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Suffolk. One shot at Rushford, September 9th, 1902 (E. Bidwell, Bull. B.O.C., XIII. p. 39).'

Admitted again by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Norfolk. One seen near Thetford, September 9th, 1902 (J. H. Gurney, Zool., 1903, p. 133).' Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 201).

Comment Witherby & Ticehurst appears to have made two records out of this one sighting.

141). 1903 Perth & Kinross Ballinluig, Perthshire, shot, 13th October.

("B.C.A.S." Field 17th Oct., 1903: 676; T. G. Laidlaw, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1904: 55; Harvie-Brown, 1906; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282).

History "B.C.A.S." (1903) in The Field of 17th Oct., Vol. CII. p. 676, says: 'While partridge shooting at Ballinluig I killed a bird somewhat resembling the common Jay, and which I am told by Mr. P. D. Mallock, of Perth, is a Roller. Is it a common bird in Scotland, and is it destructive to game or eggs?" [The Roller is an irregular summer migrant, rare in Scotland, and occasionally observed in Ireland. It feeds on insects and their larvae, small mollusca, fruit, such as grapes and figs, in summer, and berries in autumn. - Ed.]

T. G. Laidlaw (1904) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIII. p. 55, says: 'Examples of these somewhat rare visitors to Scotland have been obtained during the past autumn, and were exhibited at a recent meeting of the Society of Natural Science in Perth. The Roller (Coracias garrulus), near Ballinluig on the 13th October....The birds are now exhibited in the Museum of Natural History.'

Harvie-Brown (1906: 167) says: '...It was shot by Lieut. B. C. A. Stewart, but I do not know its destination.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

142). 1903 Norfolk Gayton, female, shot, 22nd October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1904: 214; J. H. Gurney & T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 737; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 214, says: 'October 22nd. S.W., 3. A female Roller at Gayton, near Lynn, perching on oak-trees in a turnip field, I am informed by Mr. R. Clarke, proved too tempting an object to let alone.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

143). 1904 Hampshire Near Ringwood, seen, July.

(G. B. Corbin, Zoologist 1904: 458-459; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 281).

History G. B. Corbin of Ringwood (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. pp. 458-459, says: 'Several times during last summer - from May to July - I heard of one or more of what I supposed was this rare and beautiful species having been seen, but delayed recording the fact until I was certain of its identification. A gentleman of unimpeachable authority and observation has kindly informed me that he saw, upon his own lands, a strange bird, on one occasion in close proximity to a couple of Jays, whose voice and actions were very different from the visitor.

A glass revealed that the stranger was a Roller, and on following days he saw it several times, and much nearer; so there was no mistaking it. About the same time the coachman in the gentleman's employment also saw another - or it might have been the same bird - in quite a different part of the estate, and knew it at once by the figure in Lord Lilford's grand book. This, I believe, was in July, after which the bird or birds were not seen again, and I have not heard of this lovely species having been slaughtered elsewhere; as long as it stayed upon the estate of the gentleman who saw it, it had the kindly protection it deserved.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 112) say: 'Mr. Corbin has informed us, and also sent a note to The Zoologist to the same effect, that one was seen on several occasions in July, 1904, on an estate near Ringwood, where it evidently enjoyed the protection it deserved, as there was no news of its having been killed.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 281, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

144). 1905 North-east Scotland Auchmedden, near Aberdour, Aberdeenshire, female, shot, 9th September.

(G. Sim, Zoologist 1905: 466; G. Sim, Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society 1: 174; "N.' Field 23rd Sep., 1905: 555; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Phillips, 1997).

History George Sim of Aberdeen (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 466, and with the same story in the Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society, Vol. I. p. 174, says: 'A female specimen of this straggler was shot at Auchmeden [sic], near Aberdour, Sept. 9th [1905]. Its stomach was well filled with beetles and flies.'

"N.' (1905) in The Field of 23rd Sep., Vol. CVI. p. 555, says: 'A specimen of this bird was shot on Sept. 9 on Auchmedden, Aberdeenshire. It flew out of a marsh near the sea. It is being stuffed by Mr. George Sim, Aberdeen.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

145). 1906 Highland Balnacoil, Brora, Sutherland, seen, 28th to 29th May.

(F. G. Gunnis, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 185; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 142; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 282).

History F. G. Gunnis of Brora (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 185, says: 'It will interest your readers to hear that on 28th May I saw a Roller (Coracias garrula) at Balnacoil on the Brora. I think it was a male bird, as its plumage was very bright. I saw it again the next day, and believe it remained about for several days. It seemed to be getting a good supply of food on the ground. Its flight at times was rather like a Woodcock, at others like a pigeon. It is the first I have ever seen up here, but I believe there is a specimen in the Museum at Dunrobin. This bird did not emit any sound...'

Admitted by John Paterson of Glasgow (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 142, in the annual report for 1906, and by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 282, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

146). 1906 Kent Edenbridge, seen, 20th July to 22nd September.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Ticehurst (1909: 239) says: 'Mr. Meade-Waldo informs me that in the summer of 1906 a Roller stayed in his grounds at Edenbridge for two months. "I saw it first", he writes, "on July 20th, and it frequented two trees until September 22nd. One tree was a half-dead alder by a pond, and when I first saw it the fact of its being a rare bird in this country only dawned on me when it suddenly flew off and showed its glorious secondaries". Mr. Meade-Waldo is well acquainted with the bird in countries where it a common everyday sight.'

Comment The Roller has a preference for oak forests and pinewoods with heathery clearings (Fry, Fry & Harris 1992).

147). 1907 Cumbria Knorren, near Brampton, adult, shot, 17th June.

(L. E. Hope, Zoologist 1909: 156; Eds., British Birds 2: 426; E. B. Dunlop, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 3: 10; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 64).

History Linnaeus E. Hope of Carlisle Museum (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 156, says: 'An adult Roller (Coracias garrulus) was shot by a keeper at Knorren, near Brampton, Cumberland, on June 17th, 1907. The bird was reported to me by F. P. Johnson, Esq., M.B.O.U., and I saw it at Carthstand on Jan. 2nd, 1909.'

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 426, he says: 'An adult Coracias garrulus is recorded as having been shot by a keeper at Knorren, near Brampton, on June 17th, 1907 (L. E. Hope, Zool, 1909, p. 156).'

Eric B. Dunlop (1923) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 10, under 'Lakeland Ornithology, 1892-1913', says: 'A Roller was obtained near Brampton on June 17th, 1907. Mr. L. E. Hope saw this bird.'

Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 64, adds: '...was shot at Knorrens [sic], near Brampton.'

148). 1907 Sussex Near Colgate, St Leonards Forest, male, shot, 31st July.

(J. G. Millais, British Birds 1: 189; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History J. G. Millais (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 189, says: "On July 31st, 1907, a gamekeeper in St. Leonard's Forest observed one of these birds, a fine male, flying in the forest near Colgate. So conspicuous a bird can hardly escape notice, nor the desire of man to capture it, and the specimen in question met with the usual fate. I saw it in the flesh on August 2nd, and it has now been added to my collection. Formerly the Roller was a regular though scarce summer visitor to this part of England, but now its appearance is distinctly rare. As far as I can ascertain this is the only example that has been killed during the past ten years in West Sussex. The throat and crop contained several small beetles.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 170) says: '...and was set up by Mr. A. L. Attwater, of Horsham, on whose premises I had the pleasure of examining it. When Millais obituarized this bird, he stated that, formerly, the species, though scarce, was a regular summer visitor to Sussex. I cannot believe it. And as a matter of fact no one but he has ever even hinted at such a happening in any part of our Islands, for the whole of which, at the time he wrote, no more than over a hundred Rollers were on record, of which Sussex's share amounted to about fourteen.'

149). 1908 West Midlands Patshull, Shropshire, shot, June.

(F. C. R. Jourdain & H. F. Witherby, British Birds 4: 106; Smith, 1939; Harrison et al., 1982; Harrison & Harrison, 2005).

History F. C. R. Jourdain & H. F. Witherby (1910) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 106, say: 'One shot by a keeper in June, 1908, at Patshull (Hon. G. Legge). The first authentic record, though an example is said to have been seen at Berkeley.'

Comment Inland records are unusual.

150). 1910 Norfolk Garboldisham, seen, 16th May.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1911: 167; Eds., British Birds 5: 82; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 791).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1911) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XV. p. 167, says: 'May 13th. E.S.E., 4. A bird, which, from the description, was possibly a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) (cf. British Birds, IV. p. 126), was seen by Capt. S. E. Holland and others in an osier-bed at Mundesley-on-Sea. Within a few days of its occurrence a Roller was also seen at Garboldisham by Mr. A. R. Dunell. A rather high easterly wind had prevailed for some days.'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 82, they say: 'On May 13th a Roller (Coracias garrulus) was seen at Garboldisham.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 791, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.

151). 1910 Dumfries & Galloway Auchenbrack (Tynron), Dumfriesshire, female, 23rd June.

(Gladstone, 1910; L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1911: 139; Gladstone, 1923).

History Gladstone (1910) says: 'A Roller was shot near Auchenbrac [sic] (Tynron) on June 23rd, 1910. It had been seen there for three or four days previously, frequenting certain tall trees bordering Shinnel Water. It proved, on dissection, to be a female but not in breeding condition, and the stomach contained the remains of flies, and beetles' wings.'

Admitted by L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1911) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XX. p. 139', under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1910'.

152). 1910 Sussex Framfield, killed, June.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 171) says: 'From Mr. J. Balcombe I ascertained that one of these birds was killed at Framfield during June, 1910.'

153). 1911 Devon Near Chagford, seen, 3rd to 7th August and a few days more.

(A. Bankes, British Birds 5: 136; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 281; Moore, 1969).

History Arthur Bankes (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 136, says: 'I went down to Dartmoor on August 3rd, 1911, and stayed not far from Chagford in a house close to the moor, 1,200 feet above sea level. For four days after I arrived there a Roller (Coracias garrulus) frequented some rough fields adjoining the moor. It was not at all wild, and if a little caution were exercised it could be approached within fifteen or twenty yards. It was, I think, a young bird, as there was very little blue on the head or breast. It evidently moved on elsewhere about August 7th, as I never saw it after that date, and could not hear that any such bird had been shot.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Immature bird seen, Chagford (Devon), August 3rd to 7th.'

154). c. 1915 North-east Scotland Near Hazelhead, obtained, undated.

(Anon., Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society 3: 275).

History Anon. (1916) in the Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society, Vol. III. p. 275, it says: 'Mr. James Duncan showed a stuffed specimen of a bird (11th April, 1916), the Coracias garrula (Roller), shot by Mr. William Adams at Fernlea Nurseries, near Hazelhead. This bird is only a casual visitor to this country, being a native of Sweden, Denmark, and from Asia to Africa.'

155). 1917 Suffolk Parham, shot, undated.

(Ticehurst, 1932).

History Ticehurst (1932: 201) says: 'Mr. N. B. Garrard informs me that he has a Roller which was shot at Parham in 1917.'

156). 1918 Hampshire New Milton, female, shot, 23rd September.

(R. E. Coles, British Birds 12: 140-141; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History R. E. Coles (1918) in British Birds, Vol. XII. pp. 140-141, says: 'A female Roller (Coracias garrulus) was brought to me on September 23rd, 1918, having been shot that day in the parish of New Milton, Hampshire. It was in good condition and plumage. The authors of The Birds of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight give five records for the county (p. 112), the last occurrence being reported by the late Mr. G. B. Corbin, who sent a note to The Zoologist, 1904, p, 458, that a bird was seen on several occasions from May to July, 1904, on an estate near Ringwood.'

157). 1921 Essex Ramsey, near Harwich, hit wires, 17th June, died 19th June, now at the Essex Museum, Stratford.

(P. Thompson, Essex Naturalist 19: 327; W. B. Nichols, British Birds 15: 60; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History Percy Thompson (1921) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. XIX. p. 327, says: 'A specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrulus L.) was captured alive in an exhausted condition after having "telegraphed" itself at Ramsey, near Harwich, on 17 June 1921; a second example is reported to have been seen at the same time.

The captured bird was brought to our Member, Mr. W. B. Nichols, of Bradfield, Manningtree, but soon succumbed; and Mr. Nichols has very kindly had the specimen set up and has presented it to the Club's Museum at Stratford.

This is believed to be only the second authenticated record of the occurrence of this rare straggler in our County. Miller Christy, in his Birds of Essex (p. 150) refers to an example, shot at Great Chesterford in 1865, and now in the Saffron Walden Museum, as being the only county record known to him.'

W. B. Nichols (1921) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 60, says: 'On June 17th, 1921, a Roller (Coracias g. garrulus) was brought alive to my house. I was unfortunately absent from home and my gardener, who received the bird, was ignorant of its natural food, with the consequence that it died on the 19th. The man who brought it has since informed me that it flew against a telegraph wire in the parish of Ramsey and that another bird, apparently of the same species, was seen on the preceding or following day.'

Glegg (1929: 111) says: 'This bird was captured after hitting telegraph wires and brought alive to Mr. W. B. Nichols on 17th June 1921. Unfortunately, it died two days later and was presented to the Essex Museum, Stratford.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968: 68; Cox 1984: 192).

Comment The remark of a second bird is ignored through lack of detail.

158). 1922 Norfolk Southery, near Downham, 30th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 16: 232; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 589; Riviere, 1930; Seago, 1977).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 232, in the Norfolk Annual Report, says: 'One at Southery, near Downham, on September 30th (R. Smith); the last certain occurrences were in September, 1901, September, 1902, and October, 1903.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1924) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XI. p. 589, under 'Additions to Part XI (Eighth List) 1919-23'.

159). 1923 Devon Daleditch Lane, near Budleigh Salterton, seen, 11th April.

(W. Walmesley White, British Birds 17: 86; Moore, 1969).

History W. Walmesley White (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 86, says: "On April 11th, 1923, I saw a Roller (Coracias g. garrulus) in Daleditch Lane, near Budleigh Salterton. Though, owing to bad light, I was not in a position to see the plumage distinctly, the size, shape, and flight of the bird, and, more important still, the very characteristic harsh note, made identification quite certain. Moreover I have seen and heard Rollers in the Canary Islands on many occasions. This record is of special interest because a Roller was shot in Daleditch Lane in September, 1841 (vide D'Urban and Mathew's Birds of Devon, p. 118).'

160). 1924 Sussex Wish Park, West Hove, flying south, 11th September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (2): 171) says: 'On September 11th, 1924, in Wish Park, West Hove, my son drew my attention to a biggish bird flying directly towards us. When first seen, it was about eighty yards distant, but even then I knew for a species new to me - its cut told me that at a glance. And at closer quarters - for luckily it held to its original course and indeed eventually passed overhead within about thirty feet before disappearing coastwards - I experienced no trouble whatever in identifying it as a Roller. We could not see much of its upper-parts - in fact, only one or two snatchy glimpses as it turned sideways - and so missed enjoying their beauty to perfection, the chestnut of the mantle, for instance. But, on the other hand, especially from directly beneath, the vivid pale blue of its under-parts and of the under-sides of its wings was extremely conspicuous. It had a distinctly corvine build, flight and cry. Thus, its general appearance and wing-action partook of a Jackdaw's and Jay's combined, though in size it was somewhat inferior to either of those species, whilst its harsh double cry of "wacka wacka" - thrice repeated in less than a minute - was rather reminiscent of one of the latter's utterances. Perhaps because of the prevailing puffs of wind, but perhaps also because several primaries were missing from one wing (it looked as if it had been shot at), it now and then pitched about erratically, almost in drunken fashion one might appositely say. On the other hand, this may be the bird's normal mode of aerial aggression. If so, its name is appropriate.'

161). 1925 Highland Fasnakyle, Glen Affric, near Beauly, Inverness-shire, seen, 15th September to early October.

(C. W. Mackworth-Praed, British Birds 19: 177; Scottish Naturalist 46: 73;).

History C. W. Mackworth-Praed (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 177, says: 'A Roller (Coracias garrulus) was seen by Col. Stephenson Clarke and myself on September 15th, 1925, and almost every day afterwards for three weeks, at Fasnakyle in Glen Affric, 18 miles from Beauly, Inverness-shire. It lived on the trees and fence posts in front of the house and was relatively tame, i.e. would allow one to approach within 30 yards. It fed almost exclusively on the big blue-black dung beetles and it always took them in flight. It had a favourite ant-heap where it used to sit at times and there was a quantity of disgorged beetle-wings, etc., on the top of it. During the time the bird was at Fasnakyle there was one heavy storm as well as two or three sharp frosts, but it appeared to be in perfect condition. To meet with a Roller in a deer-forest was certainly an unusual experience.'

162). 1927 Shetland Baliaster, Unst, seen, April.

(N. B. Kinnear, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 49: 99-102).

History N. B. Kinnear, Editor (1929) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XLIX. pp. 99-102, at the 327th Meeting of the Club held on 10th April 1929 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Mr. A. F. Griffith read some notes on Shetland birds observed in Yell and Unst, mostly in June: - My daughter and I spent from the 8th to the 16th June in Mid Yell and from that date to July 2 in Unst....I am glad to report what appears to be the first record of the Roller in Shetland. Robbie Mouat, of Brakefield, Unst, told me that he had several times seen a blue bird at Ballister [sic] in April 1927.

He is a most careful observer, and told me that it was wont to sit on a wall near the road and fly down to the field below, returning to sit on the wall. On enquiring whether it sat upright or how, he said no, very level. A day or two afterwards Mrs. Sandison, of Houlland (neé Miss Saxby), told me she had seen a Jay there several times then. When I got home I sent Robbie the volumes of Bowdler Sharpe's British Birds, with coloured illustrations, directing his attention to the Jay and Roller specially.

He wrote, "I have been looking over those books, and I see no bird which bears any resemblance to the one I saw except the Roller, which for size and colour is the same, so it must have been a Roller. I noticed the bird had a peculiar crouching way when on the ground. I was not nearer than about 70 yards. When moving it was rather slow and had a peculiar flitting motion".'

163). 1927 Berkshire Eton, shot, 28th May.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, 1927; Eds., British Birds 22: 171; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

History In an Editorial (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 171, in a Review of the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, 1927, by B. W. Tucker, they say: 'Roller (Coracias g. garrulus). - One was shot at Eton (Berks.) on May 28th.'

164). 1927 Argyll Achaforse High Wood, Mull, shot, 10th September, now at National Museums of Scotland.

(J. Ritchie, Scottish Naturalist 50: 92; Eds., British Birds 24: 110; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History James Ritchie (1930) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. L. p. 92, says: 'A fine example of Roller, Coracias garrulus, has been presented to the Royal Scottish Museum, by the trustees of the late Mr. G. H. Craig Sellar, Ardtornish, Mull. It was shot in Achaforse High Wood on 10th September 1927.'

In an Editorial (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 110, they say: 'Dr. J. Ritchie records that a Coracias g. garrulus, shot in Mull on September 10th, 1927, has been presented to the Royal Scottish Museum.'

165). 1930 Shetland Brough, Whalsay, shot, autumn.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 29; Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004).

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 29, on 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Roller. - I examined a fine specimen of this species which had been obtained at Brough, Whalsay, in the autumn of 1930, [while on a visit to Shetland in September 1936]. I obtained corroborative evidence that it had been got there.'

166). 1931 Cleveland/Yorkshire Grinkle Park, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire, shot, 11th June.

(W. S. Medlicott, British Birds 29: 326; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History W. S. Medlicott (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 326, says: 'Mr. E. Scott, gamekeeper, at Grinkle Park, Yorkshire, thought he heard a Jay calling in "Starvation Wood", on June 11th, 1931; when he got to the tree a bird flew out, which he shot. Soon afterwards he told me he had shot a Roller, but I was not able to see the bird until quite recently. I find he has it well set up in a case, and it is undoubtedly a fine specimen of the Roller (Coracias g. garrulus). I think this occurrence is worth putting on record.'

[Eighteen occurrences are given in Nelson's Birds of Yorkshire (1907), the last being in 1901. Several were in July and two in June. - Eds.]

Accepted locally for Yorkshire (Chislett 1952: 133; Mather 1986: 414).

167). 1932 Hertfordshire Near Sandon, seen, 6th February.

(N. K. Stone, British Birds 25: 335; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History N. K. Stone (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 335, says: 'On February 6th, 1932, while crossing a ploughed field near Sandon, between Baldock and Royston, I saw a bird flying straight along about ten feet from the ground. It passed within twelve feet of me and its coloration immediately attracted my attention. The head and belly were greenish-blue, and the back and wings a bright chestnut or reddish-brown. The bird was about the size of a Rook, and I recognized it as a Roller (Coracias garrulus), which I afterwards confirmed by examination of specimens.'

[It would seem from the unusual date that this bird had wintered in northern Europe. One was recorded in Norfolk in February, 1824. Most occurrences have been in autumn, some in spring and summer, but many records are not dated. A previous occurrence in Hertfordshire is dated September 20th, 1852, Chipperfield Common. - Eds.]

Comment Second ever winter record after one in Norfolk, February 1824.

168). 1933 Devon Kingsbridge, seen, early July.

(F. C. Butters, A. B. Gay, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1933: 9; Moore, 1969).

History F. C. Butters et al. (1933) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VI. p. 9, says: 'Kingsbridge. July (early). One reported by accurate observer, identity certain. (A.M.C.N.).'

169). 1933 Kent Bobbing, Sittingbourne, immature, shot, mid-August.

(KOS in prep.).

History Philip Redman having recently read through Norman Ticehurst’s letters discovered this new record which was confirmed by a living relative who recalled the specimen. The record has been accepted by KOS.

170). 1935 Northumberland Snabdough, Tarset, female, picked up alive, 3rd June, now at the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(G. W. Temperley, Vasculum 1935: 113; Eds., Naturalist 61: 231; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History W. H. Pearsall & W. R. Grist, Editors (1935) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXI. p. 231, say: 'In the August number of The Vasculum (p. 113), Mr. G. W. Temperley records that a female Roller was picked up in a dying state on 3rd June on Snabdough, near Tarset. It is now in the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.'

171). 1937 Orkney Stronsay, seen, 8th May.

(J. G. Marwick, The Orcadian 8th Jul., 1937; Groundwater, 1974; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Groundwater (1974) says: 'In The Orcadian J. G. Marwick noted three more recent occurrences - one on Stronsay on 8th May 1937.'

172). 1938 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 28th April.

(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1938: 15; Eds., British Birds 32: 158; Eds., British Birds 33: 56; Seago, 1977).

History Jim Vincent (1938) in the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 15, under 'Notes from Hickling, 1938', says: 'This was seen by a farmer and his daughter on a meadow behind their house. It was flying up and down to the branches of a small oak tree. I was informed of it and had an excellent view of the bird perching and in flight, for over an hour.'

In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 158, they say: 'Mr. J. Vincent informs us that on April 28th, 1938, he had a good view of a Roller (Coracias g. garrulus) at Hickling. The bird was at the edge of a small copse and Mr. Vincent saw it both flying and perching. It eventually flew northward and was seen later in the day about half a mile away.'

In an Editorial (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 56, in a Review of the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1938, they say: 'Mr. Vincent records a Roller (no date given).'

173). 1938 Buckinghamshire Great Missenden, seen, 5th July.

(M. Z. Rawlins, British Birds 32: 118-119).

History Magdalen Z. Rawlins (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. pp. 118-119, says: 'A Roller (Coracias g. garrulus) alighted in my garden at Great Missenden about 8.30 a.m. on July 5th, 1938. It flew on to a wood-stack some 15 ft. distant from an open door of the house, where it remained for more than half an hour. We thus had a very good view of the bird. The bird was about the size of a Jackdaw. The head, underparts and wing coverts were turquoise blue, a light greenish blue. The back was a light warm brown. The primary wing feathers and tail feathers were black, and when the bird flicked its wings and tail, as it did every now and then, it disclosed their undersides which were a brilliant deep blue. The beak and eyes were greyish-black and the feet yellow.

The bird sat very quietly but now and then moved its head; and flicked its wings and tail. It also went to other perches, and in the afternoon took flight with the full western light on it. With the wings open the whole under-parts of the bird, including all the under-wing, was the same turquoise blue-green and had a very beautiful appearance. The feathering up the neck below the head gleamed with more brilliant light green colours. It made a strong straight flight into some oak trees in the garden but I did not see it again.'

[This we believe to be the first recorded appearance of the bird in Buckinghamshire. - Eds.]

Comment Inland records are unusual.

174). 1947 Norfolk Cawston Manor, early June.

(Seago, 1977).

History Seago (1977) says: 'Since Riviere's History there are a further three records: Cawston Manor early June 1947.'

175.0). 1947 Hampshire Fritham, New Forest, near Fareham, juvenile, 15th to 21st September; also in Wiltshire.

(E. Cohen et al., British Birds 41: 119-120; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History E. Cohen, F. J. Goddard, H. G. Pesel & B. Whitehead (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. pp. 119-120, say: 'On September 15th, 1947, keeper George Blake reported that he and under-keeper Bert Smith had observed a strange bird in the New Forest near Fritham which he had identified in Coward's Birds of the British Isles as a Roller (Coracias g. garrulus). Subsequently it was seen by all the undersigned, by B.W. on September 16th, 19th. and 20th, by H.G.P. and F.J.G. on the 20th and by E.C. on the 21st. It frequented open heathy ground and was generally to be seen perching on telegraph or other overhead wires, from which it repeatedly dived down into the heather, evidently in pursuit of food, and quickly flew up on to the wires again.

From the comparatively dull colouring of the body it was clearly a bird of the year, but the fleeting display of vivid blue on the wings every time it flew down from its perch or up again from the ground was very striking. The bird was watched by H.G.P. from about 5 to 6 p.m. (B.S.T.) against a sinking sun and thus under unfavourable conditions for accurately observing shades of colouring. The most satisfactory observation for this purpose was probably that of B.W., who on September 19th was able to drive his car to a position only about 15 yards from the bird with the sun full on it, and the following brief description is based mainly on his notes and those of F.J.G.

Back chestnut or warm brown, under-parts light blue, with pinkish tinge on breast and chin cream or whitish, primaries dark brown, tail brown in centre, showing blue at sides, feet brownish-yellow, bill dark brown, almost black. There is some discrepancy in several observers' impressions of the colour of the head, due no doubt to the conditions of observation; according to B.W., who, as stated above, watched the bird at close range in a good light, it appeared not very different from the back. On September 22nd, E.C. failed to find it again and it does not appear to have been observed by anyone subsequently.'

In a review of the Report of the Natural History Section of the Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, 1947, in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 310, it says: 'A Roller reported from Hampshire in 1947 spent part of its time in Wiltshire.'

175.1). 1947 Wiltshire Near Bramshaw, late September and early October; same as Hampshire.

(R. G. Barnes & G. Peirson, Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society 1948: 237; Eds., British Birds 43: 310; Peirson, 1959; Buxton, 1981; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

History R. G. Barnes & G. Peirson (1948) in the Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. LII. p. 237, say: 'The presence of a Roller for some days on the Hants-Wilts border has been independently recorded by Mr. W. A. Chaplin and Dr. Brian Whitehead. Mr. Chaplin, with his son, saw it on Sept. 14th about a mile inside the Wiltshire boundary and noted that the "bird as distinctly blue in colour and about the size of a Jay, with some chestnut about the back. It was Particularly noticed that it did not possess a head like the hawk tribe. It was perched on telegraph wires, and while under observation it plunged down into the heather and immediately returned to its former perch on the wires".

Dr. Whitehead writes that the Roller was on the Wiltshire boundary for 10 days and that he saw it on three separate occasions at the end of September and beginning of October. On the first two occasions it was in Hampshire but on the last it was in Wiltshire, when Dr. Whitehead got within 15 yards of the bird. A letter in the Southern Daily Echo of Oct. 11th from Mr. F. J. Goddard gives an account of the bird and of his seeing it with Dr. Whitehead and Dr. Pesel. Both Dr. Whitehead and Mr. Goddard remark on its beauty.'

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 195, in a Review of the Report of the Natural History Section of the Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, for 1947, they say: 'A Roller reported from Hampshire in 1947 spent part of its time in Wiltshire.'

Wiltshire Ornithological Society (2007: 495) state that it was seen by two observers just inside the county boundary with Hampshire, near Bramshaw, on 14th September 1947; it was later seen in Hampshire and returned to Wiltshire in October.

176). 1949 Sussex Clayton Downs, near Brighton, immature, seen, 15th August.

(L. P. Alder, British Birds 43: 301; James, 1996).

History L. P. Alder (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 301, says: 'While I was on the ridge of the South Downs at Clayton, north of Brighton, Sussex, on the evening of August 15th, 1949, a Roller (Coracias garrulus) passed overhead some twenty feet above me, heading almost due south. There was a slight south-westerly wind at that time and had been for three days, though prior to the 12th the winds had been somewhat stronger. I had noted the bird approaching some way off and had immediately recognized the buoyant wing action which I had observed many times in C. benghalensis in India.

Although it may have risen gradually to clear the downs, it would appear that migration was taking place at about 700 feet, as the bird maintained a level approach after first being picked up. It is possible that feeding in flight took place as I noted that the bill was open, and on one occasion the bird pitched sideways as if to take an insect. As the weather was distinctly warm at the time the open bill may have merely indicated panting. I concluded that the bird was immature, as the throat and under-parts were pale brown with a greenish tinge and appeared streaked. The dark-tipped wings were greenish blue underneath, but as the bird passed almost directly overhead I failed to obtain a clear view of the upper-parts.'

177). 1949 Devon Lundy, probably female, 25th August.

(F. C. Butters et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1949: 28; H. Boyd, British Birds 43: 215; Moore, 1969).

History F. C. Butters et al. (1949) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. p. 28, says: 'Lundy, Aug. 25, one, probably female (H. Boyd).'

Hugh Boyd (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 215, says: 'One, probably female, seen August 25th by five observers.'

Moore (1969) says: 'Lundy, one, probably a female, seen by E. H. Ware, 25th August.'