Great Snipe (3/4)

Scolopacidae

Oct 15

Written By Keith Naylor

Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) (353, 16)

NOT PROVEN

0). Pre 1785 Kent No locality, two, shot, undated.

(Latham, 1785, 1824; http://www.kentos.org.uk/Records/GreatSnipe.htm).

[KAN].

History Latham (1785 (3): 133) says: 'This is a rare species: a fine specimen of it has been shot in Lancashire, now in the Leverian Museum: said also to have been met with in Kent.'

Latham (1824 (9): 192) says: 'The Great Snipe is rarely seen in this kingdom; six or eight times to our knowledge being the utmost that it has been met with once in Wiltshire, on the Avon; another in Lancashire, in the Leverian Museum; a third in Kent; and a fourth shot in Suffolk, in my own collection. We have an account also of one shot in Norfolk, in 1791; and a second a few years since; another near Salisbury, in 1798; and again near Horsham, in Sussex.'

Comment Latham's use of "said to have been met with" does not inspire confidence. Not acceptable.

0). 1791 Norfolk No locality, shot, undated.

(Latham, 1821-28).

[Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009].

History Latham (1824 (9): 192) says: 'The Great Snipe is rarely seen in this kingdom; six or eight times to our knowledge being the utmost that it has been met with: We have an account also of one shot in Norfolk, in 1791.'

Comment Not accepted locally (Dye, Fiszer & Allard 2009).

0). 1793 Dorset/Wiltshire River Avon, shot, winter.

(Latham, 1821-28; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

[KAN].

History Latham (1824 (9): 192) says: 'Once in Wiltshire, on the Avon.' Mansel-Pleydell (1888) p. 89, says: 'Pulteney expresses some uncertainty about its occurrence in his time in Dorsetshire, but states that one was shot on the Dorset side of the Avon in the winter of 1793.'

Comment Winter would be an unusual date for this passage migrant. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1798 Wiltshire Near Salisbury, shot, undated

(Montagu, 1802; Latham, 1821-28).

[KAN].

History Montagu (1802) says: 'We are informed one was killed in Wiltshire, which weighed seven ounces and a half.'

Latham (1824 (9): 192) says: 'The Great Snipe is rarely seen in this kingdom; six or eight times to our knowledge being the utmost that it has been met with: another near Salisbury, in 1798.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1808 Sussex No locality, killed, 14th September.

(Markwick MS.; W. H. Mullens, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 3: 197; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Borrer, 1891].

History W. H. Mullens (1922) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 197, reviewing Markwick's MS. held in Hastings Museum, says: 'Greater Snipe [i.e., Solitary]. September 14, 1808, "a bird of this species was sent to me". [No mention of locality].'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 226) says: 'In Markwick's MS. 'British Ornithology', a second specimen transpires, which, although devoid of place-datum, was in all probability Sussex-killed. The date thereof reads "September 14th, 1808.' Borrer says nothing about this example.

Comment Borrer left it out because the record is worthless without correct data of locality, persons involved etc. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1813 Lincolnshire No localities, two, shot, undated.

(Montagu, 1813).

[KAN].

History Montagu (1813) says: 'Two of the Great Snipes in one case, in the late Leverian Museum, were marked as having been killed in Lincolnshire; one was larger than the other, but similar in plumage. In these the breast and belly had each feather marked with an angular ferruginous bar, which gives the undulations observed in the markings on those parts.'

Comment Lacks a precise date and localities for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1815 Orkney Sanday, several, September.

(Baikie & Heddle, 1848; Macgillivray, 1837-52; Morris, 1863-67).

[Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007].

History Baikie & Heddle (1848) say: 'This bird appeared several times in marshy ground in Sanday in September, 1815.'

Macgillivray (1852 (4): 366) says: 'In the Historia Naturalis Orcadensis it is stated that "this bird appeared several times in marshy ground in Sanday, in September, 1815".'

Morris (1863-67 (6): 11, reissue) says: 'In Orkney, this bird appeared several times in Sanday, in September, 1851.'

Not accepted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).

Comment One can see how extra records occur with Morris mixing the last two digits of the year!

0). 1818 Dumfries & Galloway Barnsoul, shot, September.

(Anon., Dumfries Courier 29th Sep., 1818).

[R. Service, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 124].

History R. Service of Maxwelltown (1897) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 124, says: 'There is, however, a record in the old files of the Courier for 29th September 1818 of an extra large Snipe that I have no doubt was really a specimen of the Solitary Snipe. The paragraph is of interest in the present connection, and runs as follows: - "As two gentlemen were shooting at Barnsoul on Thursday last, a remarkably large snipe rose before them, at which, in order to make sure, they both fired, and brought it down. It proved to be of the most beautiful plumage, and of the following weight and dimensions, viz. 8 ounces in weight, and measured from tip to tip of the wings 19½ inches, and in length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail 15½ inches.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1819 Orkney No locality, killed, December.

(Atkinson, 1820).

[KAN].

History Atkinson (1820: 142) says: 'This is a rare species; we have seen one specimen killed in Orkney, December, 1819.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1823 Cleveland/Co. Durham/Yorkshire Teesmouth, Co. Durham, shot, undated.

(Hogg, 1827; J. Hogg, Zoologist 1845: 1174; Temperley, 1951).

[Bowey & Newsome, 2012].

History J. Hogg (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 1174, says: 'The specimen mentioned in my 'Catalogue of Birds' (Hist. Stockton p. 11, No. 87), was shot by a gentleman, in company with Mr. J. Grey, near Newport on the Tees.'

Temperley (1951) says: 'The earliest record of the species in Durham is that of Hogg (1827) who wrote: "The only specimen known to have been seen here was killed by Mr. John Grey as it was flying over the Tees about four years ago".'

Not accepted locally for Co. Durham (Bowey & Newsome 2012).

0). Pre 1824 Kent No locality, shot, undated.

(Latham, 1821-28).

[KAN].

History Latham (1824 (9): 192) says: 'The Great Snipe is rarely seen in this kingdom; six or eight times to our knowledge being the utmost that it has been met with: a third in Kent.'

Comment Lacks a precise date and locality for a scientific record. No supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1824 Norfolk No locality, shot, undated.

(Latham, 1821-28).

[Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009].

Not accepted locally as the first for Norfolk (Dye, Fiszer & Allard 2009).

0). c. 1825 Essex Near Saffron Walden, shot, undated.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929).

[Wood, 2007].

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Clarke records (MS.) one obtained near Walden about 1825.'

Glegg (1929: 243) says: 'The first reference to the species was made by Mr. J. Clarke, who records that it was shot near Saffron Walden about 1825.' Not accepted locally (Wood 2007).

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1829 Yorkshire Bradford, male, shot, undated, now at Manchester Museum.

(J. Blackwall, Loudon's Magazine of Natural History 1: 275).

[Nelson, 1907].

History J. Blackwall (1829) in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. 275, says: 'Great Snipe (Scolopax major). This is a male bird, and was shot at Bradford, near Manchester.'

Nelson (1907) stated that the first reference to a Yorkshire bird occurred in 1836.

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable. Blackwall is talking about specimens in the Manchester Museum.

0). Pre 1830 Denbighshire Moel Cyffylog, Llanrwst, 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. Price noted one at Moel Cyffylog above Eglwysbach (Dobie's list), Llanrwst (Faunula Grustensis, 1830).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1831 Wiltshire Winterslow, shot, undated.

(A. C. Smith, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 12: 65; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

[KAN]

History A. C. Smith (1870) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XII. p. 65, and in (1887) p. 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 late Mr. George Marsh reported that one was killed at Winterslow Wood in 1831.'

Comment A wood would be a strange habitat. Second-hand report. Rev. G. S. Marsh owned the rejected Northern Flicker and Wilson's Storm-petrel supposedly obtained in Wiltshire. Not trustworthy. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1831 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Haslingden, killed, undated.

(J. Skaife, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 2: 527).

[Oakes, 1953].

History J. Skaife (1838) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. II. p. 527, says: 'The capture of three of these birds has come within my own observation. One was shot on a piece of swampy ground close to Blackburn, on Thursday, Sept. 25th, 1834, weight 8½ oz. avoirdupois: another was shot about ten months previously, near Whitewell, in Bowland: and a third specimen was killed about two years before, on the moors near Haslingden, nine miles S. E. of Blackburn.'

Not accepted locally (Oakes 1953).

Comment I don't know whether his two years before was to the first record in September 1834, or as it came after the second record which was ten months previous to the first. However, it lacks a precise date for a scientific record and is not accepted locally.

0). 1833 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Whitewell, Bowland, shot, undated.

(J. Skaife, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 2: 527).

[Oakes, 1953].

History J. Skaife (1838) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. II. p. 527, says: 'The capture of three of these birds has come within my own observation....Another was shot about ten months previously [to September, 1834], near Whitewell, in Bowland.' Not accepted locally (Oakes 1953).

Comment Ten months before is making November, a rather late date. However, it lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1834 Lancashire & North Merseyside Blackburn, shot, 25th September.

(J. Skaife, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 2: 527).

[Oakes, 1953].

Comment This is the best of Skaife's three records purely because the date fits the known occurrence time, but it would appear he has identified it on weight. These records would appear to have been overlooked in the Lancashire county avifaunas. Not acceptable.

0). 1836 Essex Coastal locality, shot, autumn.

(J. D. Hoy, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 117; Glegg, 1929; Wood, 2007).

[KAN].

History J. D. Hoy of Stoke Nayland (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 116, dated 12th January, 1837, says: 'Several Great Snipes (Scolopax major) have been shot, during the last autumn, on the Suffolk and Essex coasts.'

Comment Throwaway remark! The title refers to notes between autumn 1835 and December 1836 with no particular note on an individual. Not acceptable.

0). 1836 Suffolk Coastal locality, shot, autumn.

(J. D. Hoy, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 117).

[KAN].

Comment Throwaway remark! The title refers to notes between autumn 1835 and December 1836 with no particular note on an individual. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1838 Greater London Near Harrow, Middlesex, obtained, undated.

(H. J. Torre, Wood's Naturalist 3: 420, 422; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History H. J. Torre of Harrow (1838) in Wood's Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 420, 422, date 4th June, 1838, says: 'I beg to thank you for the kind manner in which you noticed my letter (p. 313) of last month, and fully perceive the error I committed in concealing my name.

Following the example of some of your other correspondents, I subjoin a list of birds which have been found in this neighbourhood during the last seven or eight years. I think it may be considered correct, as by far the greater part I have myself observed; and the remainder - to which a mark (†) is prefixed - I have received from a respectable animal preserver of this town. Should you have already received an ornithological list from Middlesex, or find deficiencies in this, you will of course have no scruples in dispensing with it. †Great Snipe, S. major.'

Glegg (1935: 159) says: 'One obtained near Harrow in 1838 was recorded by H. J. Torre.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No identification details. Marshall (2009) lists only one taxidermist for Harrow - a Mr. Goshawk. Not acceptable.

0). 1838 Leicestershire & Rutland Martenshaw Wood, shot, winter.

(M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 328; Browne, 1889; Fray et al., 2009).

[KAN].

History Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 328, says: 'According to Harley, Mr. Chaplin, of Groby, shot one in Martenshaw Wood during the winter of 1838.' Still accepted locally (Browne 1889: 152).

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1839 Hertfordshire Walsworth Common, shot, 24th January.

(Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).

[KAN].

History Sage (1959) says: 'William Lucas, of Hitchin, records in his diary under the date of 24th January 1839, that a specimen of the "Large Snipe of Bewick" was lately shot by W. Cannon on Walsworth Common.'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1839 Oxfordshire River Isis, near Oxford, shot, undated.

(A. & H. Matthews, Zoologist 1849: 2537; A. M. Norman, Zoologist 1852: 3330; Aplin, 1889; Radford, 1966).

[KAN].

History A. & H. Matthews (1849) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VII. p. 2537, under 'The Birds of Oxfordshire', say: 'A few specimens of the Great Snipe have at different times been killed in this part of the country. The last of these was shot on the banks of the Isis, close to the city of Oxford, in 1839, by a servant of Worcester College.'

A. M. Norman of Oxford (1852) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. X. p. 3330, adds: '...I am informed that a specimen was shot about ten years since, very near the same spot [Botley, near Oxford].'

Aplin (1889: 152) says: '...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.'

Accepted locally (Radford 1966).

Comment See 1851 Oxfordshire Botley record for comments probably appertaining to this record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date to form an opinion of. Not acceptable.

0). 1839 or 1840 North-east Scotland Loch of Strathbeg, shot, undated.

(Sim, 1903).

[KAN].

History Sim (1903: 172) says: 'Edward mentions "one having been sent from Strathbeg along with some other birds", to the Rev. Mr. Smith, rector of Banff Academy, about 1839 or 1840.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1840s Norfolk Beeston, five, shot, in a single day.

(Taylor, 1987).

[KAN].

History Taylor (1987: 28) says: 'Five were shot in a turnip field in a single day during the 1840s at Beeston.'

Comment Throwaway remark with no identifcation details or specific dates for a scientific record. Not acceptable.

0). 1842 Suffolk Near Lowestoft, twelve, shot, early September.

(W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1843: 182; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932).

[KAN].

History W. R. Fisher (1843) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 182, dated April 27, 1843, says: 'Twelve or thirteen of these birds were shot in the beginning of September last [1842], near Lowestoft. Three were killed on the 8th of that month, in one day, by the same party.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1842 Kent Near Reculver, shot, 9th September.

(S. Mummery, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 10: 238; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

[KAN].

History S. Mummery (1842) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. X. p. 238, says: 'Sept. 9., near Reculver, Scolopax major, very large, weighing half a pound and half an ounce.' Accepted locally (Ticehurst (909: 450; Harrison 1953).

Comment Stephen Mummery has been found to be unreliable. His honesty was questioned by Pemberton Bartlett in The Zologist for 1844 (Ticehurst, 1909). Not acceptable.

0). c. 1843 Lincolnshire No locality, male, shot, May, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(S. Willoughby, Zoologist 1843: 247; Booth, 1901).

[KAN].

History S. Willoughby (1843) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 247, dated June 1843, in his list of birds he has shot in Lincolnshire after 1840 includes a Great Snipe.

Booth (1901: 211, 3rd ed.) on the birds in the Dyke Road [Booth] Museum, Brighton, says: 'A male from the Borrer collection, shot in Lincolnshire in May, 1845.'

Comment It is possible that these two instances refer to this one record, as there are no other records published for Lincolnshire around that time. Possibly 1845 misread for 1843 under poor light. However, it has not been recognised in any Lincolnshire avifauna, and as the details are confusing, it is found to be unacceptable.

0). 1846 Norfolk Belaugh, Wroxham, breeding pair, seen, April.

(P. E. Hansell, Zoologist 1851: 3175; Morris, 1863-67).

[Stevenson, 1870; Ticehurst, 1932].

History P. E. Hansell of Thorpe, Norwich (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 3175, dated 6th June, 1851, says: 'In the April of 1846, I found a nest of the Great Snipe, containing four eggs, one of which is now in my collection, the others were broken by a boy who was with me, whilst stepping into my boat. The nest was placed in a tuft of grass, in some marshes at Belaugh, near Wroxham, in this county. I had a good opportunity of observing both the birds, as they did not rise in the usual quick manner of the Common Snipe, but much more leisurely, and continued to hover round the nest for some little time.'

Morris (1863-67 (6): 10, reissue) says: 'P. E. Hansell, Esq. has reported his having found a nest with four eggs, in April, 1846, at Belaugh, near Wroxham, the birds belonging to which appeared to be of this species.'

Stevenson (1870 (2): 300) says: 'Supposed instance of the Great Snipe breeding in Norfolk.' Babington (1884-86) p. 147, says: 'Mr. Stevenson, gives reasons for suspecting that it belonged to the large race of the Common Snipe.'

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....there is a record of this species having nested near Wroxham, in April, 1846 (Zool. l. c.). But the late Mr. Stevenson, who enquired carefully into the circumstances, and examined one of the eggs taken, has shown good reason for concluding that the nest was that of a Common Snipe (Birds of Norfolk, Vol. II. pp. 300-301).'

Ticehurst (1932: 343) adds: 'One at Lowestoft in April 1846 was doubted by Stevenson.'

Comment No accepted published record of attempted breeding in the BOU (1971). Not acceptable.

0). 1846 Derbyshire Near Anchor Church, Melbourne, pair, seen, September.

(J. J. Briggs, Zoologist 1850: 2819; Whitlock, 1893).

[KAN].

History J. J. Briggs (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2819, says: 'A pair was observed in the marshy parts near Anchor Church, bordering on the Trent, in September, 1846, by a person who has shot them occasionally. They prefer reed-beds and the most lonely and retired parts.' Accepted locally (Whitlock 1893: 204).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1846 Suffolk Felsham, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'Shot at Felsham in a stubble by the late Mr. S. G. White about 1846 (W. M. White viva voce).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Without a precise date it is impossible to accept. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1847 Greater London/Surrey Near Chertsey, two, seen, undated.

(Meyer, 1847; Bucknill, 1900; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

[Glegg, 1935].

History Bucknill (1900: 298) says: 'Meyer mentions that he flushed two specimens of this species near Chertsey, but was unable to shoot them (B. B., Vol. V. p. 46).'

Glegg (1935: 159) says: 'H. L. Meyer, writing in 1842-50, records that two were flushed on Chertsey Mead in autumn and flew across the river, but no date given.'

Wheatley (2007: 289) says: '...the only record worth claiming for Surrey, because they flew across the Thames, enabling Glegg to claim them for Middlesex, which is now part of Surrey.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1847 Suffolk Near Ipswich, killed, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'Near Ipswich, 1847 (Bilson MS.).'

Comment Presumed killed as Bilson was a Taxidermist. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No specific date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1848 Cornwall Gyllingvase, near Falmouth, killed, December.

(W. P. Cocks, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 1: 137; Morris, 1868; Penhallurick, 1978).

[KAN].

History W. P. Cocks of Falmouth (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 137, says: 'One shot in the Marsh, Gwyllyn Vase, December, 1848: rare.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications details. Not acceptable.

0). 1848 Kent Dover Castle, shot, undated.

(Eds., Morris & Bree's Naturalist 1851: 68; Fielding, 1893).

[KAN].

History In an Editorial (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 68, says: 'A fine specimen was shot near Dover Castle, on Mr. Prescott's farm, measuring eighteen inches from tip to tip.'

Fielding (1893) states the year as 1848.

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. The length of the specimen does not rule out other species. No precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1849 Sussex Pevensey Levels, shot, undated.

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

[KAN].

History Knox (1849: 229, 1st ed.) says: 'Has been killed on Pevensey levels....' Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 227).

Comment Throwaway remark! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications details. No precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1849 Sussex South Downs, shot, October.

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

[KAN].

History Knox (1849: 229, 1st ed.) says: 'One was shot in the month of October, a few years ago, by Mr. Trist, a wine-merchant at Brighton, on the Downs near the race-course, a singular locality for this bird.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 227) says: '...Many people will consider downland a most peculiar spot for Snipe of any sort ever to be present on....But the Great Snipe is on the whole partial to much drier terrain than that affected by its two commoner relatives.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1850 Devon Shaugh Moor, shot, 7th September.

(R. A. Julian, jun., Morris and Bree's Naturalist 1851: 142; Morris, 1863-67; Pidsley, 1891; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892).

[KAN].

History R. A. Julian of Lara House, Plymouth (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 142, dated June 1851, says: 'A very fine specimen of this bird was shot by a gentleman residing at Stoke, on Shaugh Moor, near the rabbit-warren, September 7th, 1850. I am informed it weighed above eight ounces.'

Morris (1863-67 (6): 11, reissue) says: 'In Devonshire, one was shot on Shaugh Moor, September 7th, 1850.'

Accepted locally (Pidsley 1891: 141; D'Urban & Mathew 1892).

Comment Mr. Julian was informed!. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1850 Northamptonshire Aldwincle, seen, September.

(Lilford, 1895).

[KAN].

History Lord Lilford (1895 (2): 51) says: 'Personally I have only seen one of this species on wing near Lilford; this took place in September 1850. I had just shot two partridges from a small covey on a grassy bean-stubble near Aldwincle, and was ramming the wadding on to my powder in reloading, when a large Snipe with a great deal of white about it, and tail spread out fan-wise, rose within a few feet of me and flew low and slowly to a high fence, which it just topped, in a manner that made me feel sure that it had dropped close on the far side of the hedge. I made for the nearest gap, and beat every inch of the large pasture-field with two good dogs, but saw nothing more of the Snipe. I was convinced at the time that this was a Great Snipe, and since I have become well acquainted with the species am more than ever certain of the fact.'

Comment Observer not totally certain of species at the time. Not acceptable.

0). 1850 Leicestershire & Rutland Belton, Rutland, shot, undated.

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

[KAN].

History Browne (1889: 152) says: 'Rutland. Lord Gainsborough writes me that it has been recorded by Mr. J. Montague as occurring at Belton in 1850.' Haines (1907: 144) says: 'Five instances: viz., at Belton, 1850, shot by Mr. J. Montague.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No specific date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1850 Lincolnshire Marshchapel, obtained, undated.

(Morris, 1863-67).

[KAN].

History Morris (1863-67 (6): 11, reissue) says: 'The Rev. Charles Alington procured one in the parish of Marsh Chapel, Lincolnshire, in the year 1850.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No specific date to form an opinion.

0). c. 1850 Cheshire & Wirral Withington, shot, undated.

(Coward & Oldham, 1900).

[Coward & Oldham, 1900].

History Coward & Oldham (1900: 211) say: 'The Great Snipe is said to have occurred in Cheshire on several occasions; but as large examples of the Common Snipe are often mistaken for it, and as no evidence of identity is adduced in any instance, some of the records must be regarded with caution....A Great Snipe, in the collection of Colonel Dixon, was shot at Withington about fifty years ago.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No identification details of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1851 Kent Doddington, seen, September.

(Morris, 1863-67).

[http://www.kentos.org.uk/Records/GreatSnipe.htm].

History Morris (1863-67 (6): 11, reissue) says: 'Mr. Chaffey has seen it at Dodington, in Kent, in September, 1851.'

Ticehurst (1909: 450) says: 'Chaffey appears to have told Morris (Brit. Birds, IV. p. 247) that he saw one at Doddington in September, 1851.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1851 Norfolk Rockland, shot, 6th November.

(J. O. Harper, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 2: 129).

[KAN].

History J. O. Harper of Norwich (1852) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 129, dated 11th November, 1851, says: 'I shot on November 6th, at Rockland, a specimen of this bird. I had never been able to procure a specimen before, therefore I think it rather uncommon. Mr. Yarrell states in Vol. III. page 19, that it is not uncommon in autumn in Norfolk.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1852 Lincolnshire Tetney, shot, September.

(Morris, 1863-67).

[KAN].

History Morris (1863-67 (6): 11, reissue) says: 'A. Fuller, Esq. mentions one shot at Tetney, near Grimsby, in September, 1852.'

Comment Second-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1853 Essex Newport, undated.

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

[KAN].

History Christy (1890: 243) says: 'Mr. Clarke records (MS.) another at Newport in 1853.'

Glegg (1929: 243) says: 'Mr. J. Clarke recorded one taken at Newport in 1853.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No specific date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1853-59 Sussex Cuckfield, obtained, undated.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Borrer (1891: 222) says: 'Mr. Dennis (p. n.) states that...another at Pond Lye, near Cuckfield, but gives no date.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 227) says: 'Before 1850 - in any case just about then the bird's slayer, Mr. King, passed away - it is possible that a Great Snipe was obtained in the vale of Cuckmere, near Seaford, though the Rev. R. N. Dennis (N.O.S.O., pp. 58-9) says, decidedly, "No.' ...From Dennis's existing diaries (Notes on Sussex Ornithology) the years 1853-59 inclusive are missing. It is highly feasible, therefore - seeing that the sole talk of the Great Snipe therein is as above (King's supposition) - that the two dateless specimens registered by Borrer (p. 222) on the parson's authority from Upper Beeding and near Cuckfield were procured during the truant period. Indeed, there can, I think, be no reasonable doubt about it, though, as I translate Borrer's text, they seem never to have had dates attached to them.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No specific date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1853-59 Sussex Upper Beeding, obtained, undated.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Borrer (1891: 222) says: 'Mr. Dennis (p.n.) states that one was obtained on Larnes Farm, Upper Beeding.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 227) says: 'From Dennis's existing diaries (Notes on Sussex Ornithology) the years 1853-59 inclusive are missing. It is highly feasible, therefore - seeing that the sole talk of the Great Snipe therein is as above (King's supposition) - that the two dateless specimens registered by Borrer (p. 222) on the parson's authority from Upper Beeding and near Cuckfield were procured during the truant period. Indeed, there can, I think, be no reasonable doubt about it, though, as I translate Borrer's text, they seem never to have had dates attached to them.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No specific date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1854 Suffolk Tuddenham, immature, shot, September.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'A young bird shot by Mr. Blake at Tuddenham in Sept., 1854; not preserved (W. Blake in litt.).'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1854 Devon Ashburton, 7th October.

(D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

[KAN].

History D'Urban & Mathew (1895: 324, 2nd ed.) say: 'One at Ashburton, October 7th, 1854.'

Comment Throwaway remark! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1854 Wiltshire Near Salisbury, shot, undated.

(A. C. Smith, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 12: 65; Smith, 1887; Buxton, 1981).

[KAN].

History A. C. Smith (1870) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XII. p. 65, and in (1887) p. 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 one killed in South Wilts in 1854.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1856 Cheshire & Wirral Hoylake, Wirral, several, undated.

(Byerley, 1856).

[Forrest, 1907].

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. Several at Hoylake (Byerley, Fauna of Liverpool).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1856 Yorkshire The Fleets, near Wakefield, shot, 5th September.

(Wakefield Express; Eds., Morris and Bree's Naturalist 6: 283).

[KAN].

History In an Editorial (1857) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 283, quoting from the Wakefield Express, they say: 'Several Snipes, both the Common and the Jack Snipe, have appeared in the Dearne valley, and on the 5th of September that rare bird, the Great or Solitary Snipe, was shot on the Fleets, being the first instance recorded in this neighbourhood of its being seen. It was taken to Mr. T. Lister, and its weight being twice that of the common species, it was readily distinguished as the rarer bird.'

Comment Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1857 Yorkshire Askham Bog, near York, shot, 19th September.

(D. Graham, Zoologist 1857: 5833).

[T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237].

History David Graham of York (1857) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XV. p. 5833, dated 21st September, 1857, says: 'A very fine specimen of the Great Snipe was sent to me for preservation on Saturday last, the 19th instant. It was shot about three miles from York, at a place called Askham Bog, and was flushed in company with some of the Common Snipe. It was one mass of fat, and weighed nine ounces.'

Comment Lacks details of who shot it and who sent it to Graham. Due to David Graham, taxidermist, being discredited over the 'Tadcaster Rarities fraud', this record is no longer acceptable (T. Melling, British Birds 98: 230-237).

0). 1857 Cornwall St Levan, killed, late October.

(Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1978).

[KAN].

History Harting, Editor (1880: 113) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Nevertheless, I have notes of its occurrence at intervals in different localities, amongst which may be mentioned...St Levan.'

Penhallurick (1978: 422) says: 'End of October, 1857, one at St. Levan.'

Comment Highly unusual for Rodd not to report this to one of the scientific journals of the day, being prolific with his recording. Harting picking up the pieces after his death records it, but there is a strong doubt as to why Rodd left it out.

0). 1857 Northumberland Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, two, shot, October.

("V.S." Field 12th Feb., 1881: 217).

[Bolam, 1912].

History "V.S." (1881) in The Field of 12th Feb., Vol. LVII. p. 217, says: 'In your 'Notes on Natural History', I see a Solitary Snipe has been shot in Yorkshire. At the end of October, 1857, I was at Newbiggin, Northumberland, and on two consecutive days killed a Solitary Snipe (the only two I have ever seen). Though they had only just arrived, they were in good condition.'

Bolam (1912) did not list this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe.

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1857 Cheshire & Wirral Near Chester, two, shot, winter.

("Tribune" Field 23rd Jan., 1858: 81; T. Mather, Zoologist 1858: 5976; Dobie, 1893).

[Coward & Oldham, 1900; Coward, 1910].

History "Tribune" (1858) in The Field of 23rd Jan., Vol. XI. p. 81, says: 'Two were shot lately near Chester, in the same field, at some interval of time; one of them weighed 7¾oz.'

T. Mather of Holywell (1858) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVI. p. 5976, dated 22nd January, 1858, says: 'Two specimens of the Great Snipe were killed this winter by a gentleman in a field near Chester, on different days.'

Coward & Oldham (1900: 211) say: 'The Great Snipe is said to have occurred in Cheshire on several occasions; but as large examples of the Common Snipe are often mistaken for it, and as no evidence of identity is adduced in any instance, some of the records must be regarded with caution....two birds are said to have been shot near Chester in the winter of 1857-58.'

Comment I wonder if this record was confused with the two killed at The Chesters, North Tyne in Northumberland in 1856. Winter dates are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1860 Bedfordshire Willington, shot, undated.

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

[KAN].

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 152) says: 'The first within my knowledge was shot previous to 1860, at Willington.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications details and no specific date to base an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1860 Sussex Near Lewes, shot, autumn.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 228) says: '...a media was shot near Lewes in the early autumn of 1860.... But a second specimen (omitted by Borrer) secured by someone else much about the same time (Never before, I believe has the date been recorded. I acquired it from Arthur Griffith) and place found its way into Thomas Monk's collection....Since 1905 it has been lodged at the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

Comment Borrer did the right thing because this record lacks the necessary data. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1860 Bedfordshire Between Wyboston and Tempsford, shot, November.

(Steele-Elliott, 1904).

[Trodd & Kramer, 1991].

History J. Steele-Elliott (1904 (1): 130) in the Victoria County History of Bedfordshire, says: 'Mr. P. Addington, referring to the hundreds of snipe he obtained at Wyboston, mentions having only shot one, and that in November about 1860.'

Not accepted locally (Trodd & Kramer 1991).

0). c. 1860 Bedfordshire Near Renhold, killed, undated.

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

[KAN].

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 152) says: '...and another was killed about the same year [1860] on the Renhold side of the river.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications details and no specific date to base an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). 1860 Suffolk Aldeburgh, obtained, August.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'Several specimens have been seen about Aldeburgh, generally in August; one was obtained in 1860, not preserved.'

Comment Throwaway remark. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications details. Not acceptable.

0). 1860 Sussex Near Lewes, shot, early autumn.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Borrer (1891: 223) says: 'Mr. Aubrey Hillman, of Iford, near Lewes, has also kindly written to tell me of a Solitary Snipe which he shot, in the early autumn of 1860, at Lower Stoneham, near Lewes, but although its great size and weight (over 8 oz.) were observed at the time, he, not knowing its rarity, did not have it preserved.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 228).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identifications details. Not acceptable.

0). 1861 Surrey Near Lingfield, killed, late June.

(Anon., Field., 6th July 1861: 17).

[Bucknill, 1900].

History Anon. (1861) in The Field of 6th Jul., Vol. XVIII. p. 17, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major) was shot by Mr. Marchant on his farm in Surrey, near to Lingfield, about a fortnight since. The bird has been sent to Mr. Ward, naturalist, of 2, Vere Street, Oxford Street, London, to be stuffed, where it may be seen by any gentleman or British collector. The weight was 7oz.'

Bucknill (1900: 298) says: 'The record needs confirmation.'

Comment Anonymous records were considered inadmissable by naturalists. No summer records. Not acceptable.

0). 1861 Leicestershire & Rutland Tilton-on-the-Hill, shot, December.

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

[KAN].

History Browne (1889: 152) says: 'Mr. Davenport says his father shot one at Tilton in December, 1861, and - ate it!'

Comment Second-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1862 Yorkshire Near Malham, two, killed, 6th September.

(W. Christy Horsfall, Zoologist 1862: 8196).

[KAN].

History W. Christy Horsfall of Horsforth Low Hall, near Leeds (1862) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XX. p. 8196, dated 8th September, 1862, says: 'Two very fine specimens of the Solitary Snipe were killed on Saturday last, September 6, by Mr. W. Braysley, at Malham, in this county. The birds were both found on high ground, and almost a mile and a half apart. Mr. Braysley has very kindly given me one of the birds for my collection; it weighed over eight ounces, and was, I believe, a female; the other weighed rather less: both were in very good plumage.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1862 Yorkshire Hornby Grange, Great Smeaton, two, seen, 18th September, one 19th September.

(W. Christy Horsfall, Zoologist 1863: 8330).

[KAN].

History W. Christy Horsfall of Horsforth Low Hall, near Leeds (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8330, dated 8th November, 1862, says: 'Since my last communication (Zool. 8196) the Solitary Snipe has been seen in this county several times. On the 18th of September my brothers saw two near my father's house (Hornby Grange, Great Smeaton); the next day another, or probably one of the same two, was seen by a man fishing in the same neighbourhood.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1862 Yorkshire Hornby Grange, Great Smeaton, two, seen, mid to late October.

(W. Christy Horsfall, Zoologist 1863: 8330).

[KAN].

History W. Christy Horsfall of Horsforth Low Hall, near Leeds (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8330, dated 8th November, 1862, says: 'Since my last communication (Zool. 8196) the Solitary Snipe has been seen in this county several times....About the middle of last month my brother saw another of these birds, and last week I myself, while pike-fishing there, flushed another.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1862 Cornwall Mullion, shot, undated.

(Johns, 1874).

[KAN]

History Johns (1874, 2nd ed.) says: 'In 1862 one was killed at Mullion.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1862 Oxfordshire Warkworth, undated.

(Taylor MS., 1959; Davies, 1962).

[KAN]

History Taylor MS. (1959) says: 'One recorded about 1860 at Warkworth.' Davies (1962: 24) says: 'The only record is from Warkworth in 1862.'

Comment Warkworth appears to be in Oxfordshire, while, Taylor MS. was writing about the 'Birds of Northants'. Presumed to refer to same individual. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Was it seen or shot? No specific date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

). 1863 Orkney Shapinsay, shot, September.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Ed., Field 16th Mar., 1895: 356; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

[KAN].

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 212) say: 'Mr. W. Reid informs us that Mr. Calder shot a Double Snipe in Shapinsay, in September 1863.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1864 Orkney Near Skaill, Sandwick, Mainland, shot, undated.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Field 16th Mar., 1895: 356; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

[KAN].

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 212) say: 'Mr. Watt shot one near Skaill, at the pools of Mire, in either 1864 or 1865, the only one he ever saw.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1865 Norfolk/Suffolk Near Thetford, seen, 13th March.

(M. R. Pryor, Zoologist 1865: 9564; Babington, 1884-86).

[Ticehurst, 1932].

History M. R. Pryor of Croxton, Thetford (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9564, dated 14th March, 1865, says: 'It may interest the readers of The Zoologist to hear that on the 13th of March I saw, on the Little Ouse, near Thetford, a Solitary Snipe: it rose within ten yards of me from a marshy place. I noticed particularly its steadier flight, the white on the tail, which it carried in a curious manner, the great distinctness of its markings, and its greater size, as compared with the Common Snipe.'

Accepted locally (Babington 1884-86: 147), but Ticehurst (1932: 343) says: 'Another seen on 13th March 1865 on the Little Ouse is not conclusive.'

Comment The middle of the Little Ouse is the county boundary. Winter and early spring records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1865 Angus & Dundee No locality, Forfarshire, shot, winter, now at St Andrew's Museum.

(Gray, 1871).

[KAN].

History Gray (1871: 311) says: 'In the winter of the same year [1865] one was shot in Forfarshire, and is now in the Museum at St Andrews.'

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1866 Greater London/Hertfordshire Bushey Heath, near Edmonton, Middlesex, obtained, undated.

(Harting, 1866; A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 9: 158; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

[Gladwin & Sage, 1986].

History Harting (1866: 188) says: 'I have seen a third [for Middlesex], which was killed on Bushy Heath.'

A. F. Crossman (1898) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. IX. p. 158, says: 'In the Birds of Middlesex Mr. Harting mentions a bird of this species as having been obtained at Bushey Heath, but gives no particulars. This bird appears to have occurred on one other occasion in this county, an albino specimen having been obtained at Tring.'

Glegg (1935: 159) says: 'Harting (1866) in his Birds of Middlesex, states that Frederick Bond had one in his collection from Edmonton, but without date. This specimen was sold with Bond's collection at Stevens's on 22nd May 1890.'

Comment Bushey Heath (Hertfordshire) is not far from Edmonton (Middlesex) and they are presumed to refer to this one record. Although not perfect with detail, Self (2014) accepts it for Greater London, but Gladwin & Sage (1986) don't list it for Herts. It was verified by Harting, but still lacks a precise date for a scientific record, to form an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1866 Shropshire Eaton, killed, undated.

(J. Rocke, Zoologist 1866: 76-84; Smith et al., 2019).

[KAN].

History J. Rocke (1866) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 83, says: 'A fine specimen was killed at Eaton by the late Mr. Pinches, of Ticklerton, and there are many other instances of its capture on record.'

Comment Lacks a specific date of capture for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1866 Greater London Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, shot, August.

("W.H.S." Field 7th Mar., 1908: 409; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History "W.H.S." (1908) in The Field of 7th Mar., Vol. CXI. p. 409, under 'Reminiscences of the Brent', says: '...In August, 1866, Mr. F. H. Mercer shot a Great or Solitary Snipe in a turnip field where the sewage farm now is.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1866 Dorset Near Dorchester, male, shot, 29th November.

(J. Shorto, jun., Zoologist 1867: 608).

[KAN].

History James Shorto, jun., of Dorchester (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 608, dated 13th December, 1866, says: 'My brother shot a specimen of the Great Snipe near here on the 29th of November last: it was flushed in a reed-bed, at the same time as six or seven Common Snipe, but was lying apart from them, and at once attracted attention by its superior size and different mode of flight. The dimensions of this bird (a male) are as follows: - length from end of tail to base of bill, 9¾ inches; length from base of bill to tip, 2¾ inches; length from carpal joint to end of wing, 5 and seven sixteenths; extent of wings, 17½ inches. Agreeing with those given by Yarrell and Montagu, but the weight seems to be less than usual, as it barely weighed six ounces, although in fair, but not fat, condition.'

Comment Bill length too long and the weight is less than usual, resulting in a misidentification. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1866 Upper Forth Culcreuch, Stirlingshire, shot, December.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1867: 901).

[KAN].

History John A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. II. p. 901, says: 'Great Snipe - "Last December (1866)", writes Capt. A. G. Spiers, "a very rare bird was shot here (Culcreuch), the Solitary Snipe. I have had it set up and it looks well in its glass-case". This is indeed a rare bird, and Mr. R. Gray tells me it has seldom been obtained north of the Tweed.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1867 Suffolk Aldeburgh, seen, August.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 147) says: 'Several specimens have been seen about Aldeburgh, generally in August; ...another was seen there in Aug., 1867.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for a sight record. Not acceptable.

0). 1867 Highland Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, shot, 11th September.

(Ed., Field 27th Sep., 1919: 442).

[KAN].

History In an Editorial (1919) in The Field of 27th Sep., Vol. CXXXIV. p. 442, with a list of past Scottish occurrences, he says: 'In Skye one was shot by the late George Dawson Rowley, Sept. 11, 1867.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1868 Co. Durham Fishburn Carr, four, shot, undated.

(Morris, 1863-67).

[KAN].

History Morris (1863-67 (6): 10-11, reissue) says: 'The Hon. Augustus Barrington, and his brother Lord Barrington, shot, many years ago, four Solitary Snipes, two of which were young birds, scarcely full-fledged. This was on Fishburn Carr, between Castle Eden and Darlington.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise dates to base an opinion on. Not acceptable.

0). 1868 Northumberland No localities, two, immatures, shot, about 23rd September.

(C. M. Adamson, Zoologist 1868: 1461; C. M. Adamson, Field 3rd Oct., 1868: 273-274).

[Bolam, 1912].

History C. M. Adamson of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1461, undated, and in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. XXXII. pp. 273-274, dated 28th September, under Great or Solitary Snipe, says: 'On the 23rd of September I saw one of these birds hanging at a game-dealer's shop, which I bought, he remarking that it was a very fine snipe, as it certainly was: it is the third I have met with sent accidentally for sale with other game. All these, and several others that have come under my observation, which have been killed during this month in various years, are young birds, hatched the previous summer, in the first feathers they get after the downy state....I took my bird to Donkin's to be preserved, and he showed me another that had just been sent to him....'

Comment Not in the list of accepted county records (Bolam 1912). Not acceptable.

0). 1868 Devon Witheridge, killed, September.

("Ishmael" Field 3rd Oct., 1868: 274; "Ishmael" Zoologist 1868: 1461; Tyler, 2010).

[KAN].

History "Ishmael" (1868) in The Field of 3rd Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 274, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1461, undated, says: 'The snipe I wrote to you about as being killed here (Witheridge, North Devon), now some fortnight since, was named "solitary" by the gentleman who shot it, he having killed similar snipe before in Finland. The weight was seven ounces and a half, about double that of the ordinary snipe, and of which some specimens may be found all the year round here. No one that I have inquired of has ever heard of such a species of snipe visiting the neighbourhood before.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to naturalists. This is one of the four mentioned by Tyler (2010) under Parracombe and not a fifth record. Not acceptable.

0). 1868 Lincolnshire Ashby Decoy, shot, September.

(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1868: 1477).

[KAN].

History J. Cordeaux (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1477, says: 'Solitary Snipe. October 8. I have heard of one shot this season in North Lincolnshire. It was killed by a friend of mine in a potato field.'

Cordeaux (1872: 128) says: 'I have never met with this species in North Lincolnshire, where it is only known as a very rare visitor. One was shot from a potato field near the Ashby Decoy in September 1868, during which season they were abundant in some parts of England.'

Comment Third-hand report! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. The date discrepancy is, I believe, due to 8th October being the date Cordeaux heard about it. Not acceptable.

0). 1868 Devon Near Parracombe, two, shot, early October.

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

[KAN].

History Gervase F. Mathew of H.M.S. Britannia, Dartmouth (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1461, dated 3rd October 1868, says: 'Since my last communication two more Solitary Snipes have been shot near Parracombe, and were, it is said, in excellent condition.'

Comment It would appear Mathew is writing from on board ship, using the words "it is said", which does not inspire confidence. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1868 or 1869 Northumberland Middleton Hall, Belford, obtained, undated.

(J. Hardy, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 517; Bolam, 1912).

[Evans, 1911].

History James Hardy (1873-75) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VII. p. 517, says: 'Six or seven years ago, I am informed, a Solitary Snipe, was shot near Middleton Hall, Belford. It has been preserved.'

Evans (1911): 202) says: 'Less certain records are those for Middleton Hall, Belford (Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, Vol. VII. p. 517).'

Bolam (1912: 546) listed this record as one of his authentic occurrences of the Great Snipe. It was of one obtained at Middleton Hall, Belford in 1868 or 1869 and was preserved (Hist. Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol. VII. p. 517).

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1869 Clyde Eaglesham Estate, Renfrewshire, immature male, shot, July.

("Glasgow Herald" 3rd Oct., 1895; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 60; J. Robertson & T. T. MacKeith, Scottish Naturalist 35: 271; McWilliam, 1936).

[KAN].

History John Paterson of Glasgow (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 60, says: '...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 each of the years 1869.'

McWilliam (1936) says: 'Shot by Mr. Allan Gilmour and recorded in the Glasgow Herald of 3rd October, 1895.'

Comment July is a very early date! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1869 Cornwall Budock Bottom, shot, 22nd December.

(Anon., Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Report 38: 90-91).

[Rodd, 1880; Penhallrick, 1969].

History Anon. (1870) in the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Report, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 90-91, says: 'Scolopax major. Gmel. Great Snipe. Little Woodcock. Shot by Mr. J. Ross, December 22nd, 1869, Budock Bottom.

Description. Plumage - Crown of the head, black, divided by a narrow longitudinal yellowish white band; on each side a band of the same colour: a broad blackish streak from the base of the bill to the eye; upper parts variegated with black and bright rufous orange: the latter colour disposed longitudinally. Wing coverts tipped with white, breast, sides, abdomen, and vent, speckled and barred all over with grey and black. Primaries dull greyish-black; shafts white: the first quill the longest; secondaries blackish-brown, tipped with white; tertiaries blackish, barred with brown edged with black and yellowish white. Upper tail covert light wood-brown, with hairs of black and yellowish-brown. Under tail covert, pale yellowish-brown, barred with greyish-black. Tail of 16 feathers much concealed by both the upper and under coverts; centre feathers black for more than half their length; remaining portion rufous-orange, with black and white: inner web of three outer feathers, on each side white, barred on the outer side with black. The tip of the tail is rounded, and when spread looks like a fan; legs and toes pale, greenish-brown; claws black, irides warm brown. Bill dark brown at tip, yellow-flesh colour at base; anterior portion shagreened. Total length from point of bill to end of tail, 12 in. 5 lines; Circumference of body, 7 in. 5 and a half lines; wings expanded 19 in.; bill from base to tip, 2 in. 6 lines; base of bill to occiput, 1 in. 4 lines; carpus to tip of wing, 5 in. 5 lines; bare part of tibia, 0 in. 4 lines; tarsus, 1 in. 1 and a half lines; weight 8 oz.'

Comment These measurements seem to be correct. However, Rodd (1880) under 'Annual Summaries for 1869' makes no mention of this species, nor does he of this record anywhere else in the book. Likewise, Penhallurick (1969) does not record this record or in his 'Supplement' in the later 1978 edition of Birds in Cornwall. Presumed unacceptable.

0). 1869 Meirionnydd Arennig, obtained, undated.

(W. J. Kerr, Zoologist 1870: 2345; 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....Merioneth. One obtained on Arennig in 1869 (Kerr, Zoologist, 1870, 345).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1870 Denbighshire Maesmor Estate, shot, 8th September.

(W. J. Kerr, Zoologist 1870: 2345; "W.K." Field 17th Sept., 1870: 249; Dobie, 1893; Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History "W.K." of Maesmor (1870) in The Field of 17th Sept., Vol. XXXVI. p. 249, dated 10th September, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to know that last Thursday (the 8th), I killed on this estate a "Solitary Snipe," which Mr. John Shaw, of Shrewsbury, has for preservation. I have for upwards of twenty years shot in this neighbourhood, but I never saw a Solitary Snipe before.'

W. J. Kerr of Maesmor (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2345, dated 18th September, 1870, says: 'On the 8th of this month my father killed, near here, a fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe: it has been sent to Shrewsbury for preservation.'

Dobie (1893: 336) says: 'Another at Maesmor on September 8th, 1870 (Field).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1870 East Glamorgan Near Causeway, Old Mill, Gileston, seen, winter.

(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1903: 131).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1903) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXVI. p. 131, say: 'One was seen by me but not shot near Causeway, at Old Mill, near Gileston, in the winter 1870.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1870 Yorkshire Shafton, near Barnsley, shot, 31st December.

(G. Roberts, Zoologist 1871: 2604).

[KAN].

History George Roberts of Lofthouse (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2604, undated, says: 'Solitary Snipe. 1870. One shot at Shafton, near Barnsley, on the 31st December (T. Lister in Country Words for February).'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1870 Borders Thirlstane Castle, Berwickshire, shot, undated.

(A. Kelly, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 7: 523; Muirhead, 1889-1895; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912).

[KAN].

History Andrew Kelly (1873-75) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. VII. p. 523, says: 'In 1870 one was shot by Mr. Scott, which I believe is still in the possession of Mr. Tilly.'

Accepted by Evans (1911: 202). Bolam (1912: 547) says: 'In 1870, one was shot at Thirlstane Castle.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1871 Buckinghamshire Marlow Gravel-pits, seen, 3rd September.

(A. H. Cocks, Field 8th Feb., 1873: 135; Fraser & Youngman, 1976).

[Lack & Ferguson, 1993].

History Alfred Heneage Cocks of Great Marlow (1873) in The Field of 8th Feb., Vol. XLI. p. 135, says: 'When shooting with Mr. T. O. Wetherell by the river side at Marlow in September, 1871 (I think the 3rd), I saw a Great Snipe (G. major), but did not get it.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1871 Berkshire Burghfield, shot, 12th September.

("C.R." Field 28th Oct., 1871: 360).

[KAN].

History "C.R." (1871) in The Field of 28th Oct., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 360, says: 'One of these birds was shot by Mr. E. Cooper at Burghfield, Berks., on the 12th of September. Mr. Gould pronounces it to be a fine specimen, and a bird of the year, as it is without the three white bars on the wings and the white outer tail feathers which characterise an old bird. The weight of this bird was 7¾ oz., and the measurement from tip to tip of wings 20 inches. It has been carefully preserved and is now in the possession of Sir Charles Russell.'

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

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. An immature bird would show more white in its tail! (van Duivendijk 2010). Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1871 Devon Morley, shot, 16th September.

("D.V." Field 30th Sep., 1871: 281; R. Y. J. Dawson, Field 7th Oct., 1871: 301; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895).

[KAN].

History "D.V." (1871) in The Field of 30th Sep., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 281, says: 'A fine specimen was shot on the 16th inst. by Capt. Dawson, at Morley Parks, in the parish of Morley. It weighed about 7½ oz.'

R. Y. J. Dawson (1871) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 301, says: 'A few days since, whilst shooting over some bogs in the parish of Morley, South Devon, I killed a fine specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe. This bird is, I believe, not common in England, being only occasionally met with (I saw in the last edition of The Field one had been shot in Northumberland). The bird weighed 8½ oz., and is being preserved by Mr. Anning, of Totnes.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1871 Dorset Dorchester, shot, 20th September.

(F. Turner, Field 7th Oct., 1871: 301).

[KAN].

History Frederick Turner of Dorchester (1871) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. XXXVIII. p. 301, says: 'I shot a fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe in our meadows on the 20th ult., weighing just 8 oz. On being skinned it was found to be completely coated with fat.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1871 Norfolk Near Cromer, four seen, two shot, 23rd September.

(H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1871: 2833).

[KAN].

History H. Stevenson of Norwich (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2833, says: 'September. Two out of four Solitary Snipes are said to have been shot on a bog near Cromer on the 23rd.'

Comment "Two are said to have been", does not inspire confidence. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0) Pre 1872 Greater Manchester Chadderton, shot, undated.

(R. Davenport, Bury Natural History Society Report 1872: 41).

[KAN].

History R. Davenport (1872) in the Bury Natural History Society Report, p. 41, says: 'S. major: Great, or Solitary Snipe. Very rare; one was shot near Chadderton some time ago, and is now in Mr. Holland's collection, at Middleton Junction.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record and to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1872 Kent Luddenham Marshes, near Faversham, immature female, shot, c. 12th September.

("Frank" Field 28th Sept., 1872: 301; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

[KAN].

History "Frank" of Faversham (1872) in The Field of 28th Sept., Vol. XL. p. 301, dated 19th September, says: 'A fine specimen of the Solitary Snipe was killed last week in the Luddenham Marshes, by a gentleman named Watson. It measured 11¼in. from the tip of its tail to the end of its bill, and weighed nearly 7oz. It was a female, and this year's bird. It has been beautifully stuffed by Mr. Skinner, of West Street, Faversham, and may be seen at his shop.'

Ticehurst (1909: 450) says: 'An immature female was recorded by Mr. Frank on September 19th, 1872 (Field, 28.ix.1872), as having been shot during the previous week by a Mr. Watson in Luddenham marshes, near Faversham.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1873 Pembrokeshire Letterston, shot, 23rd August.

(E. Salmon, Field 6th Sept., 1873: 270).

[Lockley, 1949; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Edward Salmon of Malvern (1873) in The Field of 6th Sept., Vol. XLII. p. 270, says: 'A bird of this species was shot by Mr. L. A. Feltham, the proprietor, Pontavone House, Letterstone, South Wales, on Aug. 23 and he has kindly forwarded it to me as a rare bird. It is in fine plumage and good condition, weighing 8½ oz., and is now in the hands of Mr. Edwards, of this place, for preservation.'

Lockley (1949: 61) says: 'There is no fully authenticated record.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1873 Yorkshire Dalton, shot, 26th December.

(J. Varley, Naturalist 1875: 24).

[KAN].

History James Varley of Almondbury Bank (1875) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 24, says: 'Great Snipe. Shot at Dalton, December 26th, 1873.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No details of identification. Winter records are probably a misidentification. Not acceptable.

0). 1874 Meirionnydd Near Dolgellau, two, caught, late May.

("C.E.M.E." Field 24th Oct., 1874: 425; C. E. M. Edwards, Field 31st Oct., 1874: 472; Beckwith, Field 1879; Forrest, 1919).

[Eds., Field 31st Oct., 1874: 472; Forrest, 1907].

History "C.E.M.E." (1874) in The Field of 24th Oct., Vol. XLIV. p. 425, dated 19th October, says: 'It may be interesting to ornithologists to know that my brother, on his way from Dolgelly [sic] to fish Llyn Crogennan during the end of May last, picked up two unfledged young of the Solitary of Great Snipe. He could find no trace of any nest, and waited for a long time in case the parent birds might return, but in vain. The young birds were close to a stone wall by the roadside, and adjacent to a field of uncut hay. The birds are in the hands of Mr. Shaw, of Shrewsbury, for preservation.' [Would our correspondent kindly inform us how the young of the Solitary Snipe may be distinguished from the young of the common Snipe? - Ed.]

C. E. M. Edwards of Oxford (1874) in The Field of 31st Oct., Vol. XLIV. p. 472, says: 'The following is a letter which I have received from Mr. Shaw, in answer to my inquiries respecting the young Solitary Snipe referred to in the last Field. "Without doubt the birds sent are the young of the Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major). They were carefully compared with the young of the common Snipe that I happened to have at the time. They are much larger in every way, legs thicker, and bill shorter; besides, the place where they were found at once sets all doubts at rest. I think you said it was by the side of a wall on a mountain, a place that a Solitary Snipe would make its nest, but a common one never. The latter build by water, usually in rushes. The habits of the Scolopax major and the common are quite different. I have shot a fair quantity of the former in the Island of Corfu and in Albania, but never found them frequent the place, viz., the marshes, where the common one is found. The place for Solitary Snipe is the side of a dry hill, or in the vine fields. Not one have I ever killed or seen when after common Snipe. - H. D. Shaw".

The young birds were certainly not picked up near any marsh or wet place; but it was close to a stone wall, near a field of uncut hay, and in mountainous and rough country - in fact, just under the range of Cader - and I should say about two miles out of Dolgelly. I shall have the birds stuffed in a case.'

[The only difference pointed out by Mr. Shaw is a difference in size. But this, of course, depends upon the age of the birds. Mr. Shaw's remarks on the habits of the Great Snipe, as observed in Corfu and Albania, may be perfectly correct, but are not of universal application. For example, at Bodo, in Norway, the Great Snipe breeds regularly in the marshes like the common species. The late Mr. Wheelwright observed the same of it in Sweden. We have known more than one pair breed within a stone's throw of a brickmaker's yard, where men were passing to and fro and working all day long; and one of our correspondents last year found a Snipe's nest within the precincts of Ely Cathedral. This shows that the locality selected for the nest goes for nothing; and, if the parent birds (or one of them) were not seen in close proximity to the nest, and the only difference to be found between the young birds taken and the young of the common Snipe is one of size - which, as we have said, much depends upon age, of which in this case we have no proof - we may be excused for doubting whether the species has been correctly identified. There is the more necessity for requiring further proof, since we know of no previous record of the nesting of the Great or Solitary Snipe in this country. - Ed.]

Forrest (1907: 344) says: 'A recent statement in The Field that a brood of young Great Snipe had been reared in Merioneth is unworthy of serious consideration.' Later, Forrest (1919) says: 'Beckwith in his 'Notes on Shropshire Birds', contributed to the Field in 1885, incidentally mentions a Great Snipe obtained "near Dolgelley [sic] last summer".'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1874 Perth & Kinross Carse of Gowrie, River Tay, Perthshire, seen, 4th September.

(H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 2: 360; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 4: 290; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 373; Harvie-Brown, 1906).

[KAN].

History H. M. Drummond Hay of Seggieden, Perth (1873-74) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 360, dated September, 1874, says: 'On the following day, the 4th, I had the pleasure of observing another very rare bird on the banks of the Tay - the Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major). The bird rose close to me, and from its size, colour, and flight, I had no difficulty whatever in recognizing the species, the more especially as it is a bird I have been long familiar with in the Mediterranean - though the first time it has ever come under my notice, personally, in Great Britain.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1877-78) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 290, says: 'One example of this bird was seen by me on the banks of the Tay on the 3rd September, 1874 - the only one I have ever seen in Scotland.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 373, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, says: 'Of this bird an example got up at my feet in Elcho Marsh, on the Tay, 3rd Sept., 1874; and I am perfectly certain of its identity, since the species is well known to me from my having frequently shot it in the Mediterranean region.'

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown 1906: 316).

Comment No identification details of flight, colour and size. The shooting of them around the Mediterranean region would be when they are migrating southwards in the autumn! Not acceptable.

0). 1874 Berkshire/Wiltshire Near Hungerford, shot, October.

(Smith, 1887; Noble, 1906; Radford, 1966; Buxton, 1981; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

[KAN].

History 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....Another killed near Hungerford in October, 1874, is recorded by Mr. Grant.'

Noble (1906 (1): 162) in the Victoria County History of Berkshire, says: 'In October, 1874, another was shot near Hungerford (Birds of Wilts., p. 428).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Presumed one and same record for both counties. Not acceptable. Where has Mr. Grant recorded it? Mullens et al. (1920) state that J. Grant recorded two articles in early 1872 in The Field.

0). 1874 Gloucestershire Near Marshfield, shot, early December.

("O." Field 12th Dec., 1874: 625).

[Swaine, 1982].

History "O." (1874) in The Field of 12th Dec., Vol. XLIV. p. 625, says: 'A Solitary Snipe was shot near Marshfield, Gloucestershire, last week, by the Rev. R. Whittington. The bird was in company with a flock of Golden Plover, enormous numbers of which (rare visitants to this neighbourhood) have lately made their appearance here.'

Comment Any anonymous article is by tradition inadmissable. December (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1875 Yorkshire Monk Bretton Abbey, seen, undated.

(T. Lister, Naturalist 1875-76: 110).

[KAN].

History Thomas Lister of Barnsley (1875) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 110, says: 'The Great Snipe seen near Monk Bretton Abbey by J. Parker - very rare.'

Comment It would be unwise to accept sight records from this era without identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Lincolnshire Near Crowland, shot, 17th September.

(J. Evans, Field 25th Mar., 1876: 357-358).

[KAN].

History John Evans of Bourne (1875) in The Field, of 25th March, pp. 357-358, says: 'During the past open season the following rare birds have been either shot or trapped in this county and sent to me for preservation: 1875 - Sept. 17, Great Snipe (Scolopax major), shot near Crowland.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Sussex Dallington, shot, 23rd September.

(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Borrer (1891: 223) says: 'Mr. Bristowe [sic] writes to me of a specimen shot at Stream Farm, Dallington, near Battle, September 23rd, 1875, by Mr. Watts, of Caldbec Hill.' Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (3): 228).

Comment George Bristow of St Leonards was the taxidermist involved in the" Hastings rarities fraud". Untrustworthy. Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Northumberland Hexham, shot, 4th October.

(R. Taylor, Field 16th Oct., 1875: 416).

[Bolam, 1912].

History R. Taylor (1875) in The Field, of 16th October, Vol. XLVI. p. 416, under 'Solitary Snipe at Hexham', says: 'On the 4th inst. I shot a Solitary Snipe or Great Snipe (Scolopax major) in the neighbourhood of this town. I found the bird in turnips; it lay well to point, and flew slowly at a low elevation and in a straight line. As this snipe is certainly rare in this neighbourhood, you may deem the occurrence worthy of notice.'

Comment Not in the list of accepted county records (Bolam 1912). Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Norfolk Castle Rising, shot, 5th October.

(C. F. H. Bagot, Field 16th Oct., 1875: 416).

[KAN].

History Charles F. H. Bagot of Castle Rising (1875) in The Field, of 16th October, Vol. XLVI. p. 416, says: 'It may interest some of your ornithological readers to learn that an immature specimen of the Solitary or Double Snipe, was shot by me in some rough dry grass on the 5th inst. This bird is by no means common in the neighbourhood, it being the first specimen obtained on this estate.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Cumbria Asby, Westmoreland, shot, mid-October.

(J. Robinson, Field 23rd Oct., 1875: 462).

[KAN].

History John Robinson of Asby, Westmoreland (1875) in The Field of 23rd Oct., Vol. XLVI. p. 462, says: 'Having seen in your columns some discussion as to the weight of the Solitary Snipes, I beg to state that I weighed one here a week ago that turned the scale at 9 oz.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Weight of the bird is not a means of identification. Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Warwickshire Near Stratford-on-Avon, shot, November.

(Norris, 1947).

[KAN].

History Norris (1947: 62) says: 'J. Morgan shot one near Stratford-on-Avon in November, 1875.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1876 Breconshire Llangorse Lake, shot, August.

(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: 'Mr. Alfred Crawshay has killed this bird at Llangorse in August, 1876.' Phillips (1899: 93) quotes the same as above.

Locally, Massey (1976: 33) says: 'One shot in August, 1876, at Llangorse Lake.'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1876 Perth & Kinross Near Dunblane, Perthshire, two, seen, late August.

(J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1876: 5167).

[Baxter & Rintoul, 1935].

History J. Cordeaux (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 5167, says: 'A friend who was shooting, in the third week of August, over some extensive moors, eight miles north of Dunblane, flushed a pair of Great Snipe (Gallinago major, Gmelin). He did not, however, succeed in getting a shot. The keeper, a most intelligent man of his class, told him they frequently see them on this moor, and he has flushed them all year round. I was shooting over the same ground in September, but did not come across any of the "big solitary", although I looked the ground over somewhat carefully where they had been seen. I brought away, however, as proof positive of their occurrence, part of the skull and upper mandible of one shot during the previous season in the same locality.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'We do not feel very happy about this record, but give it for what it is worth.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1876 Carmarthenshire No locality, shot, 11th September.

("J.W.B." Field 16th Sept., 1876: 353).

[Ingram & Salmon, 1954; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History "J.W.B." (1876) in The Field of 16th September, Vol. XLVIII. p. 353, says: 'On Monday the 11th, while shooting on the borders of Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire [Ceredigion], I killed a Solitary Snipe. On weighing it the next morning it proved to be 8¾ oz. I found the bird on the side of a bare hill, and not in a very wet place. A setter I had with me took no notice of it, although a good dog for snipe. Is not this early for the appearance of the Solitary Snipe, and can you account for the dog not noticing it?'

[The Solitary Snipe always arrives much earlier than the Common Snipe, which migrate hither at the approach of winter, and probably more are met with in September than in any month. - Ed.]

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1876 Meirionnydd Near Penrhyndeudraeth, 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....Merioneth. One near Penrhyndeudraeth in 1876 (Priestley).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment The late A. B. Priestley of Penrhyndeudraeth.

0). 1876 Suffolk Euston, five, seen, undated.

(Babington, 1884-86).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 253) says: 'Five seen in one day at Euston in 1876 (B. W. Cooper v. v.).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1877 Isles of Scilly Great Ganilly, Eastern Isles, shot, January.

(R. W. J. Smart, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 172; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 338; Penhallurick, 1969).

[KAN].

History R. W. J. Smart (1888) in the new series of the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, Vol. II. p. 172, says: 'The Solitary Snipe has once occurred on Ganilly, in January, 1877. - Mr David Smith.'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 338, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'Two examples of the Great Snipe have been obtained, and both are still preserved. The first was shot by David Smith on Great Ganilly in January, 1877.'

Comment January (winter) records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1877 Yorkshire Near Beverley, late August.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History 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.'

Comment Throwaway remark! Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1877-78 Montgomeryshire Llanbrynmair Estate, shot, winter.

(H. L. Smith, Field 9th Jan., 1886: 58; Forrest, 1907; Holt & Williams, 2009).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Henry L. Smith of Llanbrynmair (1886) in The Field of 9th Jan., Vol. LXVII. p. 58, says: 'It may be interesting to some of your readers to know that, during a residence of twelve years here, I have seen three Solitary Snipe killed on Sir W. W. Wynn's Llanbrynmair estate. The last specimen was shot by John Beedle, Sir W. W. Wynn's keeper, in the winter of 1877-78.'

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....Montgomery. Three shot Llanbrynmair during winter 1877-8 (Bygones, 1886, 70).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1877-79 Isles of Scilly No locality, undated.

(J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 338).

[R. W. J. Smart, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 172].

History J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 338, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'Two examples of the Great Snipe have been obtained, and both are still preserved. The second between that date [Jan., 1877] and 1879, but the record has been lost.'

Comment Not mentioned by Rev. Smart in his 'Birds of the Scilly Islands' in 1888. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). 1878 North-east Scotland No locality, Aberdeenshire, shot, late October.

("T.C" Field 26th Oct., 1878: 548).

[KAN].

History "T.C" (1878) in The Field of 26th Oct., Vol. LII. p. 548, says: 'When shooting here last Wednesday, we killed Jack Snipe, full snipe, and a Solitary Snipe, the last-named bird quite unknown in this part of Aberdeenshire.'

[From the published records of the occurrence of this bird in Scotland, it appears to be a rare autumnal visitant to the country. Mr. Robert Gray, in his useful work The Birds of the West of Scotland, states that it has been met with in several instances in the western counties, and that on the eastern coast it has occurred more frequently. - Ed.]

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1878 Leicestershire & Rutland/Warwickshire Near Lutterworth, shot, undated.

(T. Macaulay, Midland Naturalist 2: 94; T. Macaulay, Midland Naturalist 5: 10; Browne, 1889; Norris, 1947; Fray et al., 2009).

[KAN].

History Thomas Macaulay of Kibworth (1879) in the Midland Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 94, says: 'Most of the facts recorded below are due to the observations of my friend, the Rev. A. Matthews, Gumley Rectory, whose name alone in the world of Natural History is a sufficient guarantee for their accuracy. The observations extend over the last twenty-five years...Great Snipe (Scolopax major) shot near Lutterworth.'

Thomas Macaulay of Kibworth (1882) in the Midland Naturalist, Vol. V. pp. 9-11, under 'The Birds of Leicestershire', says: 'Four occurrences of this bird in Leicestershire have come to my knowledge. One was killed near Lutterworth some years ago by Mr. Sansome, of that town, and is now in his possession.'

Norris (1947: 62) says: 'One near Lutterworth, 1878.'

Accepted locally for Leicestershire & Rutland (Browne 1889: 152; Fray et al. 2009).

Comment Lutterworth is in Leicestershire but only three miles from the Warwickshire border, so is kept within Warwickshire. No precise date to form an opinion. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1878 Bedfordshire Newnham Farm, Bedford, two, shot, same season.

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

[KAN]

History Steele-Elliott (1901: 152) says: 'The next were killed about 1878, when two were shot at Newnham Farm in the one season.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1878-79 Denbighshire Wynnstay Estate, shot, winter.

(H. L. Smith, Field 9th Jan., 1886: 58; Forrest, 1907).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Henry L. Smith of Llanbrynmair (1886) in The Field of 9th Jan., Vol. LXVII. p. 58, says: 'It may be interesting to some of your readers to know that, during a residence of twelve years here...and I saw another killed by Mr. Leighton, Sir Watkin's head keeper, in the severe winter of 1878-9, on the Wynnstay estate, Denbighshire.'

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. One at Wynnstay in winter 1878-9 (Bygones, 1886, 70).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1878-79 Shropshire Near Newport, pair, shot, winter.

(Forrest, 1899; Smith et al., 2019).

[KAN].

History Forrest (1899: 163) says: 'Mr. Paddock shot a pair near Newport, during the hard frost of 1878-9. This species is distinguished by the large amount of white in its tail.'

Comment Winter is a strange date. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1879 Isle of Wight Atherfield, shot, 11th October.

(T. E. Way, Field 25th Oct., 1879: 574; H. Hadfield, Zoologist 1880: 109).

[Kelsall & Munn, 1905].

History T. E. Way (1879) in The Field of 25th Oct., Vol. LIV. p. 574, says: 'When shooting on Oct. 13 at Atherfield, Isle of Wight, I found and killed a "Great Snipe", weighing 8 oz. These birds are very rare in the island - in fact, the taxidermist tells me he has not had a single specimen before. It was found in a rough meadow, and I fancied, when my spaniel began drawing, it must be a rail, as I had shot one just before. Will some of your correspondents tell me if this is a big weight for this kind of snipe, and if they breed generally in this country? [The weight is above average for this bird; it is only an autumn visitor to this country, and does not remain here to breed. - Ed.]

Henry Hadfield of Ventnor (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 109, says: 'In October a Great Snipe was shot at Atherfield, by Mr. T. Way; it is of rare occurrence in the island.'

Not published locally (Kelsall & Munn 1905).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Identified on weight. No details of identification or flight. Not acceptable.

0). 1879 Leicestershire & Rutland Smeeton Westerby, obtained, undated.

(T. Macaulay, Midland Naturalist 5: 10; M. Browne, Zoologist 1886: 328; Browne, 1889; Fray et al., 2009).

[KAN].

History Thomas Macaulay of Kibworth (1882) in the Midland Naturalist, Vol. V. pp. 9-11, under 'The Birds of Leicestershire', says: 'Four occurrences of this bird in Leicestershire have come to my knowledge....A third was killed in 1879 near Smeeton, by Mr. Elliott, and was eaten by him.'

Montagu Browne (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 328, says: 'And a fourth [for Leicestershire] obtained in 1879, near Smeeton, by Mr. Elliott.' Accepted locally (Browne 1889: 152).

Comment The first was in 1838, but the second and third mentioned lack adequate details. Presumably A. C. Elliott the taxidermist of Stamford, who Lord Lilford doubted over the locally breeding Bee-eaters, and, I think we can do the same with this record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1879 Hertfordshire Ickleford Meadows, 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).

[KAN].

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) adds: 'One was shot by Mr. Taylor in 1879 in Ickleford Meadows.'

Comment Original reference not seen, so the record may be acceptable. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. No precise date to form an opinion. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Hertfordshire Tring, shot, August.

(A. F. Crossman, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 10: 99).

[Gladwin & Sage, 1986].

History A. F. Crossman (1901) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. X. p. 99, says: 'An albino was shot at Tring in August, 1880, and went into the Tring Park collection.'

Not accepted locally (Gladwin & Sage 1986).

0). 1880 Argyll Dunstaffnage, first-winter, shot, 13th September.

(J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 60).

[ap Rheinallt et al., 2007].

History John Paterson of Glasgow (1896) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 60, says: '...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".'

Comment John Paterson went on a trip with Wm. Eagle Clarke to the Outer Hebrides so presumable he was an able ornithologist. Not published in ap Rheinallt et al. (2007), but I have emailed him about it. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Suffolk Carlton Colville, two: shot, 9th September and shot, 17th September.

(J. D. Beales, Field 25th Sept., 1880: 490; W. T. Everitt, Field 25th Sept., 1880: 490; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 334; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 3: 409; Babington, 1884-86).

[H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1882: 373].

History J. D. Beales of West Woodhay, Newbury (1880) in The Field of 25th Sept., Vol. LVI. p. 490, says: 'It may interest some of your readers to hear that on Friday last, Sept. 17, whilst shooting in some marshes at Carlton Colville (near Lowestoft, Suffolk) the property of the Rev. W. H. Andrews, I killed a fine specimen of the Great or Solitary Snipe, weighing just over 11 oz. It is now being preserved at Mr. Gunn's, St. Giles', Norwich. I may add that another specimen was also killed in an adjoining marsh on the 9th inst. by Mr. H. Cadge, of Carlton, but unfortunately it was too much damaged for preservation.'

W. T. Everitt of Carlton Colville (1880) in The Field of 25th Sept., Vol. LVI. p. 490, dated 20th September, says: 'Fair quantities of Snipe have arrived, but are very shy. Two "Solitary" have, however, been bagged by my friends during the past week, one of which I had in my hand on Saturday on its way to Mr. Gunn's for preservation, which scaled just 11 oz. This species is a very rare visitant hereabouts.'

Henry Stevenson of Norwich (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 334, says: 'September. Great Snipe....Another was shot in the marshes at Carlton Colville on the 17th.'

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....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.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Upper Forth Dunipace House, Larbert, Stirlingshire, two, seen, 27th September.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1880: 485; J. A. Harvie-Brown, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 4: 315).

[KAN].

History J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace House, Larbert (1880) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IV. p. 485, says: 'Thus, a number of Great Snipes have been recorded from England; I have myself seen two snipes here, on the 27th September, which I feel confident were of this species.'

J. A. Harvie-Brown (1880) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. IV. p. 315, says: 'On the 27th Sept. I saw two near Dunipace, in Stirlingshire, which I felt convinced were of this species. Being well acquainted with the species, I was not likely to be mistaken in their identification. They were not seen afterwards.'

Comment Not confidently identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Breconshire Gors Llwyn, seen, September.

(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: 'On the large bog at Onllwyn in September, 1880, I had just knocked down a Common Snipe, which my retriever was bringing, and on taking it from her a splendid Great Snipe rose at my feet, and flew, very like a Woodcock, slowly away; all my efforts to find it again were unavailing.'

Phillips (1899: 93) quotes the same as above. Massey (1976: 33) says: 'One seen in September, 1880, at Gors Llwyn (E. C. Phillips).'

Not accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

0). 1880 Yorkshire Wharfedale, shot, late September.

(R. H. Hay, Field 9th Oct., 1880: 554).

[KAN].

History Richard Hy. Hay of Farfield Hall, Addingham (1880) in The Field of 9th Oct., Vol. LIV. p. 554, says: 'A few days since, Sept. 30, when out shooting here in Wharfedale, I bagged a Solitary Snipe. As I believe this is a very uncommon bird, I should like to know whether any of your correspondents have of late succeeded in getting a specimen, particularly in this part of Yorkshire.'

[Two were recently shot near Lowestoft, as reported in The Field of Sept. 25. - Ed.]

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Dorset Near Binegar Hall, Wareham, 11th October.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; Kelsall & Munn, 1905).

[KAN].

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 89-90, 2nd ed.) says: 'One near Binnegar Hall, Wareham, October 11, 1880 (Mr. Oliver Farrer).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Seen or shot? Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Northumberland Inner Farne, Farne Islands, 3rd November.

(J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 2: 56).

[KAN].

History J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1881) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1880, 2nd report, p. 56, say: 'Great Snipe - At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 3rd, one on island.'

Comment Rather late date; probably misidentified. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Berkshire Greenham Common, shot, mid-December.

(Ll. S. Baxendale, Field 18th Dec., 1880: 905; Radford, 1966).

[Ll. S. Baxendale, Field 1st Jan., 1881: 24].

History Ll. S. Baxendale (1880) in The Field of 18th Dec., Vol. LVI. p. 905, says: 'I send you notice that today a Solitary or Double Snipe was shot by Mr. F. H. Baxendale on Greenham Common.'

Ll. S. Baxendale of Greenham Lodge, Newbury (1881) in The Field of 1st Jan., Vol. LVII. p. 24, says: 'I am sorry I troubled you with my note as to the Solitary Snipe shot here. I find now it is not one, but only a very large ordinary, or full snipe, and I hasten to correct my mistake.'

Comment December (winter) records are probably misidentified. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1880 Berkshire Hennerton, seen, winter.

(Noble, 1906; Radford, 1966).

[Swash, 1996].

History Noble (1906) in the Victoria County History of Berkshire, Vol. I. p. 162, says: 'During the winter of 1880 we twice flushed one of these birds from the water meadows at Hennerton when shooting with the owner, but although near enough to be sure of the identification the specimen was unfortunately not procured.'

Accepted locally by Radford (1966) who adds: 'Hennerton, N. of Wargrave, 1880', and Swash (1996) who says: '...a bird considered to be this species was flushed twice and seen by Noble.'

Comment Winter records are probably misidentified. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details. Not acceptable.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

Great Snipe (3/4)

Gallinago media (Latham, 1787) (353, 16)

Great Snipe (2/4)

Great Snipe (4/4)