Ivory Gull

Laridae

Sep 30

Pagophila eburnea (Phipps, 1774) (74, 4)

Ivory GullIHL.png — Photo © Iain H Leach

STATUS

Holarctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

The two/three inland records are probably misidentifications and since this period there hasn't been any further records inland of this coastal winter visitor.

RECORDS

1). 1822 Shetland Balta Sound, Unst, first-winter male, shot, 13th December.

(L. Edmondston, Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society 4: 501-502; Bewick, 1826; Fleming, 1828; Jenyns, 1835; T. Edmonston, Zoologist 1844: 465; Yarrell, 1845; Bewick, 1847; J. Smith, Zoologist 1847: 1700; W. D. Crotch, Zoologist 1861: 7344; Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85; W. Read, Zoologist 1886: 109; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; M. G. Pennington, Shetland Bird Report 2004: 119).

History Laurence Edmondston (1823) in Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society, Vol. IV. pp. 501-502, read 8th March 1823, says: 'I am not aware that any individual of this very beautiful species has been hitherto noticed as occurring on the British coasts. The specimen now exhibited to the Society was killed in Baltasound, Zetland, on the 13th December last. It was remarkably lean. Weighing only 10 ounces. The length is 16 inches, the breadth 3 feet 3½ inches. The irides are stated by many ornithological writers to be brown; by others, as Fabricius, black: in this individual, however, they were of a pale lead colour. The bill is bluish-black at the base, gradually becoming paler towards the point. Feet and legs black; four toes, the hind one being very distinct: claws black, large, and tolerably sharp and hooked. The tibia naked a little above the knee. The skin is throughout covered by a profusion of remarkably thick, fine white down. The ground-colour of the whole plumage is of a delicate glossy ivory-white (as the name indicates), with brownish - black circular spots dispersed through it; these are very sparingly distributed on the back and lower part of the body; most numerous on the wing-coverts and scapulars: the tail and primaries tipped with the same colour: the throat is mottled in a similar manner: the dusky spots are, however, of a paler shade, running more into each other. The forehead and space between the eyes and bill, lead-colour. The tail consists of only eleven feathers, but this may be accidental. Its sex was very distinctly male; and I should be disposed to consider it a bird of the second year.

This species in its adult summer-plumage is of a snowy whiteness, and in this state has been often and accurately described by many naturalists. I do not, however, find any account of its winter-dress, or whether, during that season, it assumes a similar change of colour about the head as its congenerous species.

Fabricius, in his Fauna Groenlandica, states, that it generally keeps out at sea, seldom approaching the land; "et tunc admodum incautus, ut facile occidatur". It is little fastidious in the selection of its food, and very voracious, feeding chiefly on carrion. The voice is harsh and strong. The mode of breeding seems not to have been ascertained. It is peculiarly an arctic bird, inhabiting chiefly Spitzbergen, and the highest northern latitudes.'

Fleming (1828: 142) says: 'L. caudidus Snow-Bird. - Fab. Fauna, gr. 103. - L. eburneus, Temm. Orn. II, 769. The black feet, contrasted with the white plumage, distinguish this species. A solitary individual was killed in Balta Sound, Zetland, 13th December 1822. A description of its appearance was transmitted to the Wernerian Society (Wern. Mem., IV, 501.), by Mr. Edmonston, whose zeal and success in illustrating the habits of the Zetland birds merit the highest praise.'

Jenyns (1835: 276) says: 'A solitary individual in its second year's plumage is recorded by Mr. Edmondston to have been killed in Balta Sound, Zetland, Dec. 13, 1822. It is now in the Edinburgh Museum.'

Thomas Edmondston (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. p. 465, under 'A Fauna of Shetland', says: 'One individual was killed in December, 1822, near Baltasound (Wern. Mem., IV. 501).'

Bewick (1847 (2): 202, 8th ed.) says: 'Mr. L. Edmondston, in his paper read to the Wernerian Society, of Edinburgh, observes that he is not aware this species has been noticed before on the British coast. His specimen, presented to the Edinburgh Museum, was, through the liberality of the distinguished Professor of Natural History, sent hither for the use of this work. It was killed in Balta Sound, Zetland, on the 13th of December, 1822. It was not quite mature.'

James Smith (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. pp. 1700-1701, dated Feb. 15th, 1847 says '...A specimen of the Ivory Gull, having, also, a few marks of immaturity, was obtained in Shetland in 1822; and, it is believed, is now in the Edinburgh Museum. It was from this specimen that Bewick made the woodcut for his British Birds.'

In an Editorial (1861) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIX. p. 7344, he says: 'Ivory Gull. Winter. Sent to the Edinburgh Museum, by Dr. Edmondston, in 1822.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 457, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The first example of this truly Arctic gull recorded in the British Islands was obtained at Balta Sound, Shetland, in the winter of 1822, by the late Dr. Lawrence Edmonston (Mem. Wern. N. H. Soc., IV. p. 501).'

Admitted as the first for Britain (Seebohm (1885 (3): 337).

W. Read of Wick, Caithness (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 109, says: '...This gull is but a rare visitor to Britain, although I know of several specimens having been got in Orkney and Shetland. The first authenticated instance of the occurrence of the Ivory Gull in this county [sic] is recorded (Mem. Wern. Nat. Hist. Soc., Vol. IV. p. 501) by Mr. Lawrence Edmondston, whose talented communications to various learned societies and scientific journals have rendered invaluable service in the way of illustrating the Ornithology of his native county. Mr. Edmondston's specimen was a bird of the second year, and was shot in Balta Sound in December, 1822.'

Accepted locally (Evans & Buckley 1899: 185) and by Pennington et al. (2004) who say: 'This first-winter male Ivory Gull was shot by Dr. Laurence Edmondston on Unst on 13th December 1822 at Baltasound, Unst, and exhibited to the Wernerian Society in Edinburgh in March 1823.'

Comment Discrepancy in the age.

2). 1832 Orkney No locality, shot, November.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 2: 189; Baikie & Heddle, 1848; W. Read, Zoologist 1886: 109; Harting, 1901; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Richard Owen, Chairman (1832) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Vol. II. p. 189, at the meeting held on 27th November 1832, says: 'At the request of the Chairman, Mr. Gould exhibited a very extensive collection of Bird skins, from the Orkneys, and pointed out particularly those which he regarded as most interesting, either on account of their rarity or the state of their plumage. They included beautiful specimens of the Ivory Gull, Larus eburneus, Temm., and of the King Duck, Somateria spectabilis, Steph., as well as of other rare species.'

W. Read of Wick, Caithness (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 109, says '...and another shot in Orkney, November 27th, the same year [1832], was exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society of London.'

3). 1832 Orkney Bay of Firth, shot, winter.

(Selby, 1833; Jenyns, 1835; Baikie & Heddle, 1848; W. Read, Zoologist 1886: 109; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Harting, 1901; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Selby (1833 (2): 497) says: 'Since that time [1822] it has been killed, also in an immature state, in the Frith [sic] of Clyde.'

Jenyns (1835: 276) says: 'According to Selby, it has also been killed, in an immature state, in the Frith [sic] of Clyde.'

W. Read of Wick, Caithness (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 109, says: '...The late Mr. Strang, of Sanday, a gentleman who did for Orkney much the same as Mr. Edmondston did for Shetland, shot a specimen of the Ivory Gull in the Bay of Firth, Orkney, in 1832.'

Locally, Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 229) say: 'Regarding the one killed by Mr. Strang in the Bay of Firth, the late Robert Heddle has this note: "Run off with by James Sinclair", probably the birdstuffer living at Kirkwall at that time.'

Comment Possibly refers to the same.

4). 1837 Cleveland/Co. Durham Seaton Carew, Co. Durham, first-winter, shot, March, now at Sunderland Museum.

(Yarrell, 1845; J. Hogg, Zoologist 1845: 1186; W. Backhouse, Zoologist 1846: 1263; Hancock, 1874; Bolam, 1912; Temperley, 1951).

History John Hogg (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 1186, says: 'An individual of this rare arctic species was shot at Hartlepool in March, 1837. I had the pleasure of communicating to Mr. Yarrell this fact in my 'List of Water Birds of the County of Durham', in the year 1839; yet he has overlooked it, as he makes no mention of any capture of this handsome gull on the English coast. Mr. J. Grey writes me "the only Ivory Gull I ever saw, was one found dead in Cowpen Marsh; it was sent to me, but was too decayed to admit of its preservation, but the plumage was sufficiently perfect to show the specimen".'

Wm. Backhouse (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1263, says: '...a specimen from the Tees mouth is in the collection of Edward Backhouse, Junr.'

Locally, Temperley (1951) says: 'There are four recorded occurrences of this rare Gull, but only one of them is well authenticated. This specimen, an immature example, is now in the Sunderland Museum. It is labelled: "Shot at Seaton Carew by Robert Hood in March 1837". This is no doubt the specimen referred to by Hogg (1845) thus: "An individual of this rare Arctic species was shot at Hartlepool in March 1837".' While Hancock (1874: 138) gives the date as February, 1837.

5). c. 1839 Somerset Bridgwater, adult, shot, undated, now at Bristol City Museum.

(Yarrell, 1871-85; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; M. G. Pennington, Shetland Bird Report 2004: 119; Ballance, 2006).

History Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the southern coast...and two or three have been taken in Somersetshire.'

Palmer & Ballance (1968: 117) say: 'Adult, shot at Bridgwater, about 1839 and is now in the Woodforde Collection.'

However, Somerset Ornithological Society (1988: 163) quoted "adult, shot, Bridgwater, about 1819 and also in the Woodforde Collection" making it the first for GB. Subsequently, this would appear to be a typo error and was proved so when Mike Pennington asked Bob McGowan (National Museums of Scotland) to investigate the label of the specimen still held at Bristol Museum. The date was confirmed as 1839 (Shetland Bird Report 2004: 119).

Comment Two other Somerset records, one from 1860 and the other for 1865, have been rejected.

6). 1843 Dorset Preston, Weymouth, shot, undated.

(W. Thompson, Field 15th Dec., 1860: 493; Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 205; Morrison, 1997).

History William Thompson of Weymouth (1860) in The Field of 15th Dec., Vol. XVI. p. 493, says: '...I know but of one other instance of its occurrence here, one having been shot by a gentleman in 1843, on Weymouth beach.'

Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 110, 2nd ed.) says: 'One was shot off Preston beach, Weymouth, in 1843.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 205, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

7). Pre 1844 Shetland Unst, obtained, undated.

(T. Edmondston, Zoologist 1844: 465-466; Saxby, 1874; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Pennington et al., 2004).

History Thomas Edmondston (1844) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. II. pp. 465-466, says: '...and another specimen, which I had an opportunity of seeing when fresh, was killed some years ago.'

Accepted locally (Evans & Buckley 1899; Pennington et al. 2004) with the latter suggesting c. 1840 as the date.

8). 1847 North-east Scotland Near Banff, Banffshire, female, shot, 29th January.

(J. Smith, Zoologist 1847: 1700-1701; T. Edward, Zoologist 1860: 6974; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Phillips, 1997).

History James Smith (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. pp. 1700-1701, dated 15th February, 1847, says: 'The continued prevalence of snowy and tempestuous weather for some time past has compelled the Arctic birds to leave their customary retreats; and, in consequence, some of those species which are rarely to be seen in this country have lately made their appearance on the shore along the Moray Firth.

Of these, one of the most unusual and interesting is the Ivory Gull, the Larus eburneus of authors. An individual of this species was observed, for several weeks, in company with two Iceland gulls, and another gull with a brownish plumage. Its mode of flight was regular, very lofty, and well sustained. Its particular cry was not heard. It was at length shot on the 29th of January last, while seated on a rock, about four miles to the eastward of Banff. On dissection, it proved to be a female. In length it measured 1 foot 6 inches, and in extent of wing 3 feet. Its weight was twelve ounces.

It has been stuffed, and is now before me. It is a very beautiful bird, although it would seem not to have reached the complete state of maturity. This is indicated by a greyish-black bar, which extends from the base of the bill to the eye; by some faint streaks of the same colour on the head, the nape, and the throat; and by a few inconspicuous specks close beside the spurious wing. A brownish-black colour appears in a very slight margin along the end of the tail, and on the very tips of some of the quill-feathers. In every other part of its plumage the bird is of the purest white, and has none of that yellow tinge which is more or less discernible in ivory. On this account its specific name of eburneus, or ivory, is not, strictly speaking, accurate, and niveus, or snow white, would be undoubtedly a more correct designation. There is no appearance of red in the orbits of the eyes, and its bill has no yellow upon it; the presence of both which characters is given by Dr. Richardson, who is usually very accurate, as marks of the bird having attained to full maturity.

It agrees, indeed, in every particular with the description given by that distinguished traveller and naturalist, of an immature bird of this species, which was killed at Hudson's Bay (Fauna Boreali-Americana, Vol. II. p. 419).

A specimen of the Ivory Gull, having, also, a few marks of immaturity, was obtained in Shetland in 1822; and, it is believed, is now in the Edinburgh Museum. It was from this specimen that Bewick made the woodcut for his British Birds, which agrees exactly with the present specimen, except in the circumstance of the upper mandible in the cut being more strongly hooked than in the bird before me. The bill, judging from the present specimen, is rather lengthened, and not remarkably strong; and the angular knob on the outer edge of the under mandible is not very decidedly marked. The leg's and toes are black. The under surface of the webs and toes is unusually rough and warty.

Mr. Selby says, that a specimen, also immature, was obtained since 1822 in the Firth of Clyde, and it is stated by Sir John Ross, in the Appendix to his Voyage of Arctic Discovery, (published in 1835), that the Ivory Gull had recently made its appearance on the western shores of Ireland. The present specimen was shot and mounted by Mr. Thomas Edward, a journeyman shoemaker in Banff.

This individual, although moving in a humble walk of life, and without the benefit of an extended education, has been long actuated by an enthusiastic admiration of the works of nature, and has persevered in their pursuit and study, amid difficulties and discouragements, which few would hare continued to encounter. He has directed his attention to all the departments of Nature within his reach; and, by his own unaided exertions, has become an excellent stuffer and preserver of the various objects in Natural History. His collection, formed entirely by his own industry, and in moments when not at his regular and daily employment, and greatly admired by those who were the most competent to form an opinion of its merits, amounted lately to several thousand objects. These he has been compelled, from circumstances, to part with, at a price very far below their real value; but, undismayed by this, he is still as anxious as ever in his researches, and as devoted as before in his love of Nature. Such an example is well worthy of imitation and deserves to be known; and I trust that, on this account, your own excellent publication may be the means of recommending this meritorious and modest individual to a more extended notice than he has yet enjoyed.

I may mention, while on the subject of birds deemed rare, at least in your part of the island, that, while in pursuit of the present specimen of the ivory gull, the individual now mentioned, met, in one day, and in a walk along the coast of scarcely five miles, with no fewer than fifty-seven specimens of the Little Auk, (Mergulus alle), which had been washed ashore dead.

It may easily be conceived how furious and continued the storm must have been which deprived so many of these intrepid little navigators of life, on that very ocean, where, in ordinary weather, they disport themselves in safety, and find ample means of subsistence. Specimens of Razorbills, Guillemots, and Puffins were seen, at the same time, strewed about in corresponding numbers.'

T. Edward of Banff (1860) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVIII. p. 6974, under 'A List of the Birds of Banffshire', says: 'A female specimen, shot near here, January 29, 1847, is the only one I am aware of.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...two appear to have been obtained in Banffshire (Zool., pp. 6974, 7387).' It was accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1896 (2): 219).

Comment The other was in 1860 but not published until 1861.

9). 1847 Cornwall Bar Point, Falmouth, immature, seen, 13th February; same, Penzance, shot, 15th February.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1847: 1699; W. P. Cocks, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 1: 138; Bullmore, 1867; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1907: 136-137; Penhallurick, 1969).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 1699, dated 27th February, 1847, says: 'A bird of this species was shot from our Pier Head, on Monday the 15th instant, after having been observed, for a day or two previously, in company with common Sea Mews and Herring Gulls. It alighted several times on the New Pier, Battery rocks, and adjacent to the town without betraying any apparent shyness. The note of the bird was described to me as being the reverse of harsh or grating, as stated by some authors. It more resembled the warbling, chirping whistle of the Oyster-catchers, but was deeper and louder; this peculiarity of tone attracted the notice of the men and boys at the quay, who are accustomed to the screaming clamorous cries of the commoner gulls.

This specimen measured 17½ inches in length; the plumage on the back, scapulars, and wing coverts, is studded with well-defined dusky-brown spots; the tips of the quill feathers for half an inch are of the same colour; the tail feathers are similarly marked, and being of equal length, present an uniform dark line across the end of the tail.

The example has passed into my possession, and I am not aware of any record of its having been obtained in this county.'

W. P. Cocks of Falmouth (1851) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 138, says: 'Ivory Gull. Bar Point, extreme low water, February 13th, 1847. Mr. Spence, a gentleman from the north of England, was present when the bird took wing and directed its course seaward. The Monday following, one was shot at Penzance, by Michael Roberts. Query, same bird?'

Bullmore (1867: 43) erroneously states the date as 13th Feb., 1837.

Harting, Editor (1880: 170-171) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, adds: '...It is probable that this was the same bird which, a few days previously, was observed by Mr. W. P. Cocks and Mr. Spence (of entomological repute) at Bar Point, Falmouth, at low water, and which took a seaward course in a westerly direction.'

Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.

J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. pp. 136-137, adds: 'Two were obtained in 1847, one by Michael Roberts, on the Pier Head, Penzance, on the 15th of February (Rodd, Zool., 1847, p. 1699), and one at Quilquay, Trefusis, some time during the same month, by M. Olive, watchmaker. The former, an immature bird, is in the Rodd collection.'

10). 1849 Orkney Kirkwall, Mainland, shot, undated.

(Gray, 1871; W. Read, Zoologist 1886: 109; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Gray (1871: 481) says: '...various specimens have occurred in Scotland, three of which were shot in Orkney. One of these was killed in 1848, but from that time to the present year I find no other trace of its occurrence in these islands.'

W. Read of Wick, Caithness (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 109, says: '...I examined another shot at Kirkwall by the late Mr. Rankin, of that place, in 1849.'

Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 229) say: 'Our friend, Mr. Reid informs us that one was shot by Mr. Ranken, Kirkwall, in 1849.'

11). c. 1850 Cumbria Cunswick Tarn, near Kendal, adult, shot, undated.

(Macpherson, 1892; Hutcheson, 1986).

History Macpherson (1892: 437-438) says: 'The late Mr. J. Hindson states in his MS. catalogue: "This Gull has been killed two or three times in Morecambe Bay". Though unable to directly confirm this statement, I can vouch for the authenticity of an adult Ivory Gull, in the possession of Mr. Arthur Law of Silverdale, who obtained it from the person who shot it. Neither the shooter nor Mr. Law was aware of its specific identity until I happened to examine the bird. Mr. Law has taken considerable pains to thoroughly overhaul its antecedents, and the information supplied shows satisfactorily that this Ivory Gull was shot on Cunswick Tarn about the year 1850. This Tarn lies between the road from Kendal to Newby Bridge and Kendal to Bowness. It is therefore within a short flight of the sea-coast.'

12). 1850 Dorset Lodmoor, Weymouth, shot, winter.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 110, 2nd ed.) says: 'One was shot...in the winter of 1850.'

13). 1853 Devon Livermead, near Torquay, sub-adult, shot, 18th January, now at Torquay Museum.

(C. Weeks, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 107; E. Burt, Zoologist 1853: 3807; Yarrell, 1871-85; Moore, 1969; Jenks, 2004).

History Caleb Weeks of Torquay (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. p. 107, dated 25th January, 1853, says: 'A specimen of this bird was shot on the 19th of January, at Livermead, near Torquay.

This rare Gull was seen first about the Torquay pier evidently much exhausted. It kept settling on the pier wall, and was driven off by the boys. It settled several times on the sea wall, whence it was followed to Livermead and shot. On skinning the bird, it was found to be very poor in flesh, and no doubt the late winds and stress of weather had driven it from its northern haunts. Yarrell states that the first specimen of the species found in the British Isles was in 1822.

It is now in the possession of Mr. E. Burt, bird-stuffer, at 5, Higher Terrace, who has also two specimens of the Black Redstart, shot within a few days of the Ivory Gull.'

E. Burt of Torquay (1853) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XI. p. 3807, dated 14th February 1853, says: 'The gull was shot on the 18th; it was first seen in and about our pier, evidently very much distressed, as it kept settling on the pier walls and on the vessels; it was stoned from this by the boys and followed to Livermead, about a half a mile from here, and shot whilst sitting on one of the cliffs. The markings of the bird correspond exactly with those mentioned by Captain Sabine in Yarrell's second edition.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the southern coast...one has been procured at Torquay.'

Jenks (2004) states that in 1997 it was verified by Jem Babbington at Torquay Museum.

14). 1854 Caithness Loch of Cairn Leah, Thrumster, adult, shot, March.

(W. Jardine, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 1: 4; "Scaraben" Field 27th Nov., 1858: 430; Eds., Field 12th Dec., 1858: 478; W. Jardine, Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh 2: 57; R. I. Shearer, John O'Groat Journal, 28th April, 1859; Gray, 1871; Yarrell, 1871-85; Manson, 2004).

History J. A. Smith (1854) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. I. p. 4, at the meeting held on 22nd November 1854, says: Mr. A. Murray read an extract of a letter from Sir William Jardine, mentioning a capture of the Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus), shot at Thrumster, Caithness-shire. It was sent to him by Mr. R. Shearer, Borrowston, near Wick, who has thus added another specimen to the two or three which are known to have been killed in Britain.'

"Scaraben" (1858) in The Field of 27th Nov., Vol. XII. p. 430, says: 'A beautiful specimen of this, one of the rarest of our polar visitants, and the first in a mature or perfect state that has as yet occurred in Britain, was lately shot in the hills of Campster, near Wick, Caithness-shire, and has since been carefully preserved and forwarded to Sir William Jardine, of Jardine Hall, Dumfriesshire.

It was observed for sometime flying over a small loch in these hills, and its striking appearance attracting attention, was pursued and easily killed, having manifested that absence of timidity which is observable in most of the feathered tribes that stray from remote and little-frequented districts. This bird, I believe, exhibits that immaculate whiteness of plumage which is characteristic of the adult specimens brought from the Arctic regions, the permanent residence of this and a few other of the rarer and more beautiful species of the genus Larus.

In the few authenticated instances of its capture, which has justified its introduction into the British Fauna, the individuals were immature birds, one, shot in Zetland in 1822, being supposed by Selby to have obtained only its second year; and the same author records it afterwards being obtained, also in imperfect plumage, in the Firth of Clyde.

These are, indeed, so far as I can ascertain from several works on British birds, the only instances of its occurrence in Britain.'

In an Editorial (1858) in The Field of 12th Dec., Vol. XII. p. 478, they say: '"Scaraben" has written to say that he was misinformed respecting the Ivory Gull having been lately secured at Wick, as he now finds that the occurrence took place three or four years since.'

Sir William Jardine (1859) in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. II. pp. 57-58, at the meeting held on 26th January 1859, says: '...My principal reason for alluding to these is, that a beautiful specimen of the latter form was shot a few years since in Caithness by Mr. Shearer, and is now in my possession (vide Proceedings of Royal Physical Society, Vol. I. p. 4). At the time I considered it as the old P. eburnea, but I find it now belonging to the long-winged form, and as such the first recorded in this country.'

R. I. Shearer (1859) in the John O'Groat Journal, of 28th April, says: 'Caithness can only lay claim to this beautiful little gull on one single specimen, found in March, 1854, at a small loch on the estate of Ulbster. The loch is called the Loch of Cairn Leah, lying about 7 miles inland, and about 8 or 9 miles west from Wick.

When first noticed, the gull was seen flying up and down over the water as if looking for something to prey upon. There are a few trout in the loch, but the gull when brought to me had nothing in its stomach; it was also in a very emaciated condition. I skinned it and sent the specimen to Sir William Jardine. It was in mature plumage, and at that time the first bird, so far as I know, found in Britain in that state.

I shall here, for those who may be interested, quote a part of Sir William's letter to me regarding the gull: - "21st April, 1854. - I have your parcel containing the gull which, as you said, was a very beautiful specimen of the Ivory Gull in full plumage. I am exceedingly obliged by its being sent. I have not heard of any other specimen having been procured in Scotland or Great Britain since the three you allude to, but I am now making inquiry, and shall let you know if anything more is communicated. Nothing further, however, has been communicated".'

Gray (1871: 481) says: 'Sir William Jardine has informed me that he has an Ivory Gull in his collection which was shot at Thrumster, in Caithness, in November, 1854.'

Further, p. 482, Gray adds: 'A specimen of a variety of this gull, which is known as the Short-legged Ivory Gull (Pagophila brachytarsus (Holböll), was shot at Thrumster, near Wick, by Mr. R. Shearer, and sent to Sir William Jardine, who thus alludes to the bird in a paper read by him before the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, 26th January, 1859, and published in Vol. II. of the Proceedings, page 57: - "In regard to the northern gulls, it was remarked that there were two birds supposed to be confounded under the common name of Larus eburneus or Ivory Gull, and it is uncertain to which of these the few specimens recorded as killed in Great Britain belong. These gulls are very closely allied, and yet require careful comparison. The one is Pagophila eburnea (Phipps), (Voyages to North Pole, 1773); the other Pagophila brachytarsus (Holböll), (in Bruch's paper, Cab. Journ. fur Ornith., 1855, p. 287). The later is distinguished by its smaller size, greater comparative length of wing, short tarsi, and darker bill, tipped with bronze. My principal reason for alluding to these is that a beautiful specimen of the latter form was shot a few years since in Caithness by Mr. Shearer, and is now in my possession (vide Proceedings Royal Physical Soc., Vol. I. p. 4)". At the time I considered it as the old P. eburnea, but I find it now belonging to the long-winged form, and as such the first recorded in this country.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The late Sir William Jardine possessed an example with unusually short legs, and comparatively long wings, shot in Caithness in November, 1854. The species had previously been taken in that county - a local specimen having come into the possession of Mr. Sinclair, of Wick, upwards of twenty years ago.'

Comment March must be the month considering the letter.

15). 1857 Dorset Portland Roads, shot, undated.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888; Ash, 1956).

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 110, 2nd ed.) says: 'In 1857, one which appeared with a flock of Herring Gulls in Portland Roads was shot by Mr. H. Groves.' Ash (1956: 179) says: 'One old record from the [Portland] Harbour (1857).'

16). 1858 Clyde River Clyde, near Greenock, Renfrewshire, adult, shot, winter.

(Gray, 1871; Scottish Naturalist 35: 274).

History Gray (1871: 481) says: 'A fine adult bird was shot near Greenock in the winter of 1858.'

17). Pre 1860 Avon Weston-super-Mare, adult, caught, undated.

(E. T. Higgins, Zoologist 1861: 7312; M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1865: 9470; Smith, 1869; Yarrell, 1871-85; M. A. Mathew, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 39: 132; H. E. Rose, Avon Bird Report 1995: 104).

History E. T. Higgins of Bristol (1861) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIX. p. 7312, dated December, 1860, says: 'The following uncommon birds have, within the last few years, been obtained at Weston-super-Mare, and for the most part are in the possession of Mr. Stone, a local collector: - ...Ivory Gull.'

M. A. Mathews (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9470, dated 12th January 1865, says: 'I saw to-day, in the house of a watchmaker of this place, a very beautiful example of Sabine's gull (Larus Sabini), which he had shot upon the sands here a few years since. Like all the specimens I have seen which have been obtained in England, this bird is also in immature plumage.

This is the second instance of Sabine's gull having occurred at Weston-super-Mare which has come under my notice.

The possessor of this specimen of this beautiful little gull told me that a year or two ago he caught, in a jar baited with a sprat, a fine Ivory gull (L. eburneus) in mature plumage. The bird was kept alive in a small garden for some months, and became a great pet, but eventually, like all pets, met with an untimely end.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the southern coast...and two or three have been taken in Somersetshire.'

M. A. Mathew (1893) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. XXXIX. p. 132, says: 'A beautiful adult specimen of the Ivory Gull was caught some years ago in a trap baited with a sprat at Weston-super-Mare, and was kept alive for some time by Mr. Augustus Stone, bird-stuffer, until one day it managed to get into a heap of fresh mortar, where it was found lying dead and bedraggled.'

H. E. Rose (1995) in the Avon Bird Report, p. 104, accept this as their last record prior to 1945, but date it as c. 1864.

18). 1860 North-east Scotland Gardenstown, Banffshire, first-winter, obtained, late December, now at Banff Museum.

(T. Edward, Zoologist 1861: 7387; Gray, 1871; Yarrell, 1871-85; Harting, 1901).

History Thomas Edward of Banff (1861) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XIX. p. 7387, undated, says: 'A specimen of this denizen of the icy regions of the North was obtained at Gardenstown, about the end of December last.

It is an immature bird, having the face of a blackish brown colour, and numerous black spots on the wings and upper portion of the body; the tips of all the wing-feathers, too, are blackish. There is a blackish band across the tail, very near to the end: but still it is decidedly tipped with white. With these exceptions the bird is pure white, with no appearance whatever of anything creamy or "ivory" about it, as one would be led to expect from its name. Our whale-fishers call it by the more appropriate name of "swan-bird".

The specimen alluded to, which on dissection proved to be a male, is being preserved for the Banff Museum.'

Gray (1871: 481) says: 'Mr. Thomas Edward also includes this species in his list of Banffshire birds - one having been shot at Gardenstown in December, 1860.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...two [now] appear to have been obtained in Banffshire (Zool., pp. 6974, 7387).'

Comment The other was in 1847.

19). 1864 Shetland Baltasound, Unst, seen, 16th January.

(H. L. Saxby, Zoologist 1864: 9094; Saxby, 1874; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Harting, 1901; Pennington et al., 2004).

History H. L. Saxby of Baltasound, Unst (1864) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXII. p. 9094, dated 31st March, 1864, says: 'I have only seen one Ivory Gull this winter.'

Saxby (1874) says: 'On the 16th of January 1861 I saw an Ivory Gull at the head of the voe at Balta Sound, swimming about catching sillacks. It was very nearly pure white, but there were a few greyish marks about the head. I was within twenty yards of it.

In the latter part of May, in the same year, a whaler which had sprung a leak put into the voe, and the surgeon on board, Mr. White, kindly gave me the skin of a bird of this species which had been shot only a few days before. It was in perfectly white plumage, and had the tip of its bill red, the remaining portion greenish grey.'

[A search in the journals has not shown any other notices of this bird; but there can be no doubt that, though in any case a decided rarity, it is a tolerably regular visitor to the islands. In The Zoologist for 1864, p. 9094, the author says, "I have only seen one Ivory Gull this winter".]

Evans & Buckley (1899: 185) say: 'In 1861 Saxby saw one at the head of the voe at Baltasound, on January 16th.'

Harting (1901: 485) says: 'One, Shetland, winter 1863: Saxby, Zool., 1864, p. 9094.'

Pennington et al. (2004: 291, 292) say: 'Seen by Saxby at 20 yards range on 16th January, 1861.'

Comment Saxby appears, not for the first time, to have muddled his dates up - 1861 or 1864?

20). 1867 Argyll Islay, adult, found dead, about 13th February.

(J. Hancock, Ibis 9: 253; Gray, 1871; Harting, 1872; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History John Hancock (1867) in The Ibis, Vol. IX. p. 253, says: 'On the 15th of February last I saw a fine specimen in a fresh state of a mature Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus, Phipps). It was obtained by Mr. E. Crawshay a day or two before, at Islay, on the west coast of Scotland. The bird was in very poor condition and had no appearance of having been shot.'

Gray (1871: 481) says: 'About the same time [February, 1867] one was killed in Islay (where it had previously occurred on one or two occasions).'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1892: 189) say: 'Gray records one obtained in Islay, February 1867....Mr. Robert H. Reid tells us that Mr. Crawshay has a fine specimen of the Ivory Gull, which he had picked up on Islay after a heavy storm. Regarding this specimen, certainly the same individual, Mr. James Brown, formerly gamekeeper to Mr. Crawshay of Bensham Hall, Gateshead, says, in reply to inquiries, "I remember about the Ivory Gull, but I was not present when it was got, but it was in the month of January between 1864 and 1868". It was found floating dead in a loch after a heavy gale, and is no doubt the one referred to by Mr. Robt. Gray as "obtained in February (?) 1867".'

21). 1867 Argyll Campbeltown, Kintyre, shot, February.

(Gray, 1871; Harting, 1872; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History Gray (1871: 481) says: 'A very perfect specimen, which I had an opportunity of examining - was killed near Campbeltown in February, 1867.'

22). 1873 Argyll Near Campbeltown, adult, shot, 21st January.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 2: 209; McWilliam, 1936; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

History Anon. (1869-75) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. II. p. 209, on 28th January, 1873, it says: 'Mr. Robert Gray, F.R.S.E., exhibited a very perfect specimen of the Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus), which was shot at Campbelton [sic] on the 21st January last. The bird was remarkable for the purity of its plumage, being wholly of a spotless white. Mr. Gray remarked that it agreed precisely with the published description of the variety known among ornithologists as the Short-legged Ivory Gull (Pagophila brachytarsus, Holböll), a variety which the late Prince Bonaparte had shown to be identical with the Larus neveus of Brehm.

Compared with the ordinary form, it is whiter and more handsome, being larger and having the bill shorter, with the tip orange-coloured. This variety had previously occurred once in Scotland, a specimen, now in the collection of Sir William Jardine, having been obtained in the county of Caithness some years ago.'

23). 1874 North-east Scotland Aberdeen Harbour, Aberdeenshire, two immatures, seen, 17th November, one shot 18th November, the other shot 19th November, one now at Mansfield Museum.

(G. Sim, Scottish Naturalist 3: 8-9; Yarrell, 1871-85; O. V. Aplin, Naturalist 13: 200; J. Simpson, Transactions of the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society 3: 187; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 376; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History George Sim of Aberdeen (1875-76) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 8-9, says: 'On Monday, the 17th November, while hunting among the pools left by the tide, I observed, near Aberdeen Pier, two gulls of a much lighter colour than any of the others, which were flying about. On getting to the top of the pier they were more distinctly seen, coming close to where I stood, exhibiting a want of shyness differing much from the Herring and Black-headed Gulls among which they were.

They frequently alighted on the water at the foot of the pier, picking up garbage as it came from the city sewer, which enters the tide at this point, and being thus within four yards of me there was no difficulty in deciding what they were - viz., the Ivory Gull, Larus eburneus. When flying they kept continually emitting a low sound, similar to the squeak of a rat, which became louder if any of the other species came near them.

Returning the following morning to the same place, in company with my friend Mr. W. Robb, Curator, Marischal College, we were again fortunate in seeing both birds, one of which fell to Mr. Robb's gun. Our time being limited we had to leave without getting a chance of the second one; this, however, we hoped to do the following morning, and were there by daybreak, but failed to see it. Next morning however, the 19th, fortune favoured Mr. Robb, and the second was ours. The first killed bird (which now graces Marischal College Museum) measured 18 inches in length; extent of wings, 37 inches; wing from flexure, 12 inches; tarsus 1½ inches; the primaries, secondaries, greater and lesser wing-coverts, and tail, tipped with black; hind neck and scapulars irregularly spotted with black; around the base of the bill and down the throat of a purplish brown colour, interspersed with white.

The second bird measured ½ an inch less than the first, and 2½ inches more in extent of wing, and weighed fifteen and a quarter ounces; it was similarly marked to the first, except that the scapulars have but two or three spots of black, and three of the tail feathers want the black tip, and are ½ an inch larger than the others. The bill of both was of a pale blue, tipped with orange yellow, but these colours soon disappear after death.

This species has been seldom seen on the East of Scotland, although of frequent occurrence on the West.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84) in Yarrell's British Birds, 4th ed. Vol. III. p. 657, says: 'Mr. J. Whitaker has an immature example obtained near Aberdeen in September, 1874.'

O. V. Aplin (1887) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XIII. p. 200, under 'A Visit to Rainworth Lodge', says: 'The most remarkable among the historical specimens of British-killed rarities are examples of the Ivory Gull, Aberdeen, 1874.'

James Simpson of Aberdeen (1912-16) in the Aberdeen Working Men's Natural History and Scientific Society Transactions, Vol. III. p. 187, says: 'Ivory Gull. A pair was seen by the late Mr. G. Sim from the North Breakwater on 17th November, 1874, feeding along with other gulls.'

Admitted by H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 376, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union. They were accepted locally (Sim 1903: 180).

Comment The other specimen is now at the Mansfield Museum, Nottinghamshire, with the Whitaker Collection (pers. obs.).

25). 1874-75 Lothian Leith, Edinburgh, Midlothian, adult, seen, winter.

(Kirke Nash, 1935; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Andrews, 1986).

History Kirke Nash (1935: 257) says: 'An old entry among Mr. William Evans' "Notes" records the presence in Midlothian of this rare visitor from the Arctic as follows: "One adult, seen by T. Hope, Bird-stuffer (tried to shoot it but failed), in Leith Harbour, in winter, 1874-1875".'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'In the Birds of Midlothian an old entry is given from Mr. Evans's notes: "One adult, seen by T. Hope, Bird-stuffer (tried to shoot it but failed), in Leith Harbour, in winter, 1874-1875".'

26). 1875 Yorkshire Filey, adult male, obtained, August, photo.

(J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1875: 4689; J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1876: 4960; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Julian G. Tuck of Ebberston, York (1875) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. X. p. 4689, undated, says: 'Mr. Bailey informed me that an adult Ivory Gull had been killed in Filey Bay during August, and preserved by Mr. Brown. The following week I was at Filey, and asked Mr. Brown for further particulars of this rare gull: he told me it was a fine old male, and was killed in the bay, about a mile and a half from shore. During nineteen years experience he had never met with one before. I noticed in Mr. Brown's shop two adult Glaucous Gulls, which had been killed during the severe weather last winter.'

Julian G. Tuck (1876) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. XI. p. 4960, dated 7th April 1876, adds: 'In The Zoologist for November last (s.s. 4689) I recorded the occurrence of an adult Ivory Gull in Filey Bay during the month of August. Not long ago I was speaking about it to Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., who told me that he knew of more than one instance in which albinos of other species had been taken for the true Ivory Gull. When at Filey, on the 3rd instant, I made further inquiries of Mr. Brown, and was shown a photograph of the specimen, taken after it was mounted, which leaves no doubt whatever in my mind as to the species. When recently shot, Mr. Brown tells me, there was a beautiful orange-coloured blush on the plumage. It is now in the possession of the gentleman who shot it - Mr. T. M. Edwards, 1, Arboreteum Square, Derby.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...examples have been obtained on the Yorkshire coast in the autumns of 1875...two of them being adult males.'

Accepted locally by Nelson (1907 (2): 693) who adds: 'In the possession of Mr. T. M. Edwards.'

Comment Early date! The other adult male was in 1880.

27). 1879 Angus & Dundee East Haven, Carnoustie, first-winter male, obtained, January, now at Perth Museum (PERGM 1978.188.237).

(Buchanan White, Proceedings of the Perthshire Society of Natural Sciences 1: 182; Harvie-Brown, 1906; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History Buchanan White (1884) in the Proceedings of the Perthshire Society of Natural Sciences, Vol. I. p. 182, says: '...Mr. Millais added that he would present to the Museum a specimen of the Parrot Crossbill, and also the Reeve recently shot by him at Murthly. He mentioned that among other rare birds that he had obtained in the basin of the Tay were the following: - Roseate Tern, Green Sandpiper, Ivory Gull, Iceland Gull, Buffon’s Skua, Purple Gallinule (shot at Errol), &c.'

Harvie-Brown (1906) says: 'Mr. J. G. Millais mentions having procured one on the tidal part of Tay (Proc. Perth. Soc. of Nat. Sciences, Vol. I. p. 182).'

28). 1879 Cleveland/Yorkshire East Scar, Redcar, Yorkshire, first-winter, shot, 2nd November.

(T. H. Nelson, Zoologist 1881: 25; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Stead, 1964; Mather, 1986).

History T. H. Nelson of Bishop Auckland (1881) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 25, undated, says: 'I omitted to mention before that an Ivory Gull was shot on the sands near East Scar, at Redcar, in November last year, and is now in the possession of a friend of mine. The taxidermist who preserved it has been in the neighbourhood for upwards of thirty years, and never before had one through his hands; it is in the plumage of the second year, a few dark spots on the head and neck, the back, wings and breast white.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...examples have been obtained on the Yorkshire coast in the autumns of 1879...and one in immature plumage.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 693) says: 'A specimen in the second-year's plumage was observed on 2nd November 1879, at East Scar, Redcar, while feeding on a stranded fish. It was first fired at by a fisherman, who missed it; the bird then flew away, but returned to the feed, and was killed. It is now in the collection of Mr. E. B. Emerson of Tollesby Hall.'

29). 1879-80 Highland Scourie, Sutherland, killed, winter.

(T. E. Buckley, Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow 5: 147; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887).

History T. E. Buckley (1880-83) in the Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. V. p. 147, says: 'A fine adult specimen was shot at Scourie, and sent for preservation to Mr. Macleay, bird-stuffer, in Inverness, where I saw it. I believe it is now in the possession of Mr. Crawford, of Tongue.'

Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 229) say: 'Mr. McIver of Scourie has a specimen that was killed at Scourie in the winter of 1879-80.'

30). 1880 Yorkshire Filey, adult male and first-winter, obtained, September.

(J. Backhouse, jun., Zoologist 1881: 108; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 2: 61; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History J. Backhouse, jun., of York (1881) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. V. p. 108, says: 'I have pleasure in recording the capture of the Ivory Gull by a York gentleman at Filey, in September last. I examined the bird myself at one of our York birdstuffers (who had it to case), and found it to be a male bird in perfect mature plumage, i.e., entirely white. A young one was also captured the same month at Filey, and is in the beautiful mottled plumage of immature birds. These two birds are, so far as I can ascertain, the third and fourth respectively ever shot in our county. One of the previous ones is recorded by Yarrell as having been obtained in the neighbourhood of Scarborough, and the other is mentioned by Mr. J. Cordeaux, in his Birds of the Humber District, p. 203, as shot on the east coast of Yorkshire.'

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. 61, say: 'Larinae. At Filey, Ivory Gull, Larus eburnea, a fully mature example, a male, was shot in September; a young bird in the spotted plumage was also obtained in the same month.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...examples have been obtained on the Yorkshire coast in the autumns of 1880...two of them being adult males.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 694) says: 'At Filey, an adult male was obtained in the autumn of 1880 (J. Backhouse in litt.). Another at the same place on 26th September 1884, was reported by Mr. J. Fountain (fide Thomas Boynton).'

Comment The other adult male was in 1875. These is some discrepancy over the year of the second individual.

32). 1883 Borders Cessford, Morebattle, Roxburghshire, adult, shot, spring, now at Kelso Museum.

(G. Bolam, Annals Scottish Natural History 1896: 88; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912; Murray, 1986).

History G. Bolam (1896) in the Annals Scottish Natural History, Vol. V. p. 88, says: 'An adult specimen, shot at Cessford, in Roxburghshire, in the spring of 1883, and now in the Kelso Museum, is the only record for the district.'

Evans (1911: 229) says: 'An adult, shot at Cessford in Roxburghshire by Mr. W. B. Scott in the spring of 1883, is in the Kelso Museum, where it has been seen by the present writer (cf. Bolam, Annals Scot. Nat. Hist., 1896, p. 88).'

Bolam (1912: 647) says: 'This adult was shot at Cessford, Roxburghshire, in the spring of 1883, and is now preserved in the Kelso Museum, where I have seen it.'

33). 1884 Dorset Abbotsbury, caught, undated, now at County Museum, Dorchester.

(Mansel-Pleydell, 1888).

History Mansel-Pleydell (1888: 110, 2nd ed.) says: 'In 1884, one which had been caught in a trap on the Fleet, Abbotsbury, was presented to the [Dorset] County Museum [Dorchester], by the Rev. C. Torkington.'

34). 1885 Caithness Bishops Castle, Thurso, adult, shot, 30th December, now at Perth Museum (PERGM 1978.188.238).

(W. Read, Zoologist 1886: 109; Millais, 1919; Manson, 2004; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History W. Read of Wick, Caithness (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 109, says: 'A mature specimen of the Ivory Gull was shot at Bishop's Castle, Thurso, on the 30th December last, by Mr. J. G. Millais, then on a visit to this county (Caithness). This gull is but a rare visitor to Britain, although I know of several specimens having been got in Orkney and Shetland.'

[Of late years the Ivory Gull has been more often observed. Twenty-two instances of its occurrence are particularized in our Handbook of British Birds, pp. 174, 175, of which four relate to Orkney, Shetland, and Caithness. - Ed.]

Millais (1919: 23) says: 'George (who was in the Cambridge fifteen), Willie and I went to Stromness in December 1886 for the usual month's "flighting" and tramping the moors or hunting in the seas. The day we left Stromness George received a telegram asking him to play for England at Edinburgh on January 8, 1886. As we crossed the Pentland Firth a fearful snowstorm and gale, the worst I have ever seen in Scotland, fell upon us from the north, and we had much difficulty in making the Scrabster harbour at Thurso, where, on the morning of January 4th, we found eight feet of snow. After struggling through the drifts, we at last reached Henderson's Hotel, where we received the unwelcome news that the line was blocked for many miles to the south. Now at any other time young fellows like ourselves would have cared nothing for an enforced visit of a few days, but for George to be debarred from playing in the great game was more than a joke. I went to the rocks, where I killed my first Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, and a great rarity in the shape of an adult Ivory Gull, the sixth British example.'

Comment The four records being: - 1822 and 1863 Shetland; 1854 Caithness; 1867 Orkney.

35). 1886 Orkney Longhope, Hoy, shot, December.

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

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 230) say: 'Mr. Millais informs us that an immature Ivory Gull was shot at Longhope by Mr. Robertson, in December 1886, and stuffed by Mr. Begg of Stromness.'

36). 1887 Northumberland Holy Island, two, adults, 3rd February.

(Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Kerr, 2001).

History Galloway & Meek (1978-83) say: 'Two adults seen by Chapman on Holy Island on 3rd February 1887.'

Comment I cannot find any earlier reference about these meagre details for this record. Because Meek was on the BOURC I suppose it is acceptable. I am aware that Chapman had seen the species in Spitzbergen.

38). 1889 Orkney Pierowall Bay, Westray, shot, 9th December.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Groundwater, 1974; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 230) say: 'Some fishermen informed Mr. Menteith-Ogilvie that they saw a white gull on the beach at Papa Westray, while he was there in December 1889. They described it to him as half-way in size between a Kitti (Kittiwake) and a "White Maa" (Common Gull), and all white, with no black on the wings: the Common Gulls kept mobbing it and driving it away. This would most likely have been an Ivory Gull.

A later communication from Mr. Menteith-Ogilvie informs us that an Ivory Gull, most likely the same bird just described, was shot in Pierowall Bay, Westray, by Henry Drever, on December 9th, 1889. It appears to be an immature bird, as there are a few black spots on the back, only two or three on the breast, the tips of the primaries are black, a few black feathers on the head, and the little feathers round the gape are slate-coloured.'

Groundwater (1974) adds: '...shot in Pierowall Bay on 9 December 1889.'

39). 1890 Outer Hebrides Stornoway, Lewis, male, obtained, January.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1903: 16; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown (1903) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XII. p. 16, says: 'This is added to the Fauna of the Outer Hebrides by Buckley, who sent me notice of one - a male - sent to McLeay of Inverness by Duncan Mackenzie of the Royal Hotel, Stornoway, in January, 1890, and seen by Buckley in McLeay's shop.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

40). 1890 Shetland No locality, adult, obtained, February.

(Shetland Times 3rd Mar., 1890; Evans & Buckley, 1899; Pennington et al., 2004).

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 185) say: 'J. G. Laurenson had a very fine mature specimen sent to him from one of the islands on February 23rd, 1890 (Shetland Times, March 1st, 1890).'

41). 1892 Shetland Foula, first-winter male, caught, 8th December, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1893.42).

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1893: 117-118; Evans & Buckley, 1899; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 38-39; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History William Eagle Clarke (1893) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. II. pp. 117-118, says: 'In December last I received from my friend Mr. Frank Traill, who was sojourning in the island of Foula, a beautiful specimen, in the flesh, of the Ivory Gull, which had been captured there on the 8th of that month.

This gull was taken in the following curious manner. After a gale from the north-west, the bird was observed in the vicinity of the houses. A hooked line, attached to a rod, was baited with fish and placed on the green. The would-be captor had not long to wait. The bird took the bait and endeavoured to fly off, but the rod proved too much for it, and it was easily secured. This specimen is a male in immature plumage, but is not a very young bird, for there are no black spots on the upper and under tail coverts, or on the back; while the chin is only slightly barred with grey, and the dark shaft stripes on the wing-coverts are very obscure.'

Evans & Buckley (1899: 186) add: 'It was sent by Mr. Frank Traill to the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art.'

Comment The specimen is still in the NMS collection.

42). 1894 North-east Scotland Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire, immature, shot, 9th November.

(W. Serle, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1895: 125; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History William Serle of Peterhead (1895) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. IV. p. 125, says: 'An immature Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) was shot at Rosehearty in November 1894....'

Sim (1903: 181) says: 'On 9th November, 1893, an immature specimen was shot at Rosehearty and sent to me.'

43). 1894 North-east Scotland Ythan Estuary, four, killed, December.

(Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Sim (1903: 181) says: 'From information received from Mr. J. Fraser, Boddam, I am able to state that four specimens were killed at the mouth of the Ythan during December, 1894.'

Comment Four in one month in one location is suspicious. According to Wikipedia the weather from the last week of December was severe, being the worst ever between 1882 and 1962, seven inches of snow fall in Norfolk, 50,000 people skating on The Serpentine in Hyde Park and mass unemployment.

47). 1895 North-east Scotland Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, adult, caught, 13th January.

(W. Serle, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1895: 125; Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History William Serle of Peterhead (1895) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. IV. p. 125, says: '...During the storm of the 13th January last, an old bird in good plumage was captured at Fraserburgh. This latter bird I examined while in the hands of the local birdstuffer.'

Accepted locally (Sim 1903: 181).

48). 1895 Orkney Holm, Mainland, shot, 1st April.

(H. W. Robinson, Scottish Naturalist 35: 116; H. W. Robinson, British Birds 9: 28-29; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History H. W. Robinson of Lancaster (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 116, and in British Birds, Vol. IX. pp. 28-29, says: 'Howard Saunders, in his Manual of British Birds, states that the Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) has occurred four times in Orkney, and about thirty-five times in all in Great Britain. Mr. Thomas Ground, of Birmingham, writes me that he has in his collection an adult specimen, sex unknown, which was shot at Holm, Orkney, on or about April 1st, 1895, and forwarded to him through the late Jimmy Sutherland, of Stromness. It was observed, on or about that date, feeding on a dead shark at the pier of Holm by one Flett, who got a man named John Woodridge to shoot it for him. It was first set up by the late John Begg, of Stromness, and later by Cullingford, of Durham. This makes the fifth record for Orkney.'

[The Ivory-Gull is stated to have occurred four times in the Orkneys by Gray (Birds of West Scotland), and this is probably the origin of Howard Saunders's statement, but at least three additional records of birds shot, besides two seen, are mentioned by Buckley and Harvie-Brown (Fauna of Orkney Islands). - Eds.]

49). 1896 North-east Scotland Pennan, immature, killed, January.

(Sim, 1903; Phillips, 1997).

History Sim (1903: 181) says: 'In January, 1896, an immature bird, killed at Pennan, was brought to me.'

50). c. 1897 Northumberland Beadnell, first-winter, shot, undated, photo., now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912, plate XXVI; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 6: 133; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History Evans (1911: 229) says: 'An immature example is said to have been obtained at Budle Bay in 1897.'

Bolam (1912: 647-648) says: 'This immature was shot by a man named Turnbull, at Beadnell, and was in the possession of Mr. Marshall, late landlord of the Castle Hotel, at Bamburgh; but has this year been acquired by the Newcastle [Hancock] Museum. To this specimen Mr. A. H. Leather Culley very kindly drew my attention, on 25th March, 1901, when, on going to see it, Mr. Marshall informed us that it had been killed two or three years previously, but, although he was rather uncertain of the exact date, it was certainly subsequent to 1897. This specimen has a good deal of dark brown on the front and sides of the head, with some spots of the same on the wing-coverts, and a slight dark band at the tip of the tail, giving it a good deal the general appearance, at first sight, of a Black-headed Gull beginning to assume the dark hood, and just losing the last signs of immaturity, the Ivory Gull being only slightly larger than that species.'

H. F. Witherby (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 133, in a review of the Birds of Northumberland and the Eastern Borders, By George Bolam, 1912, says: 'A new record of an Ivory Gull shot in Northumberland in 1897 may be mentioned.'

51). 1898 Shetland Scalloway, Mainland, obtained, undated.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899).

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 186) say: 'Mr. Harcus, Scalloway, showed Mr. Godfrey, a specimen obtained locally in 1898.'

52). 1901 Highland Broadford, Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, adult, obtained, early February.

(T. E. Buckley, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1901: 116; Harvie-Brown & Macpherson, 1904; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329).

History T. E. Buckley of Inverness (1901) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. X. p. 116, says: 'From Broadford, in the same island [Skye], a fine adult Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) was sent to Inverness by Mr. James Ross, of the Broadford Hotel, about 6th February of this year.'

Harvie-Brown & Macpherson (1904: 327) say: 'Buckley records one sent to Macleay by Mr. James Ross of the Broadford Hotel (Skye), about the 6th February 1901.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

53). 1904 Yorkshire Flamborough, obtained, 5th April.

(Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329).

History Nelson (1907 (2): 694) says: 'An example was seen at Flamborough on 5th April 1904, and ultimately came into the possession of Mr. W. Hewett.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

54). 1906 Outer Hebrides North Uist, seen, spring.

(N. B. Kinnear, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 85; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 205; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329).

History Norman B. Kinnear (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 85, says: 'Dr. Mackenzie, North Uist, told me on 28th June that he had lately seen an Ivory Gull on his farm of Scolpig in that island. He said there was no doubt about the identification as he was quite close to the bird.'

Admitted by John Paterson of Glasgow (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 205, in the annual report for 1906.

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

55). 1907 Cornwall Hayle, two, adult male shot, 24th January.

(J. Clark, Zoologist 1907: 287; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 17: 137; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329; Penhallurick,1969).

History J. Clark (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 287, says: 'Two were seen and one shot in Hayle estuary on the 24th January, 1907, by L. Williams. The specimen obtained is an adult male in good condition.'

J. Clark (1907) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. XVII. p. 137, says: 'On the 24th of January, 1907, two were seen, and one shot in Hayle Estuary, by L. Williams. The specimen obtained was an adult male in good condition, and is now in the writer's collection.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

57). c. 1908 North-east Scotland Near Banff, obtained, undated.

(Phillips, 1997).

History Phillips (1997) states that A. G. Knox (pers. comm.) informs him of a individual obtained near Banff around 1908.

58). 1916 Highland Beauly Firth, Inverness-shire, adult male, obtained, 5th February.

(W. Berry, Scottish Naturalist 36: 95; Eds., British Birds 10: 47).

History William Berry of Lentran (1916) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI. p. 95, says: 'The occurrence of the Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea) in the Beauly Firth is, I think, of sufficient interest to be worthy of record in the Scottish Naturalist. On the 5th February an adult male of this species was got there, and on the 7th I saw another one at fairly close quarters. They came in ahead of a bad storm.'

In an Editorial (1916) in British Birds, Vol. X. p. 47, they say: 'Mr. W. Berry records (Scot. Nat., 1916, p. 95) that an adult male Pagophila eburnea was obtained on Beauly Firth (Inverness-shire) on February 5th, 1916.'

59). 1916 Highland Mallaig, Lochaber, adult male, obtained, 5th February.

(L. Barnard, Scottish Naturalist 36: 95; Eds., British Birds 10: 47).

History Leonard Barnard of Lowestoft (1916) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI. p. 95, says: 'On 5th February 1916, I secured an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) at Mallaig. When I first noticed it, it was flying about with other gulls, near the rocks. It is a beautiful adult male, with red eyelids and black feet.'

In an Editorial (1916) in British Birds, Vol. X. p. 47, they say: 'Mr. L. Barnard states (l.c.) that he obtained an adult male also on February 5th at Mallaig (south-west Inverness-shire).'

60). 1916 Highland Beauly Firth, Inverness-shire, seen, 7th February.

(W. Berry, Scottish Naturalist 36: 95; Eds., British Birds 10: 47).

In an Editorial (1916) in British Birds, Vol. X. p. 47, they say: 'Mr. W. Berry records (Scot. Nat., 1916, p. 95)...and another seen on the 7th [February].'

61). 1916 Outer Hebrides Galson, Lewis, 15th February.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 37: 151; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 11: 144).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1917) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 151, say: 'This was a good year for Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea); one at Galson on 15th February (J. Morrison).'

H. F. Witherby (1917) in British Birds, Vol. XI. pp. 143-144, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1916, including Migration', by Leonora J. Bintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter, says: 'This annual Report has suffered much less than one would have expected by the war, though the effects of loss of observers and restrictions of all kinds are to be seen in the smaller number of observations, and perhaps more especially in the records of occurrences of rarities....Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). - One at Galson (Outer Hebrides) on February 15th.'

62). 1916 Orkney North Ronaldsay, 8th November.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 37: 151; Eds., British Birds 11: 144; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1917) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 151, say: 'This was a good year for Ivory Gulls (Pagophila eburnea); one at North Ronaldsay (M. Sanderson).'

63). 1917 Isles of Scilly No locality, male, obtained, January, photo, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.

(Penhallurick, 1969; Flood, Hudson & Thomas, 2007: plate 72).

History Penhallurick (1969: 156) says: '1917, a male was obtained at Scilly in January and placed in the Abbey collection.'

64). 1918 Orkney North Ronaldsay, 3rd November.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 39: 102; Eds., British Birds 13: 168; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1919) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIX. p. 102, in the annual report for 1918, say: 'On 3rd November an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) is recorded from North Ronaldsay.'

In an Editorial (1919) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 168, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1918, including Migration, by Leonora J. Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter', they say: 'The last year of the war was, no doubt, the worst for ornithology, at all events at home, for observers were then fewest....The following are interesting records: - Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). - One is recorded from North Ronaldshay on November 3rd, 1918.'

65). 1920 Orkney Auskerry, 20th May.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 41: 109; Eds., British Birds 16: 30; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1921) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLI. p. 109, in the annual report, say: 'An Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) is noted at Auskerry on 20th May.'

In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 29, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1920, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, they say: 'One at Auskerry (Orkney) on May 20th.'

66). 1921 Gloucestershire River Severn, near Gloucester, adult, shot, late January.

(F. H. L. Whish, British Birds 17: 288; Swaine, 1982).

History F. H. L. Whish (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 288, says: 'A fine adult Ivory Gull was shot at the end of January, 1921, on the River Severn, near Gloucester. The bird is in my collection and has not, I believe, hitherto been recorded.'

67). 1922 Highland Canna, Lochaber, shot, December, now at Canna House.

(R. Carrick & G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 59: 19; P. R. Evans & W. U. Flower, Scottish Birds 4: 425).

History R. Carrick & G. Waterston (1939) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIX. p. 19, under 'The Birds of Canna', says: 'Ivory Gull. December 1922, one shot. Specimen in Canna House.'

P. R. Evans & W. U. Flower (1967) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 425 still accept it.

68). 1925 Yorkshire Whitby, first-winter male, seen, 2nd to 7th March, caught on 7th, died later, photo.

(F. Snowdon, Naturalist 51: 149-150; W. J. Clarke, Naturalist 52: 10; Eds., British Birds 19: 157; Mather, 1986).

History F. Snowdon (1925) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LI. pp. 149-150, says: 'On March 2nd, Mr. A. S. Frank saw an immature Ivory Gull about the outer harbour. The following day Mr. J. H. Wilson and I satisfied ourselves that Mr. Frank's identification was correct.

The bird remained about the harbour during the next five days. It seldom settled on the water, but often flew into the harbour, returning shortly to one or other of its favourite resting places. No disposition was shown to associate with the local gulls, from which it always kept apart, spending most of the time sitting on the end of one of the piers. Except on one occasion, when a young Herring Gull disturbed it, I did not see the other gulls interfere with it or "mob" it as they usually do a stranger. The flight of the bird resembled that of a Common Gull, rather than being tern-like, as described by some writers. None of our local observers heard the call.

When first seen, our visitor appeared to be suffering from some injury: it exhibited in a marked degree that lack of shyness which Selby stated had been noticed by observers of this species, and several times it flew on to the pier and carried away the bait of an angler fishing close by. Food thrown down to it was eagerly seized and swallowed. Unfortunately the extraordinary tameness shown by the bird led to its undoing, as it was captured by a young fisherman on March 7th.

It did not live long in captivity, and it was eventually acquired by the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society, for whom the skin has been preserved and set up by Mr. J. H. Wilson, the veteran naturalist. Mr. Wilson found the bird to be a male, and from the amount of black on the outer primaries, the heavily-marked greater wing coverts and the bar on the tail, which is more than an inch broad, he concluded that it was one of last year. The body was much emaciated, and in the gullet was a rusty haddock hook, which no doubt accounted for the bird's sickly condition. The weight was 16½ ounces.

While the bird was frequenting the piers, Mr. Frank M. Sutcliffe was able to secure a very successful photograph.'

In an Editorial (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 157, they say: 'Mr. F. Snowdon records (Nat., 1925, p. 149) that a Pagophila eburnea, which was much emaciated and tame, was seen in Whitby Harbour on March 2nd, 1925, and watched for five days. It was eventually caught on March 7th and died in captivity. The bird proved to be a male in first winter plumage.'

W. J. Clarke (1926) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 10, adds: 'An immature Ivory Gull in first year's plumage frequented Whitby Harbour for six days in March. It was eventually captured alive, but soon died, and has been placed in the Whitby Museum.'

69). 1933 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 28th December.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 56: 64; Eds., British Birds 30: 231; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Dymond, 1991; Pennington et al., 2004).

History George Waterston (1936) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVI. p. 63, under 'Bird Notes from Fair Isle', says: 'Ivory Gull - First record for Fair Isle. One identified by George Stout on 28th December 1933.'

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 231, they say: 'Fair Isle. - Mr. G. Waterston gives details (Scot. Nat., 1936, pp. 61-64) of a number of interesting birds, which have occurred in Fair Isle and have not hitherto been recorded.

Amongst these we may mention the following: - Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). - One identified by Mr. G. Stout on December 28th, 1933.'

Comment Although not all of Fieldy's records are reliable, we have usually followed contemporary opinions of his records, particularly that of George Waterston (Pennington pers. comm.).

70). 1934 Moray & Nairn Between Burghead and Hopeman, Elgin, Moray, adult, seen, 17th January.

(W. M. Ross, Scottish Naturalist 55: 54; Eds., British Birds 29: 89; Cook, 1992).

History Winifred M. Ross of Auchendean, Dulnain Bridge (1935) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LV. p. 54, says: 'Among birds noted in 1934 it is interesting to record: - An Ivory Gull on the 17th January, with a strong north-east wind blowing, on the coast between Burghead and Hopeman. The Gull was first seen floating in calm water close inshore with its head outstretched on the water, and appeared to be dead. It rose on our approach, when the colour of the bill and legs was easily noted. It was evidently a fully mature bird.'

In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXIX. p. 89, they say: 'Miss W. M. Ross records an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) seen off the coast of Elgin on January 17th, 1934 (Scot. Nat., 1935, p. 54.).'

71). 1935 Orkney Birsay, Mainland, shot, 6th February.

(Groundwater, 1974; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Groundwater (1974: 157) say: 'J. G. Marwick gives two definite records - one shot on Birsay on 6th February 1935...' Accepted locally (Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984).

72). 1943 Dumfries & Galloway Glencaple, Dumfriesshire, adult male, shot, 1st March.

(H. Gladstone, British Birds 37: 38, 59).

History Hugh Gladstone (1943) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 38 and again p. 59, says: 'An Ivory Gull was shot by a local wildfowler at Glencaple on 1st March 1943 while it was feeding on a dead Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. The bird proved on dissection to be a male and it was in full and perfect plumage. It came into my hands, but I have given it to Mr. Arthur Duncan.'

73). 1948 Orkney Sanday, found dead, 14th April.

(Groundwater, 1974; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Groundwater (1974: 157) says: 'J. G. Marwick gives two definite records - ...and one found dead on Sanday on 14th April 1948.' Accepted locally (Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984).

74). 1949 Orkney Kirkwall Bay, Mainland, 29th April to 6th May.

(Balfour, 1972; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

History Balfour (1972: 37) says: 'One at Kirkwall Bay from 29th April to 6th May 1949 (G. T. Arthur).'

Accepted locally (Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984).

1950-57 RECORDS

75). 1950 Shetland Lerwick Harbour, first-winter, 9th to 18th December; presumed same, Whalsay, first-winter, 12th December.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (1): 16; G. T. Kay, British Birds 44: 354; Venables & Venables, 1955).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (I). p. 16, says: 'G. Theo Kay, George Russell, W. Tulloch and J. Peterson were presented with a unique opportunity at Lerwick in December when a first-winter Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea, visited the harbour and allowed itself to be filmed and photographed at less than three yards' range.'

G. T. Kay (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 354, says: 'An Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) came to Lerwick harbour on December 9th, 1950. It remained in the vicinity for a few days, was photographed with still and cine cameras on the 17th, and on the 18th it departed. The bird was an immature specimen in its first-winter plumage.

On the occasion when its photograph was taken it allowed an approach to within ten feet, while it calmly stood on one leg upon a sea-weed covered rock. During the running of the cine mechanism the bird leisurely stretched its wings, demonstrating its complete lack of interest in, or fear of, man and his gadgets. One does not have to be long at close quarters with this bird of the ice floes to realize that it is something very much out of the ordinary. Although it is a near relation to the genus Larus, one is forcibly reminded of more distant relations: the domestic fowl, the pigeon, the Ptarmigan!

The Norwegians very aptly call it Havrype ("Sea-Ptarmigan") and despite its long wings the resemblance can be seen at a glance. Mr. Wilbert Tulloch's valuable photographs (Plates 50 and 51) show well the various characters of this first-winter bird : the long wings, the short black legs, the distinctive posture, the Arctic Skua-like bill and head, the appearance of a dense coat of down and feathers, the remarkable "splash" of dark grey round the lores and chin, the sprinkling of dark brown spots over its plumage and the black beady eye, can all be seen to advantage in the photographs. A feature which unfortunately cannot be seen is that the tibia is feathered almost to the lower joint. The bill has a patchy appearance in different shades of grey with the outer half of the culmen very pale. About the size of a Common Gull (Larus canus) the bird in flight had the wing action of a Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla).

It is said that, amongst the Arctic ice floes, the Ivory Gull is reluctant to settle on the sea surface, but our visitor was seen in the harbour to have a thorough wash in the normal gull manner.'

76). 1951 Kent Pegwell Bay, first-winter, 21st January; same, Sandwich Bay, 17th February.

(W. H. Dady, A. Gibbs & P. F. C. Rumsey, British Birds 44: 355; D. F. Harle, British Birds 44: 355-356; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History W. H. Dady, A. Gibbs & P. F. C. Rumsey (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 355, say: 'On January 21st, 1951, we saw an Ivory Gull in Pegwell Bay, Kent. The bird was first noticed by W.H.D., among a flock of gulls resting on the mud, its white plumage making it very conspicuous even at long range. In the failing light the bird was observed through a x 25 telescope and x8 binoculars at c. 60 yards. It was similar in size to an adjacent Common Gull though perhaps a trifle slimmer. The legs and bill appeared black. While the bird was settled no dark markings on the white plumage were noticed, but, when it flew off, black tips to the first few primaries and a black band on the end of the tail were noticed. These black markings suggest that the bird was in its first winter.'

D. F. Harle (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 355-356, says: 'On February 17th, 1951, at Sandwich Bay, Kent, I saw an unusual gull similar in build to a Black-headed Gull. Its flight - into a stiff S.W. wind - was steady and rhythmic. The following features were noted : wings white with black tips to primaries, but not to secondaries, increasing in size to the outer primary; flecking on lower back and faintly on secondary coverts; tail narrowly tipped black; grey on otherwise all-white head, forming a patch between eye and bill which seemed to be dark horn-coloured; feet black, appearing an inch or two short of the tail, the tarsus being appar ently hidden by the flank feathers.

Comparison of my description with the account in The Handbook leaves me with no doubt that this was an Ivory Gull in first-winter plumage.'

[There can be little doubt that the last two accounts refer to the same bird. In addition to the above we have received from Mr. K. Brown a description of a pure white gull "approximately the same size as a Black-headed Gull" seen on October 21st, 1950, on the Sussex side of the Emsworth Channel, the boundary between Sussex and Hants. As it was not possible to be certain of the bill and leg colour in this case, it seems best to treat it as a "possible".

Another record in The Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, (Vol. I. pp. 19-21) refers to a pure white gull seen at Bruntsfield Links, Edinburgh, on December 4th, 1950, by Lt.-Col. J. S. Bisset. The description suggests Ivory Gull apart from the fact that the legs were "of an indefinite palish colour".' - Eds.]

77). 1952 Fair Isle Meoness, adult male, found dying, 9th February, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1952.20.7).

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (6): 28; K. Williamson, British Birds 46: 422; Dymond, 1991; Pennington et al., 2004; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VI). p. 28, says: 'James Stout found an exhausted Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea on the headland of Meoness on February 9th, a day of fresh north wind following a northerly gale, with snow. He tried to revive it "with warmth and halibut-liver oil capsules", but the bird was too far gone and soon died. It was sent to Edinburgh a few days later and is now a mounted specimen in the British Bird Hall of the Royal Scottish Museum. George Stout of Field saw an Ivory Gull at Fair Isle on Dec. 28th 1933 - the only previous record.

The bird was an adult male in the immaculate white plumage (certainly too clean and pure a white to warrant the description "ivory"), and it weighed 15 ozs. of about 425 g. just after death, - a surprisingly low weight for so large a bird.

The following notes were made on the colours of the soft parts 5 days after death. Bill: basal half of lower mandible pale blue shading to green on the cutting-edges: area surroundin nostrils a slightly deeper blue, shading to green on the culmen; forepart of the upper mandible from the angle of the tip, dark orange. Eye-rim, bright red. Legs and feet, black with whitish pencillings outlining the scales of the tarsus.'

K. Williamson (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 422, under 'Fair Isle Bird Observatory, 1951', says: 'An adult male was picked up exhausted on the headland of Meoness on February 9th and died soon afterwards. It is now preserved as a mounted specimen in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

Accepted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).

78). 1956 Perth & Kinross Templehall, Perthshire, found dead, early January.

(Boase MS., 1961; D. G. Andrew, Scottish Birds 2: 346).

History D. G. Andrew (1963) in Scottish Birds, Vol. II. p. 346, under 'Review of Ornithological Changes in Scotland in 1962' says: 'Dead bird at Templehall in early January 1956 (BNEP: 95); first for Tay and North Perth.'

Comment A manuscript by Henry Boase is referred to under 'Birds of North and East Perth' (BNEP).

NOT PROVEN

0). c. 1840 Wiltshire Near Chippenham, shot, undated.

(G. B. Hony, British Birds 7: 283; Buxton, 1981; Palmer, 1991; Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2007).

[KAN].

History G. Bathurst Hony (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 283, under 'Additional Species', says: 'Since the appearance of the Rev. A. C. Smith's Birds of Wiltshire in 1887 many new county records have naturally occurred. I now propose to give the more interesting of those I have collected, some of which have been published before, but many of which are now published for the first time. Perhaps the presentation of these in a collected form may cause other records to be brought to light. Smith records the occurrence of 235 species, but he was too wont - to use his own words - to "give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt"....Mr. E. Cambridge Phillips tells me that one was killed near Chippenham about 1840 and was the gem of the late Dr. Burly's collection at Chippenham.'

Comment Only inland record. Still acceptable to WOS (2007). Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1844 Yorkshire Scarborough, shot, undated.

(Allis, 1844: 61; Nelson, 1907).

[KAN].

History T. Allis (1844) under 'Report on the Birds of Yorkshire' prepared for the British Association meeting at York (unpublished, but held at the Yorkshire Museum, York), says: 'Ivory Gull, shot some years ago off Scarborough by a gentleman resident in York.'

Nelson (1907 (2): 693) says: 'The first mention of it, as a county species, is contained in Allis's Report on the Birds of Yorkshire, thus: - "Larus eburneus. Ivory Gull. - A specimen was shot near Scarborough many years ago, by the late Charles Watson of York; he was no ornithologist, but from the account he gave me of the bird, which he said was pure white all over, there can, I think, be no doubt about the species; I believe the bird was not preserved".'

Comment Firstly, not known to have been seen by a competent authority; secondly, the majority of records would be first-winter plumage which have an amount of black as does the adult facially. Probably misidentified. Lacks supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). 1845 Sussex Worthing, obtained, undated.

(J. C. Wilson, Zoologist 1859: 6604, 6606; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History J. C. Wilson of Worthing (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. pp. 6604, 6606, under 'Occurrence of Rare Birds near Worthing', says: 'I also subjoin a list of a few rare birds which have occurred in or about Worthing, within the last few years.' Further, p. 6606, he only adds: 'Ivory Gull. 1845.'

Locally, it was accepted (Borrer 1891: 275) and Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 294-295) who says: '...Of these we can claim the sensible proportion of about a dozen, though a good many of the records suffer from incompleteness of detail. Evidently bird-chroniclers of the past did not always count carefulness amongst their virtues. Thus, of the six Ivory Gulls secured in Sussex prior to 1849, three (Knox, O. R., 1st ed., 1849, p. 246) - a couple from near Brighton and the third from St. Leonards-on-Sea - are not dated at all, whilst to the rest - specimens from Worthing way (J. Wilson, Zool., 1859, p. 6606), Rye (Knox, O. R., 1st ed., 1849, p. 294) and Hastings (J. B. Ellman, Zool., 1848, p. 2304) - are accorded loose dates, viz., 1845; winter, 1848; and (it seems) August 1848, respectively. Is the last bird by any chance the one from St. Leonards, ut supra? St. Leonards, remember, adjoins Hastings.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). Pre 1846 Norfolk Wrenningham, obtained, undated.

(J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1384; Stevenson MS.; Harting, 1872).

[Saunders, 1882-84].

History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1384, say: 'Mr. Miller has a fine specimen, killed some years since at Yarmouth.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'It has not yet visited Norfolk, the bird recorded under this name (Zool., p. 1384) being, as Mr. Stevenson informs the Editor, a specimen of some larger species.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1847 Cornwall Quilquay, Trefusis, Falmouth, obtained, February.

(Bullmore, 1866; Harting, 1880; Saunders, 1882-84; Harting, 1901; J. Clark, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall 1907: 136-137; Penhallurick, 1969).

[KAN].

History Bullmore (1867: 43) says: 'A second example was observed here by Mr. Olive, watchmaker, &c., from whose description of the bird's movements, &c., it appeared to have been constantly restless and active; after several unsuccessful attempts to get near it, he at length succeeded and ultimately shot it near Quilquay. It was preserved by Mr. Chapman, and sold by him to a commercial traveller of Bath.'

Harting, Editor (1880: 171) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'A second was observed by Mr. Olive of Falmouth, who described it as extremely restless in its movements. After several unsuccessful attempts to get near it, he at length managed to shoot it near Quilquay. It was preserved by Mr. Chapman of Falmouth, and subsequently sold by him to a commercial traveller of Bath.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the southern coast...Rodd records two from Cornwall.

Penhallurick (1969) adds: 'pre1866. A bird shot at Quilquay (Kiln Quay) near Trefusis Point, Mylor, was mounted and sold to a commercial traveller from Bath (Bullmore, 1866). This bird was not listed by Cocks in 1851 or by Rodd in 1864, and it is not certain that it was the gull at Falmouth in February 1847 as implied in Harting's British Birds (1901) and by Clark (Zoologist 1907).'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. Not acceptable.

0). 1847 Lancashire & North Merseyside Foulshaw Moss, shot, undated.

(Forbes, 1905).

[H. W. Robinson, Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee 2nd Report 1916: 130].

History H. O. Forbes (1905 (1): 204) in the Victoria County History of Lancashire, says: 'One shot on Foulshaw Moss in 1847 is now in the collection of Dr. Jackson, of Carnforth.'

H. W. Robinson (1916) in the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee 2nd Report, pp. 128-129, says: 'The Ivory Gull stated to have occurred on Foulshaw Moss in 1845 [sic] is a doubtful record.'

0). 1848 Sussex Hastings, obtained, August.

(J. B. Ellman, Zoologist 1848: 2304; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

[S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History J. B. Ellman (1848) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VI. p. 2304, dated 23rd September 1848, says: 'I saw a specimen of this rare bird at Hastings, a few weeks ago, in the possession of a bird-stuffer, who informed me that it was shot near that place not long since.'

Knox (1849: 246, 1st ed.) says: 'There is a specimen, which I have seen, in the possession of Mr. Johnson, a chemist at St. Leonard's, which was found on the beach in a dying state.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). 1848 Sussex Near Rye, obtained, winter.

(Knox, 1849; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).

[S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History Knox (1849: 246, 1st ed.) says: '...and during the winter of 1848 an example occurred near Rye.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). Pre 1849 Sussex Near Brighton, two, obtained, undated.

(Knox, 1849; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

[S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History Knox (1849: 246, 1st ed.) says: '...Has been occasionally obtained in Sussex. Twice near Brighton.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 294-295) says: '...Of these we can claim the sensible proportion of about a dozen, though a good many of the records suffer from incompleteness of detail. Evidently bird-chroniclers of the past did not always count carefulness amongst their virtues. Thus, of the six Ivory Gulls secured in Sussex prior to 1849, three (Knox, O. R., 1st ed., 1849, p. 246) - a couple from near Brighton and the third from St. Leonards-on-Sea - are not dated at all, whilst to the rest - specimens from Worthing way (J. Wilson, Zool., 1859, p. 6606), Rye (Knox, O. R., 1st ed., 1849, p. 294) and Hastings (J. B. Ellman, Zool., 1848, p. 2304) - are accorded loose dates, viz., 1845; winter, 1848; and (it seems) August 1848, respectively. Is the last bird by any chance the one from St. Leonards, ut supra? St. Leonards, remember, adjoins Hastings.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). Pre 1849 Sussex St Leonards-on-Sea, obtained, undated.

(Knox, 1849; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

[S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History Knox (1849: 246, 1st ed.) says: '...Has been occasionally obtained in Sussex....There is a specimen, which I have seen, in the possession of Mr. Johnson, a chemist at St. Leonard's, which was found on the beach in a dying state.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). 1853 Dorset Near Weymouth, shot, February.

(W. R. Thompson, British Birds 16: 187).

[KAN].

History W. R. Thompson (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 187, says: 'In the middle of the last century my grandfather, William Thompson of Lytchet near Poole and afterwards of Weymouth, a keen naturalist and careful observer, compiled a Fauna of Dorsetshire. This was never published because, unfortunately, no one could read his writing, and the manuscript has since been dissipated, some of his observations being incorporated in Pleydell's Birds of Dorset.

Recently, however, whilst overhauling some of his papers I came across several natural history notes which do not appear to have been previously published, and from those dealing with birds I have extracted most of the following information, the remainder being made up of extracts from the Shooting Diaries kept by my father, James Yarrell Thompson, and by my uncle, Stanley Thompson, together with observations made at various times by my brother, Major R. N. Thompson, and myself.

Where I have made use of other sources of information, the fact has been acknowledged in the text....The following is from one of my grandfather's notes: "Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). - My grandfather, writing on February 19th, 1853, says: "Some few days since a specimen of Larus eburneus, the Ivory Gull, was shot on the beach a mile from Weymouth. It unfortunately fell in the sea, and no boat being available, was lost. In the year 1843, a specimen was obtained very near the same spot". The latter occurrence is mentioned by Pleydell.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1854 Ayrshire Ailsa Craig, seen, June.

(Anon., Morris & Bree's Naturalist 5: 18; Gray & Anderson, 1869; Gray, 1871).

[Richmond Paton & Pike, 1929; J. A. Gibson, Scottish Naturalist 1951: 169].

History Anon. (1855) in Morris & Bree's Naturalist, Vol. V. p. 18, says: 'Mr. Robert Gray then stated to the meeting, on the authority of his friend, Mr. Sinclair, the occurrence of Larus eburneus, at Ailsa Craig. As, however, no specimens had been shot, the secretary remarked, that such statements coming before the society should be received with the usual caution, till an opportunity of verifying the fact, by examination, should occur.'

Gray & Anderson (1869: 53) say: 'In June, 1854, Mr. William Sinclair saw an Ivory Gull on Ailsa Craig, and was near enough to recognise it.'

Gray (1871: 481-482) says: 'In addition to these instances of the Ivory Gull's appearance on our coasts, I may state that Mr. Sinclair saw what he believed to be a bird of this species on Ailsa Craig in June 1854. He was attracted by the pure white figure as it sat on a rock jutting from the water at the base of the cliffs. This was about sunrise, my friend being at the time a resident on the island for the express object of taking notes on its ornithology, and the sea was unusually quiet. The bird was surrounded by Kittiwakes, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Common Gulls, and presented a marked contrast to the rest of the group. Mr. Sinclair allowed his boat to drift to within twenty-five yards of its perch, and he, as well as two of the cragsmen who were with him, had an excellent opportunity of seeing the stranger. I have since known that pure white gulls have oftener than once been noticed of late years in the same place.'

Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) placed this record in square-brackets.

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1858 North-east Scotland Boindie Bay, Banffshire, seen, 28th November.

("Ridibundus" Field 11th Dec., 1858: 478).

[KAN].

History "Ridibundus" of Banff (1858) in The Field of 11th Dec., Vol. XII. p. 478, says: 'Whilst driving, on the 28th ult., in company with three others, we passed a field of lea, within half a mile of the sea, on the north coast of Banffshire, called the Bay of Boindy, in which a small flock of some fifty sea-gulls, consisting chiefly of the common Herring Gull, interspersed with a few of the Lesser Black-backed Gull. In their company, however, was a fair stranger, which at once arrested our attention - of the same genus, but arrayed in plumage of the purest white, and although of the same size as his blacked-backed associates (Larus fuscus), his peculiar appearance (quite charming in the eye of a naturalist) rendered the snowy stranger a marked object at a long distance off. I have anxiously searched the locality since, in hopes that I might secure the bird with one of "Eley's Green", but hitherto without success.

When it first attracted our notice, I at once remarked that it was an Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus), and am pretty confident I was right. I have seen the bird in a preserved state, although never alive. My remarks may interest some of the readers of The Field; if you think so, you are at liberty to insert this.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1859 Orkney Hoy, first-winter, killed, undated.

("H." Field 4th June 1859: 452).

[KAN].

History "H." of Melsetter, Orkney (1859) in The Field of 4th June, Vol. XIII. p. 452, says: 'Ivory Gull. - A young bird, was some time ago killed in Hoy Island, by one of Mr. Hiddle's, of Melsetter, tenants....in fact, the number of collectors there is so great no rare bird escapes the gun.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1859 Lincolnshire Coastal location, obtained, undated.

(Cordeaux, 1899).

[KAN].

History Cordeaux (1899: 36) says: 'Mr. F. R. Larken, of the Minster Yard, Lincoln, has one which is said to have been shot "forty years since" on the Lincolnshire coast (J. H. Gurney, in litt.).'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1860 Dorset Weymouth Bay, killed, November.

(W. Thompson, Field 15th Dec., 1860: 493).

["A.D.H." Field 9th Feb., 1861: 114].

History William Thompson of Weymouth (1860) in The Field of 15th Dec., Vol. XVI. p. 493, says: 'A fine specimen of the Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus) was shot here by a gentleman during the past month.'

"A.D.H." (1861) in The Field of 9th Feb., Vol. XVII. p. 114, says: 'A paragraph appeared in The Field of Dec. 15, stating that "a fine specimen of the Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus) had been recently shot near Weymouth", &c. The bird in question, which was shot on the 9th of November, 1860, whilst flying over the Chesil Beach, near Portland, by A. D. Hussey, Esq., of The Hall, Salisbury, is not the Ivory but the Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucus).'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1861 Cumbria Coastal locality, Cumberland, seen, undated.

(J. J. Armistead, Naturalist 12: 76).

[KAN].

History J. J. Armistead (1886) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XII. p. 76, says: 'A bird supposed to be this species I once saw on the Cumberland coast about 25 years ago. I was then but a schoolboy, and not sufficiently well up in the gulls to be absolutely certain, but I believe I am right as to the species.'

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1863 Argyll Near Minard, obtained, undated.

(Gray, 1871).

[ap Rheinallt et al., 2007].

History Gray (1871: 481) says: 'The species has also been observed on the upper shores of Loch Fyne - the late Mr. James Hamilton having informed me that he procured one near Minard, and saw others in 1863.'

Not accepted locally (ap Rheinallt et al. 2007).

0). 1865 Avon Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, adult, shot, March.

(M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1865: 9566; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1865: 9784; Smith, 1869; Harting, 1901).

[M. A. Mathew, Zoologist 1865: 9734; Palmer & Ballance, 1968].

History Murray A. Mathew of Weston-super-Mare (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9566, dated 11th April, 1865, says: 'One day last month a magnificent specimen of the Ivory Gull, in full mature plumage, was shot on the little island of Birnheck at this place. This is the second adult Ivory Gull which has been obtained at Weston-super-Mare within the last few years.'

However, Murray A. Mathew (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9734, dated 7th July 1865, adds: 'I regret that at Zool. 9566 I have recorded the occurrence of an Ivory Gull at Weston-super-Mare, because the bird I then referred to has been found not to belong to that species.

I only had a hurried view of the bird the first time I saw it, and this was in rather a dark room, and the bird was already mounted and cased. Seeing a snow-white gull I concluded it could be nothing else than the Ivory Gull; but on a subsequent visit I was surprised to notice that it was without the black legs of that species, and was altogether a much larger bird. I am almost at a loss to what species to refer this singular capture. It corresponds most nearly, in the structure of the bill, legs, &c., with a young Great Black-backed Gull, and may possibly be an albino, although, if it is, it is the first albino gull I ever came across.

A large gull, snow-white all over, with legs and bill of a uniform green-tinged flesh-colour, is somewhat a nondescript, and I should be glad to hear if any of the readers of the Zoologist have ever met with a similar one, or could give me any light upon the matter.'

J. Edmund Harting (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9784, dated 19th September 1864, says: '...As I have just such a gull in my collection, I beg to offer the following remarks. Possibly Mr. Mathew's bird and mine may prove to be the same species, but, as he has not given any measurements, I have no guide but colour, coupled with his assertion that it is a large gull.

My bird was shot on the Lancashire coast, at Lytham, in February of the present year. Although consorting with other large gulls, it at once attracted attention by its pure white plumage, and many attempts were made to shoot it, but for several days it escaped. At length a friend of mine, observing that it frequented the flats which were left exposed at low water, ran his boat out one morning and waited for the tide to recede. This plan succeeded, for he got a long shot with a cartridge, and killed the bird. As it now stand in my collection, between a Great Black-backed Gull on one side and a Herring Gull on the other, it appears intermediate in size between these two.

The following are the measurements, although, it should be observed, they can hardly be considered as quite correct, as they were taken after the bird had been stuffed: - Length of bill from gape, 2½ inches; entire length from base of bill, 25 inches; carpal joint to tip of closed wing, 18½ inches; length of tarsus, 2¾ inches; middle toe, nearly equal to tarsus, being 2⅝ inches. In endeavouring to identify the species, I considered that it could not be an Ivory Gull, which would be smaller in size, and would have black legs (whereas these are of a brownish flesh-colour), and it also exceeds by measurement the average size of an Iceland Gull. Taking into consideration, therefore, the size of the bird, the colour of the plumage, and the length and colour of the tarsus, I came to the conclusion that it must be a very old Glaucous Gull. I say very old, because, as is well known, that all the gulls when immature are mottled more or less with pale brown; and the adult Glaucous Gull has the back and wings of a very pale bluish grey colour: it is possible, therefore, that these parts may become white with age.

Mr. Mathew's suggestion, that his bird may possibly be an albino, or very old individuals of a species rare in England, I think we may congratulate ourselves on the possession of a prize not to be obtained every day. I should be glad if Mr. Mathew will favour us with the measurements of his specimen, as further particulars will decide this interesting question.'

Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 657, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'On the southern coast...and two or three have been taken in Somersetshire.'

Comment Two other Somerset records, one from 1839 is acceptable and the other from 1860 has been found unacceptable. Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1866 Clyde Islands Near Lamlash, Arran, shot, September.

(Gray, 1871; Gibson, 1956).

[KAN].

History Gray (1871: 481) says: 'Another was shot on the shores of Arran in September, 1866, by Mr. Dunlop, of Glasgow.'

Comment I think a misidentification has occurred here. Practically all Scottish sightings begin in November, with only one in October in 1997 on the 24th. No identification details. Not acceptable.

0). 1867 Orkney Melsetter, Hoy, killed, May.

("J.G.H." Field 15th Jun., 1867: 448; Gray, 1871; Harting, 1872; Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891).

[Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984].

History "J.G.H." (1867) in The Field of 15th Jun., Vol. XXIX. p. 448, says: 'A fine specimen of that rare bird the Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus) was caught a few weeks ago in Hoy, Orkney and is now alive at Melsetter.'

Gray (1871: 481) says: 'Mr. J. H. Dunn informed me of one killed at Melsetter, Orkney, in May, 1867, making this the fourth for Orkney.'

Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 229) say: 'Mr. Moodie-Heddle informs us that an Ivory Gull was kept alive at Melsetter, but gives no date. This may be the one mentioned by Gray in his Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 481.'

Not accepted locally (Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds 1984).

0). 1867 Argyll Ardchattan, Loch Etive, obtained, undated.

(Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1892; ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007).

[ap Rheinallt, et al., 2007].

History Gray (1871: 481) says: 'Another came on shore at Ardchattan, Loch Etive, in a state of exhaustion, and is now in the possession of Mr. McCalman there.'

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1892: 189) but not accepted later (ap Rheinallt, et al. 2007).

0). 1871 Cleveland/Yorkshire Skinningrove, Yorkshire, seen, November.

(K. McLean, Naturalist 25: 146).

[KAN].

History Kenneth McLean of Harrogate (1899) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXV. p. 146, says: 'Ivory Gull. One seen at Skinningrove, or near to Huntcliffe, November 1871.'

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

0). Pre 1874 Co. Durham/Northumberland Mouth of the Tyne, adult, shot, undated.

(Hancock, 1874).

[Bolam, 1912; J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1912: 301].

History Hancock (1874: 137-138) says: 'A specimen of this rare casual visitant, said to have been shot some years ago, off the mouth of the Tyne, came into the possession of Mr. Thomas Robson, of Winlaton Mill, and is now in the collection of Mr. Thomas Thompson, of Winlaton. I have seen the specimen; it is in mature plumage.'

Bolam (1912: 648) says: 'Hancock recorded a mature example in the possession of Mr. Thomas Thompson of Winlaton, said to have been shot some years previous to 1874, off the mouth of the Tyne. This specimen was bequeathed by Mr. Thompson to the Museum at Newcastle, along with the rest of his collection, but the authenticity of its capture on the Tyne has never been quite above suspicion.'

J. M. Charlton (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 301, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'A specimen in the late T. Thompson's collection said to have been shot off the mouth of the Tyne, but that gentleman and others did not think it authentic.'

Comment In view of Bolam's statement it is safer to reject this record. Not acceptable.

0). 1875 Sussex Near Lewes, shot, early January.

("G.E.B." Field 16th Jan., 1875: 46; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938; S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History "G.E.B." (1875) in The Field 16th Jan., Vol. XLV. p. 46, under 'Little Gull in summer plumage in January', says 'A very handsome specimen of this bird, which I presume is the Larus minutus, was shot last week at Cook's Bridge, near Lewes. The extraordinary feature about it is that the bird is in nearly full summer plumage, and with the exception of the under feathers of the wings is entirely white. Yarrell gives a predominance to black and grey feathers; but I think there is little doubt but that the specimen I speak of, and the species he describes, are identical. It is now being stuffed by Brazenor, of the Lewes-road, and when complete I shall be happy, if you wish it, to forward it to you for inspection. In the meantime may I ask , is it not a very rare occurrence to meet with gulls in this state of plumage in the winter, or in fact, at this period of year?'

[The circumstance is certainly very unusual, and we should be interested in seeing the specimen referred to. - Ed.]

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 295) says: 'Putting aside the possibility of the wholly white Gull shot near Lewes during the week preceding January 16th, 1875, having been an adult Ivory - in any case it could not have been a Little Gull, as recorded (G.E.B., Field, 16/i/1875), unless, indeed, it was an albino.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). 1875 Clyde Islands Arran, male, shot, February.

(J. Glennon, Field 20th Feb., 1875: 193).

[Gibson, 1956].

History John Glennon (1875) in The Field of 20th Feb., Vol. XLV. p. 193, says: 'The following is a list of rare birds which have been sent to me for preservation since Aug. 1, 1874. I shall be glad to give your readers interested in the matter the dates of the receipt of them, together with the owner's names and the localities where shot, if desired: - ...In addition to these, and within the last few days, I have received a male specimen of the Ivory Gull, shot by Mr. De Wett at the Isle of Arran.'

Gibson (1956: 18) says: '...there are reasons for rejecting this record.'

Comment Possibly because there is an Aran Island in Co. Galway. Not acceptable.

0). 1878 Dorset No locality, adult male, shot, undated, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/225).

(Hart MS.).

[KAN].

History Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot in 1878 by the Rev. D. Alston of the Rectory, Studland, Dorset and purchased by Mr T. M. Pike, who presented it to me.

Comment An adult male shot without mention of locality or month is suspicious! Also, it was not recorded in the literature of the day.

0). 1880 Cleveland/Co. Durham/Yorkshire Teesmouth, Co. Durham, shot, 14th February.

(R. Lofthouse, Naturalist 1887: 12).

[Temperley, 1951; Bowey & Newsome, 2012].

History R. Lofthouse (1887) in The Naturalist, Vol. XIII. p. 12, under 'The River Tees: its Marshes and Fauna', says: '...and an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) on the 14th February, 1880.'

Temperley (1951) says: 'Roger Lofthouse (Naturalist 1887) recorded an Ivory Gull shot at the mouth of the Tees on 14th February 1880. It was not mentioned by Nelson (1907) and is presumed to have occurred on the Durham side.'

Not accepted locally (Bowey & Newsome 2012).

0). 1882 Sussex Beachy Head, shot, February or March.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938; S. J. Patton, Sussex Bird Report 1994: 60].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 295) says: 'Putting aside the possibility of the wholly white Gull shot near Lewes during the week preceding January 16th, 1875, having been an adult Ivory - ...and a bird shot at Beachy Head by Mr. F. Wise (in litt.) during February or March, 1882, nothing more is heard of this species in Sussex until 1910.'

S. J. Patton (1994) in the Sussex Bird Report, Vol. XLVII. p. 60, says: 'As none of the earlier specimens survive and none were aged, they must be regarded as suspect in identification.'

0). 1883 Lincolnshire Between Grimsby and Cleethorpes, seen, 29th to 31st March.

(T. Fisher, Zoologist 1883: 258; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 366; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955).

[Lorand & Atkin, 1989].

History T. Fisher of Erfurt Lodge, Greenwich (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 258, says: 'On March 29th, 30th, and 31st I saw an Ivory Gull (P. eburnea) between Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes. It was easily distinguished from other large gulls when on the wing by its slow and steady flight (resembling that of a Heron rather than a Gull), and the white colour of the plumage, which was then very conspicuous. When picking up food on the shore its action was peculiar; it held its body in a horizontal position and dropped its head and neck, so that when the beak touched the ground the head and neck formed a right angle with the body.'

J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 366, reiterates the same.

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1883 Gower Swansea Harbour, seen, undated.

(D. S. W. Nicholl, Zoologist 1889: 171; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 35; Heathcote, 1967).

[Hurford & Lansdown, 1995; Taylor, 2008].

History D. S. W. Nicholl of Cowbridge (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 171, says: '...and the Ivory Gull....there is also a record of one seen by Mr. H. Dillwyn (son of Mr. L. L. Dillwyn, M.P.), in Swansea Harbour, about the year 1883.'

Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 35, say: '...and that Mr. H. Dillwyn saw one in Swansea Harbour about the year 1883.'

Not accepted locally (Hurford & Lansdown 1995; Taylor 2008).

0). c. 1885 Shetland Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, shot, undated.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 186) say: 'Mr. T. Henderson told Evans in 1890 that one was shot some years before that date in winter, while sitting upon the ice on Loch Spiggie, this being the only specimen ever seen by him in Dunrossness.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

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

0). 1888 Shetland Unst, seen, 1st February.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899).

[Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 185) say: 'An individual was seen at the lighthouse there [Unst] on October 3rd, 1888, together with some Iceland Gulls; another was observed on February 1st of the same year.'

Venables & Venables (1955: 322) say: 'A suspicious series from Muckle Flugga lighthouse, Unst, in 1888, including three on 16th February and singles on 1st February and 3rd October, were reported by lighthouse keepers, and these may possibly refer to Iceland Gulls in their third-winter pale plumage.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1888 Shetland Unst, three, seen, 16th February.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899).

[Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 185) say: 'An individual was seen at the lighthouse there [Unst] on October 3rd, 1888, together with some Iceland Gulls....while on the 16th [February] three more examples were noticed.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). 1888 Moray & Nairn Culbin, seen, mid-June.

(Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896).

[Cook, 1992].

History Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1896 (2): 219) say: 'Brown of Forres observed an Ivory Gull frequenting the sand-hills and shore near the north-east end of the Culbins, about the third week in June 1888, associating with a number of other species of Gulls, and apparently acting as their sentinel. In a later communication he wrote, under date of 25th June 1888, that he saw a fine specimen of the Ivory Gull along with the Common and 'Yellow-footed Gulls', and he adds that Mr. Robert Mackessack has several times seen the species there, but usually in the spring of the year.'

Comment Misidentified. No supporting details. Not acceptable.

0). 1888 Shetland Unst, seen, 3rd October.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899).

[Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 185) say: 'An individual was seen at the lighthouse there [Unst] on October 3rd, 1888, together with some Iceland Gulls.'

Venables & Venables (1955: 322) say "A suspicious series from Muckle Flugga lighthouse, Unst, in 1888, including three on 16th February and singles on 1st February and 3rd October, were reported by lighthouse keepers, and these may possibly refer to Iceland Gulls in their third-winter pale plumage.'

Not accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

0). Pre 1889 Gower Fairwood Moor, seen, undated.

(D. S. W. Nicholl, Zoologist 1889: 171; Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 35; Heathcote, 1967

[Hurford & Lansdown, 1995; Taylor, 2008]

History D. S. W. Nicholl of Cowbridge (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 171, says: '...and the Ivory Gull, one of which was seen by Sir H. H. Vivian, flying about over a piece of water which he has near Fairwood Moor, in Gower: he tried to secure it, but failed.'

Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 35, say: 'Mr. Digby Nicholl states that the late Lord Swansea saw one flying over a piece of water near Fairwood Moor in Gower.'

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

0). 1895 Highland River Ness, Inverness, Inverness-shire, seen, 9th February.

("R.H." Field 16th Feb., 1895: 217).

[KAN].

History "R.H." (1895) in The Field of 16th Feb., Vol. LXXXV. p. 217, says: 'While walking down the bank of the River Ness, at Inverness, on the morning of the 9th inst., I saw, standing among a number of other gulls (Common, Black-headed, &c.), a pure white gull slightly tinged with yellow on the back, dark bill, and dark legs and feet. It was within 20 ft. of me, and I have no doubt was an Ivory Gull, driven there by stress of weather.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to ornithologists. Not acceptable.

0). 1898 Dumfries & Galloway Solway Firth, seen, 3rd and 4th August.

(J. J. Armistead, Zoologist 1898: 414; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1898: 244).

[A. B. Duncan, Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society 1946-47: 64-65].

History J. J. Armistead of Solway Fishery, Dumfries (1898) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. II. p. 414, says: 'On Aug. 3rd, when riding at anchor in the Solway Firth, I had the gratification of observing one of these rare birds (Pagophila eburnea) from my yacht.

We had just had tea, and the scraps had been thrown overboard for the birds, which soon came round the yacht in considerable numbers. They were a mixed lot, by far the largest proportion being of the Black-headed species, interspersed with a few Common Gulls, and also some representatives of the Herring and Lesser Black-backed kinds. One bird of a creamy-white colour attracted my attention, and as it came round for the third time, I distinctly saw that it had black feet; its bill was dusky, as far as I could see. Something suddenly alarmed the birds, and they retired to a distance and settled on the water, and I had another good opportunity of observing the stranger that day.

Next morning, however, on turning out early to weigh anchor, I saw it again. This time it was feeding on the ooze, in company with some Black-headed Gulls, about one hundred and fifty yards away. It bore a striking resemblance to a white Pigeon, and a novice would have had the impression that one of these birds was feeding amongst the gulls.'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1898) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. VII. p. 244, admit this record as new for Solway.

A. B. Duncan (1946-47) in the Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society, pp. 64-65, says: 'Armistead reported seeing one on 3rd and 4th August, 1898 (Zool., 1898, p. 414) but this was probably an albino Black-headed Gull....'

Comment Seems a reasonable description for the period. There are acceptable records for August from Yorkshire, 1875, and Galway, 1971.

0). 1901 Northamptonshire Weston-by-Weedon, immature, shot, about 7th February.

(O. V. Aplin, Ibis 1901: 517; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329).

[KAN].

History O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1901) in The Ibis, Vol. XLIII. p. 517, in a Letter dated 6th May 1901, says: 'Sirs - An Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) was obtained on or about the 7th of February 1901, at Weston-by-Weedon, Northamptonshire, where it was found in a ditch by a dog and was shot as it rose. It is in immature plumage, and has the face grey, black marks on the wings, and a blackish bar on the end of the tail.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Comment Probably misidentified. No inland records. Not acceptable.

0). 1904 Fife Largo Bay, seen, 14th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1905: 53; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 329; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Smout, 1986).

[KAN].

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter of Lahill, Largo (1905) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIV. p. 53, say: '...The other occurrence was an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) we saw in Largo Bay on the 14th September about 5 p.m. It flew past close beneath us as we were sitting on a sand dune, and we had an excellent view of its pure white plumage, black eye, and yellow bill.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 329, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'One seen by us in Largo Bay on 14th September 1904.'

Comment I think a misidentification has occurred here. Practically all Scottish sightings begin in November, with only one in October in 1997 on the 24th. Not acceptable.

0). 1910 Sussex Ecclesbourne, immature pair, shot, 11th February, now in the Booth Museum, Brighton.

(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 5: 49; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 304, 305; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History J. B. Nichols (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 49, says: 'On February 7th, 1910, an immature female Ivory-Gull (Pagophila eburnea) was shot at Ecclesbourne, Hastings, and examined in the flesh by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield, and on February 11th, 1910, a male, also immature, was killed at the same place. This bird was examined in the flesh by Mr. L. Curtis Edwards. More than half the specimens obtained in Great Britain have been adult. The female killed on February 7th is especially noticeable, being spotted more or less all over with greyish-black spots, while the male has comparatively few.'

E. N. Bloomfield (1911) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 304, 305, says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst has sent me a long and very interesting list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which I have added a few others lately presented to the Museum by Mr. W. H. Mullens. In Sussex - Pagophila eburnea, Phipps, Ivory Gull, Ecclesbourne, February, 1910, three immature birds amongst the gulls near the outfall, two shot February 7th and 11th.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 295) adds: 'Now in the Booth Museum, Brighton, from the Nichols collection.'

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex St Leonards-on-Sea, immature female, shot, 15th January.

(W. R. Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 174; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 295) says: 'On January 15th, 1914, a female "Ivory", showing signs of immaturity, was shot at West St. Leonards-on-Sea, subsequently being presented to the Hastings Museum by Mr. W. H. Mullens (W. R. Butterfield, H.E.S.N., II. p. 174).'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1921 East Glamorgan Roath Park, Cardiff, seen, 3rd April; same, Llanishen Reservoir, seen, 8th May; same, Sully Island, seen, 13th June.

(G. C. S. Ingram, British Birds 15: 22, 244; G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1921: 73; Heathcote, 1967).

[F. C. R. Jourdain, British Birds 15: 215; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History G. C. S. Ingram (1921) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 22, under 'Probable Ivory Gull in Glamorgan', says: 'During the early hours of the morning, between dawn and the opening of the parks, a large flock of Gulls is generally to be seen feeding and resting in the Recreation Grounds of Roath Park, Cardiff. Passing this place at 6.40 a.m. (summer time) on April 3rd, 1921, I noticed among some fifty to sixty Common and Black-headed Gulls (L. canus and ridibundus) one bird which appeared to be entirely white. With the aid of glasses the following points were visible: General plumage, with the exception of some dark spots on the wings, corresponding with the tips of the primaries, completely white. Bill light. Legs and feet dark. Its size appeared to be exactly that of the Common Gulls it was walking amongst, and I am quite satisfied that it was an immature specimen of the Ivory-Gull (Pagophila eburnea).'

F. C. R. Jourdain (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 215, says: 'While writing on this subject I should like to refer to a record of a "probable" Ivory Gull at Cardiff on April 3rd, 1921 (Brit. Birds, antea, p. 22). This bird was also white with the exception of some dark spots on the primaries, bill light, feet dark, and agreed exactly in size with the Common Gulls (L. canus), with which it was associating. Mr. G. C. S. Ingram suggests that this was an immature Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). At the time I had no personal experience of the latter species in a wild state, but during the past summer we met with a good many in Spitsbergen, and had opportunities of observing their habits and appearance.

April is a very unlikely time for an Ivory Gull to visit us, and it is quite improbable that a straggler would associate amicably with Common Gulls, or remain in the neighbourhood till June. The difference in size would also be striking, and the carriage is also quite different and would catch the eye even more than the size. The Ivory Gull is a fierce and self-assertive bird, and will even drive the formidable Glaucous Gull (L. hyperboreus) from its prey.

Whatever this bird was, and it may have been an albino of one of our smaller gulls, I do not think it can have been an Ivory Gull. Mr. Ingram has kindly furnished some additional details, and adds that it was again seen on May 8th at Lisvane Reservoir by Mr. H. M. Salmon, who describes it as considerably larger than the Black-headed Gulls, but of similar build. On June 13th the bird was again seen at Sully Island, eight miles west of Cardiff. Here a very good view was obtained and the following details noted: eye dark, beak yellowish-green, feet slate: flight like that of a Tern or Black-headed Gull. At close quarters the vermilion ring round the eye of the Ivory Gull would be perceptible. The colouring of the soft parts seems to suggest a Kittiwake rather than a Common or Black-headed Gull, but might well have been somewhat abnormal.'

G. C. S. Ingram (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 244, in a Letter, dated Feb. 10th, 1922, says: 'Sirs, - Regarding the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain's note (antea, p. 214), I quite agree with him that my record of a probable Ivory Gull at Cardiff, April 3rd, 1921, cannot be accepted as indisputable, especially in view of the fact that this bird, or a similar one, was seen again as late as June 13th. On the other hand, Mr. Salmon and myself are absolutely agreed that it was not an albinistic specimen of any of the six species of Gulls that visit us during the winter, viz.: Black-headed, Common, Herring, Lesser Black-backed, Great Black-backed and Kittiwake.

It was seen in the company of, and compared with, the first three species mentioned, when its size immediately separated it from the Black-headed and the Herring Gulls, and although it agreed with the Common Gull in this respect, looking if anything slightly larger, its carriage, shape and flight were totally dissimilar. Confusion with the Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls and Kittiwake is also impossible on account of size and shape. It is improbable that an albino would differ from the normal in anything but colouring, but it would be expected that the beak, eyes and legs would lack colour as was the case in the two specimens mentioned as occurring off the Essex Coast and in Bridlington Bay, Yorks. The suggestion that "April is a very unlikely time for an Ivory Gull to visit us" is not altogether supported by previous records. A specimen was obtained in Yorkshire, April 5th, (Brit. Birds, Vol. II. p. 329) another in Orkney April 1st (Brit. Birds, Vol. IX. p. 28), and there are also two records from Ireland March 25th and March 27th.

If nothing more had been seen of the bird after April 3rd, there would have been no doubt in my mind as to the species. Although it is extremely improbable that an Ivory Gull would remain in this country until so late a date as June 13th, it is the only species that in any way resembles the specimen observed.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1925 Cheshire & Wirral River Mersey, seen, 4th January.

(T. A. Coward, Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1926: 16; Hardy, 1941; Hedley Bell, 1962; Conlin & Williams, 2017).

[White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008].

History T. A. Coward (1926) in the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Committee 12th Report, p. 16, says: 'Mr. W. H. Riddell sent me a description of a bird which he saw on January 4th near the Mersey Bar, which he believed was an Ivory Gull; it was feeding on a dead Teal. Not only do I think that his identification was correct, but Mr. F. A. Montague, to whom I submitted the particulars, is also of the opinion; Mr. Montague is familiar with the bird in the Spitzbergen seas.'

Hardy (1941: 239) says: 'The Liverpool Museum Bird Gallery Guide states that one was seen by W. H. Riddell on 4th Jan., 1926, in the Mersey Estuary, which R. K. Perry, Keeper of Vertebrates, told me was a reliable record.'

Accepted locally for Cheshire & Wirral (Hedley Bell 1962), but in not accepting it for Lancashire & North Merseyside, White, McCarthy & Jones (2008) state that it was seen in an extremely unlikely location on 4th January 1925 not 1926 as in Hardy (1941).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Unlikely location. Not acceptable.

0). 1928 Ayrshire Dunure, seen, July.

(Paton & Pike, 1929).

[Paton & Pike, 1929].

History Richmond Paton & Pike (1929) recording the record in square-brackets, say: 'M'Crindle saw a bird which he took to be an Ivory Gull at Dunure, in July 1928.'

0). 1931 Sussex River Rother, Rye, adult, seen, 6th January.

(R. P. Williams, British Birds 24: 299; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[P. N. Paul, Sussex Bird Report 2005: 105].

History R. P. Williams (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 299, says: 'Among a crowd of Herring Gulls and Black-headed Gulls at the mouth of the Rother, near Rye, on January 6th, 1931, I identified a single Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). The bird, an adult, was especially conspicuous among its companions by reason of its pure white mantle. Its very dark legs and greenish-black bill were also noticed.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 295) says: 'On January 6th, 1931, an adult was identified by Mr. R. P. (really G.) Williams (Brit. Birds, XXIV. p. 299) at the mouth of the Rother at Rye.'

Not accepted locally (P. N. Paul, Sussex Bird Report 2005: 105).

0). 1931 Dorset Weymouth, seen, 6th June.

(W. R. Thompson, Field 18th July 1931: 96; W. R. Thompson, Field 28th Nov., 1931: 827; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 53: 286; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 202; Boys, 1973; Prendergast & Boys, 1983; Morrison, 1997).

[J. D. Brown, Field 29th Aug., 1931: 332-333].

History W. R. Thompson of Weymouth (1931) in The Field of 18th July, Vol. CLVIII. p. 96, says: 'On June 6th Mr. G. L. Spooner of Weymouth and myself were entering Weymouth Harbour in a sailing boat, when we noticed a curious gull amongst others on the water.

It was quite tame, and we were able to approach to with about 10 yds, and examine it, with the result that we are almost certain that it was an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). I suppose that in such cases it is not possible to be absolutely certain without actually handling the bird, but the following points which were noted make the identity as certain as possible. I think, although I shall be glad of any suggestions from readers, as to what other bird it might have been. It was slightly smaller than the immature Herring Gulls with which it was consorting, and was white with no markings whatever. The back appeared to be more of a creamy white than a pure white. The feet and legs were black or dark brown, and the eye apparently also of this colour. The beak appeared to be black, and I could not distinguish any orange or yellow colour about it. I do not think that it could possibly have been an Iceland Gull. Not only was it too small, there was no tinge of grey or slate colour in its plumage. It would not appear to have been an albino or part-albino, for its eye appeared dark. Moreover, its movements when on the wing and compared with the other gulls were distinctive. It appeared to be slower and less graceful. It sat very upright on the water.'

[The evidence certainly seems to point to the Ivory Gull - we would be interested to hear what other readers think? - Ed.]

J. Douglas Brown of Cheadle Hulme (1931) in The Field of 29th Aug., Vol. CLVIII. pp. 332-333, says: 'I was very interested to see in your issue of July 18th that an Ivory Gull had been seen in Weymouth Bay.

I do not feel competent to say what gull it was that Lieut.-Col. Thompson saw, but I think that it is hardly likely to have been an Ivory Gull for the following reasons: First, it is improbable that at this time of year, when storms are not so frequent as in winter, an Ivory Gull should be so far south of its Arctic haunts, though this is not impossible.

Then Col. Thompson mentions its back as being creamy white rather than pure white. Now the first thing that strikes one when seeing a live Ivory Gull is the pure whiteness of its plumage, even when seen against an ice-floe. Again, the feet and legs stand out as jet black in contrast to the white plumage, whereas Col. Thompson suggests that his gull had black or dark brown legs and feet.

When in Spitzbergen and North-East Land in 1921 and 1923, with the Oxford University Arctic Expeditions, I observed Ivory Gulls at close quarters and, incidentally, several of my photographs of them were published in The Field. Now one characteristic of this gull seemed to be that it never mixed with other birds at all. I do not recall having seen it along with the other Spitzbergen gull - the Glaucous Gull. Ivory Gulls were always by themselves, and usually in small groups, of perhaps, three or four.

This habit makes it seem a little unlikely that the Weymouth gull was an Ivory, as it was swimming along with other gulls. Finally, there is good reason for thinking that the gull cannot have been an Ivory, and that is, that of all the Ivory Gulls we saw in Spitzbergen we never at any time saw one alight or swim on the water. I have no idea whether this is a characteristic of this gull, but it is a definite fact that they never alighted on the water in spite of our efforts to make them do so by throwing out meat to them....I must apologise for this long letter of mine, especially as I have not identified the mysterious gull in the end, but I think I have shown that the chances of its having been an Ivory Gull are rather remote. There were with me in Spitzbergen several very well-known ornithologists, and their views on the subject might be worth getting. They were Dr. Longstaff (of Everest fame), the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, Professor Julian Huxley, and also your frequent contributor, Mr. Niall Rankin.'

W. R. Thompson (1931) in The Field of 28th Nov., Vol. CLVIII. p. 827, under 'Ivory Gull in Weymouth Bay?', says: 'With reference to my note under the above heading in the Field of July 18th last, and the various replies thereto in later numbers, which I have only just seen.

Mr. Douglas Brown thinks it unlikely that an Ivory Gull would be so far south on the date mentioned. I have not got my books or notes by me, but I believe that the date, although early, is not unprecedented. As regards my statement - that the white of its plumage appeared to be of a somewhat creamy shade, may not this have been in contrast with the light slate-grey backs of some of the other gulls near it? Regarding the colour of the legs, I should not like to distinguish definitely between black and dark brown at a distance of ten yards, especially with the legs in the flying position. Certainly if Ivory Gulls do not mix with other birds, nor settle on the water, as Mr. Douglas Brown thinks, then either my bird was not an Ivory Gull, or an exception to the rule; but may not its behaviour be accounted for by the fact that it was quite alone with no other of its species near, and/or that it was tired out after a long flight? Perhaps Mr. Douglas Brown will say where these gulls do settle, if they do not do so on water? Mrs. Souray Greaves, in The Field of August 22nd, also refers to my note, when she records the occurrence of a pure white gull at Thurlestone, Devon, and it is quite possible that our two birds are the same, although hers appears to have been rather smaller than mine.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1932) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LIII. p. 286, in the Annual Report for 1931, says: 'Mr. G. L. Spooner and W.R.T. observed, within ten yards, a gull in Weymouth Bay on June 6th, and in spite of some doubts being expressed by others who did not see the bird, they are quite convinced that it was an Ivory Gull. At that close range it is difficult to see how they could have been mistaken. See also letters to The Field of 1931 for July 18th, August 29th and November 28th.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 205, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

Comment In the original notice there is no mention of the bird being seen in flight nor actually in any later notice, so one wonders how the colour of the legs was noticed when it was swimming even at ten yards. If it really was ten yards distance, assuming they used optics, the bill and eye colour must have been easy to determine, so presumably this was a sight record without optics. It is a fallacy that the Ivory Gull doesn't settle on water (Grant 1982, 1986). The only other summer record in the history of this species in Britain is one in July 1995 at The Longman Outfall, Inverness.

I think a misidentification has been made, but subsequent Dorset authors have all accepted it. However, an adult was present in January, 1931, at Rye, Sussex, and could have worked its way along the coast undetected. J. Douglas Brown was a member of the B.O.U., and a Fellow of the Zoological Society.

0). 1937 Cambridgeshire Cambridge Sewage-farm, adult, seen, 27th February.

(A. G. Stansfield, British Birds 30: 354; Bircham, 1989).

[KAN].

History A. G. Stansfield (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 354, says: 'On February 27th, 1937, I observed at the Cambridge Sewage Farm a bird that was undoubtedly an adult Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea). It was quite tame and I was able to watch it through field glasses from about twenty yards distance. It was on a dry pan and was feeding busily when I saw it. The field characteristics from which I identified the bird were as follows: Plumage: pure white all over including mantle, and no black tips to primaries; Legs: black and short in proportion. Bill: blackish-greenish grey at the base and with a dull orange tip. Irides: very dark brown. It was difficult to judge the exact size, as the bird was solitary, but it was much larger than the Black-headed Gulls which were there. The body was very long in comparison with its depth and the carriage was curiously distinct. Unfortunately the bird had gone by the next morning and so the identification was not checked by other observers.'

Comment No other inland records. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1938 Norfolk/Suffolk Breydon Water, 15th May.

(Payn, 1962).

[Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003].

History Payn (1962) mentions one at Breydon Water on 15th May 1938, but in his second edition (1978) he makes no mention of the species at all.

0). 1939 Shetland No locality, December.

(Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Venables & Venables (1955) also noted that George Russell told them of an occurrence in Shetland in December 1939, but in the absence of contemporary accounts, this record must be considered unconfirmed.

0). 1942 Sussex Pett Level, seen, 3rd January.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 110).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; P. N. Paul, Sussex Bird Report 2005: 105.

History N. F. Ticehurst (1948) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 110, says: 'One, off shore, Pett Level, Jan. 3rd (R.C.).'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1944 Kent Dungeness, seen, 11th March.

(R. Whitlock, South Eastern Bird Report 1944: 38).

[R. Whitlock, South Eastern Bird Report 1944: 38].

History R. Whitlock (1944) in the South Eastern Bird Report, p. 38, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Charles Southerden told me that he saw one on the west side of Dungeness on March 11 (R.B.B.).'

0). 1946 Greater Manchester Audenshaw Reservoirs, seen, 14th February.

(A. W. Boyd, Lancashire & Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1943-49: 71; A. J. Smith, Birds in Greater Manchester 1993: 113-116).

[A. W. Boyd, Lancashire & Cheshire Fauna Committee Report 1943-49: 71].

History A. W. Boyd (1949) in the Lancashire & Cheshire Fauna Committee Report, p. 71, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Lancs. 1946. 14th Feb., Audenshaw, near Manchester. A pure white gull with black legs and dirty coloured blackish bill, smaller than a Herring Gull but larger than a Black-headed Gull was seen at close quarters by D.E.J. in a meadow with other gulls with which it was compared. This description of plumage and size leaves little doubt that the bird was an Ivory Gull.'

A. J. Smith (1993) in Birds in Greater Manchester, pp. 113-116, under 'The Status of Species in Greater Manchester', list 'Ivory Gull: 1946 Audenshaw.'

Comment Boyd who I think was one of Witherby's right hand men chose not to accept.

0). 1947 Kent Walland Marsh, adult, seen, 27th April.

(B. T. Brooker, H. A. R. Cawkell & N. W. Orr, British Birds 41: 159; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

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

History B. T. Brooker, H. A. R. Cawkell & N. W. Orr (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. p. 159, say: 'On April 27th, 1947, we saw an adult Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) near Cheyne Court, Walland Marsh, Kent; it was first seen flying rapidly, with tern-like flight. It came directly over us with several Black-headed Gulls (Larus r. ridibundus) and it was of course its pure white plumage which took our attention.

The impression we got was of some red or orange on the bill and Cawkell definitely noted the legs as black. A little later Brooker watched the bird at rest on a fleet near by. Seen through 8x binoculars and a 35x telescope the following points were noted. It was with Black-headed Gulls and in comparison appeared a more robust bird, with thicker neck - in fact the head and neck were the shape of a Common Gull's, rather than a Black-headed's. It also appeared slightly larger than the latter. Owing to the unsuitable background it was impossible to record a precise description of the bill, but there was some orange or red on it.'

Comment Not fully identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1947 Carmarthenshire Gwendraeth Estuary, adult, 17th December.

(Ingram & Salmon, 1954; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

[Green, 2002].

History Ingram & Salmon (1954) say: 'The only records are of two seen in the Gwendraeth Estuary. An adult on 17th December 1947. (J. L. Davies in litt.).' Not accepted nationally for Wales (Green 2002).

0). 1948 Sussex Pett Level, juvenile, seen, 21st to 22nd February.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 156).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1949) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 154, says: 'A juvenile, with a few black spots on upper parts, Pett Level, Feb. 21st and 22nd (R.C.). Our eighth record.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1948 Carmarthenshire Gwendraeth Estuary, 21st to 28th October.

(Ingram & Salmon, 1954).

[Green, 2002].

History Ingram & Salmon (1954) say: 'The only records are of two seen in the Gwendraeth Estuary. A similar bird was seen at exactly the same place on 21st October 1948 and is still there at the moment of writing. No possibility of mis-identification, species is unmistakeable. (J. L. Davies in litt.).' Not accepted nationally for Wales (Green 2002).

0). 1950 Pembrokeshire Near Giltar Point, adult, 24th August.

(N. W. Cusa, British Birds 44: 354-355; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

[Green & Roberts, 2004; D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers, British Birds 99: 464].

History N. W. Cusa (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 354-355, says: ' The legs were quite black and conspicuously short from the "heel", resembling those of a Kittiwake. The bill was dark, but not apparently black although colour could not be discerned; it was moreover notably more slender than that of a Herring-Gull, and almost lacking the protuberant gonys of that species. The eye was dark. The tail was square-ended. The wings seemed less sharply pointed than those of a Black-headed Gull (L. ridibundus), but were relatively more slender than those of a Herring-Gull. No further call-note was heard. There seems little doubt that this bird was an adult Ivory Gull. The peculiar, and apparently characteristic, wing and leg positions in gliding were quite different from the normal attitudes of any gull I know. I have been unable to find any field description of the Ivory Gull which mentions these characters. There appears to be no previously recorded occurrence of the Ivory Gull in Pembrokeshire.'

Green & Roberts (2004) state that this is no longer acceptable and the species is removed from the Pembrokeshire list.

D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. p. 463, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found this record to be unacceptable.

0). 1951 Lothian Bruntsfield Links, immature, 4th December.

(J. S. Bisset, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 1: 19-21).

[Andrews, 1986].

History J. S. Bisset (1951) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. I. pp. 19-21, says: 'While crossing Bruntsfield Links, Edinburgh, on 4th December I noticed, in a party of Common Gulls, what appeared to be a pure white gull. On approaching to about ten yards I could see that the plumage was a beautiful pure warm white, eclipsing even the newly-fallen snow on which it was standing. It contrasted markedly with the cold white in the plumage of the surrounding Common Gulls, whose greys and browns at the same time looked almost black against the snow. The only exceptions to the white plumage were the faint brownish markings on the scapulars and on the outer primaries, and the narrowish and darker sub-terminal band on the tail. The last two only showed up in flight. The eye was dark and the bill pale yellowish with a darker tip. The legs were of an indefinite palish colour, difficult to determine or to describe except as a dirty white or grey with darker reticulations or markings. It seemed to be of similar size and shape to the Common Gull.

The gull was strikingly beautiful in the air but the short flights of a few yards that it took to escape my closer inspection did not enable me to judge if it was unusually "graceful".

After careful study of the Handbook I can only surmise that this was an immature Ivory Gull, probably in its second winter. According to the Handbook the lead-grey of the head and throat of the immature bird is often absent, except on the forehead and chin (which it kept turned away from me), and the normal black spots on the body are also often missing except the scapulars (where they were present, though faint, on this bird), while those on the coverts become lessened with wear. The Handbook does not describe the bills of first and second winter birds but the colours observed by me seem to represent a reasonable late stage in the transition towards a yellowish bill, the greenish-horn base and reddish-yellow tip, of the adult.

The only real difficulty is in the colour of the legs. They were definitely not black but did rather look like black legs which had been scrubbed not very successfully. N.B. - It is not clear from the Handbook whether the legs are black at all ages.

Since writing the above I have examined two skins of the Ivory Gull in the Royal Scottish Museum. In neither of them are the legs black. In one, in pure white adult plumage, except that the shading on forehead and chin had not yet disappeared, they were very dark grey. In the other, an immature, they were very much lighter grey, resembling a medium-shade large-grained granite, the grains of which gave the same appearance that I had noticed in the bird I saw and which I described as "reticulation". The legs of this bird were little lighter than those of the immature skin and may have looked lighter than they were owing to the strong reflection from below due to the snow on which it was standing. I also saw an adult (?) specimen which had been put up and was on public display. The legs of this bird were black but had, I was told, been so painted to correspond with the description in the Handbook. The bill of the immature skin was entirely of a dull olive-brown horn colour, rather darker at the tip and base. On the adult skin the basal two-thirds of the whole bill was a darkish horn colour, while the whole of the remaining third was was pure yellow without any sign of a reddish or reddish-yellow tip as given in the Handbook.

As the Ivory Gull does not normally come inland, it has been suggested that this gull might have been a partial albino of the Common Gull. On the other hand, if it had been a Common Gull it would normally have come back again to the same place along with the rest of its party, but a thorough search of the whole of Bruntsfield Links and the neighbouring meadows on several successive days produced no sign of it.'

Not accepted locally (Andrews 1986).

0). 1954 Meirionnydd Broad Water, Tywyn, found dead, August.

(Jones, 1974).

[Jones, 1974; Pritchard, 2012].

History Pritchard (2012) states that there was a record of one found dead at the Broadwater in 1954, but it lack adequate details to be accepted.

0). 1954 Yorkshire Between Huddersfield and Leeds, seen, 11th August.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 81).

[R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 81].

History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 81, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A white gull including wing-tips and tail, smaller than Herring Gulls present, flew along the river between Huddersfield and Leeds on August 11th. It was seen from a train.'

0). 1954 Sussex Cuckmere Valley, adult, 19th November.

(D. D. Harber, British Birds 48: 546-547).

[D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers, British Birds 99: 464].

History D. D. Harber (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 546-547, say: 'On 19th November 1954, I saw an adult Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) in the lower Cuckmere valley, Sussex. The bird was first noted on mud by the river with other gulls. On being put up it joined a flock of gulls in a field by the old channel of the river. Eventually it flew off alone up the valley and was not seen again.

The following particulars were noted. Compared with Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) and Common Gulls (L. canus) it was about the size of the latter. On the ground it had a rather peculiar puffed-out appearance. The whole plumage was pure white. The legs were short and black and the bill also seemed rather short. The colour of the latter was not fully made out, as when I had my nearest view (across the width of the river) the bird had its back towards me. I was, however, able to see some yellow on it. The eye appeared blackish. There had been several days of variable wind with fog at night, and many gulls were present.'

D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. p. 463, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found this record to be unacceptable.

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor

Ivory Gull

Pagophila eburnea (Phipps, 1774) (74, 4)

Pratincole sp.

Bonaparte's Gull