Great Snipe (1/4)

Scolopacidae

Oct 17

Written By Keith Naylor

Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) (352, 16)

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

Formerly known as the Solitary Snipe or Double Snipe.

During the 1800s and early 1900s it was recorded mainly by shooting parties, and although these are not wholly reliable due to the confusion that a heavy bird was bound to be a Great Snipe, we now know that to be false. The journals of the day, due to printing restrictions, didn't always print the relevant detail for identification, so we are left to judge on the facts as we see them.

Jenyns (1835) stated the length as 12" 6 lines, Bill 2" 9 lines and the breadth with wings extended 19". Gladstone (1922) stated that the Common Snipe weighed between 4-5 oz. but sometimes as much as 7-8 oz and had fourteen tail feathers, while the Great Snipe weighed normally 7-8 oz. but sometimes as much as 10 oz. and had sixteen tail feathers. Both of these statements are now known to be variable and cannot be the sole criteria.

Identification has really improved since Montagu's Dictionary whose description wasn't very clear, but he did state that most records were from the vernal migration. Yarrell's 2nd edition (1845) had a better description and drawing of the species. In the 21st century the pattern of occurrence is through August to October with a smaller spring migration. Winter records are now treated with scepticism; also records that just mention the weight of the bird are open to suspicion.

There are five specimens from Norfolk during 1886/87 that are in the Birmingham Museum and could relate to the records below. The Great Snipe has been much scarcer in the 20th and 21st centuries.

RECORDS

1). Pre 1776 Lancashire & North Merseyside Latham, shot, undated.

(Pennant, 1776-77; Montagu, 1802; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Hartert, 1912; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).

History Pennant (1776 (2): 450, 4th ed.) says: 'This species is rarely found in England. A fine specimen, shot in Lancashire, is preserved in the Museum of Ashton Lever, Esq. The weight eight ounces. The head divided lengthways by a testaceous line, bounded on each side by another of black; above and beneath each eye is another; neck and breast of a yellowish white, finely marked with semicircular lines of black; belly, with cordated spots; sides undulated with black. Back, coverts of wings, and scapulars testaceous, spotted with black and edged with white. Primaries dusky. Tail rust-coloured, barred with black. Legs black?'

Montagu (1802) says: 'This species is rarely met with in England; it was first described by Mr. Pennant from a specimen shot in Lancashire, now in the Leverian Museum.'

Yarrell (1845 (3: 18, 2nd ed.) says: 'The Great Snipe was first described as a British Bird by Pennant, from a specimen killed in Lancashire, preserved in the Leverian Museum.'

Locally, Mitchell (1892: 219) adds: '...preserved in the museum of Sir Ashton Lever.' White, McCarthy & Jones (2008: 150) say: 'Shot at Latham around 1787. Specimen lost since the break up of the Leverian Museum in 1806.'

2). 1792 Suffolk No locality, shot, September.

(Latham, 1801; Montagu, 1802).

History Latham (1801: 308-309, 2nd supp.) says: 'Weight eight ounces and a quarter; length from the bill to the end of the tail twelve inches; to the end of the toes sixteen inches; bill two inches and three quarters, black; the under mandible pale half way from the base; the top of the head brown, mottled with rufous; down the middle a clay coloured line; sides of the head pale clay colour, speckled with brown; through the eye, from the bill, a dark brown streak, and a paler one curving round the under mandible; hind part of the neck, half the back, and scapulars, chocolate brown, the feathers streaked on the sides with clay colour, and barred with ferruginous; the lower part of the back brown, crossed with numerous greyish white lines; tail coverts pale rufous clay colour, barred with black brown, and so long as to cover the tail for two thirds of its length; the tail when spread out is rounded at the end; the eight middle feathers are dusky for three fourths of the length from the base, the rest of the length rufous, crossed with two or three bars of black; but the four middle feathers are deep rufous, and the two on each side very pale; the two outermost feathers on each side wholly white and black in alternate bars; the wing coverts black brown, spotted with rufous white; rest of the wing dusky black; every feather but the greater quills tipped with white; beneath the wings beautifully crossed with white and dusky bars; the fore part of the neck is the same as behind; the breast, belly, and vent, crossed with numerous dusky bars, inclined to a zigzag shape on the sides; legs pale blueish brown, and bare above the knee for half an inch.

This is a rare species, and has not been met with more than three times to my knowledge, nor does it appear to be at all plentiful in this kingdom, a circumstance which will apologise for describing it so fully, from a recent one now in my collection, shot in Suffolk, September 1792.'

Montagu (1802) says: 'Dr. Latham assures us he saved one from the hands of the cook at a friend's house, where, without discrimination, it was intended for the table with several of the common kind, and which is now in his museum.'

Comment Montagu's statement could refer to this record as the one from Suffolk is in Latham's museum.

3). 1793 Sussex Near Horsham, shot, about 1st October.

(W. Markwick, Transactions of the Linnean Society 4: 8, 21; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1890: 341; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History William Markwick of Catsfield (1795) in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. IV. p. 8, under 'Aves Sussexienses', read 5th May, 1795, says: 'Great Snipe. I have seen one of this species which was killed near Horsham.'

Further, p. 21, he adds: 'On the 1st of October, 1793, I received this bird from a friend. I have no doubt of its being the Scolopax major of Mr. Latham, although it was inferior in size and weight, and differed somewhat in colour from that gentleman's description; perhaps mine was a young bird.'

J. E. Harting (1890) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIV. p. 341, says: 'The Great Snipe, Scolopax major, referred too (Cat. p. 8) as seen by the author, and killed near Horsham, was obtained on the 1st Oct. 1793 (MS. p. 23), and a full description is given of it, together with a water-colour drawing.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 222, 223) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 227) who adds: 'Our first known Great Snipe serves to embalm Markwick's memory. It was shot near Horsham in 1793, on or about October 1st, though not after. The date comes to light in his MS. 'British Ornithology', (p. 32) wherein a water-colour sketch enhances the "letterpress", the bird bearing the legend of "Greater" Snipe. In his 'Aves Sussexienses' (p. 8), put together previously, locality only had leaked out.'

Comment Walpole-Bond obviously didn't read all of Markwick's 'Aves Sussexienses', otherwise he would have found the date on p. 21.

4). 1822 Northumberland Near Twizell, killed, October.

(Selby, 1825, 1833; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Selby (1833 (2): 116-118) says: 'In Northumberland several instances have come under my own knowledge within the last eight or ten years, and the specimen from which the figure in Plate XXIII is taken, was killed in October 1822 on some boggy ground within a short distance of Twizell....Plate 28. Fig. 2. Represents this bird of the natural size, from a very perfect specimen killed near Twizell in October 1822, and which weighed nearly nine ounces. Bill of a pale brown colour, inclining to flesh-red at the base, with the tip blackish-brown. Between the bill and eyes is a narrow streak of rich chestnut-brown. Crown of the head blackish-brown, with a few specks of reddish-brown, with a central streak of cream-coloured white. Eye streak, cheeks, and throat, cream-yellow, finely speckled with brown. Hind part of the neck pale ochreous yellow, spotted with brown. Fore part of the neck yellowish-white, with large angular brown spots. Back brownish-black, varied with pale chestnut-brown; the outer webs of the feathers having a broad yellowish-white margin. Shoulders and scapulars yellowish-brown, and on each feather a large black bar near the tip, and the outer webs with white edges. Tertials barred with black, and margined with a double line of black and yellowish-white. Lesser wing-coverts marbled with black and yellowish-brown, and tipped with white. Greater coverts black, tipped with white. Quills dusky, or deep hair-brown. Breast, sides, and flanks white, with triangular transverse bars of deep hair-brown. Belly the same, with smaller hair-brown undulations or bars. Thighs barred, hair-brown and white. Tail consisting of sixteen feathers; the two centre ones black for two-thirds of their length; the remaining part of a bright chestnut-brown colour, with a narrow black bar near the tip, which is itself reddish-white; and the outer feathers white, barred with hair-brown. Upper tail-coverts yellowish-brown, barred with black. Legs yellowish-grey, tinged with brown.'

Accepted locally (Evans 1911: 202) and by Bolam (1912: 546) who listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. First recorded by Selby (1825) as shot near Twizell in October, 1822.

Comment Twizell House was the home of Prideaux John Selby.

5). 1826 Cambridgeshire No locality, Huntingdonshire, shot, autumn.

(W. Yarrell, Zoological Journal 3: 88).

History W. Yarrell (1827-28) in the Zoological Journal, Vol. III. p. 88, dated October 1826, says: 'The Great Snipe has also occurred three times during the autumn; two were shot in Lincolnshire, and the third in Huntingdonshire.'

6). 1826 Co. Durham Near Sedgefield, 5/6, shot, autumn.

(Selby, 1833; Temperley, 1951; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

History Selby (1833 (2): 116) says: 'In the year 1826, being a very dry and warm season, they seem to have visited us in more than usual numbers, as several individuals were killed in different marshes; and I am informed that not less than five or six were shot on one morass not far from Sedgefield, in the county of Durham.'

Temperley (1951) says: 'Selby (1831) described it as "a rare and occasional visitant" and recorded that "several were shot during the dry autumn of 1826 in a marsh near Sedgefield in the County of Durham"....Tristram (1905) wrote: Rarely an autumn passes without one or more specimens being recorded. I possess a specimen shot...at Sedgefield in 1826.'

Bowey & Newsome (2012) after stating this to be their first authenticated record add that Hutchinson (1840) in his MS. wrote that 'a few have been killed in Morden Carrs', which was a popular shooting locality at the time, is close to Sedgefield, so could relate to this record.

11). 1826 Lincolnshire No localities, two, shot, autumn.

(W. Yarrell, Zoological Journal 3: 88).

13). 1826 Norfolk Various localities, five, killed, same week of autumn.

(Hunt, 1829; Stevenson, 1870; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).

History Stevenson (1870 (2): 302) says: 'In Mr. Hunt's "List" five examples are said to have been killed in the same week, in various parts of the county in the autumn of 1826.'

Dye, Fiszer & Allard (2009) accept this record as the first for Norfolk.

18). 1830 Co. Durham Thornley, shot, September.

(Hancock, 1874; Temperley, 1951).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'A specimen was shot at Thornley, county of Durham, September, 1830.'

19). 1830 Co. Durham Witton-le-Wear, shot, October, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Hancock, 1874; Temperley, 1951).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'One, in the Newcastle Museum, was killed at Witton-le-Wear, October, 1830.'

20). 1831 Norfolk Various localities, many (5), killed, August and September.

(Lubbock, 1845; Stevenson, 1870; Lubbock, 1879).

History Lubbock (1845) says: 'In 1831, many were killed during August and September. The heaviest which came under my observation weighed 10 oz.; but the general weight is from 7½ to 8½ oz.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 302) says: 'In 1831, Mr. Lubbock states that "many were killed during August and September".'

Southwell, Editor (1879: 113, 2nd ed.) in Lubbock's Fauna of Norfolk, says: 'In 1831, many were killed during August and September. The heaviest which came under my observation weighed 10 oz; but the general weight is from 7½ to 8½ oz.'

25). 1833 Co. Durham Near Bishop Auckland, shot, undated.

(Hancock, 1874; Temperley, 1951).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'I have also an example...taken near Bishop Auckland, 1833.'

26). 1835 Norfolk Sutton, six, killed, mid-September.

(Yarrell, 1845; Lubbock, 1845; Stevenson, 1870; Lubbock, 1879).

History Yarrell (1845 (3): 19-20, 2nd ed.) says: 'The Rev. Richard Lubbock, Norfolk, writes me from Norfolk as follows: Mr. Paget says of this bird, "not uncommon in the autumn", which is strictly true. I have known more than twenty specimens come under my own observation in the same season...and have invariably found them occurring in autumn, generally early in the season, often in September. This species is very frequently found in pairs, and does not deserve to be called Solitary [Snipe]....I have handled more than a dozen specimens; have shot the bird three times myself; and all I have seen were loaded with flesh and fat. I find I have noted that Richardson, the fenman, killed six of the Great Snipes in the second week of September 1835; four of these birds were in pairs, and proved male and female respectively.'

Lubbock (1845) says: 'In the second week of September, 1835, six of these birds were killed at Sutton by the same individual. In flight, this bird does not appear strikingly larger than the Common Snipe, which it does not much exceed in length from bill to tail, or extent of wing; its bulk is the effect of high condition. Of many fresh specimens which I have examined, all without exception were lumps of fat. In rising, it may at once be distinguished from the Common Snipe...A drier marsh seems to content it than those which the Snipe or Jack Snipe delight in. Often by the end of August they are here, and they seldom occur later than the middle of October. They are never to be found in March, the usual period of the Snipe's vernal migration.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 302) adds the locality as Sutton. Southwell, Editor (1879: 113-114, 2nd ed.) in Lubbock's Fauna of Norfolk, says: 'In the second week of September, 1835, six of these birds were killed at Sutton by the same individual.'

Comment Southwell (1879) followed this up with a description of the species and its habitat.

32) 1836 Northumberland Buteland, killed, September.

(E. Charlton, Transactions of the Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club 5: 101; Bolam, 1912).

History E. Charlton (1860-62) in the Transactions of the Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club, Vol. V. p. 101, says: 'We possess a fine specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe, which was shot in 1836 at Buteland. The bird was so fat that it burst open when it fell.'

Bolam (1912) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was of one killed at Buteland, 1836, and in Dr. Charlton's collection at Hesleyside (Trans. Tyneside Nat. Field Club Vol. V. p. 101).

33). 1836 Northumberland Near Twizell House, female, shot, 8th September.

(P. J. Selby, Magazine of Zoology & Botany 1: 415; P. J. Selby, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 1: 160; Bolam, 1912).

History P. J. Selby (1837) in the Magazine of Zoology & Botany, Vol. I. p. 415, says: 'A fine specimen of S. major (Great or Solitary Snipe), was shot on the 8th of September, by Mr. Selby, upon the moor near Twizell House. It was in perfect plumage, and very fat, its weight six ounces. Its flight was observed to be different from that of the Common Snipe (S. gallinago), and somewhat resembled that of the Woodcock. It uttered no cry when flushed.'

P. J. Selby (1831-41) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. I. p. 160, says: 'On the 8th of September last, I killed a beautiful specimen of this rare British bird upon the moor within a mile's distance of Twizell House [his residence]. It was first flushed by the setters when its peculiar flight attracted attention. Upon rising the second time when it was shot, the same difference of flight from that of the Common Snipe was observed. Upon dissection it proved a female. It was in high condition and very fat; its weight six ounces. It measured 11½ inches in length; in extent of wing 18 inches; the bill short in comparison to that of the Common Snipe, 2⅜ in length; tarsi 1¼ inch. When flushed it uttered no cry.'

Evans (1911: 202) says: 'Another at the same place [Twizell] on September 8th, 1837 (Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, Vol. I. p. 160).'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. First recorded by Selby (Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. I. p. 160) as shot near Twizell on 8th September 1836.

34). 1836 Yorkshire Sowerby Moor, shot, 27th September, now at Halifax Museum.

(Allis, 1844; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 601) says: 'The earliest reference to this bird in Yorkshire is that reported by R. Leyland, as shot in 1836, and which is mentioned in Thomas Allis's Report of 1844, thus: - Scolopax major. Great Snipe. - R. Leyland one from Sowerby Moor, shot 27th September 1836, and now in the Halifax Literary and Philosophical Society's Museum.'

35). 1839 Cambridgeshire Bottisham, September.

(Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History Lack (1934: 104) says: 'One recorded from Bottisham, in September, 1839, by Jenyns.'

Comment On looking-up the references in Lack (1934) I find that a MS. (1869) of Jenyns is in the University Museum of Zoology, whereby it gives a full and detailed account of all birds known to the writer.

36). 1839 Northumberland Elsdon, shot, 4th September.

(Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'There are two examples in the collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson, one of which was shot at Elsdon, September 4th, 1839.'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

37). 1840 Northumberland Scotswood, immature, shot, 18th September.

(Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'There are two examples in the collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson...another at Scotswood, September 18th, 1840.'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

38). 1842 Greater London Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, killed, undated.

(F. Bond, Zoologist 1843: 102; Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History Frederick Bond (1843) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 102, under 'Notes on Water birds occurring at Kingsbury Reservoir', says: 'I have sent a rough list of water-birds, including the waders, obtained or seen near Kingsbury Reservoir. Specimens of those marked thus * are in my collection; and I have not put one in the list that I am not sure of its having occurred.... *Solitary Snipe, Scolopax major.'

Glegg (1935: 159) says: 'Frederick Bond (1843) in his list of birds for the Brent Reservoir records one killed in 1842. This specimen was sold with Bond's collection at Stevens's on 22nd May 1890.'

39). 1846 Devon Dartmoor, killed, November.

(Rowe, 1848; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History Rowe (1848: 231) under 'Ornithology of Dartmoor', says: 'Rev. S. Hore. In November, 1846, a servant of Sir Anthony Buller, shot a fine specimen on Dartmoor, which was sent to Mr. Leach, who informed me of the circumstance, it is now in the museum of the Devon and Cornwall Natural History Society.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 324) say: 'In November 1846 a Great Snipe was killed on Dartmoor (E. M. Rowe's Peramb. Dartmoor, p. 231).

40). 1849 Dorset Cross Meadows, Christchurch, Hampshire, obtained, 1st October, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/207).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 233; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 233, says: 'Scolopax major. "Solitary Snipe". I have several notices of this bird, kindly supplied by Mr. Hart, but have never come across one myself in this district. He has one in his collection killed by E. Budden, of Christchurch, on October 1st, 1849.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 302) say: 'The oldest specimen in the Hart collection is dated October, 1849.'

Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this adult male (cased with four others) was shot by E. Budden Cross Meadows, Christchurch in October 1849. The person who mounted the specimen is unknown.

41). 1849 Sussex Near Lewes, shot, October, now at the Booth Museum, Brighton.

(J. B. Ellman, Zoologist 1850: 2703; Knox, 1850; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History J. B. Ellman of Lewes (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2703, dated 10th December, 1849, says: 'A specimen of this scarce bird was shot in the Levels, near this town, in October last.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 222) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 227) who says: 'An example from near Lewes dated October, 1849 (J. B. Ellman, Zool., 1850, p. 2703). Originally in the Monk collection, it is now in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

42). 1851 Suffolk Barnby, near Lowestoft, adult, shot, late April.

(P. E. Hansell, Zoologist 1851: 3175; Babington, 1884-86; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 384; Ticehurst, 1932).

History P. E. Hansell of Thorpe, Norwich (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 3175, dated 6th June, 1851, says: 'A male specimen of this bird was shot near Lowestoft, in Suffolk, the latter end of April in this year.'

Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'An adult bird shot at Barnby in spring, 1851, in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney (J. H. Gurney, jun., in litt., who says it is the finest he ever saw from East Anglia).'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 384, says: 'As additional instances I may mention...Instances of the Great Snipe here in spring are rare. One was shot near Lowestoft in April, 1851 (Zool., 1851, p. 3175).'

Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 343) who commented that this is the only spring record he feels certain about.

Comment Hansell was the person who found the supposedly nesting Great Snipes five years earlier.

43). 1851 Oxfordshire Botley, near Oxford, shot, late September.

(A. M. Norman, Zoologist 1852: 3330; Morris, 1863-67; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History A. M. Norman of Oxford (1852) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. X. p. 3330, says: 'A fine specimen of the above bird was shot at the end of September, in the gravel-pits at Botley, near here, and has since been placed in the Ashmolean Museum. Its weight was eight ounces. I am informed that a specimen was shot about ten years since, very near the same spot.'

Morris (1863-67 (6): 11, reissue) says: 'In Oxfordshire, one or two have been found at Botley one the end of September, 1851. N. Howe, Esq., of Worcester College, Oxford, has written me word of one which was killed in the winter of 1851, in a sand-pit on the road to Botley from Oxford.'

Aplin (1889: 152) says: 'One, weighing eight ounces, was shot at Oxford at the end of September, 1851 (A. M. Norman, Zoologist, p. 3330), and it was probably this specimen which Mr. N. Rowe referred to when he informed the Rev. F. O. Morris that one was shot, in the winter of 1851, in a sandpit on the road from Oxford to Botley. Mr. Norman also mentions another killed in the same place ten years earlier, which may be the one preserved in the University Museum, labelled Botley Meadow.'

44). 1851 Greater London Hendon Fields, near Kingsbury, Middlesex, killed, November.

(Harting, 1866; Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History Harting (1866: 188) says: 'A specimen, in the collection of Mr. Bond, was killed in Hendon Fields in November, 1851.' Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935: 159).

45). 1854 Suffolk Mildenhall, shot, 13th August, now at Bury St Edmunds Museum.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'A female shot at Mildenhall, Aug. 13, 1854 (Bury Museum).'

46). 1855 Northumberland Whittingham, shot, 11th September.

(Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'I have also an example shot at Whittingham, Northumberland, September 11th, 1855.' Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

47). 1855 Cornwall Towednack, first-winter, killed, about 5th October.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1855: 4895; Anon., Royal Cornwall Gazette 12th Oct., 1855: 5; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1978: 422).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1855) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. p. 4895, dated 9th October 1855, says: 'The first instance that has come to my knowledge of the Solitary Snipe having been seen or killed in Cornwall was one handed to me by the gamekeeper of W. B. Praed, Esq., of Trevathon [sic], near this place, who told me he shot it in a small wet morass near St. Ives; its weight was just 7oz., and from the indistinctness of the bars in its under plumage, with a remarkable short beak, I think it is a bird of the year.'

Anon. (1855) in the Royal Cornwall Gazette of 12th October, 1855, p. 5, says: 'An interesting specimen of the "Solitary Snipe", was shot last week, in Cold Harbour Moor, Towednack, by Mr. Holland, gamekeeper to W. B. Praed, Esq., of Trevethoe. This species is extremely rare in the Western Counties, and there is no well-authenticated instances of its having been previously found in Cornwall. The specimen weighed 7 ounces, and it appears to be a bird of the year, from the remarkable shortness of the bill, and the indistinctness of the bars on the breast and belly, which are characteristic of the species. Mr. Holland said he observed a second in the same locality. The tail feathers of this species number 16. In the Common Snipe 14. Jack Snipe 12.'

Comment The second record of one seen lacks adequate details and is rejected.

48). 1856 Norfolk Hickling Broad/Horning, five, between 6th to 19th September.

(Stevenson, 1870).

History Stevenson (1870 (2): 303) says: 'Between the 6th and 19th of September, 1856, a birdstuffer, at Norwich, received five specimens from the vicinity of Hickling and Horning, two of which were killed at one shot on a barley layer.'

Comment It would appear that Stevenson did not see them and was only informed of them. Probably genuine, but...

53). 1856 Northumberland The Chesters, North Tyne, two, one shot 19th September, the other shot a few days later.

(Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'Two specimens were killed near The Chesters, the residence of John Clayton, Esq., one on the 19th of September, 1856, the other a few days afterwards.'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

55). 1856 Devon Slade, near Plymouth, caught, 4th October.

(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1857: 5593; J. Gatcombe, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 7: 113; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History John Gatcombe of Plymouth (1857) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XV. p. 5593, dated 28th March, 1857, says: 'During the past year the following rare birds have been obtained near Plymouth: - In October the Great Snipe was captured by a labourer, at Slade, the residence of Captain Pode.'

John Gatcombe (1857) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 113, dated 7th March 1857, says: 'In October last a fine specimen of the Solitary or Great Snipe (Scolopax major), was caught a few miles from Plymouth.'

Pidsley (1891: 141) says: '...another at Slade, near Exeter, in October 1856.'

Accepted locally (D'Urban & Mathew 1892).

56). 1856 Greater London Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, shot, late autumn.

(Harting, 1866; Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

History Harting (1866: 188) says: '...1851, and five years subsequently another was shot, late in autumn, on the Brent, by William Sawyer, the keeper at Kingsbury Reservoir.' Accepted locally for Middlesex (Glegg 1935: 159).

57). 1857 Oxfordshire Oxford, shot, undated.

(Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History Aplin (1889: 152) says: 'Another, in the possession of the Rev. Murray A. Mathew, was shot on the Christ Church cricket ground, Oxford, in 1857 (in litt.).'

58). 1858 Norfolk No locality, shot, 8th September.

(Stevenson, 1870).

History Stevenson (1870 (2): 302) says: 'Rev. Lubbock says that of some thirty specimens, however, that I have handled at different times, the finest, killed on the 8th of September, 1858, weighed nine and a half ounces.'

59). 1858 Yorkshire North Riding, shot, 24th September.

("Skoulasticos" Field 23rd Oct., 1858: 334; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 384).

History "Skoulasticos" (1858) in The Field of 23rd Oct., Vol. XII. p. 334, says: 'On the 24th of September, whilst out partridge-shooting in the North Riding of Yorkshire, a bird rose from a clover field, which had been pastured. It was a long shot, but thinking it was a landrail, I fired; it flew half a dozen yards, and fell; as it was falling I noticed a long beak, and also a look of astonishment on the keeper's face when he picked it up. As soon as I saw it I was delighted to find I had killed a very good specimen of the Scolopax major, of Linn., otherwise the Great or Solitary Snipe. It measures about 14 inches from the tip of the bill to the end of the toes, and weighed, two days after it was killed, and after losing a good deal of blood, seven ounces. As I have not met with any one who has killed one, can you tell me whether many have been killed in England lately, if so, in what district? I have sent the bird to be stuffed, as it was very cleanly killed. I ought to say that the bird was covered with dirt up to the very base, as if it had been feeding in very sticky ground, and that it was within three miles of the sea where I found it.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 384, says: 'As additional instances I may mention one shot in a dry clover-field, North Riding of York, Sept. 24th, 1858 (Field, Oct. 23rd, 1858).'

Comment Although anonymous records were unacceptable to naturalists, the fact that Harting (Editor) recorded it as well, makes it acceptable.

60). 1858 Northumberland East Bolton, near Alnwick, shot, September.

(R. Embleton, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 4: 92; Bolam, 1912).

History R. Embleton (1856-62) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. IV. p. 92, says: 'Solitary Snipe. A specimen of this rare species was shot a few weeks ago at East Bolton, near Alnwick. Beadnell, October, 1858.'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe, stating "One at East Bolton, near Alnwick, in September 1858 (Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol. IV. p. 92)".'

61). 1858 Devon Plymouth, killed, 13th November.

(J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1859: 6377; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History J. Gatcombe of Plymouth (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6377, dated 15th January, 1859, says: 'Great Snipe - In November, 1858, I saw a fine example of this bird, in the flesh, killed by a gentleman residing near Plymouth.'

Accepted locally with the day as 13th November (D'Urban & Mathew 1892).

62). 1859 Norfolk Rockland Broad, killed, 17th August.

(Stevenson, 1870).

History Stevenson (1870 (2): 304-305) says: 'I am enabled to state positively that with very rare exceptions indeed, the Great Snipes killed in this county are all in immature plumage; most probably birds of the year. I have never seen more than two adult birds obtained on our eastern shore, one in my own possession, killed at Rockland, on the 17th August, 1859, which was brought to me by a Norwich birdstuffer, as a curious variety.'

63). 1859 Northumberland Blenkinsopp, shot, September.

(Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'Mr. Duncan informs me that he has had two specimens through his hands, one shot at Blenkinsop, in September, 1859.'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

64). 1859 Northumberland Brinkburn, shot, September.

(Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'Mr. Duncan informs me that he has had two specimens through his hands, one shot at Brinkburn, in September, 1859.'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

65). c. 1860 Berkshire Near Cookham, shot, 2nd September.

(Clark Kennedy, 1868; Fraser & Youngman, 1976; Swash, 1996).

History Clark Kennedy (1868: 195) says: 'My friend Mr. [R. B.] Sharpe told me of a Great Snipe (now in the collection of Mrs. De Vitre at Formosa), which was shot by Mr. John Wig, a few winters ago, in the immediate neighbourhood of Cookham.'

Fraser & Youngman (1976) add the year as about 1860.

Comment R. B. Sharpe was Curator at the British Musuem (Natural History).

66). 1862 Norfolk Near Great Yarmouth, three (two females), shot, September.

(E. Ward, jun., Field 27th Sept., 1862: 298; E. Ward, jun., Field 4th Oct., 1862: 319; Stevenson, 1870).

History E. Ward, jun., (1862) in The Field of 27th Sept., Vol. XX. p. 298, says: 'Two specimens of this uncommon British bird (females by dissection), shot in different parts of Norfolk, were sent for preservation, on the 22nd inst., to Ward's Natural History Depot, Vere Street, W.'

E. Ward, jun., (1862) in The Field of 4th Oct., Vol. XX. p. 319, says: 'Mr. Ward, sen., of Vere Street, has received for preservation, already this season a third specimen of this bird, shot in Norfolk.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 303) says: 'And in September, 1862, a more than usual number were shot in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth.'

69). 1863 Yorkshire River Hull, near Beverley, female, shot, 22nd October.

(W. W. Boulton, Zoologist 1864: 8890-91; Cordeaux, 1872; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History W. W. Boulton of Beverley (1864) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. pp. 8890-91, dated 23rd October, 1863, says: 'I saw last evening a splendid specimen of the Solitary of Double Snipe in the flesh; it had been brought for preservation to Mr. R. Richardson, taxidermist, of this town. The bird had been shot yesterday by Mr. W. Stephenson, of Hull Bridge, on the river Hull, about half a mile above the bridge. Its weight was 8 ounces and two drachms, the bird being loaded with fat. On dissection it proved to be a female. Length, from tip of bill to tip of tail, 12 inches; across the extended wings, 19 inches. Its gizzard contained nothing but a few seeds and vegetable matter: is not this remarkable? I thought that snipes lived wholly upon insects, larvae and worms. I called the attention of two or three witnesses to the fact, in order to avoid mistake. I now much regret that I did not keep the contents of the gizzard.'

Accepted locally (Cordeaux 1872: 128; Nelson 1907 (2): 602; Mather 1986).

70). 1864 Argyll Near Ardrishaig, Kintyre, shot, autumn.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 1: 101; Gray, 1871; Graham, 1890; McWilliam, 1936).

History Anon. (1858-69) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. I. p. 101, at the meeting held 27th December, 1864, says: 'Dr. Dewar exhibited a specimen of the Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major), from Ardrishaig - a species which is rarely met with in Scotland. It had been lately shot near that locality, and forwarded by Mr. Colin McKinnon, corresponding member.'

Gray (1871: 310) says: 'One was shot near Ardrishaig in the autumn of 1864, and exhibited by Dr. Dewar at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow.'

McWilliam (1936) says: 'Graham (1890) under 'The Birds of Iona and Mull' notes that he had seen a specimen killed near Lochgilphead, in south Argyll. This may have been the bird killed at Ardrishaig in the winter of 1864 (Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow 1: 101).'

71). 1865 Suffolk Worlington Hall, near Beccles, adult female, killed, about 5th October.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1866: 40; Babington, 1884-86).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 40, dated October, 1865, says: 'About the 5th of October, 1865, a fine adult bird, a female, of the Solitary Snipe was killed in the vicinity of Worlington Hall, near Beccles, in Suffolk. It measured 11½ inches from tip of beak to tip of tail; 5½ inches in the wing from carpal joint; bill 2½ inches. It was in good plumage, and exceedingly fat; it weighed 7¾ ounces in full: its gizzard contained only a little fibrous matter.'

Accepted locally (Babington 1884-86: 147).

72). 1865 Borders Lightfield, Mellerstain, Roxburghshire, shot, autumn.

(Turnbull, 1867; Gray, 1871; Harting, 1872: 51; Muirhead, 1895; Evans, 1911).

History Turnbull (1867, 2nd ed.) says: 'A specimen of the Great Snipe was shot by the Earl of Haddington, in a dry grass field on the farm of Lightfield, near Mellerstain, in the autumn of 1865. This note is obligingly communicated by Lord Binning, he remarks that it is the only specimen that has come under his observation as having been shot in Berwickshire; but that he saw a Snipe of such unusual size at Langshaw, near Earlston, late year, that he feels convinced it was a specimen of Scolopax major.'

Gray (1871: 311) says: 'The Earl of Haddington has sent me word of one which was shot at Mellerstain, in Roxburghshire, by his father, the late Earl, in the autumn of 1865, and states that he himself, about that time, observed a very large snipe at Earlston, which he was certain belonged to this species.'

Muirhead (1895 (2): 240) adds: 'A specimen was shot by the Earl of Haddington in a dry grass park on the farm of Lightfield, near Mellerstain, in the autumn of 1865.' It was accepted locally (Evans 1911: 202).

73). 1865 Borders Spittal House, Hutton, killed, autumn.

(Muirhead, 1895; G. Bolam, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 79; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Muirhead (1895 (2): 240) says: 'One killed by Mr. Stow Compton-Lundie in a field at Spital House, in the parish of Hutton, about the same time [autumn, 1865]. Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'Information from W. Compton-Lundie, Esq., of Spital, 10th February 1886.'

Accepted by George Bolam (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 79, who quotes from Muirhead, and (Evans 1911: 202).

Bolam (1912: 547) says: 'One shot by Mr. Compton-Lundie at Spittal House, about the same time [autumn, 1865].'

74). 1866 Bedfordshire Biddenham, shot, September.

(Steele-Elliott, 1901; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 152) says: 'In September, 1866, the first I handled in the flesh was given to me by James the keeper who had shot it at Biddenham, but it was too mutilated to be set up except as a prey for a Merlin that I was mounting at the time.'

75). 1867 Sussex Lewes, female, shot, 16th October.

(T. J. Monk, Zoologist 1867: 1017; T. J. Monk, Field 26th Oct., 1867: 345; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History T. J. Monk of Lewes (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 1017, dated 22nd October, 1867, and in The Field of 26th Oct., Vol. XXX. p. 345, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary or Great Snipe, which was shot near Lewes, was brought me on Wednesday October 16th; I took the bird on the following day to Mr. Swaysland, of Brighton. On dissection it proved to be a female, we believe an adult, extremely fat, and weighing nearly seven ounces and three-quarters.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 222-223) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) who says: '...Borrer (p. 222) labels October 10th (1867), a mistake perpetuated by the powers at the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton (cf. e.g., 5th ed. (1927), Cat. B. in this museum, p. 234) where it has been lodged since 1905.'

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.

76). 1867 Oxfordshire Near Oxford, obtained, October, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(Booth, 1901).

History Booth (1901: 211, 3rd ed.) says: 'Another, obtained near Oxford, October, 1867. Presented Mrs. Griffith.'

77). 1868 Oxfordshire Harcourt Hill, Benson, shot, 29th August.

(Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History Aplin (1889: 152) says: 'Mr. W. Newton, jun., has a Great Snipe which was shot in a piece of cow-grass, on Harcourt Hill, near Benson, on the 29th August, 1868.'

Locally, Brucker, Gosler & Heryet (1992: 129) state it as occurring in 1858.

78). 1868 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, shot, 31st August.

("G." Field 10th Oct., 1868: 302; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1868: 1422, 1461; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1511).

History "G." [J. H. Gurney, jun.] of County Durham (1868) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 302, says: 'On the 2nd of September I received a Great Snipe, in the flesh, from Christchurch, in Hampshire. The Great Snipe differs from the common in being more bulky and weighing more, in having much larger legs and shorter bill, and in having the belly and abdomen always barred with brown and white. It has besides sixteen tail-feathers, and the eye is somewhere higher in the head than in the Common Snipe. They seem to have visited us this year in more than usual numbers; they were similarly plentiful in this county (Durham) and in Norfolk in the autumn of 1826, which a friend remembers to have also been a season of heat and drought.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. of Darlington (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1422, undated, says: 'A Great Snipe was shot near Christchurch, in Hampshire, on the 1st of September. I skinned the bird with difficulty, for it was excessively fat and swollen besides, owing to the hot weather. The inter-scapulars, scapulars and back, instead of being "rich brownish black", as described in Yarrell, are buff; hence I conclude it must be a bird of the year. When my father visited Norwich fish-market, in former years, he always used to see one or two, or perhaps three, Great Snipes there during the first fortnight in September.'

Further, p. 1461, he adds: 'On the 2nd of September I received a Great Snipe, in the flesh, from Christchurch, in Hampshire. The Great Snipe differs from the common in being more bulky and weighing more, in having much larger legs and shorter bill, and in having the belly and abdomen always barred with brown and white. It has besides sixteen tail-feathers, and the eye is somewhere higher in the head than in the Common Snipe. They seem to have visited us this year in more than usual numbers; they were similarly plentiful in this county (Durham) and in Norfolk in the autumn of 1826, which a friend remembers to have also been a season of heat and drought.'

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: '31st August 1868, Christchurch (Zool., s.s. p. 1422).' 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.'

79). 1868 Berkshire Near Reading, shot, about 1st September.

("G." Field 10th Oct., 1868: 302; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1868: 1422, 1461).

History "G." [J. H. Gurney, jun.] of County Durham (1868) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 302, says: '...another was shot the same day [1st September] near Reading.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. of Darlington (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1422, undated, says: 'Mr. Gatcombe informs me that, on Thursday the 3rd of September, he saw another, in the flesh, at a London birdstuffer's, just sent up from the neighbourhood of Reading, shot probably the same day as mine [1st September].'

80). 1868 Norfolk Limpenhoe, shot, 1st September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1869: 1492; Stevenson, 1870).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1492, dated January, 1869, says: 'September [1868]. One shot, on the 1st, at Limpenhoe; but although so abundant elsewhere, this autumn, I have heard of but two other specimens bagged in this county.'

81). 1868 Ayrshire Stewarton, near Greenock, shot, 15th September.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 1: 235-236; Gray, 1871; Paton & Pike, 1929).

History Anon. (1858-69) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. I. pp. 235-236, on 24th November, 1868, it says: 'The Secretary exhibited the following birds which had been obligingly forwarded by William Boyd, Esq., Greenock: - 2. A specimen of the Great Snipe (Scolopax major), shot by Mr. Boyd on the 15th September last, in the parish of Stewarton, Ayrshire.'

Gray (1871: 311) says: 'This species has been taken in Ayrshire by Mr William Boyd of Greenock, who informs me that he killed a specimen on 15th September 1868 on the lands of Corsehouse, in the parish of Stewarton. "I had just broken up a covey of Partridges", writes Mr Boyd, "and marked two of them into the middle of a large patch of heather and rushes; my dog had also marked them, and was creeping anxiously up to them when he made one of those undecided points which dogs make at game they are not accustomed to. I was quite sure from his attitude that he had not found the Partridges, and expected every moment to see either a hare or a fox. I was surprised, therefore, when the Snipe rose, and did not then fire, as I did not wish to disturb the Partridges: after shooting these, however, and making another search, the dog found it again in the middle of a stubble field; it again flew off before I got up, but at length dropped near a ditch, where I observed it running, just keeping before the dog's nose.

I then shot it as it dashed off, and I remarked that while flying it looked very much like a Golden Plover. I had seen the same bird three days before, as we were coming home in the evening: it rose from our feet as we were coming through a patch of potatoes, and flew slowly away, looking in the dusk like a very young Partridge. I may remark that the bird was very fat.'

82). 1868 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, shot, 19th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1868: 1461; "G." Field 10th Oct., 1868: 302; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1511; Clark, 2022).

History "G." [J. H. Gurney, jun.] of County Durham (1868) in The Field of 10th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 302, and J. H. Gurney, jun. (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1461, undated, says: 'On the 20th [September] a third specimen occurred at Christchurch, as I learned from Mr. E. Hart, the birdstuffer.'

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: 'Solitary Snipe - 19th September 1868.' 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.'

83). 1868 Wiltshire Near Milton, Pewsey, shot, 23rd September.

("G.S." Field 3rd Oct., 1868: 273; Eds., Zoologist 1868: 1461; A. C. Smith, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 12: 65; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

History "G.S." (1868) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 273, says: 'On Wednesday, the 23rd ult., while beating a piece of potatoes on a dry sand near Milton Pewsey, Wilts., for Partridges, I moved and killed a fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe, in beautiful plumage and exceedingly good condition. The weight was 7¾ oz. Is not this very early for these birds to be seen in England, especially in a dry neighbourhood, and when there are no water-meadows or low-lying covert?'

In an Editorial (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1461, quoting from The Field, says: 'On Wednesday, the 23rd of September, while beating a piece of potatoes on a dry sand near Milton Pewsey, Wilts, for partridges, I moved and killed a fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe, in beautiful plumage and exceedingly good condition: the weight was 7¾ ounces.'

A. C. Smith (1870) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XII. p. 65, says: 'I have notices of another killed on Salisbury Plain, another at Milton, near Pewsey.'

Smith (1887: 428) says: 'I have little doubt that this species is often confused with its commoner relative, and mistaken for a large specimen of S. gallinago; while fine individuals of that bird have undoubtedly in their turn equally been hailed as S. major....and the Rev. A. P. Morres mentions one killed at Pewsey on September 23rd of the same year [1868], which Mr. Grant, who preserved it, tells me it weighed 7¾ oz....In 1868, from some unexplained cause, these birds were extraordinarily numerous in many parts of England: and I have notices of one killed at Milton, near Pewsey.'

84). 1868 Wiltshire Hurdcott, Salisbury Plain, shot, 24th September.

(A. P. E. Powell, Zoologist 1868: 1461; A. P. E. Powell, Field 3rd Oct., 1868: 273; A. C. Smith, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 12: 65; Harting, 1872; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

History Alex. P. E. Powell of Salisbury (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1461, undated, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe was killed on my shooting, on the 24th of September, in some heather on Salisbury Plain, and is now being preserved by Mr. King, Warminster.'

A. P. E. Powell (1868) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 273, says: 'Sir, - It may be interesting to some of your readers to know that on Sept. 24 a fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major) was killed on my shooting, in some heather on Salisbury Plain, and is now being preserved by Mr. King, Warminster.'

A. C. Smith (1870) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XII. p. 65, says: 'The Rev. George Powell tells me of one...and quite lately of another killed by his brother, at Hurdcott, on the 25th September, 1868: when from some unexplained cause these birds were extraordinarily numerous in many parts of England.'

Harting (1872: 51) says: 'It appears to seek drier situations than does the Common Snipe: - e.g., one in some heather on Salisbury Plain, 24th Sept. 1868.'

Smith (1887: 428) says: 'I have little doubt that this species is often confused with its commoner relative, and mistaken for a large specimen of S. gallinago; while fine individuals of that bird have undoubtedly in their turn equally been hailed as S. major....The Rev. George Powell tells me of...another killed by his brother at Hurdcott, on the 25th September, 1868....In 1868, from some unexplained cause, these birds were extraordinarily numerous in many parts of England: and I have notices of one killed on Salisbury Plain.'

85). 1868 Devon Dartmoor, shot, 28th September.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1868: 1460-1461; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

History Murray A. Mathew of Chugford, Exeter (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1460-1461, dated 1st October, 1868, says: 'When shooting on Dartmoor, in a gale of wind and rain, on the 28th of September, I was fortunate enough to flush and bag a very fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe. My brother sends me word of another example having been recently obtained near Barnstaple.'

86). 1868 Leicestershire & Rutland Little Dalby, killed, 28th September.

("R.W." Field 17th Oct., 1868: 318; M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 329; Browne, 1889; Fray et al., 2009).

History "R.W." (1868) in The Field of 17th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 318, says: 'A fine specimen of this bird was killed on Sept. 28 on the estate of Mr. E. B. Hartopp, M.P. of Little Dalby, near Melton Mowbray.'

Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 329, says: 'The late Mr. Widdowson's diary contains a record of one killed at Little Dalby on Sept. 28th, 1868.' It was accepted locally (Browne 1889: 152).

87). 1868 Devon Near Parracombe, two, shot, late September.

(G. F. Mathew, Zoologist 1868: 1460; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895; Tyler, 2010).

History Gervase F. Mathew of Barnstaple (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1460, dated 28th September, 1868, says: 'At Parracombe, last week, a Solitary Snipe was shot; it was a male, weighing seven and a half ounces, and from its appearance I should say a young bird: a day or two after a second was killed in the same locality, so it is possible they may have been bred there, though I do not think it probable. The country around Parracombe is very wild and mostly moorland, interspersed with small woods of oak and birch, with numerous grassy swamps. If these birds were migrating they were a long way to the westward of their usual course of flight: this species, although not uncommon in the eastern counties during the beginning of autumn, is with us in Devonshire looked on as a rarity.'

89). 1868 Cornwall Near Falmouth Moor, obtained, 3rd October.

(Anon., Royal Cornwall Gazette 8th Oct., 1868: 8; Penhallurick, 1969).

History Anon. (1868) in The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 8th October, p. 8, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe Scolopax major, Bewick, was brought into the game shop of Mr. Thomas Webber, of Falmouth, on Saturday [3rd]. This makes the second example observed in this locality during the last two years.'

Penhallurick (1969: 117) says: 'Two reported near Falmouth Moor, one on 8th October and the other on 15th October 1868.'

Comment Penhallurick's statement seems to be erroneous as I could find no mention of a record in the 15th October edition.

90). 1868 Devon Stoke Canon, near Exeter, 6th October, now in Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 324) say: 'One at Stoke Canon, near Exeter, October 6th, 1868, now in the Albert Memorial Museum.'

91). 1868 Sussex Sompting, caught, 24th October.

(J. W. Stephenson, Zoologist 1868: 1482; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History J. W. Stephenson of Brixton Road (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1482, dated 7th November, 1868, says: 'I beg to record an instance of the Solitary Snipe having been caught in a gin, which had been set by the side of a water-cress bed, at Sompting, a village about two miles from Worthing, Sussex. It was caught on the 24th of October last, and came into my possession on the same day.'

Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 223; Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 228).

92). 1868 Cornwall Crowdy Marsh, Camelford, obtained, 3rd November.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1868: 1482; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1482, dated 4th November, 1868, says: 'I saw a specimen of the Great Snipe, killed near Camelford, Cornwall, yesterday; and amongst several specimens killed in the county, I refer to this example especially, as it had eighteen instead of sixteen tail-feathers.'

Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'One at Crowdy Marsh, near Camelford. This specimen had eighteen instead of the usual sixteen tail feathers when I examined it.

93). 1868 Norfolk Near Norwich, male, shot, autumn.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1869: 1492; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1869: 1722; Stevenson, 1870).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1492, dated January, 1869, says: 'September [1868]...but although so abundant elsewhere, this autumn, I have heard of but two other specimens bagged in this county.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1722, undated but probably March, 1869, says: 'During last autumn a fine male bird was shot in this neighbourhood.'

Comment Stevenson probably refers to this one as they both lived in Norwich.

94). 1869 Highland Ullinish, Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, shot, 11th September.

(G. D. Rowley, Field 25th Sept., 1869: 266; G. F. Rowley, Field 18th Oct., 1919: 532).

History G. Dawson Rowley of Brighton (1869) in The Field of 25th Sept., Vol. XXXIV. p. 266, says: 'As I was grouse shooting on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the mouth of the River Ose, on the west coast of Skye, a bird rose from a lazy bed, a patch of potatoes. It was a windy day, and I missed with my first barrel, but made a long shot with the second. In answer to my inquiry, "What bird is that?" the keeper answered "A big snipe", and I found I had killed a veritable Great Snipe (Scolopax major), not much injured. This pleased me more, as I had never seen the species on the wing. Its weight was 7¾ oz., and I sent it off to Brighton to be set up. The sex was not determinable.'

G. Fydell Rowley of Priory Hill, St. Neots, Huntingdonshire (1919) in The Field of 18th Oct., Vol. CXXXIV. p. 532, says: 'With reference to Mr. Crum Ewing's letter in The Field of Sept. 27 on the Great or Solitary Snipe in Caithness and the editorial note on specimens of this bird obtained in Scotland and the Isles, I may mention that I have in this house the identical specimen alluded to as having been shot by my late father at Ullinish, in Skye, on Sept. 11, 1869. I was with him on that occasion, and subsequently skinned the specimen.'

95). c. 1869 Essex Stanford Rivers, shot, September.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 283) under 'Addenda' says: 'Mr. Harting writes me: "About twenty years ago - I think in September, 1869 - I was shown by Mr. Hughes, of Brentwood, a good specimen which he had just shot at Stanford Rivers.'

Glegg (1929: 243-244) says: 'Mr. J. E. Harting states that one was shot at Stanford Rivers in September, 1869 (about).'

96). 1870 Norfolk East Ruston, female, shot, 31st August.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1870: 2384).

History T. E. Gunn (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2384, says: 'On the 31st of August a female was shot at East Ruston, and a second was also killed a few days after by the same gunner in the same locality; he also saw another with the last mentioned, which, however, escaped.'

97). 1870 Norfolk East Ruston, killed, early September.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1870: 2384).

History T. E. Gunn (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2384, says: '...and a second was also killed a few days after by the same gunner in the same locality [East Ruston]; he also saw another with the last mentioned, which, however, escaped.'

Comment The sight record is dismissed without further detail.

98). 1871 Norfolk Burgh, two: male and female, shot, 15th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1871: 2833; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1871: 2852).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2833, says: 'September. On the 16th a pair were killed near Breydon.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2852, adds: 'Two fine examples, a male and female, were shot on the 15th of September at Burgh, near Yarmouth. These specimens passed into my hands.'

Comment Presumed the same record.

100). 1871 Norfolk Catfield Broad, killed, 21st September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1871: 2833; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1871: 2852).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2833, says: 'September...another [killed] at Catfield on the 21st.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2852, adds: '...a third example was killed at Catfield, near Stalham, on the 21st of the same month [September]. This specimen passed into my hands.'

101). 1871 North-east Scotland Durris Estate, Aberdeenshire, adult male, shot, early October.

(G. Sim, Scottish Naturalist 1: 154; Sim, 1903).

History G. Sim of Aberdeen (1871-72) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 154, dated 4th December, 1871, says: 'A fine adult male specimen of the Great Snipe (Scolopax major, Gem.) was shot on the estate of Durras, in the beginning of October last. This bird, generally accounted rare, would (if a little attention were given by those who have opportunity of visiting localities the bird frequents), I have no doubt, to be found more common than is generally supposed.'

Sim (1903: 172) says: 'One was obtained on the estate of Durris, in October 1871, by the late Major Keen, who sent it to me.'

102). 1872 Norfolk Stalham, immature, killed, 29th August.

(H. Stevenson & J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1872: 3317).

History H. Stevenson & J. H. Gurney (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3317, say: 'August. Great Snipe. - An immature bird of Scolopax major was killed at Stalham on the 29th. Some large flights of the Common Snipe were observed in one or two localities about the same time.'

103). 1872 Northumberland Eshott, near Felton, shot, 12th September, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(G. E. Crawhall, Field 23rd Sept., 1871: 262; Howse, 1899; Bolam, 1912).

History George Edward Crawhall of Durham (1871) in The Field of 23rd Sept., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 262, dated 19th September, says: 'I found and killed a specimen of the Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major) while Partridge shooting on Tuesday last, Sept. 12, at Eshott, Northumberland. The bird is in the hands of Duncan, of Newcastle, for preservation.'

Chapman (1889: 80) says: 'The Great, or Solitary Snipe also arrives in September, or rather it passes through this country at that date, for none spend the winter here. I have never myself met with it, and Mr. Crawhall only once in his much longer experience. This one he killed at Eshott, near Felton, Northumberland, on the 12th September, 1872; it rose before a dog standing to some partridge in rough grass, and curiously, the same shot killed one of the latter birds, unseen on the ground.'

Howse (1899: 76) in his Index-Catalogue of the Birds in the Hancock Collection, says: 'Case 37. No. 1 (left). Shot at Eshott, near Felton, Northumberland, Sept., 1872. Presented by Geo. E. Crawhall, Esq., 1884.'

Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was obtained at Eshott, near Felton on 12th September, 1872. It is now at the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

104). 1872 Norfolk Stalham, immature, killed, 14th September.

(H. Stevenson & J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1872: 3319).

History H. Stevenson & J. H. Gurney, jun. (1872) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VII. p. 3319, undated, say: 'September. Great Snipe - Another immature bird was killed at Stalham on the 14th.'

105). 1873 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Garstang, killed, mid-September.

(J. Shaw, Field 4th Oct., 1873: 348; J. Shaw, Zoologist 1874: 3836; Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History John Shaw of Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury (1873) in The Field of 4th Oct., Vol. XLII. p. 348, and (1874) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IX. p. 3836, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe, in beautiful plumage, was sent to me for preservation on the 23rd of September. It was killed near Garstang, Lancashire. The gentleman who shot it remarks, "It lay very close, and, on being flushed, flew steadier and slower than the Common Snipe, and, although a bit heavier than that bird, somehow presented an entirely different appearance on the wing. It uttered a note very similar to that of the common species.'

[The Solitary Snipe visits this country regularly every autumn, and always earlier than the Common Snipe. Instances of its occurrence here in spring are rare - Editor of Field.]

Oakes (1953: 272) adds: 'H. P. Hornby shot the specimen in the Fylde for the St Michael's Museum.'

106). 1873 Northumberland Near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, obtained, September.

(Hancock, 1874).

History Hancock (1874: 105) says: 'One, in my collection, was picked out of a lot of Common Snipe, in a poulterer's shop in Newcastle, September, 1873.'

107). 1874 Dumfries & Galloway Torhousemuir, Wigtownshire, shot, 5th September.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 4: 22; W. Evans, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 9: 184-186).

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: Scolopax major (the Great or Solitary Snipe), shot by Mr. M'Haffie, Torhousemuir, Wigtownshire, on the 5th September.' Reports of the occurrence of the Great Snipe in Scotland, which now and again reach our ears, cannot, in the absence of the usual evidence, be as a rule founded upon; and I think I am within the mark in saying that there are not more than seven or eight authentic specimens hitherto on record. Among them is one which was obtained at Torhousemuir, Wigtownshire, on the 5th of September 1874, and exhibited at a meeting of this Society by the late Dr. J. A. Smith on 17th November following. The species appears to have occurred rather oftener on the east than on the west side of the country, but I am not aware of any record of its occurrence in the Lothians, though it has been obtained two or three times in Fifeshire, once in Roxburghshire, and once in Berwickshire; in which county the Earl of Haddington states one was shot by his father at Mellerstain in the autumn of 1865, and another seen by himself about the same time near Earlston, as recorded in Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland.'

108). 1875 Norfolk Ranworth Broad, shot, 20th August.

(H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 2: 211).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4635, dated 11th September, 1875, says: 'One example of the "double" or "solitary" snipe was killed at Ranworth on the 20th of August.'

H. Stevenson (1874-79) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. II. p. 211, says: 'A rather unusual number of the "double" or Solitary Snipe, as this species is also called, were met with in various parts of the county early in September, and a single bird was shot at Ranworth on the 20th of August.'

109). 1875 Suffolk Aldeburgh, three, seen, two shot, late August.

(J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 383).

History J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 383, says: 'The name "Solitary" is well bestowed...I have never heard of a wisp of these birds being seen, or even a couple of these being flushed at the same time, although one day in the last week of August (twenty years ago), I came across three on the same marsh (the town marshes at Aldeburgh, Suffolk), two of which were bagged. But they were a long way apart, and on dry ground. They were easily recognizable from the Common Snipe (of which a few home-bred birds were about in the dykes) by their heavier flight, and by the white outer tail-feathers, which were flirted as the bird rose.'

112). 1875 Norfolk East Ruston Fen, killed, 3rd September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4635; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1875: 4665).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4635, dated 11th September, 1875, says: '...was killed...and three more at East Ruston in the first week of September.'

T. E. Gunn (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4665, says: 'On the 3rd of September a Solitary Snipe was killed at East Ruston.'

113). 1875 Dorset Duntish Common, Buckland Newton, shot, 4th September.

(W. Hart, Field 18th Sept., 1875: 320-321; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; Clark, 2022).

History William Hart & Son of Christchurch (1875) in The Field, of 18th September, Vol. XLVI. pp. 320-321, says: 'Whilst Mr. Carr Glynn, on the 4th inst., was shooting on Duntish Common, Dorset, he flushed and killed a fine Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major), weighing 7¾ oz.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 89, 2nd ed.) says: 'One was shot at Duntishe Common, Buckland Newton (Captain Stuart Carr Glyn).'

114). 1875 Norfolk East Ruston Fen, two, males, killed, 7th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1875: 4635; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1875: 4665-66).

T. E. Gunn (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. pp. 4665-66, says: '...and on the 7th two other fine specimens, killed in the same locality [East Ruston], were sent to me for preservation; both these latter were males, in very plump condition, and exceedingly fat.'

116). 1875 Norfolk East Ruston Fen, September.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1876: 4666).

History T. E. Gunn (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4666, says: 'I have just heard of a fourth from the same neighbourhood [East Ruston in September, 1874].

117). 1875 Norfolk Burgh St Peter, three, all shot, October.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1876: 4788).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4788, dated 8th January, 1876, says: 'In October I received...three most beautiful examples from Burgh St. Peter, between Stalham and Great Yarmouth....All these snipes were exceedingly fat - indeed I may say the same with regard to almost all the birds that have passed through my hands during the present season.'

120). 1875 Norfolk East Ruston Fen, shot, October.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1876: 4788).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4788, dated 8th January 1876, says: 'This species seems to have arrived during the autumn in larger numbers than usual. In The Zoologist for October, 1875 (s.s. p. 4665) I recorded the occurrence of four examples from East Ruston Fen, about two miles north-east of Stalham, a locality which seems to be rather a favourite feeding-ground with this species, as a few individuals are invariably obtained there each season. In October I received a fifth specimen from the same locality....All these snipes were exceedingly fat - indeed I may say the same with regard to almost all the birds that have passed through my hands during the present season.'

121). 1875 Norfolk Rendlesham Estate, male, killed, 10th November.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1876: 4788).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4788, dated 8th January 1876, says: 'And on the 10th of November (a rather unusually late date) a male, which came to hand the following day, was killed on the estate of Lord Rendlesham in Suffolk. All these snipes were exceedingly fat - indeed I may say the same with regard to almost all the birds that have passed through my hands during the present season.'

122). 1876 Borders River Teviot, near Nisbet Bridge, Roxburghshire, seen, 20th July.

(V. Knight, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 504; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Valentine Knight (1876-78) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VIII. pp. 109-110, says: 'On the 20th of July last, I flushed a Great Snipe three times on the banks of the Teviot, close to Nisbet bridge. This, I am fully aware, is an unusually early date for the arrival of this species, but being quite sure of its identity, it occurred to me there was a possibility, though not a probability, that it might have nested in the district. I therefore, about a week afterwards, found out the keeper, and asked him if he could give me any information about the bird. He at once told me he had seen a "large" Snipe about a week before, which answered to the time I myself saw it, but of a nest he knew nothing....As to date, Mr. Stevenson [Birds of Norfolk] says, "from my notes for the last twenty years, I find the 17th of August the earliest date of its occurrence in Norfolk".

The 20th of July, I confess, rather staggered me, but 1876 was a most extraordinary year for weather in most parts of the world, and we know how birds are constantly influenced in their migratory movements by extraordinary and unseasonable weather. I found this bird first on a very dry meadow, amongst some long grass and thistles, and almost trod upon it; its flight was straight and low - never rising above a couple of feet of so from the ground - and heavier than that of the Common Snipe; it uttered no note whatever, and dropped again within twenty-five yards on the same meadow. I went at once to the spot, and it lay till I was within four yards or so; rose silently again, its flight, &c., being precisely similar, but this time it pitched again further off, about one hundred yards from me. The third time it again lay very close, but it had become wilder, and flew nearly out of sight, and it did not even in this longer flight rise in the air like the common species. It will, therefore, be seen that on all three occasions that I flushed this bird, it presented all the characteristic features of the Great Snipe, its silence excepted, if I may call it accepted, when authors are divided on that point.

Stevenson says: "by some authors the bird is described as uttering no sound on rising, but Selby remarks that, when flushed, it generally utters a cry in some degree similar to that of the common species, but shorter and hoarser".'

Accepted locally by Evans (1911: 202) who called Mr. Valentine Knight an excellent ornithologist.

123). 1876 Dorset Gunter Meadows, Christchurch, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 9th August, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/207).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 233; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 233, says: 'Another was killed by Laidlaw, in the marsh at Christchurch, on August 9th, 1876.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 302) say: 'In the Hart collection is one obtained on 9th August, 1876.'

Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this adult male (cased with four others) was shot by R. Laidlawe on Gunton [sic] Meadows, Christchurch on 9th August 1876 and mounted by me.

124). 1876 Suffolk Aldeburgh, male, shot, 21st August.

(N. F. Hele, Field 7th Oct., 1876: 434; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 383-384).

History N. Fenwick Hele of Aldeburgh (1876) in The Field of 7th October, Vol. XLVIII. p. 434, says: 'I killed a male specimen of this bird as it ran along the ground, at dusk, on the evening of August 21. It weighed 7 oz., and the stomach contained numerous larvae of water insects.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 383, says: 'In the same marshes [Town marshes, Aldeburgh], on Aug. 21st, 1876, the late Mr. N. F. Hele, of Aldeburgh, shot one in the dusk as it was running on the ground.'

125). 1876 Devon Dartmoor, adult, shot, 23rd August.

("G.C.G." Field 7th Oct., 1876: 434; J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1876: 5126; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

History "G.C.G." of Modbury (1876) in The Field of 7th October, Vol. XLVIII. p. 434, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe was shot on Dartmoor by Mr. Hending, of Elm Villa, Tavistock, on the 23rd of August last. The bird has been preserved by Mr. Bartlett, Ebrington Street, Plymouth.'

John Gatcombe (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5126, in the October, 1876, issue, says: 'On the 23rd of August a beautiful specimen of the Great Snipe was killed on Dartmoor. Although not a very large bird, I feel sure, from the state of its plumage and general appearance, that it is an adult one. The markings are particularly dark and well defined; but the extreme edges or margins of the feathers have become rather light from exposure, and much worn from constant preening, which would not be the case with a young bird of the year.'

126). c. 1876 Breconshire Mynydd Eppynt, first-winter, shot, August.

(E. C. Phillips, Zoologist 1882: 215; Phillips, 1899; Massey, 1976; Peers & Shrubb, 1990; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History E. C. Phillips (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 215, says: 'About six years ago I flushed what appeared to me a very large Snipe on a bog on the Eppynt Hills. It made no noise on rising, and on my missing, it flew steadily and slowly for about one hundred yards, when it pitched again. I killed it on flushing it the second time, and found it to be the Great Snipe, a bird of the year.' Locally, Phillips (1899: 93) quotes the same as above.

127). 1876 Cornwall Near St Austell, shot, October.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1876: 5167; Harting, 1880).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5167, dated 21st October, 1876, says: 'A specimen of the Solitary Snipe was procured last week in the neighbourhood of St. Austell: I am told that its weight was fully eight ounces.'

Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'One shot near St. Austell, in October 1876, weighed fully 8 oz.'

128). 1876 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, female, obtained, October, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.4244).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen, but without further information.

129). c. 1876 Breconshire Near Cray, shot, undated.

(E. C. Phillips, Zoologist 1882: 215; Phillips, 1899; Massey, 1976; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History E. C. Phillips (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 215, says: 'A man at Senny Bridge, showed me a particularly large Snipe that he had killed near Cray about five or six years ago, and seemed quite astonished when I informed him that it was a Great Snipe.'

Phillips (1899: 93) quotes the same as above. Massey (1976: 33) says: 'An undated record but some year before 1899, was killed near Cray and seen by E. C. Phillips.'

130). 1876 or 1877 Caithness Moss of Freswick, adult female, shot, undated, now at Brawl Castle.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; J. Wormald, Field 11th Oct., 1919: 490).

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 217) say: 'Mr. L. Dunbar records one, an adult female, killed by Mr. J. Wormald at Freswick, preserved by him, and now in Brawl Castle. He has the note, "Very rarely met with".'

J. Wormald of Foston Hall, York (1919) in The Field of 11th Oct., Vol. CXXXIV. p. 490, says: '...As regards this species I may state my father shot one at Freswick in 1876 or 1877.'

131). 1877 Northumberland Warenton, Belford, obtained, 31st August, now at Berwick Museum.

(V. Knight, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 8: 262; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History Valentine Knight (1876-78) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VIII. p. 262, says: 'A fine specimen of the "Solitary" or "Double" Snipe was shot on the 31st ult., at Warrenton Moor, near Belford, Northumberland, by W. L. Miller, Esq., of Berwick-on-Tweed. His setter pointed it among some "benty grass, and it lay till he was within three yards - its flight was low and very heavy". This bird was excessively fat - as is almost always the case with the specimens shot on their arrival - and weighed 8¾ ounces. It was kindly presented to me by Mr. Miller, and forms an interesting and valuable addition to my collection. This species has been procured frequently before in the same district - once at Twizell, by the late Mr. Selby.'

Accepted (Evans 1911: 202). Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was obtained at Warenton, near Belford on 31st August 1877, and is now in the Berwick Museum.

132). 1877 Leicestershire & Rutland Egleton, Rutland, shot, September.

(Browne, 1889; Haines, 1907; Fray et al., 2009).

History Browne (1889: 152) says: 'Rutland. Masters informs me that he shot one in September, 1877, in flooded fields close to Egleton.' Haines (1907: 144) says: 'Five instances: viz., Egleton, in September, 1877, shot by C. Masters.'

133). 1878 Oxfordshire Bampton, obtained, 2nd September.

(C. M. Prior, Zoologist 1879: 129; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

History C. Matthew Prior of Bedford (1879) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. III. p. 129, says: 'A Great Snipe was obtained near Bampton on the 2nd September last. I am informed that twenty and five years ago, before the commons were drained, several were procured....'

Accepted locally (Aplin 1889: 152-153; Radford 1966).

134). 1878 Dorset Gunton Meadows, Christchurch, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 16th September, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/207).

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

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 302) say: 'In the Hart collection is one obtained on 16th September, 1878.'

Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this adult male (cased with four others) was shot by myself on Gunton Meadows, Christchurch on 16th September 1878 and mounted by me.

135). 1878 Yorkshire Hayton, shot, September, now at Yorkshire Museum, York.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 602) says: 'In the York Museum is a specimen shot at Hayton, in September 1878, said to have scaled the extraordinary weight of 14 oz.'

136). 1879 Essex Lexden, moribund, about 1st September.

(C. R. Bree, Field 6th Sept., 1879: 342; J. E. Harting, Field 13th Sept., 1879: 374; C. R. Bree, Field 20th Sept., 1879: 395; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History C. R. Bree of Colchester (1879) in The Field of 6th Sept., Vol. LIV. p. 342, dated 3rd September, says: 'A specimen of this bird killed in the neighbourhood was brought to me this morning for identification. It was plump and fat, and in fine plumage. It had sixteen feathers in the tail, but only weighed 6 oz. This is the variety, no doubt, mentioned by Gould (B. of G. B.), for which he mentions the name of G. russata. I think we must have some more definite proof before we can conclude it is distinct.'

J. E. Harting (1879) in The Field of 13th Sept., Vol. LIV. p. 374, says: 'In the last number of The Field is a note from Dr. Bree, headed, "Gallinago major", in which, by some oversight I imagine, he expresses the opinion that a snipe which was brought to him, and which he calls Gallinago major (that is, the Great or Solitary Snipe), is identical with a variety of the Common Snipe for which the name Gallinago russata has been suggested, although, I believe, never actually bestowed. The two birds are perfectly distinct. Gallinago major has the whole of the under parts barred (instead of having the belly white, as in the Common Snipe), and has sixteen feathers in the tail, the four outer ones on each side nearly all white - a very good distinguishing character.

The so-called Gallinago russata is nothing more than a large ruddy variety of the Common Snipe, having, like it, a white belly and fourteen tail feathers. The weight mentioned by Dr. Bree, namely 6 oz., is light for a Solitary Snipe, which generally weighs from 7 oz. to 9 oz. Which of these two was the bird shot at Colchester?"

C. R. Bree (1879) in The Field of 20th Sept., Vol. LIV. p. 395, says: 'I did not think it necessary to define this bird in the paragraph I sent you. My bird was barred along the whole of the under parts, had sixteen feathers in the tail, the four lateral ones on each side white with black spots. It weighed six ounces. Mr. Harting was deceived by the latter part of the paragraph, which I confess is rather obscure. I simply meant that G. russata had not, in my opinion, gained the rank of a distinct species.'

Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Dr. Bree records one found dying near Lexden in Aug., 1879. Mrs. Bree still has it.'

137). 1879 Lancashire & North Merseyside Fylde, shot, September.

(Oakes, 1953).

History Oakes (1953: 272) adds: 'H. P. Hornby shot the specimen in the Fylde for the St Michael's Museum.'

138). 1879 Suffolk Butley, killed, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says of one he has seen: 'One killed at Butley in 1879. It is in Lord Rendlesham's Collection.'

139). 1880 Norfolk Great Yarmouth area, three, obtained, between 3rd and 20th September.

(W. Lowne, Field 11th Sept., 1880: 414; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 409; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 373; A. Patterson, Zoologist 1901: 159; Riviere, 1930; Allard, 1990).

History Walter Lowne of Caistor [sic] Road, Great Yarmouth (1880) in The Field of 11th Sept., Vol. LVI. p. 414, says: 'A Solitary Snipe was shot in a meadow at Caistor [sic] on Sept. 3, and is now in my possession. It weighed 7 oz.'

Henry Stevenson (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 409, and (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 373, says: 'Between the 3rd and 20th of September a rather unusual number of Snipes of this species, appeared in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth and Lowestoft, of which I heard of some seven or eight examples. One was killed at Beeston, near Cromer, on the 18th, and another at Cley, about the same time. Mr. A. Patterson, of Yarmouth found two of these to weigh 7 ozs. and 7¼ ozs. respectively, and a third reached 7½ ozs; but one recorded at Carlton Colville on the 17th, was said to have weighed 11 ozs., which being one ounce more than the heaviest bird that ever came under Mr. Lubbock's notice, I should consider extremely doubtful.'

Arthur Patterson of Ibis House, Great Yarmouth (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 159, says: 'Mr. Bradshaw's notes upon the weights of birds (antea, pp. 111, 112) are very interesting. I have from time to time made note of birds more than usually heavy; some of these are as follows:- September, 1880. - Great Snipe, 7 oz., 7¼ oz., and 7½ oz. (Lubbock, Fauna of Norfolk, mentions one at 10 oz.).'

Comment This record refers to the three specimens of Arthur Patterson.

142). 1880 Norfolk Near Lowestoft, obtained, 9th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 334; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 409; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 373; Allard, 1990).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 334, says: 'Great Snipe. One, brought to a Lowestoft birdstuffer on the 9th of September, had been killed close by.'

143). 1880 Northamptonshire Near Thorpe Waterville, immature female, shot, 13th September.

(Lord Lilford, Zoologist 1880: 444; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 384; Lilford, 1895).

History Lord Lilford of Lilford Hall, Oundle (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 444, says: 'A specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe, Scolopax major, was shot yesterday (Sept. 13th) in a meadow on the Nen [sic] near Thorpe Waterville, by my friend and neighbour, Mr. George E. Hunt, of Wadenhoe House, who brought this bird to me; it weighs a little over seven ounces and three-quarters, and is a mass of fat. This is the first of this species which has been obtained in this neighbourhood in my recollection, though I saw one many years ago on a dry bean-stubble whilst I was loading my gun after firing both barrels at Partridges, and in spite of an hour's close search could not flush it again. Mr. Hunt, above mentioned, shot a bird very near the spot where he killed this Great Snipe, but he could not recover it; this was about this time of year some two or three years ago. I may mention that several persons have informed me of their having seen Solitary Snipes in this part of our county; but, in the majority of instances, these birds have proved on investigation to be Green Sandpipers, Totanus ochropus, a common summer visitor to our streams and ponds.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 384, says: 'As additional instances I may mention...another on a dry bean-stubble (Zool., 1880: 444).' It was accepted locally (Lord Lilford (1895) Vol. II. p. 51).

144). 1880 Dorset Chipmead, Christchurch, Hampshire, adult female, shot, 14th September, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/207).

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 233; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 233, says: '...a third, at Christchurch, on September 14th, 1880.'

Kelsall & Munn (1905: 302) say: 'In the Hart collection is one obtained on 14th September, 1880.'

Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this adult female (cased with four others) was shot by R. Keynes at Chipmead, Christchurch on 14th September 1880 and mounted by me.

145). 1880 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, mid-September.

(H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 409).

History Henry Stevenson (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 409, says: 'Between the 3rd and 20th of September [1880] a rather unusual number of Snipes of this species, appeared in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth and Lowestoft...on the 18th, and another at Cley, about the same time.'

146). 1880 Norfolk Beeston, killed, 18th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 373; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 409; Riviere, 1930; Allard, 1990).

History Henry Stevenson (1879-84) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. III. p. 409, and (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 373, says: 'Between the 3rd and 20th of September a rather unusual number of Snipes of this species, appeared in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth and Lowestoft, of which I heard of some seven or eight examples. One was killed at Beeston, near Cromer, on the 18th.'

147). 1880 Northumberland Barmoor Castle, shot, 21st September.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1880: 485; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 4: 315; J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 9: 401; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace House, Larbert (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 485, says: 'I have a record of one which was shot at Darmore [sic] Castle, Northumberland, on September 21st.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown (1880) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 315, says: 'Several specimens of this rare British bird have been observed or obtained in England this Sept. I have the record of one shot at Darmore [sic] Castle, Northumberland, on 21st Sept.'

James Hardy (1879-81) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. IX. p. 401, says: 'I have the record of one shot at Barmoor Castle, Northumberland, on 21st Sept. (J. A. Harvie-Brown, Proc. of Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 315).'

Accepted (Evans 1911: 202). Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

148). 1880 Dorset Near Christchurch, Hampshire, shot, 4th October.

(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 21: 233).

History A. P. Morres (1884) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXI. p. 233, says: 'I have several notices of this bird, kindly supplied by Mr. Hart, but have never come across one myself in this district. He has one in his collection killed by E. Budden, of Christchurch, on October 1st, 1849; another was killed by Laidlaw, in the marsh at Christchurch, on August 9th, 1876; a third, at Christchurch, on September 14th, 1880; a fourth was killed on October 4th, 1880, by Hart himself.'

149). 1880 Northumberland Otterburn Tower, obtained, undated, now preserved there.

(J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 9: 462-463; Bolam, 1912).

History J. Hardy (1881) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. IX. p. 462-463, says: 'The party which preceded visited Otterburn Tower, which those coming later did not see till next morning. This is an imposing and handsome modern mansion, but included within it was the old peel tower, that withstood all the efforts of Earl Douglas and the Scots to capture....There is a very fine wild swan shot in the Rede, by his son Mr. John O. James and Dr. Robertson. Mr. James himself had shot here the Picus minor and the Solitary Snipe.'

Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was shot at Otterburn Tower about 1880 and is preserved there (Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol. IX. p. 463).

150). 1881 Yorkshire Easington, first-year, 4th September, now at Yorkshire Museum, York.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 33; Denton, 1995).

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 33, say: 'One, Sept. 4th, at Spurn, killed against the telegraph-wire.'

151). 1881 Yorkshire Near Stokesley, immature, shot, 15th September.

(T. H. Nelson, Zoologist 1882: 93-94; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 33).

History T. H. Nelson of Redcar (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. pp. 93-94, says: 'On the 15th [September] … a Great Snipe, a young bird, was shot in a clover-field near Stokesley.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 33, say: 'One, Sept. 15th, was shot in a clover field about fifteen miles from Redcar.'

152). 1881 Yorkshire Spurn, killed, 16th September.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 33).

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 33, say: 'Another, same locality [Spurn], 16th September.'

153). 1881 Northumberland Beaufront Castle, Hexham, obtained, 25th September, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was obtained at Beaufront Castle on the South Tyne on 25th September 1881. It is now in the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

154). 1881 Cleveland/Co. Durham Seaton Carew, Durham, shot, 27th September.

(C. D. Thompson, Field 8th Oct., 1881: 514; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 33).

History C. Donald Thompson of Seaton Carew (1881) in The Field of 8th Oct., Vol. LVIII. p. 514, says: 'On the 27th ult., in the neighbourhood of Seaton Carew, Mr. W. Thompson, of Dyke House, shot a fine specimen of the Great Snipe, weighing 8 oz.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 33, say: 'One, Seaton Carew, Durham, 27th September.'

155). 1881 Northumberland Ross Links, 21st October.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was [seen ?] at the Ross Links on 21st October, 1881.

156). 1881 Essex Mouth of the Colne, St Osyth and Brightlingsea, two, shot, November.

(C. R. Bree, Field 7th Jan., 1882: 13; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History C. R. Bree of Colchester (1882) in The Field, of 7th Jan., Vol. LIX. p. 13, says: 'Mr. Ambrose, birdstuffer of this town, has shown me two fine specimens, sent to him for preservation, and shot either side of the River Colne as it flows into the sea at St Osyth and Brightlingsea, in November last. These birds weighed respectively 8½ and 9½ oz. The bird which weighed least was the finer specimen of the two, the other, having been much mangled and very fat, required all the taxidermist's skill to make a fair specimen of it. With one bird in my own Collection, this makes three that have been taken in this neighbourhood during the past year.'

Accepted locally with the year erroneously stated as 1880 (Christy 1890: 243). Wood (2007: 268) accepts only two individuals and follows Christy in stating the year erroneously as 1880.

158). 1881 Leicestershire & Rutland Billesdon Coplow, picked up dead, winter.

(T. Macaulay, Midland Naturalist 1882: 10; M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 328-329; Fray et al., 2009).

History Thomas Macaulay of Kibworth (1882) in the Midland Naturalist, Vol. V. p. 10, under 'The Birds of Leicestershire', says: 'Four occurrences of this bird in Leicestershire have come to my knowledge...and the fourth was picked up dead last winter at Billesdon, and has been preserved. This last bird appeared to have died from want, as it was quite uninjured.'

Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. pp. 328-329, says: 'Last winter one was picked up dead at Billesdon and has been preserved. It appeared to have died from want, as it was quite uninjured.'

Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 152) who adds: '...picked up dead at Billesdon Coplow.'

159). 1881 Cumbria Near Carlisle, shot, undated.

(Macpherson, 1892).

History Macpherson (1892: 376) says: 'There can be no doubt that most of the reports and even records of Great Snipe refer simply to heavy examples of the common bird. At all events, I can only answer for five specimens killed in the decade of 1881-1891. The first of these was shot near Carlisle in 1881.'

160). c. 1881 Suffolk Eriswell, shot, undated, now at Elveden Hall.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 253) having seen the specimen, says: 'One shot at Eriswell about three years ago, preserved at Elveden Hall (Prince Victor Duleep Singh in litt.).'

161). 1882 Suffolk Aldeburgh, male, shot, 21st August.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'Several specimens have been seen about Aldeburgh, generally in August...and a male shot Aug. 21, 1882 (Hele, Ald., 124 and MS.).'

162). 1882 Norfolk/Suffolk Bradwell, Suffolk, 18th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1884: 414; Allard, 1990).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 414, says: 'September...at Yarmouth and its vicinity...And, of other birds in that locality, seen or shot, I may mention...a Great Snipe at Bradwell on the 18th.'

163). 1882 Norfolk Lopham, shot, 28th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1884: 414; Allard, 1990).

164). 1882 Nottinghamshire Hickling, shot, 3rd October.

(J. Whitaker, Field 18th Nov., 1882: 741; J. Whitaker, Zoologist 1883: 127; Whitaker, 1907).

History J. Whitaker of Rainworth Lodge, Mansfield (1882) in The Field of 18th Nov., Vol. LX. p. 741, says: 'A specimen of this snipe was shot on the 3rd of October last at Hickling in this county. It was in good plumage, and weighed 8½ oz. This is, I believe, only its second recorded occurrence in Nottinghamshire.'

Joseph Whitaker of Rainworth (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 127, undated, says: 'A Solitary Snipe was shot on October 3rd at Hickling in this county; it was in good plumage and weighed eight ounces and a half. This is only its second occurrence in Nottinghamshire.'

165). 1882 Lincolnshire Stickney, male, shot, 4th October.

(J. Cullingford, Zoologist 1883: 31).

History J. Cullingford of the University Museum, Durham (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 31, says: 'A male specimen of this bird was shot at Stickney on the 4th October last, and sent to me for preservation. It was exceedingly fat, and weighed very nearly ten ounces.'

166). 1882 Suffolk Ramsholt Marshes, two, shot, undated, now at Chelmsford Museum, Essex.

(Wood, 2007).

History Wood (2007: 58) states that these two specimens in Chelmsford Museum, Essex, were shot in 1882 at Ramsholt Marshes, Suffolk, but were not recorded/overlooked by Piotrowski (2003).

168). 1883 Dorset Gunter Meadows, Christchurch, Hampshire, adult female, shot, 27th August, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/207).

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

History Kelsall & Munn (1905: 302) say: 'In the Hart collection is one obtained on 27th August, 1883.'

Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this adult female (cased with four others) was shot by myself on Gunton [sic] Meadows, Christchurch on 27th August 1883 and mounted by me.

169). 1883 Cumbria Wardhall Common, killed, 11th September.

(L. F. B. Dykes, Field 27th Oct., 1883: 590; Macpherson, 1892).

History L. F. B. Dykes of Dovenby Hall, Cumberland (1883) in The Field of 27th Oct., Vol. LXII. p. 590, says: 'In The Field of the 20th inst. I see a notice that a Solitary Snipe, weighing 7½ oz., has been lately shot in Norfolk. It may interest your readers to hear that shot one on Wardhall Common on Sept. 11 which weighed next day 9¼ oz. fair weight.'

Macpherson (1892: 376) says: 'At all events, I can only answer for five specimens killed in the decade of 1881-1891. The second for Cumbria was killed on Wardhall Common, 11th September, 1883.'

170). 1883 Norfolk Potter Heigham, shot, 29th September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1885: 329; Allard, 1990).

History Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 329, says: '1883. September. A Solitary Snipe with four Jack Snipes was shot on the 29th at Potter Heigham.'

171). 1883 Lancashire & North Merseyside Fylde, shot, September.

(Saunders, 1892; Oakes, 1953).

History Howard Saunders (1892: 220, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Mr. Hugh P. Hornby...writes me that in 1883, one, which was a perfect mass of fat and grease, was shot in the same locality [St Michael's-on-Wyre] in September.'

Oakes (1953: 272) adds: 'H. P. Hornby shot the specimen in the Fylde for the St Michael's Museum.'

172). 1883 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Kirkham, shot, September.

(Saunders, 1892).

History Howard Saunders (1892: 220, 2nd ed.) in the revised edition of Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, says: 'Mr. Hugh P. Hornby...writes me that in 1883, he shot a second [for 1883] a day or two later [September], near Kirkham, and this last one I have had an opportunity of examining.'

173). 1883 Lincolnshire N.E. locality, shot, 2nd October.

(J. A. Harvie Brown & J. Cordeaux, Migration Report 5: 52).

History J. A. Harvie Brown & J. Cordeaux (1884) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1883, 5th report, p. 52, say: 'N.E. Lincolnshire, Oct. 2nd, one shot.'

174). 1883 Norfolk Breydon Water, two/three, shot, October.

(J. A. Harvie Brown & J. Cordeaux, Migration Report 5: 52; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1885: 329; Allard, 1990).

History J. A. Harvie Brown & J. Cordeaux (1884) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1883, 5th report, p. 52, say: 'Yarmouth, same date [Oct. 2nd], one.'

Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 329, says: '1883. On Breydon and in its vicinity two or three Solitary Snipe were shot early in October.'

Comment Minimum count taken.

176. 1884 Suffolk St Olave's, Herringfleet, obtained, 12th September.

(Babington, 1884-86).

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: '...one from St. Olave's, Herringfleet, Sept. 12, 1884, from Lowne (in my collection).'

177). 1884 Norfolk Between Cley-next-the-Sea and Blakeney, shot, 15th September.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 6: 62).

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1885) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1884, 6th report, p. 62, say: 'Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 15th, E., one shot.'

178). 1884 Norfolk Near Stalham, male, shot, 17th September.

(T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1886: 477).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 477, says: 'On September 17th, 1884, a male specimen of the Great Snipe was shot near Stalham, and, although exceedingly fat, weighed but 6½ ozs. The gullet contained half a lobworm, and in the stomach I found four or five small white worms.'

179). 1884 Greater Manchester Between Warrington and Manchester, shot, 20th September.

(T. Pickin, Field 4th Oct., 1884: 487).

History T. Pickin, Naturalist, of 93, Market Street, Manchester (1884) in The Field of 4th Oct., Vol. LXIV. p. 487, says: 'On Sept. 22 I received a capital specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe for preservation. It was shot by Mr. Ernest M. Crosfield on Sept. 20, between Warrington and Manchester, about six miles from the former town. It weighed 8 oz., and was flushed out of standing beans.'

Comment Not counted by Cheshire & Wirral.

180). 1884 Highland Glenshiero, Kingussie, Badenoch & Strathspey, shot, September.

(J. H. Thursby, Field 13th Sept., 1884: 396; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Dennis, 1984).

History J. H. Thursby of Glenshero (1884) in The Field of 13th Sept., Vol. LXIV. p. 396, says: 'A Solitary or Great Snipe (Scolopax major) was shot here last week. I have sent the bird to be stuffed by Mr. Macleay, Inverness, who writes "that it is the only specimen he has ever received for the last thirty years. I should be glad to hear if whether any other Solitary Snipes have been shot during the last few years in England or Scotland".'

[The Solitary Snipe occurs regularly every autumn, arriving earlier than the Common Snipe, which come here for the winter. We always hear of several in September. - Ed.]

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 193) say: 'We have a notice of one killed at Glenshiero, Kingussie, Inverness-shire, in September 1884, and sent to Macleay of Inverness for preservation.'

181). 1885 Leicestershire & Rutland Garthorpe, juvenile, shot, 2nd September, now at Leicester Museum.

(M. Browne, Field 12th Sept., 1885: 391; M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 329; Browne, 1889; Fray et al., 2009).

History Montagu Browne, Curator, Leicester Museum (1885) in The Field of 12th Sept., Vol. LXVI. p. 391 and (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 329, says: 'On September 2nd, 1885, Mr. A. Ross, of Leicester, whilst shooting over the Garthorpe Estate, near Melton Mowbray, killed a Great or "Solitary" Snipe, which his dog pointed in a clover field, and, as is usual with this species, at some considerable distance from water. The specimen, a fine dark-plumaged one, weighing nearly 8 oz., was presented by Mr. Ross to the Leicester Museum. This was recorded in The Field for Sept. 12, 1885.'

Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 152).

182). 1885 Leicestershire & Rutland Blaby, shot, early September.

(M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 329; Browne, 1889; Fray et al., 2009).

History Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 329, says: 'I saw, in the possession of a man named Ludlam, a Great Snipe which had been shot by Mr. J. C. A. Richards, in a field at Blaby, during the first week in September, 1885.' Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 152; Fray et al. 2009).

183). 1885 Dorset Near Wool, shot, 12th October.

(E. Hart, Field 24th Oct., 1885: 607; "Strix" Field 7th Nov., 1885: 671; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

History Edward Hart of Christchurch (1885) in The Field of 24th Oct., Vol. LXVI. p. 607, says: 'The following list of uncommon birds collected during the present year, will, I think, interest some of your readers: Oct. 12, Solitary Snipe, near Wool, Dorset.'

"Strix" (1885) in The Field of 7th Nov., Vol. LXVI. p. 671, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to know that a specimen of the Great Snipe (Scolopax major) was shot by Mr. Eustace Radclyffe, near Wool, in September last.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 90, 2nd ed.) says: 'One near Wool, October 12, 1885 (Mr. Eustace Radclyffe).'

184). 1885 Leicestershire & Rutland Oakham, Rutland, shot, October.

(Browne, 1889; Haines, 1907; Fray et al., 2009).

History Browne (1889: 152) says: 'Rutland. Masters informs me that he shot one in Oakham Pastures, in October, 1885.'

Haines (1907: 144) says: 'Five instances: viz., Oakham Pastures, in October 1885, shot by C. Masters.'

185). 1886 Norfolk Potter Heigham, female, obtained, 9th May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.4245).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen, and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it is very unusual for this species to occur in the spring. Received by me in the flesh, stuffed by J. Cullingford.

186). 1886 Borders Ramseycleuch, Teviothead, Roxburghshire, immature male, shot, 14th September.

(J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 11: 398; W. Evans, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 11: 542-543; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912; Murray, 1986).

History J. Hardy (1886) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XI. p. 398, says: 'A letter from Dr. Thomas Anderson of Shaws, was read, accompanying a specimen of the Solitary Snipe, Scolopax major, shot Sept. 14, at Ramsey-cleugh, Teviothead, which was exhibited after the meeting. Mr. Evans gives an account of this rare bird in the Proceedings.'

William Evans of Edinburgh (1886) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XI. pp. 542-543, adds: 'At the meeting of the Club at Hawick on 15th September 1886; Mr. William Evans exhibited on behalf of Dr. Thos. Anderson, Ettrick Shaws, Selkirk, a fine example of the Great Snipe, which had been shot the previous day in a rough meadow on the farm of Ramseycleugh, parish of Teviothead, Roxburghshire. The ground on which it was obtained is a favourite resort of black game, and is decidedly too dry to suit the habits of the Common Snipe. On subsequently dissecting the specimen, which was very fat and weighed 8 ozs. 2 drs. Mr. Evans found it to be a male, apparently a young bird. The stomach contained only a small quantity of decayed vegetable matter, one or two small seeds, and a single whitish worm about half an inch long. Comparatively few Scotch specimens of this Snipe exist in collections, and consequently the bird has usually been accounted much rarer than in all probability it really is; and it is to be hoped that in future our sportsmen, who have the largest opportunities in a matter of this kind, will keep a sharp look-out for it and have any examples that may come under their notice duly preserved and recorded. The most likely time to find them is during the autumn migration - September and October. On the return journey in spring they are apparently much rarer, two obtained at Clydebank, near Glasgow, on 16th May 1885, being as far as is known the only specimens that have been killed in Scotland at that season of the year (vide Proceedings Royal Physical Society, Vol. IX. p. 184). In addition to its greater bulk, relatively shorter bill and legs, and darker underparts, the Great Snipe may at once be distinguished from the common species by the presence of sixteen tail feathers, of which two or three outermost on each side are white or nearly so, whereas in the Common Snipe the number of tail-feathers is fourteen all more or less richly tinted with chestnut.' Accepted locally (Evans 1911: 202).

Bolam (1912: 547) says: 'On 14th September, 1886, a specimen was shot at Ramseycleuch, Teviothead, and exhibited by Mr. William Evans at a meeting of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club on the following day.'

187). 1886 Devon Dartmoor, immature, killed, 22nd October.

(C. Walker, Field 30th Oct., 1886: 633; J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1887: 377; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 8: 113; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

History C. Walker of Mutley (1886) in The Field of 30th Oct., Vol. LXVIII. p. 633, says: 'A Solitary Snipe, a bird of the year, was killed on Oct. 22 in North Devon by Mr. Charles O. Clark, and is now in the hands of a birdstuffer.'

John Gatcombe (1887) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XI. p. 377, says: 'A nice specimen of the Great Snipe, Gallinago major, weighing seven and a half ounces, was killed on Dartmoor, by Charles Clark.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1887) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886, 8th report, p. 113, say: 'October 22nd, North Devon, a bird of the year shot.'

188). 1886 Cumbria Near Carlisle, killed, 30th October.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 8: 113; Macpherson, 1892).

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1887) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886, 8th report, p. 113, say: '30th, Carlisle, one shot.'

Macpherson (1892: 376) says: 'At all events, I can only answer for five specimens killed in the decade of 1881-1891. The third for Cumbria was near Carlisle, on the 30th October, 1886.'

189). 1887 Yorkshire Near Beverley, immature, shot, late August.

(F. Boyes, Field 17th Sept., 1887: 478; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History F. Boyes of Beverley (1887) in The Field of 17th Sep., Vol. LXX. p. 478, says: 'Passing a game shop here the last week in August, I noticed hanging, amongst others, a Solitary or Great Snipe; so I went in and purchased it. I was told it had been shot along the swampy margin of the river. It was a young bird, in poor condition.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 601) says: 'Instances are reported of individuals being killed on...and in the last week of the same month [August] in 1877 and 1887, near Beverley.'

190). 1887 Essex Colchester, hit wires, early September.

(H. Laver, Essex Naturalist 1: 189; H. Laver, Field 17th Sept., 1887: 478; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Henry Laver of Colchester (1887) in The Field of 17th Sept., Vol. LXX. p. 478, says: 'Mr. Hall, game dealer of this town, kindly sent for my inspection on Sept. 7 a Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major). It had met its death, as many night-flying birds do , by striking the telegraph wires. He informs me that it is many years since he had a specimen offered for sale.' [The bird had very likely only just arrived. This species arrives much earlier in the autumn than the Common Snipe. - Ed.]

Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Laver saw one at a game-dealer's in Colchester on Sept. 7th, 1887. It was in good condition, and had been killed by flying against the telegraph wires. It was afterwards purchased by Mr. Pettitt.'

Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: one at Colchester in September 1887.'

191). 1887 Cumbria Near Carlisle, killed, 9th September.

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke, Migration Report 9: 92; Macpherson, 1892).

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & W. E. Clarke (1888) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1887, 9th report, p. 92, say: 'September 10th. - Cumberland, one Great Snipe shot at Carlisle.'

Macpherson (1892: 376) says: 'At all events, I can only answer for five specimens killed in the decade of 1881-1891. The fourth for Cumbria was also near Carlisle, on the 9th September, 1887.'

192). 1887 Norfolk Barton, shot, mid-September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1888: 86; T. E. Gunn, Zoologist 1888: 282).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 86, says: 'Mr. G. Smith informs me that...another sent to Mr. Gunn from Barton.'

T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 282, says: 'Several examples of the Solitary Snipe, Gallinago major, were killed or observed during September. The first I received, on the 20th, was a male shot by Lord Wodehouse at Barton, and was exceedingly fat.'

193). 1887 Dumfries & Galloway Watcarrick Estate, Eskdalemuir, Dumfriesshire, shot, 19th September.

(G. M. Little, Field 20th Oct., 1888: 556).

History G. M. Little (1888) in The Field of 20th Oct., Vol. LXXII. p. 556, says: 'I see from The Field of Oct. 6 that the Solitary Snipe is a rare bird in Ireland, and that what have been considered specimens of it have generally proved to be merely large individuals of the Common Snipe. Does the same remark also apply to Scotland? On Sept. 19, 1887, on the Watcarrick Estate in Dumfriesshire, I shot on one day two snipes of a very different appearance, the one being a Common Snipe of about 4 oz. weight, with a white breast; the other was fully half as big again, if not more, and, instead of having the usual white breast, it was speckled black and white all over the breast and belly, and had quite a different appearance from the other one. If the larger one was not the Solitary Snipe, I really do not know what it could have been.'

[It may very well have been a Solitary Snipe. In Gray's Birds of the West of Scotland several instances of its occurrence there are mentioned. - Ed.]

194). 1887 Norfolk Blickling Hall, shot, about 23rd September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1888: 86).

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 86, says: 'Mr. G. Smith informs me that…on Sept. 24th I picked up, at one of our poulterers, a Solitary Snipe sent from Blickling; from the dark colour of its back it appeared to be an adult bird.'

195). 1887 Bedfordshire New Cut, immature, hit wires, September.

(Steele-Elliott, 1901; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 152) says: 'In September, 1887, the immature bird which you have seen in my possession was brought to me, it had killed itself against the telegraph wires by the New Cut (A. Covington).'

196). 1887 Perth & Kinross Bog of Murthly, Perthshire, two, seen, one shot, September.

(Harvie-Brown, 1906).

History Harvie-Brown (1906: 316) say: 'Millais writes in his notes: "I have seen four Great Snipes in the Bog of Murthly at different times. One of these I shot in September 1887, and the same season another appeared and stayed for several days. A friend who was most anxious to shoot a Great Snipe (and who is one of the best shots I know) happened to be staying close by, so I telegraphed to him and he came at once, all agog to slay the rare visitors. After driving the big Bog the Great Snipe was moved, and flew over to Bog-bushes, another marsh close at hand. My friend was placed behind the 'blind' there, where the bird was almost certain to pass on its way back to the larger marsh, and the beat began amidst hushed expectancy. Soon the beat advanced, and up got the Great Snipe, going with slow, Woodcock-like flight, straight over the head of the famous shot. But alas! excitement or some other reason caused the "worst miss on record", and the great one vanished slowly out of sight into the unknown".'

198). 1887 Suffolk Near Lowestoft, shot, September.

(F. Boyes, Field 29th Oct., 1887: 679).

History F. Boyes of Beverley (1887) in The Field of 29th Oct., Vol. LXX. p. 679, says: 'Since I recorded in your columns the occurrence of the Solitary Snipe here, two others have been shot in this Riding - one, an adult bird, near Burton Agnes, and the other, an immature specimen, near Pocklington. I may add that a fourth specimen has been received by our local birdstuffer, which was shot at Lowestoft.'

199). 1887 Yorkshire Near Burton Agnes, adult, shot, September.

(F. Boyes, Field 29th Oct., 1887: 679; Mather, 1986).

200). 1887 Yorkshire Near Pocklington, immature, shot, September.

(F. Boyes, Field 29th Oct., 1887: 679; Mather, 1986).

201). 1888 Essex/Greater London Brentwood, two, November.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Two were shot at Brentwood in Nov., 1888.'

Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: two at Brentwood in November 1888.'

203). c. 1888 Denbighshire Plas ucha, shot, undated.

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

History Forrest (1907: 343-344) says: 'Large examples of the Common Snipe are so frequently mistaken for the present much rare species that it is necessary to receive with caution any records not substantiated by actual specimens. It will be noted that very few of the records are thus proved, so that the responsibility for each statement rests on the respective authors. They are presented as being probably correct, but in most instances it has been found impracticable either to verify or disprove them....Denbigh and Flint. Specimen in own possession shot at Plas-ucha, Denbighshire, about 1888 (Kirkby).'

Accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994: 168-169).

Comment E. W. Kirkby of Towyn.

204). 1889 Essex Langham, shot, late August.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Pettitt has preserved specimens shot respectively...at Langham about the end of August, 1889.'

Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: one at Langham in August 1889.'

205). 1889 Essex Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury, shot, 13th September.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Pettitt has preserved specimens shot respectively...at Tollesbury on the Old Hall Marshes by Dr. Salter on Sept. 13th, 1889, a particularly fine bird, weighing 7¾ oz. and measuring 12 inches in length.'

206). 1889 Essex Mucking, shot, September.

(Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: one at Mucking in September 1889.'

207). 1889 Northumberland Longhoughton, 10th October.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was [seen/shot ?] at Longhoughton on 10th October 1889.

208). 1889 Essex/Greater London Forest Gate, November.

(Swann, 1893; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007; Self, 2014).

History Swann (1893) says: 'Mr. A. F. Gates writes me that "one was shot near Forest Gate in November, 1889, and brought to me for identification; it was a very fine specimen".'

Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'No fewer than nine were reported from 1881-1890: one at Forest Gate in 1889.'

209). 1891 Cumbria Locality in the NE of Cumberland, killed, November.

(Macpherson, 1892).

History Macpherson (1892: 376) says: 'At all events, I can only answer for five specimens killed in the decade of 1881-1891. The fifth for Cumbria was obtained in the north-east of Cumberland, in November, 1891.'

210). 1892 Caithness Westfield, near Thurso, shot, 24th August.

(L. Dunbar, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1893: 45).

History Lewis Dunbar of Thurso (1893) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. II. p. 45, says: 'A Solitary Snipe was shot by Mr. Arkwright at Westfield, near here, on the 24th August last.'

211). 1892 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea area, obtained, 8th October.

(Pashley, 1925).

History Pashley (1925) under 'List of Cley Birds', says: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: October 8th, 1892.'

212). 1892 Derbyshire Bolsover, killed, 12th October.

(C. Oldham, Naturalist 18: 326; Whitlock, 1893; Jourdain, 1905; Frost, 1978).

History Charles Oldham of Ashton-on-Mersey (1892) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVIII. p. 326, dated 15th October, 1892, says: 'I have just had an opportunity of examining a Great Snipe (Gallinago major) which was shot by Mr. T. E. Vickers, near Bolsover, on the 12th inst. The bird is being set up by Webster, of Sheffield.'

Accepted locally (Whitlock 1893: 205).

F. C. R. Jourdain (1905 (1): 145) in the Victoria County History of Derbyshire, says: 'The earlier records of this species are somewhat vague and unsatisfactory, but there is reason to believe that it has occurred several times, and Mr. J. Whitaker has two Derbyshire birds in his collection. One was killed at Bolsover on October 12, 1892 (Naturalist, 1892, p. 326), and several in January, 1902.'

213). 1892 Hertfordshire Oughtenhead Common, near Hitchin, shot, undated.

(A. H. Foster, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 16: 189-220; H. H. S. Hayward, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society 22: 211; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History H. H. S. Hayward (1947) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society, Vol. XXII. p. 211, says: 'Single birds were shot at Ickleford in 1879, at Orton Head Common in 1892, and at Sandon on 11th September, 1897, and one was seen at Wilstone Reservoir on 5th November, 1941 (Trans. Herts. Nat. Hist. Soc., XVI, 210-211, and XXI, 333-4).'

Sage (1959) says: 'John Cannon shot one on Oughtenhead Common during 1892 (Foster 1914).'

214). 1893 Oxfordshire Near Wallingford, Berkshire, shot, October.

(Noble, 1906; Radford, 1966).

History Noble (1906 (1): 162) in the Victoria County History of Berkshire, says: 'Mr. Newton informs me that one in his collection was shot near Wallingford in October, 1893.'

215). 1893 Sussex Hellingly, killed, 11th November.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) says: '1893, November 11th. - One was killed at Hellingly, as I was informed by Mr. B. Bates, who had the mounting of it.'

216). 1894 Kent Ham, near Eastry, shot, 1st October.

(W. O. Hammond, Zoologist 1894: 429; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History W. O. Hammond of St Alban's Court, near Wingham (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 429, says: 'A Great Snipe (Gallinago major) was shot on Oct. 1st by Capt. Plumbe, Royal Marines, who kindly sent it to me. It was killed in the neighbourhood of Deal.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 450).

217). c. 1894 Ceredigion Gogerddan, shot, undated.

(Salter, 1900; Ingram, Morrey Salmon & Condry, 1966; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Ingram, Morrey Salmon & Condry (1966) say: 'J. S. Hutchins, taxidermist of Aberystwyth, claimed to have had a few and that there were specimens in local collections, including one at Gogerddan, which had all the tail feather white except two or three central ones.'

Lovegrove, Williams & Williams (1994) say: 'Two were shot locally at Nanteos and Gogerddan and are in collections.'

218). c. 1894 Ceredigion Nanteos, shot, undated.

(Salter, 1900; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Lovegrove, Williams & Williams (1994) say: 'Two were shot locally at Nanteos and Gogerddan and are in collections.'

219). 1895 Yorkshire Thornton Marshes, near Pickering, shot, 21st September.

(J. M. Mitchelson, Field 5th Oct., 1895: 590; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 384; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History James M. Mitchelson of The Hall, Pickering (1895) in The Field of 5th Oct., Vol. LXXXVI. p. 590, says: 'On Sept. 21 I shot a Solitary Snipe in Thornton Marshes, weighing 10½ oz. I believe this is a big weight for that bird. Would you kindly inform me through your paper if I am right?'

[Yes; the average weight of those obtained in this country is about 7½ oz. to 8 oz. - Ed.]

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 384, says: 'As additional instances I may mention...During the present autumn one was shot near Pickering, Yorkshire, on Sept. 21st.'

Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (2): 602; Mather 1986).

220). 1895 Norfolk Burgh, 25th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1896: 176).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 176, says: 'September 25th. A Solitary Snipe at Burgh (E. C. Saunders).'

221). 1895 Clyde Eaglesham Estate, Renfrewshire, first-winter male, shot, 27th September.

("Allan" Field 12th Oct., 1895: 590; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 384; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 60; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271; McWilliam, 1936).

History "Allan" (1895) in The Field of 12th Oct., Vol. LXXXVI. p. 590, says: 'On Sept. 27 I killed a Solitary Snipe in a dry water-meadow on one of my farms. It was most extraordinarily fat, and weighed exactly 10 oz. This is the sixth Solitary Snipe I have seen in twenty-nine years' snipe shooting, but the first I have ever fired at. I believe it is the first Solitary Snipe ever killed in Renfrewshire.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 384, says: 'As additional instances I may mention...another "in a dry water-meadow" at Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, Sept. 27th.'

John Paterson of Glasgow (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 60, says: 'I have already to record two additions to the list of East Renfrewshire birds published in the last number of the Annals.' On 27th September last Mr. Allan Gilmour, Yr., shot a young male Great Snipe (Gallinago major) on an irrigated meadow on his Eaglesham property.

The bird was a perfect ball of fat, and weighed, I am informed, 9¾ ozs. I exhibited it at the October meeting of the Glasgow Natural History Society. It is now in Mr. Gilmour's collection. In a letter to the Glasgow Herald dated 3rd October Mr. Gilmour stated that he had killed over 4000 Snipe in the past 28 years, and during that period had only twice seen this species shot before - "one a young bird, in July, 1869, on Eaglesham; and another, also a young bird, on 13th September 1880, on Dunstaffnage. Both were too badly shot to preserve".'

J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 271, under 'The Birds of Renfrewshire', say: 'Six examples of the Great Snipe have been obtained in the county: one on Eaglesham Estate in the year 1895.'

Comment The other addition was a Grey Plover.

222). 1896 Essex Horham Hall, Thaxted, adult, obtained, 3rd September.

(G. A. Templer, Zoologist 1896: 384; G. A. Templer, Field 19th Sept., 1896: 494; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Templer (1896) in The Field of 19th Sep., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 494, and in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 384, says: 'On Sept., 3rd when at Horham Hall, Thaxted, I secured a specimen of the Great Snipe (Gallinago major). It was flushed in a field of clover, and weighed precisely seven ounces. It is in the hands of Messrs. Williams, of Dublin, for preservation. They have informed me that the bird is an adult, and one of the most perfect specimens that has come under their observation.'

Glegg (1929: 244) says: 'Mr. G. A. Templer records that he secured one at Horham Hall, Thaxted, on 3rd September 1896.'

223). 1896 Fife Near St Andrews, female, shot, 22nd September.

(J. R. M. Cook, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 45; Harvie-Brown, 1906).

History J. R. M. Cook (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 45, says: 'On the 22nd of September last I shot a Great Snipe (Gallinago major) in a small marsh some four miles inland from St. Andrews. It was a female weighing 7¾ oz. On the same day I saw a considerable number of Common Snipe in the marsh, very wild and unsettled, and to my knowledge freshly arrived.'

Harvie-Brown (1906: 316) says: 'One appears in Small's Registers, under date of 22nd September 1896, sent by my old friend Mr. J. R. W. Cook for preservation.'

Comment Not mentioned locally by Smout (1986: 121). Small & Son were taxidermist's of Edinburgh.

224). 1896 Dumfries & Galloway Terregles, near Crocketford, Kirkcudbrightshire, immature male, obtained, 2nd October.

(H. Brooks Broadhurst, Field 17th Oct., 1896: 641; R. Service, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 124; Gladstone, 1910, 1923).

History H. Brooks Broadhurst (1896) in The Field of 17th Oct., Vol. LXXXVIII. p. 641, says: 'On Oct. 2 I shot, at Terregles, Dumfries, a Great or Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major) weighing 7½ oz. I should be glad to know if this bird is a rare visitant in other counties of the British Isles. Mr. Robert Service informs me that this is the first authenticated instance of the occurrence of this species in Dumfriesshire, although it has been reported to have been met with previously.'

[The Solitary Snipe is a regular visitor to England in autumn, though, of course, never so numerous as the Common Snipe. It generally arrives earlier, and is found in drier situations. - Ed.]

R. Service (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 124, says: 'A fine specimen of this rare species, which had been shot not far from Crocketford on 2nd October, was sent me for identification. It weighed 7½ ozs. when it came to me, but the previous day it had weighed a quarter ounce more. The bird was extremely fat, and proved on dissection to be a young male. The stomach contained some moss and other vegetable fibres unknown, one small caddis worm, one little red earthworm, several white aquatic worms, and one single larva, evidently lepidopterous. So far as I know, this is the first time the occurrence of the Great Snipe (Gallinago major) in Dumfriesshire or Galloway has been thoroughly authenticated.'

Gladstone (1910: 389) says: 'Another example, obtained near Crocketford, Kirkcudbrightshire, on October 2nd, 1896, has also been recorded as a Dumfriesshire specimen, but it is only fair to add that this locality is no more than six miles from our boundary.'

225). 1896 Dorset Wareham, shot, 10th October.

(N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 18: 186; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 201; Boys, 1973; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1897) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XVIII. p. 186, says: 'Rare birds in 1896. Solitary Snipe. - One shot at Wareham, October 10 (J.C.M.-P.).'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 201, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset.'

Comment J. C. Mansel-Pleydell author of Birds in Dorsetshire.

226). 1896 Suffolk Woodbridge, shot, undated, now at Chelmsford Museum, Essex.

(Wood, 2007).

History Wood (2007: 58) states that this specimen is in Chelmsford Museum, Essex, and was shot in 1896 at Woodbridge, Suffolk, but was not recorded by Piotrowski (2003).

227). 1897 Gloucestershire Near Cheltenham, shot, 7th September.

(F. W. T. Round, Field 18th Sept., 1897: 486; Kirk & Phillips, 2013).

History F. W. T. Round of Gloucester (1897) in The Field of 18th Sept., Vol. XC. p. 486, says: 'On Sept. 7, whilst out partridge shooting, I killed a Solitary Snipe that rose from a field of seed clover. I have shot many hundreds of full Snipe and Jack Snipe in this country, but have never heard of a Solitary Snipe being killed here before. It is being set up for me by Mr. White, of Bath Road, Cheltenham.'

[On referring to Witchell's Fauna of Gloucestershire we find it stated (p. 117), on the authority of Mr. E. Evans, of Stroud, and Mr. J. P. Wilton Haines, of Gloucester, that the Great or Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major) has been previously met with in the county. - Ed.]

Swaine (1982) adds: 'Mellersh mentions several from the last century, but without evidence of identification.' However, Kirk & Phillips (2013) ignore Swaine and accept it without stating further proof.

228). 1897 Hertfordshire Slip End, near Sandon, shot, 11th September.

(A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 10: 39; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

History A. F. Crossman (1901) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. X. p. 39, says: 'A bird of this species was shot at Slip End, in the parish of Sandon, by Mr. J. H. Phillips, of Royston, on September 11th. It was a female, and was sent to Mr. Burton, of Wardour Street, for preservation. The bird is now in the possession of Mr. Phillips. In the report for 1896, I stated that this bird had been recorded in Herts., on two occasions. Mr. Howard Saunders, in his Manual of British Birds, says that "the adult may be distinguished from the common snipe by its larger size, proportionately shorter legs and bill, more boldly barred underparts, and especially by the very much greater amount of white in the tail feathers, which are normally sixteen (exceptionally eighteen in the moult) and not fourteen in number. In the young bird the tail feathers are barred across both webs, but their ground colour is of a pure white or buff, and not mottled, as in the common snipe.'

229). 1898 Cambridgeshire No locality, obtained, September.

(Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History Lack (1934: 104) says: 'A specimen obtained in the county in September, 1898, was received by William Farren.'

230). 1898 Moray & Nairn Pitgaveny, near Elgin, Moray, shot, 15th October.

(T. E. Buckley, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1899: 51; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 418; Cook, 1992).

History T. E. Buckley of Inverness (1899) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VIII. p. 51, says: 'A specimen of the rare Gallinago major, rare at least in the north of Scotland, was shot on Saturday 15th October 1898, by Mr. J. Brander-Dunbar at Pitgaveny, near Elgin. The bird rose out of a fairly dry grass park, along with a Common Snipe. It had a scar on the breast, probably done against a wire fence or telegraph wire. I weighed it on the following Monday morning, and found its weight was exactly 8 oz.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 418, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'One shot near Elgin, October 15th, 1898 (Ann. S.N.H., 1899, p . 51).'

231). 1899 Yorkshire Townhead, near Sheffield, shot, 11th August.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 601) says: 'Instances are reported of individuals being killed on 11th August 1899, at Townhead, near Sheffield.' Mather (1986) says: 'One shot near Sheffield on 11th August 1879.'

Comment 1879, or more likely 1899 in view of the records for that year?

232). 1899 Yorkshire Near Beverley, immature, shot, 5th September.

(F. Boyes, Field 7th Oct., 1899: 580; O. Grabham, Zoologist 1900: 234).

History F. Boyes of Beverley (1899) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. XCIV. p. 580, says: 'A Great or Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major) was shot near here on Sept. 5 last. It weighed 8¾ oz. and was apparently a young bird. I hear that another one was shot about the same time, but I have no particulars.'

Oxley Grabham (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 234, says: 'September. A Great Snipe was obtained at Beverley.'

Comment The hear-say record is ignored.

233). 1899 Northumberland Swinburn Castle, 13th September.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was [seen ?] at Swinburn Castle on 13th September, 1899.

234). 1899 Norfolk Ellingham Marshes, shot, 14th September.

(E. J. Poyser, Field 21st Oct., 1899: 667; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110).

History Edwin J. Poyser of Geldeston (1899) in The Field of 21st Oct., Vol. XCIV. p. 667, says: 'A Solitary Snipe was shot on Ellingham Marshes on Sept. 14 and another on Sept. 27; they weighed 8 oz. and 8¼ oz. respectively.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at...and two at Ellingham (Toyser) [sic]. It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

235). 1899 Norfolk Haddiscoe, shot, between 14th and 27th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110; Pashley, 1925; Allard, 1990).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at...Haddiscoe....It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

236). 1899 Suffolk Southwold, immature, shot, 14th September.

(W. J. Horn, Field 20th Jan., 1900: 95; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110).

History W. J. Horn of Market Harborough (1900) in The Field of 20th Jan., Vol. XCV. p. 95, says: 'When staying at Southwold last September, a local gunner named Aldred showed me a specimen of this bird, which was shot on the 14th of that month close to the town. It was an immature bird, and weighed but 6 oz.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Great Snipe at Southwold (Field). Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at Yarmouth (Dye), Haddiscoe, Pensthorpe (Davey), and two at Ellingham (Toyser) [sic]; while later on at Stuston (Southwell), and two at Morston (Pashley). It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

237). 1899 Norfolk Pensthorpe, shot, mid-September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at...Pensthorpe (Davey). It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

238). 1899 Norfolk Stuston, shot, mid-September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at...while later on at Stuston (Southwell). It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

239). 1899 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, shot, 20th September.

(A. H. Patterson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 7: 67; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1901: 101; Pashley, 1925; Allard, 1990).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at Yarmouth (Dye)....It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

A. H. Patterson (1900) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. VII. p. 67, says: 'Durrant, the poulterer, had a Great Snipe for sale on September 20th. Becoming rarer yearly, the sand-dunes, its favourite resort, being so encroached on and spoiled by traffic. In the 70’s it was not unusual.'

A. H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 101, says: 'Example brought to market, Sept. 20th, 1899.'

240). 1899 Norfolk Ellingham Marshes, shot, 27th September.

(E. J. Poyser, Field 21st Oct., 1899: 667; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110).

241). 1899 Yorkshire Thornton Dale, obtained, September.

(O. Grabham, Zoologist 1900: 234).

History Oxley Grabham (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 234, says: 'September. A Great Snipe was obtained at Thorntondale.'

242). 1899 Norfolk Morston, two: female, shot, 2nd October, male, shot, 4th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 110; Pashley, 1925; Allard, 1990).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 110, says: 'September 14th. Between this date and the 27th Great Snipes were shot at...while later on [October ?]...and two at Morston (Pashley). It is many years since Norfolk has had any number of Solitary Snipe, though there were several in September, 1880.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1899. October 2nd. A female Great Snipe.' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: October 2nd, 1899.' Further, he says: '1899. October 4th. Another Great Snipe, a male (Morston).' Further, under 'List of Cley Birds', he adds: 'I have had 10 in 25 years: October 4th, 1899.'

Comment I believe that the two mentioned by Gurney as "while later on" probably refers to the ones killed 2nd and 4th October near Morston and preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

244). 1899 Lincolnshire North Cotes, shot, 3rd October.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1900: 202, 211).

History G. H. Caton-Haigh (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 202, says: 'Among the rarer visitors may be numbered the second Lincolnshire example of the Great Snipe.' Further, p. 211, he adds: 'One sent to me by one of the Plover-catchers, which he shot on Oct. 3rd close to the village of North Cotes.'

245). 1899 Northumberland Newton Link House, 3rd October.

(Bolam, 1912).

History Bolam (1912: 547) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was [seen/shot ?] at Newton Link House on 3rd October, 1899.

246). 1899 Dumfries & Galloway Near Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, first-winter, shot, mid-October.

("A.E.W." Field 21st Oct., 1899: 667; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1900: 84).

History "A.E.W." (1899) in The Field of 21st Oct., Vol. XCIV. p. 667, says: 'While partridge shooting last week near Castle Douglas, I killed a Solitary Snipe (Gallinago major), which got up in a field of rape. It appeared to be a young bird, and was in good condition. As this species, I believe, is not very often seen in Scotland, it may be of interest to some of your readers to know of its appearance here.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1900) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. IX. p. 84, in their annual report.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

Great Snipe (1/4)

Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) (352, 16)

Dowitcher sp.

Great Snipe (2/4)