Yellow-browed Warbler (2/2)

Phylloscopidae

Jun 13

Written By Keith Naylor

Phylloscopus inornatus (Blyth, 1842) (173, 55)

Photo © Kris Webb

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1962

STATUS

Eastern Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

The most populous passage migrant visiting Britain that arrives from mid-September through to early November.

Between 1967-99 there were twenty wintering records, which has become more prevalent since the BOU (1971) stated only one record winter record in 1967 and almost unknown in spring.

1950-57 RECORDS

174). 1950 Fair Isle Quoy, trapped, 21st September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 12; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 226).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 226, says: 'The first was seen, and trapped in the Yeoman Net, at Quoy on September 21st.'

175). 1950 Fair Isle Gully, 24th September to 1st October, trapped 26th September, 1st/2nd October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 2; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 12; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 226; M. Wotton, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 2000: 25).

History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VII). p. 2, says: 'One was trapped in the Gully on 26th, was released there, and entered the trap again October 1-2nd.'

K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 226, says: 'There were three on the island on 24th, one being trapped in the Gully, where it remained until October 1st (8 days).'

176). 1950 Fair Isle Quoy, 24th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 12; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 226; M. Wotton, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 2000: 25).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 226, says: 'There were three on the island on 24th [Sept.].'

177). 1950 Fair Isle Upper Stoneybrake, 24th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 12; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 226; M. Wotton, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 2000: 25).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV, p. 226, says: 'There were three on the island on 24th [Sept.].'

178). 1950 Isle of May No locality, 25th September.

(A. G. S. Bryson, Scottish Naturalist 63: 59; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 44: 228).

History A. G. S. Bryson (1951) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 59, and in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 228, says: 'One on 25th September.'

179). 1950 Fair Isle Upper Leogh, trapped, 26th September to 1st October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 12; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 122, 226).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 226, says: 'One found at Upper Leogh on Sept. 26th was still there on October 1st (6 days).'

180). 1950 Ayrshire Beith, 6th October.

(M. F. M. Meiklejohn & C. E. Palmar, Scottish Naturalist 64: 27).

History M. F. M. Meiklejohn & C. E. Palmar (1952) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIV. p. 27, say: 'Beith, Ayrshire, 6th October 1950, one. The observer (J. Alasdair Anderson, a leading bird artist) watched the bird for fully five minutes from a window of his house as it perched on a bush outside, less than five feet away. The very conspicuous superciliary stripe and double wing-bar were particularly obvious, and with the image of the bird fresh in his mind immediate confirmation was obtained from the Handbook.'

181). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, another, 6th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 12; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 226).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 226, says: '...an additional bird was seen on October 6th.'

182). 1950 Devon Lundy, 15th October; presumed same, trapped, 22nd October.

(D. Lea, British Birds 44: 235; D. Lea, Lundy Field Society Report 1950: 8; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 19; Moore, 1969).

History D. Lea (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 235, says: 'One seen October 18th and one, probably the same bird, taken at the Quarry trap on the 22nd.'

M. Brooks-King (1950) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIII. p. 19, says: 'Lundy, Oct. 15 and 22, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1950).'

183). 1950 Cornwall Near Porthleven, 18th to 20th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 14; Eds., British Birds 45: 141).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1950) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XX. p. 14, say: 'On October 18th, 19th and 20th, near Porthleven, I had good views of a Warbler which appeared to be of this species.

Size and shape: slightly larger than a Goldcrest and not so round. Otherwise rather similar at a distance. Gen. upper colour: greenish-yellow in sun; in dull light, yellow-brown. Gen. under colour: dirty white, slightly tinged yellow in the sun. Head: Crown, greenish-brown; dull, with a thin, lighter central stripe from bill to nape. Superciliary stripe: a bright whitish-yellow, conspicuous, from bill to nape. Eye stripe: dark, not conspicuous.

Wing: Wingbars double, white and conspicuous, with dark patch in between the bars. Ends of flight feathers in closed wing looked black and white. Tail: seemed shorter than our Leaf Warblers.

Voice: a call or alarm note only heard, when disturbed, a single rapid musical weet. Rather like the call of our Willow Wren, only quickened up. Call heard two or three times at about five second intervals or longer.

Gen. behaviour: absurdly tame, not hiding when about arm's length away. Movements when feeding, that of our Leaf Warblers, but was not seen to hang upside down to explore undersides of twigs, though it hovered frequently. The bird kept to the sapling all the time and when disturbed moved to a near-by tree, waiting until all was quiet, then back to the original tree. Mr. C. B. Greenslade, of Marazion (our chick sexer), was present on the second day; his work needs a trained eye. We compared notes with textbooks and agreed. R.G.H.'

184). 1951 Shetland Dunrossness, Mainland, 26th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 8).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V). p. 8, says: 'First at Dunrossness, Sept. 26th.'

185). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 28th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 8; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 231, says: 'One, September 28th.'

186). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, two, 30th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 8; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

History K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 231, says: 'Two, September 30th.'

188). 1951 Fair Isle Various localities, six at least: one, 1st to 2nd October, then four each day to 5th October, one, 6th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 8; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V)., p. 8, says: 'There was one Oct. 1st and 2nd, then 4 each day to 5th (not always the same birds, since 2 ringed individuals were not seen again), one remaining to 6th.'

K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 231, says: 'One, October 1st and 2nd; four each day to October 5th; one on October 6th.'

194). 1951 Co. Durham Westoe, South Shields, 4th, 8th to 28th October.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 77: 115-116; Eds., British Birds 46: 230; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

History G. W. Temperley (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. pp. 115-116, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham for 1951', says: 'On October 4th in the gardens of Westoe Village, South Shields, Durham, a small warbler was observed by J.C.C. catching flies from the top of a tall tree. At first sight it appeared to be a rather pale Goldcrest, but with an obvious dark line through the eye with a pale yellow line above it and a double yellow wing-bar.

A detailed description and sketch were made on the spot; but the bird soon flew away. It was searched for later without success; but on the 8th an unusual song attracted J.C.C. and drew his attention to the missing bird. On this occasion both J.C.C. and H.M.S.B. were able to examine the bird under favourable conditions and established its identity with certainty. The note was surprisingly shrill and penetrating and most distinctive. It was last seen on October 28th.'

This is the first record for the species in Co. Durham.'

195). 1951 Dumfries & Galloway Little Ross Lighthouse, Kirkcudbrightshire, trapped, 4th October.

(I. Walker, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 33-34; I. Walker, Scottish Naturalist 63: 187).

History I. Walker (1951) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 187, says: 'On the morning of 4th October 1951, at about 5 a.m., I caught a Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus at the lantern.

Wing length was 57 mm., 1st primary was 5 mm. longer than nearest primary covert. The 4th primary was longest with the 3rd and 5th about 0.5 mm. shorter, 6th was 3 mm. shorter. I omitted to measure the 2nd primary. The faint crown stripe with the prominent eye stripe and the double wing bars made the bird unmistakeable.

After ringing the bird was released.'

196). 1951 Isle of May No locality, 11th October.

(A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 31; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 45: 232; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 31, under 'Report of the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Committee 1951-52', and in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 232, says: 'One, October 11th 1951.'

197). 1952 Co. Durham Westoe, South Shields, 14th to 17th September.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 10: 145; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).

History G. W. Temperley (1952) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. X. p. 145, says: 'On September 14th, in a garden at Westoe Village, South Shields, D., a single bird was identified by its call and later all the distinguishing features were noted at a range of 15 ft. It remained until the 17th. (J.C.C., H.M.S.B., F.C.G.). The bird was within 25 yds. of the spot where one was seen on October 4th in the previous year (See O. R., 1951).'

198). 1952 Kent Sandwich Bay, 20th September.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1952: 23).

History E. H. Gillham (1952) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 23, says: 'One at Sandwich Bay estate on Sept. 20 was seen by A.P., J.N.H., D.F.H., J.O. and D.M.B. The following description is based on the notes of the first two observers. Size: smaller than, and not so slender in appearance as a Chiffchaff which was present in the same tree. General colour: olive green with a conspicuous yellow superciliary. Dark line through eye. Pale streak through crown-inconspicuous. Double wing bar-yellow. Inner secondaries edged yellow-buff. Tail short in relation to body. Underparts: off-white tinged buff. Legs appeared dark brown. Voice a loud "sweep" heard clearly at fifty yards.'

199). 1952 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, trapped, 20th to 23rd September.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1952: 19; A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 46: 430).

History A. E. Smith (1952) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 19, says: 'One trapped on 20th September. A ringed bird (presumably the same) was present in the hollow on the following three days and was watched taking insects on the wing. Another trapped on 1st October.'

A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 430, quote the above.

200). 1952 Yorkshire Knaresborough Sewage-farm, 28th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 78: 78; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1953) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 78, says: 'On September 28th a very small phylloscopus warbler was seen at Knaresborough S.F., flitting about a sycamore, at ranges down to five yards, by J. R. Mather, H. Jowsey and A. Mason. The small size, double yellow wing-bar, and eyestripe were clearly seen on two occasions.'

201). 1952 Yorkshire Spurn, trapped, 29th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 78: 78; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 46: 427; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1953) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 78, says: 'I caught and ringed a Yellow-browed Warbler at Spurn on the following day (September 29th) and T. M. Fowler photographed it as it lay in my hand.'

202). 1952 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, trapped, 1st October.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1952: 19; A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 46: 429, 430).

203). 1953 Fair Isle Ward Hill, 24th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 119; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 426).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 119, says: 'The only Yellow-browed Warbler Ph. inornatus was watched by M.F.M.M. on Ward Hill on 24th.'

204). 1953 Isle of Man Chicken Rock Lighthouse, 19th October.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Admitted locally (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

205). 1953 Isles of Scilly Tresco, dead, 22nd November.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1953: 36; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 408).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1953) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report Vol. XXIII. p. 36, say: 'November 22nd. A small bird brought to me turned out to be of this species. This is the fourth record here, but I have little doubt that the bird is not so rare here and comes on the late autumn migration and may even winter here. A.A.D.-S.'

206). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, trapped, 2nd October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1954: 10; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 437, 444).

History R. K. Cornwallis (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 437, says: 'A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Fair Isle on the 2nd [Oct.].' Further, p. 444, he adds: 'It is perhaps interesting that the Red-breasted Flycatcher with a rather similar distribution was recorded at the East Coast Observatories only once (at Spurn on 8th October) and the Yellow-browed Warbler, a bird with a far eastern breeding-range but one that has been recorded rather regularly at the East Coast Observatories in recent years, was noted only at Fair Isle (a single bird on 2nd October).'

207). 1954 Kent Sandwich Bay, 10th October.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 30; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 365).

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 30, says: 'One at Sandwich Bay estate on Oct. 10 (J.N.H., D.J.O., G.D., J.W.). First two observers also saw this species in the same area in 1952. The detailed field-notes are similar to those in K.B.R. No. 1.'

208). 1955 Fair Isle Ward Hill, 4th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955/56: 19; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 60).

History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 60, says: 'The first Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus was found on the summit of Ward Hill, sheltering among ruins of the war-time Radar Station, on October 4th, when calm col weather succeeded the passing of a low across Forties.'

209). 1955 Shetland Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, 11th October.

(T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 78).

History T. Henderson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 78, says: 'L. S. V. and U. M. Venables and Miss I. M. N. Ryan saw one in the kale-yards at Spiggie on October 11th.'

210). 1955 Yorkshire Spurn, 11th to 13th October, trapped 11th or 15th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 81: 74; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 112; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1956) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXI. p. 74, says: 'One was caught at Spurn and described in detail on October 11th, and was there for two more days.'

Chislett (1958: 36) says: 'Ringed on 15th October, 1955.'

Mather (1986: 510) says: 'One was caught on 11th October, 1955, and seen on the following two days at Spurn.'

211). 1955 Fair Isle Taft, 12th to 13th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 61; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 19; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 112).

History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 36, says: 'A Yellow-browed Warbler was found in Taft turnip rig on 12th and next day there was two, one in a similar crop at Busta.'

K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 19, says: 'There were two Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus shortly afterwards [Oct. 6th].'

212). 1955 Fair Isle Busta, 13th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 61; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 19).

History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 36, says: 'A Yellow-browed Warbler was found in Taft turnip rig on 12th and next day there was two, one in a similar crop at Busta.'

K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 19, says: 'There were two Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus shortly afterwards [Oct. 6th].'

213). 1955 Devon Lundy, 9th to 12th November.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1955: 15; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 50; Moore, 1969).

History B. Whitaker (1955) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 15, says: 'One present from November 9th to 12th. On each day seen feeding in the same willow tree.'

214). 1955 Isle of Man Chicken Rock Lighthouse, 15th November.

(Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History Admitted locally (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

215). 1956 Fair Isle Gully, trapped, 18th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 25).

History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 25, says: 'Yellow-browed Warblers were trapped in the Gully on September 18th and at dusk on 27th.'

216). 1956 Fair Isle Gully, trapped, 27th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 25).

History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 25, says: 'Yellow-browed Warblers were trapped in the Gully on September 18th and at dusk on 27th.'

217). 1956 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 10th October.

(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 7: 21; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 137).

History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 21, under 'Isle of May Report, 1956', says: 'October was notable for a single Yellow-browed Warbler on the 9th, which was a gloriously hot and sunny day; it was almost the only migrant in evidence.'

W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 137, says: '10th October. One. (Trapped on a gloriously hot and sunny day when it was almost the only migrant in evidence.).'

218). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, two, 17th September, one 22nd September.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 18; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 7, 17).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 7, says: 'The birds logged on the night of the 17th were satisfactory, though by no means exceptional in quality of quantity...two Yellow-browed Warblers.'

Further, p. 17, he adds: 'Two September 17th, one 22nd.'

220). 1957 Isle of May No locality, 20th to 21st September.

(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 8: 43).

History W. J. Eggeling (1958) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VIII. p. 43, under 'Isle of May Report, 1957', says: 'Throughout the 20th [September] the wind was easterly and the sky overcast with drizzle. Not long after the wind had changed, a big movement began...As a final treat, a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) was discovered near the Bain; it was watched at ten feet as it fed on the road.'

221). 1957 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, 20th September.

(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Birds 1: 62; J. W. Campbell, Scottish Birds 1: 258; Harris & Murray, 1989).

History W. J. Eggeling (1959) in Scottish Birds, Vol. I. p. 62, says: 'One on 20th September 1957.'

J. W. Campbell (1960) in Scottish Birds, Vol. I. p. 258, says: 'One at St Kilda, 20th September 1957 (S. B. 1: 62); first for Outer Hebrides and St Kilda.'

222). 1957 Isles of Scilly Parsonage, St Agnes, 6th to 7th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. 35, say: 'Seen singly at the Parsonage, St Agnes, on October 6th and 7th, and a different bird (with a less distinct superciliary stripe) seen elsewhere on 10th and 11th. Three birds were seen together on October 12th and 13th. G. Lambourne, B. P. Pickess, A. V. Smith, W. E. Waters.'

223). 1957 Isles of Scilly Porth Killier and Cove Vean, St Agnes, 10th to 11th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

224). 1957 Isles of Scilly Parsonage, St Agnes, three, 12th to 13th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

227). 1957 Essex North Fambridge, 20th October.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1957: 36; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History G. A. Pyman (1957) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 36, says: 'N. Fambridge: one in observer's garden on October 20th (J.T.F.). First seen through window at 3½ ft. range, working a peach tree stem. Main points from description: a small, short-tailed leaf warbler more suggestive of Goldcrest; distinct yellow stripe above eye extending to nape; dark eyestripe; two very conspicuous broad yellow wing bars. The first Essex record of this species.'

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

228). 1957 Northumberland Fenwick, 14th to 15th December.

(F. G. Grey, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 216; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History F. G. Grey (1957) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 216, says: 'One in a garden at Fenwick, N., on December 14th and 15th; the first record since 1952. (A.B. & B.L.).'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1867 Gloucestershire River Chelt, Sandford Mill, Charlton Kings, shot, 11th October, now in Harpur Crewe collection.

(J. Gould, Ibis 1869: 128; Swaine, 1982).

[Yarrell, 1871-85].

History J. Gould (1869) in The Ibis, Vol. XI. p. 128, in a Letter, says: '...Since that date solitary examples of several other rare species have visited us, the whole of which I need not recapitulate here; but I may mention...as well as a second British-killed example of Reguloides superciliosus, which last was obtained within a mile of Cheltenham, Oct. 11, 1867, by Mr. J. T. White.'

Alfred Newton (1871-74 (1): 444, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Since then Mr. Gould has recorded (Ibis, 1869, p. 128) the occurrence in England of a second example of the present species, which is said to have been obtained near Cheltenham, October 11th, 1867, and is now in the collection of Sir John Harpur Crewe, as that gentleman has obligingly informed the Editor.'

Comment Newton used the words "said to have been", and I personally think that White's records are unreliable, having been associated with a Bufflehead and Alpine Accentor found in Gloucestershire; the White's were also related to E. T. Clarke who has been found to be unreliable too (A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 66).

0). 1886 Shetland Sumburgh Head, Mainland, seen, 16th October.

(Evans & Buckley, 1899; Pennington et al., 2004).

[KAN].

History Evans & Buckley (1899: 77) say: 'On September 25th, 1886, Mr. Youngclause obtained a specimen of this bird at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse…Mr. Youngclause observed what he took to be another individual, at the same place, on October 16th, 1886.'

Pennington et al. (2004: 438-439) say: 'Not generally accepted but we don't see why not.'

Comment No identification details for this sight record. Not acceptable.

0). 1889 Yorkshire Mount Pleasant, Easington, seen, October.

(J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 16: 38; Harting, 1901).

[Nelson, 1907].

History John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1890) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 38, under 'Probable occurrence of Phylloscopus superciliosus near Spurn', dated 20th December 1889, says: 'I omitted to mention in my notes of last month that Mr. Hewetson, of Leeds, wrote me in October describing a small leaf-warbler seen and watched by him at early morning in his garden at Easington, and which he considered at the time could only be referred to this species. Subsequently Mr. Hewetson had an opportunity of seeing an Heligoland example of the Yellow-browed Warbler, which I have in a small case on the wall of my room, on seeing which he exclaimed at once, and before I had spoken, "that is the bird I saw in my garden at Easington, the same conspicuous streak over the eye, and the two bars on the wing.'

Nelson (1907 (1): 80) says: 'In this county one is said to have been seen by the late H. B. Hewetson at Easington, near Spurn, in October 1889 (Cordeaux, Naturalist 1890: 38), though considerable doubt exists as to the reliability of this record.'

Comment Third-hand report. Not admitted by Yorkshire authors. Not acceptable.

0). 1895 Devon West Buckland, four, seen, 1st October.

(Butler, 1898; Harting, 1901; F. W. Frohawk, British Birds 24: 159; Tyler, 2010).

[Moore, 1969].

History Butler (1898 (1): 94-96) says: 'Mr. F. W. Frohawk writes: - "On the 1st or 2nd of October, 1895, at 10a.m., on one of those beautiful summer-like days we had during the last week of September and first week of October, during our stay at West Buckland, S. Devon, my wife (who is well acquainted with most of our native birds) told me she had just seen, in the hedge surrounding the garden at the back of the cottage, some little birds which were singing and were new to her, and was sure they were something rare. I at once went to the spot and immediately heard the song of a bird which was unlike anything I knew, and directly afterwards saw a small Warbler hopping from one twig to another in the hedge and taking short flights of a few feet from one part of the hedge to another, generally alighting about half way up, and then hopping to the top, and singing its little song repeatedly.

A short distance (only a few yards) away another was singing, and behaving in the same way, and two others with precisely the same actions, but not singing, were with them. All four were of the same species: they appeared to be as nearly as possible, intermediate between a Goldcrest and Willow Warbler, so far as I could make out the colouring: this was rather difficult to do, on account of viewing the birds against the sky, as the hedge was on rather a high bank and they kept on the outer side of the hedge. They were olive-greyish-green, or rather olive greenish-grey, with underparts lighter and a distinct pale stripe running from the beak over the eye and beyond it; the wings (basal half) appeared covered by the side and flank feathers. They reminded me of the Goldcrest, but were not so small or so fluffy, they appeared rather more trim in shape, but more plump in proportion than the Willow Warbler.

The song was well in keeping with the little birds and I found no difficulty in noting it, as I repeated it time after time with the birds (which appeared very tame) and by many repetitions I was satisfied I hit it off accurately: this enabled my wife to set it to music, which will convey the character of the birds simple, but merry and pleasing little song.

Apparently these little strangers were on migration, as I saw nothing more of them, although I searched the locality daily afterwards. I have little doubt that these birds were Yellow-browed Warblers (Phylloscopus superciliosus); if not, what were they? I do not know if the song of this rare little bird has been described, or if any Ornithologist is acquainted with it; if so the species might be identified with certainty.

As well as I remember these birds agreed in size and character with a drawing the late John Hancock showed me, made by him from a specimen of the Yellow-browed Warbler which he shot many years ago and which was the first British specimen: his drawing represented the bird clinging to the flower-head or seeds of a plant, picking the insects from it, and he said it looked so like a Goldcrest that he mistook it for that species; but, upon shooting it, found he had gained a prize. I regret that I had no means with me at the time of securing a specimen out of the four I met with, so as to remove all doubt of the species: I should have had no difficulty in obtaining one or more, had I had my catapult at the time; this I find the best thing for collecting such birds as Gold-crests, as it damages them so little, and these little birds were so tame that I could easily have got one or two of them".

Since writing the above, Mr. Frohawk obtained skins of the Yellow-browed Warbler for illustration on our plate of that species, and at once recognized them as the species which he and his wife had seen; thinking, however, that it would be as well to make assurance doubly sure, he showed her the drawing for the plate as well as the skins without making any remark; and, directly she saw them she said - "Why those are the same as the little birds which we saw hopping about in the hedge in Devonshire". It is therefore clear that Mr. Frohawk was not mistaken in his original opinion, and that these four specimens may be confidently added to the list of Yellow-browed Warblers met with in Great Britain.'

Harting (1901: 358) says: 'Four, West Buckland, S. Devon, Oct. 1, 1895: Frohawk.'

F. W. Frohawk (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 159, says: '...I instantly recognized its song, having heard two singing out of four which I watched exactly thirty-five years ago, that were in a hedge of a garden at West Buckland, Devon (also at 10 a.m.), on either October 1st or 2nd, 1895. This bird behaved in a precisely similar way in its actions, by alighting on the lower branches and working its way upwards from branch to branch, and repeating its song every few seconds. A full account with the song set to music of those I saw in Devon is recorded in British Birds, their Nests and Eggs (Vol. I. pp. 94-96)....'

Locally, Moore (1969) states that there are no records in D & M (1892, 1895) but that it has been reported from 1932 onwards at least sixteen times.

Comment No mention of any wing bars, so could be a number of species. Not identified to species level. Not acceptable.

0). 1899 Greater London/Kent Beckenham, seen, 15th April.

(A. G. Butler, Zoologist 1899: 221; Self, 2014).

[Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953; BOU, 1971].

History A. G. Butler of Beckenham (1899) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. III. p. 221, says: 'On Saturday morning (April 15), whilst eating my breakfast opposite a window facing my garden, I observed a tiny Warbler do me good service by cleaning the aphides from a rose tree. The sun was shining and the bird was only about 8 feet distant from me, so that I could see it quite distinctly; it was about the size of a Goldcrest, but olive-green above, pale yellow beneath, and with a well-defined eye stripe. If this was not Phylloscopus superciliosus I can give no name to it, for it was far too small for a Chiffchaff or a Willow Warbler, both of which I often see, either in the spring or autumn, in my garden. I watched the bird carefully for three or four minutes before it flew away.'

BOU (1971) say: 'Rarely recorded inland and is almost unknown in spring: several are said to have been seen - Fair Isle, Norfolk, Essex, Devon and elsewhere - in March, April or May, but these records lack proper documentation.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, obtained, undated.

(J. Vincent, British Birds 22: 86).

[Riviere, 1930].

History Jim Vincent (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 86, says: '...In 1906 I obtained a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus h. praemium) at Cley, and have no doubt that the bird described above was of the same species.'

Comment Not listed by Riviere (1930), not surprisingly as it was published 22 years after the event without a precise date and no description of what would have been the second record for Norfolk. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Clyde River Clyde, Blantyre, Lanarkshire, two, seen, 6th April.

(W. Stewart, Scottish Naturalist 50: 189-190; Eds., British Birds 25: 26; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[BOU, 1971; Thom, 1986].

History Walter Stewart of Holytown (1930) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. L. pp. 189-190, says: 'On 6th April 1909, while reclining against a steep bank of the River Clyde at Blantyre Priory watching the antics of a pair of courting Kestrels, I had my attention suddenly arrested by a small bird, of a species quite unknown to me. The call of the bird was also quite strange. For about two minutes it searched every part of the canes at the foot of a hazel bush, so near that I could have blown my breath on it, and all the time quite oblivious of my presence. While it was there another of the same species, with a similar call, flew past a little farther down stream, to be shortly followed by the bird I had under observation. They seemed to be keeping in touch with each other. Believing that I had seen the Yellow-browed Warbler, I sent a minute description of the bird to Mr. Eagle Clarke, who replied 28th April 1909: "It seems to me very possible that your bird was superciliosus, but it is, of course, impossible to be certain about it; all your observations seem to point to it however. I have another similar letter from Dumfriesshire; in this case the observer knows the bird in life well. It is a pity that we have not full confirmation, because the bird has not been detected in our islands in the spring".

Since then I have made myself certain that the birds which I saw were indeed Yellow-browed Warblers. Compared with stuffed specimens in the Royal Scottish Museum the bird which I saw at such close quarters looked brighter in plumage, but was in markings quite similar. Taking the two records together it would seem that the valleys of the Annan and Clyde were used as a cross-country route in the northern movement.'

[There is no reason to doubt the correctness of our contributor's identification. The bird, then known as Phylloscopus superciliosus, now as P. i. inornatus, though often reported as having been seen or obtained in autumn, has very rarely been recorded as occurring in the British Isles in spring. Dr. Eagle Clarke in the latest edition of Saunders's Manual states that it has been observed on three occasions: once at Dumfries as stated above, 11th April 1909; once in Kent, 15th April; and on board H.M.S. Africa off Start Point, Devon, on 10th May 1911. He had either overlooked or forgotten this Clydesdale record reported to him. The story of its occurrence on board H.M.S. Africa is worth telling, if only as affording another illustration of how confiding this bird can be with human beings, so long as they remain perfectly still. It came on board the battleship about 9.30 a.m. while the ship's company was at prayers. The men were drawn up on each side of the quarter-deck in a double line facing inwards, and when the bird arrived they were bareheaded. The officer who identified it was standing at the end of a line of men and facing forward. The bird flew aft along the line and settled on the head of the last man in the front rank, not more than a yard away from the observer. The man remained perfectly still, though the vestige of a smile on his face indicated that he was aware something was on his head. Then the bird flew down his back and settled on his hands, which were clasped behind him and holding his cap. A few seconds later, prayers being ended, the bird was disturbed and flew on to the after-bridge, from which it set out for the shore, the about eight miles distant. So far as we are aware, no specimen of this bird has ever been obtained in spring in the British Isles. - Eds.]

In an Editorial (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 26, they say: 'Mr. W. Stewart (Scot. Nat., 1930, p. 190), refers to his observation of a Warbler on April 6th, 1909, at Blantyre Priory (Lanark), which he considers to have been of this species, of which there are very few spring records. In commenting upon this the editors give interesting details of one stated in Eagle Clarke's edition of Saunders's Manual to have been seen on board H.M.S. Africa about eight miles off Start Point, Devon, on May 10th, 1911. The bird actually alighted on the bare head of one of the men, who were at prayers, not more than a yard from the observer, who we assume was the late Rear-Admiral Stenhouse.'

Thom (1986: 296) says: 'It lacks proper documentation, and is to be regarded as unreliable.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Dumfries & Galloway Lockerbie, seen, 11th April.

(G. Stout, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 182; Eds., British Birds 3: 130; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 134, 196; Gladstone, 1910; Bolam, 1912; Gladstone, 1912; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[Thom, 1986].

History George Stout (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. pp. 182-183, says: 'At Lockerbie on the 11th of April, I had the pleasure of watching one of these singularly interesting birds for fully half an hour, as it flitted along a hedge, occasionally making short flights in the air to catch some insect on the wing. I got within about four feet of the little creature while it was busily engaged searching for food, and was able to identify it beyond doubt. I was first attracted by the bird's peculiar note, with which I am quite familiar from my Fair Isle experiences, which extend over several autumns.' [We have no hesitation in accepting this record, for Mr. Stout is, to our knowledge, quite familiar with this bird. the record is of great interest as being the first known instance of the occurrence of Phylloscopus superciliosus in spring in the British Islands and for the mainland of Scotland. - Eds.]

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 130, they say: 'A specimen of Phylloscopus superciliosus - the first observed in this country in the spring - was satisfactorily identified by Mr. George Stout, who has become familiar with the bird in Fair Isle, on April 11th, at Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire (Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1909, p. 182).'

Admitted by Gladstone (1910: 25-26) who quotes from the Annals, and by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 134 and p. 196, under 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909', and again by Gladstone (1912: 14).

Thom (1986: 296) says: 'It lacks proper documentation, and is to be regarded as unreliable.' Not acceptable.

0). 1910 Sussex Litlington, seen, 31st December.

(N. Gilroy, British Birds 4: 296; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History N. Gilroy (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 296, in a Letter, says: 'On December 31st, 1910, in the company of Midshipman Charles V. Jack, H.M.S. Agamemnon - a very competent and careful field-naturalist - I was walking along the road between Seaford and Litlington, Sussex, when my attention was drawn to a small, warbler-like bird which was feeding in some low brambles quite close to the roadside. It invariably tried to take its prey on the wing, but the day was cold and raw, with a southerly wind, so that an occasional gnat was its only chance. We watched it for nearly fifteen minutes. The whole of the plumage was olive or greenish, including the breast, which, however, paled off towards the belly. There was a very distinct white band over the eye, and two bands on the wing, and the bird was in size midway between a Goldcrest and a Willow-Wren, but was short and squat. I took it to be a Yellow-browed Warbler, except that the breast was so dark. Perhaps a correspondent can help me? I tried to secure it next day, but it was nowhere to be found.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 365) says: 'What was almost certainly a Yellow-browed Warbler....'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1911 At sea Sea area Plymouth, 8 miles off Start Point, Devon, on board HMS Africa, seen, 10th May.

(Clarke, 1927; Eds., British Birds 25: 26).

[BOU, 1971].

History Clarke (1927: 235, 3rd ed.) in Saunders's Manual, says: 'It has been observed on three occasions in spring, namely, at Dumfries on 11th April, 1909, in Kent on 15th April; and in 1911 one came on board H.M.S. Africa on 10th May, when off Start Point, Devon (fide Surgeon Rear-Admiral Stonehouse).'

In an Editorial (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 26, they say: '...the editors [of Scot. Nat.] give interesting details of one stated in Eagle Clarke's edition of Saunders's Manual to have been seen on board H.M.S. Africa about eight miles off Start Point, Devon, on May 10th, 1911. The bird actually alighted on the bare head of one of the men, who were at prayers, not more than a yard from the observer, who we assume was the late Rear-Admiral Stenhouse.'

0). 1913 Dumfries & Galloway Near Blackmark Burn, Kirkcudbrightshire, seen, 15th October.

(J. Bartholomew, Scottish Naturalist 34: 20-21; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[Eds., British Birds 7: 302].

History James Bartholomew of Glasgow (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. pp. 20-21, says: 'On 15th October I saw a small bird sitting at the edge of a coppice near Blackmark Burn, Kirkcudbrightshire. It was quite near me, and sat just long enough for me to observe that it was similar in size to a Golden-crested Wren, of a greenish-brown colour, and had a most distinct light-coloured stripe over its eyes. I have since examined a skin of a Yellow-browed Warbler, from the Royal Scottish Museum collection, and feel certain that it was a bird of this species which I saw on October 15th.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 302, they say: 'Mr. J. Bartholomew reports (Scot. Nat., 1914, p. 20) that on October 15th, 1913, he saw, near Blackmark Burn, a bird of the size of a Goldcrest with a "most distinct light-coloured stripe over its eyes". This, he feels certain by examination of specimens, was an example of Phylloscopus superciliosus, but without further details we think the identification must remain doubtful.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Nottinghamshire Lowdham, two, seen, 18th October.

(C. E. Pearson, British Birds 8: 171-172).

[C. E. Pearson, British Birds 8: 171-172].

History Chas. E. Pearson (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. pp. 171-172, under 'Probable Yellow-browed Warblers in Nottinghamshire', says: 'On the morning of October 18th, 1914, my garden at Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, was visited by a pair of Warblers which were in my opinion Yellow-browed Warblers (Phylloscopus s. superciliosus). They were seen by my wife and son as well as by myself. The double alar bar was very well marked, and as we could none of us distinguish any median stripe on the crown, or the bright yellow bar on the rump, it is clear that they could not have been Ph. proregulus. The only other species on the British list which possesses a double wing bar is Evermann's Warbler, Ph. borealis, and a comparison with Dresser's plates and descriptions has convinced me that the birds were not of this species. They flitted about like Willow Warblers, But at times circled a bough almost like the Treecreeper. My companions heard from time to time a pretty little song. This is the first time that any of the rarer Phylloscopi have been recorded from Nottinghamshire.'

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Hollington, St Leonards-on-Sea, female, shot, 23rd October.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 8: 199; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1915) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 199, says: 'On October 24th, 1914, I examined in the flesh an example of the Yellow-browed Warbler that had been shot at Hollington the previous day. It was a female, and is the first to be recorded for the county.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 365).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1915 Kent Dungeness, seen, 24th to 25th September.

(H. G. Alexander, British Birds 9: 183-184; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1916: 204).

[Harrison, 1953].

History H. G. Alexander (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. pp. 183-184, says: 'On the 24th September, 1915, I put a small bird out of a bush on Dungeness shingle, which looked as if it must be a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus superciliosus). It was almost dusk at the time and I lost the bird without getting a very good view of it, though I once heard a note, like the ordinary Willow Wren's note in general character, but sharper and much shriller.

Fortunately I found it again in the same bush the next morning and obtained a much better view. When first it flew out, almost from under my feet, the yellowish colour of the rump attracted my attention, and in consequence I wondered if it were really Ph. proregulus; however, an examination of some specimens kindly lent me by Mr. Witherby convinces me that this is not the case. The eye-stripe was not very conspicuous, and the only time the bird gave me a good view of its wing the side-feathers covered most of the coverts, so that I did not see much of the wing-bars; but both these features, so far as I saw them, are in agreement with one or two of the specimens examined. The short tail and reguloid appearance were marked as the bird flew, but when settled it looked just like a small Willow Wren. I heard the note again three or four times.

The bird became rather difficult of access after I had put it up two or three times, and I had to leave it in order to catch the train. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst mentions one or more occasions when this species has been observed in Kent, but no instance of its being obtained is recorded.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1916) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XX. p. 204, says: 'Yellow-browed Warblers are recorded to have to have visited...Kent.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1920 Cumbria River Waver, near Grune Point, seen, 14th October.

(L. E. Hope, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 1923 (3): 29; E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 6: 43; Hutcheson, 1986).

[Eds., British Birds 18: 175].

History L. E. Hope (1923) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 29, in the Appendix to 'Lakeland Ornithology' read on 1st February 1923, says: 'At 7-30, on the morning of October 14th, 1920, Mr. W. Nichol, of Skinburness, saw a small bird sitting on a stake-net in the River Waver, between Grune Point, Skinburness, and Cardurnock. He had difficulty in making it rise, and observed it carefully at a few yards distance. He saw clearly two yellow bars on the wing and the light eye stripe.'

In an Editorial (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 175, in a Review of 'Lakeland Ornithology, 1892-1913', by Eric B. Dunlop, they say: 'A warbler with a double wing-bar and a light eye-stripe seen on October 14th, 1920, at Skinburness, is entered as a Yellow-browed Warbler, but there are other species it might have been.'

Ernest Blezard (1943) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. VI. p. 43, adds: 'Subsequently, Mr. Nichol visited the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he examined specimens of the Yellow-browed Warbler which left no doubt in his mind that this was the species he saw.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1921 Highland Near Samalaman, Lochaber, seen, 11th April.

(T. G. Longstaff, Scottish Naturalist 66: 94; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 7).

[BOU, 1971; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007].

History T. G. Longstaff of Auchiltibuie (1954) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVI. p. 94, says: 'When living at Samalaman in Moidart, just north of Ardnamurchan Point, I encountered the greatest "rush" of migrants I have ever seen. On 29th April 1921, starting from Samalaman at dawn, I walked along the coast to Glenuig and back, passing hundreds of passerines. Warblers, Tree Pipits and Redstarts (including a male P. ochrurus gibraltariensis) were the most numerous. On 11th April I had already identified a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) amongst many Willow-wrens.'

Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007) state that the BOU (1971) cast doubt on all inland spring records, with April records best discounted.

0). 1927 Somerset Near Castle Cary, seen, April

(J. P. Rhodes, Field 12th May 1927: 787).

[F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1927: 7; BOU, 1971].

History J. Parker Rhodes of Castle Cary (1927) in The Field of 12th May, Vol. CXLIX. p. 787, says: 'In 1922 and 1923 a pair of black caps nested in a small spinney of mine. In 1924 a pair of Garden Warblers ousted them. In 1925 and 1926 the Garden Warblers still held sway to the disappointment of the black caps. This spring, 1928, I went to the coppice to see whether the black caps or the Garden Warblers arrived first. On my way I heard a song which was utterly strange to me. I listened, but could not identify it. Presently the bird flew into a sycamore tree about 15 ft. away from me. It then hunted the underside of the leaves for insects. As usual in the spring I had with me a pair of prismatic binoculars, and as this bird was within 15ft. of my foal lens, I consider that I am entitled to claim having seen a Yellow-browed Warbler. The double wing-bar and the almost indefinite crest over the crown make me certain of my identification; and since this is the first record of the Yellow-browed Warbler in Somerset it will probably interest your ornithological readers.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1927) in Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XIV. p. 7, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'There are very few authenticated records of spring occurrences of this Asiatic species in the British Isles. On the authority of our member, Mr. J. Parker Rhodes, a single bird which first attracted attention by its strange song, was watched by him at close range with field-glasses in a copse near Castle Cary in April 1927. The observer is quite convinced of the correctness of his identification, so the record is here given on his authority. With regard to this observation see also the Field, May 12th, 1927, p. 787.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1928 Norfolk Hickling, seen, 4th May.

(J. Vincent, British Birds 22: 86).

[BOU, 1971; Seago, 1977].

History Jim Vincent (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 86, says: 'On the evening of May 4th, 1928, as I was leaving Hickling Broad, I saw a small Warbler in the fence by the roadside. It was very tired and tame and allowed me to watch it within a few feet, when it would fly a short distance and settle again, until it disappeared into a thick clipped fence. Both when the bird was sitting and flying the wing-bars were very conspicuous, as was the eye-stripe when it was resting. The wing-bars and the small size of the bird first drew my attention as I was cycling past. The short tail and size cause it to resemble a Goldcrest in flight more than a Warbler; or a small Willow-Wren with a short tail, if I had to draw comparison with the Warblers. The wind was easterly at the time. In 1906 I obtained a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus h. praemium) at Cley, and have no doubt that the bird described above was of the same species.'

0). 1930 Greater London/Surrey Sutton, Surrey, seen and heard in song, 10th October.

(F. W. Frohawk, British Birds 24: 159; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History F. W. Frohawk (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 159, says: 'On October 10th, 1930, in my, garden at Sutton, I watched for two or three minutes a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus h. praemium) which was singing continually its short, shrill, but pleasing little song while it flitted from branch to branch, at first in a plum tree, then to the surrounding trees. I instantly recognized its song, having heard two singing out of four which I watched exactly thirty-five years ago, that were in a hedge of a garden at West Buckland, Devon (also at 10 a.m.), on either October 1st or 2nd, 1895.

This bird behaved in a precisely similar way in its actions, by alighting on the lower branches and working its way upwards from branch to branch, and repeating its song every few seconds.

A full account with the song set to music of those I saw in Devon is recorded in British Birds with their Nests and Eggs (Vol. I. pp. 94-96). I was able to get quite close to the bird I am now recording.

In general form it resembled a small Willow Warbler, but was not so slim. The pale yellowish brow-streak was distinctly visible and I now and again caught a glimpse of the yellowish bands on the wing-coverts, but these appeared mostly hidden by the overlapping flank feathers. I believe this is the first instance of this rare little Warbler having been observed in Surrey.'

Comment Of all the personal views I have not known the flank feathers to cover the wing bars. Also, from my database there are only five records of birds in song: 1994, 1995, 2003 (2) and 2004. So, Frohawk has managed to hear one in song in 1895 and again in 1930. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1932 Devon Stoke Woods, Exeter, seen, 27th March.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1932: 14; Moore, 1969).

[Eds., British Birds 27: 79; BOU, 1971].

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns (1932) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 14, say: 'Saw this bird searching for insects on bushes. At first sight I took it for a Goldcrest, but a prolonged view convinced me of its identity. It was quite silent. I found no trace of it on subsequent days. Double wing-bar noted. A.O.R.'

In an Editorial (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 79, in a Review of the 'Report of the Devon Bird-watching Society, 1932', they say: 'In this Report a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) is reported as having been seen at Exeter on March 27th, a very unusual date. At first sight the observer thought it was a Goldcrest, but a prolonged view convinced him of the species, though no detail is given to show how the bird differed from a Goldcrest.'

Moore (1969: 250) says: 'On 27th March, 1932, one was seen by A. O. Rowden at Stoke Woods, Exeter.'

0). 1935 Fair Isle No locality, 29th August to 2nd September.

(Dymond, 1991).

[Dymond, 1991].

History Dymond (1991) says: 'There must be some doubt about the validity of one reported seen from 29th August to 2nd September 1935, which is well outside the period covering all the other records...The extreme dates of records in the FIBO period are 12th September and 10th November.'

0). 1936 Fair Isle No locality, 31st March.

(Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[BOU, 1971].

History Baxter & Rintoul (1953 (1): 159) say: 'It appears fairly regularly on Fair Isle in small numbers in Autumn...and one was seen on 31st March, 1936.'

0). 1937 Kent Brookland, Romney Marsh, seen, 19th April.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 5: 232).

[N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 5: 232; Harrison, 1953; BOU, 1971].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1938) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. V. p. 232, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Amongst a huge rush of warblers in Romney Marsh on Ap. 19th, Mr. R. G. Williams found one, near Brookland, that was unknown to him. He describes it as of the size and restless habits of a Goldcrest, but without the crest, the general colouration of a Willow Warbler, but with a very yellow eye-stripe and a dirty white wing-bar. After seeing Museum specimens he has convinced himself that it was a Yellow-browed Warbler. This is probably the most likely identification, but as there are other small warblers with wing-bars it is safer to regard it as uncertain and to record it in square brackets.'

0). 1937 Dorset Ballard Head, seen, 27th August.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Dorset Natural History 1943).

[Eds., British Birds 38: 377].

History F. L. Blathwayt (1944) in the Report on Dorset Natural History, for 1943, under 'Introduction', says: 'Mr. R. H. Ryall of Wembley, is convinced that he saw a Yellow-browed Warbler on Ballard Head, Studland on August 27, 1937. He got within four feet of the bird and watched it for over 20 minutes. His careful description fits the species, and although the date is early for this occasional migrant to appear, the observation may well be a good one.'

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 377, in a Review of the Report on Dorset Natural History, for 1943, they say: 'A probable, but not absolutely certain, record of a Yellow-browed Warbler in August, 1937, is also mentioned.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Probaly misidentified as out of known migration period. Not acceptable.

0). 1943 Hampshire Ringwood, seen, 24th October.

(F. H. Haines, Ornithological Report for the County of Hampshire 1943: 4, 14).

[Eds., British Birds 38: 160; Cohen & Taverner, 1972].

History F. H. Haines (1943) in the Ornithological Report for the County of Hampshire, p. 4, says: '24th October, Ringwood, in garden (A.P.).' Further, p. 14, he adds: '(A.P.) writes that the most interesting bird seen by him was a Yellow-browed Warbler seen in his garden at about three yards' range at 3.10 p.m. on 24th October. "I had a very clear view of the bird and noted the wing-bars and superciliary stripe. My wife told me that a small warbler had visited the garden several days previously".

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 159, in a Review of the Ornithological Report for the County of Hampshire, for 1943, they say: 'A Yellow-browed Warbler is reported at Ringwood on October 24th. It is stated that it was observed at about three yards range and that the wing-bars and superciliary stripe were seen, but more detailed evidence than this is desirable.'

0). 1944 Devon Lundy, seen, 26th April.

(H. J. Boyd, Lundy Field Society Report 1949: 11; Davis, 1954; Moore, 1969).

[Davis & Jones, 2007].

History H. J. Boyd (1949) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 11, says: 'An apparently unpublished record of one seen by F. W. Gade on April 26th, 1944 at very close range.'

Moore (1969) says: 'The first record for Lundy was reported by F. W. Gade on 26 April 1944 (B.L. 90) [Davis's List of the Birds of Lundy].'

However, Davis & Jones (2007) state that the first for Lundy occurred on 6 October 1949.

0). 1949 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 28th August.

(K. Williamson, British Birds 43: 49).

[Dymond, 1991].

History K. Williamson (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 49, says: 'An early bird was seen by H. J. Pease on August 28th.' Dymond (1991) says: 'There must be some doubt about the validity of one reported seen...The extreme dates of records in the FIBO period are 12th September and 10th November.'

0). 1950 Devon River Otter, 11th March.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 19; Eds., British Birds 45: 142; Moore, 1969).

[BOU, 1971].

History M. Brooks-King (1950) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIII. p. 19, says: 'R. Otter, Mar. 11, one seen to fly from field of kale into small oak tree; at first thought to be a Goldcrest but at ten yards with 8 x 40 glasses, a pale yellow, well marked superciliary stripe and two pale yellow wing bars seen; underparts a dirty white, no orange or yellow on crown; seen to catch insects in the manner of Flycatcher (J.M.R., Mrs. J.M.R.).'

0). 1950 Cornwall Mylor, 29th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 15).

[B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1950: 15].

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1950) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XX. p. 15, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'On October 29th, in my garden at Mylor, I watched a small bird which, in size, general colouring and quick movements, suggested a Goldcrest; on getting a clear view of its head, however, I saw that there was no gold crest, but it had a long yellow eyestripe. (E.G.P.).'

0). 1951 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 28th October.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 38; Eds., British Birds 46: 145).

[KAN].

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1951) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXI. p. 38, say: 'October 28th. On St Agnes, I caught a glimpse of a tiny bird which I thought would prove to be a Goldcrest. It was in a clump of brambles and bracken at one side of a lane. In several fleeting views I noted a very green back and a large pale superciliary stripe. - H.M.Q.'

Comment What about the wing-bars? Not identified to species level. Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1952 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 4th January.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 45; Gantlett, 1985).

[BOU, 1971].

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, say: 'January 4th. St Agnes. A much better view was obtained than in October, 1951. The bird, first seen as a very green "Goldcrest" crossing my path, was watched hopping in a euonymus bush, and was still for several seconds - I had a clear sight of the enormous pale creamy superciliary stripe which looked out of all proportion to the size of the bird.'

Comment No mention of wing-bars. Not identified to species level. Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1952 Devon River Exe, Countess Wear, three, 9th April.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 48; Moore, 1969).

[BOU, 1971].

History M. Brooks-King (1952) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 48, says: 'Countess Wear, April 9, three making short flights from bushes before going to roost in reeds, they had gone by the following morning; smaller than Willow Warbler, two wing bars, light eye-stripe, "seep" notes heard (F.R.S.).'

Comment Three together in spring always leads to suspicion. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1952 Devon Muddiford, Barnstaple, 15th April.

(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 48; Moore, 1969).

[BOU, 1971].

History M. Brooks-King (1952) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 48, says: 'Muddiford, April 15, one seen, like a Goldcrest but yellow stripe above eye, two light wing bars, light olive back and light underparts (N.R.).'

0). 1954 Angus & Dundee Carnoustie, 26th October.

(Boase MS.; Crighton, 1976).

[D. G. Andrew, Scottish Birds 3: 174].

History Crighton (1976) says: The only record is of one that came to a window in Carnoustie on the night of 26th October 1954. The bird was caught and examined in detail and comparison made with illustrations and descriptions in a standard book. (Mrs. Kydd).'

D. G. Andrew (1964) in Scottish Birds, Vol. III. p. 174, square bracketed the record stating lack of detail.

0). 1957 Devon Torquay, 31st May.

(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1957: 46; Moore, 1969).

[BOU, 1971].

History S. G. Madge (1957) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXX. p. 46, says: 'Torquay, 31 May, one on the scrub covered cliffs opposite Thatcher Rock; a greenish Warbler, light green above and with pale underparts, had two faint light bars on each wing, and a suggestion of light edges on the inner primaries; a pale eye-stripe, lighter than that of the Willow Warbler, appeared to extend farther towards the side of the nape of the neck; legs light coloured. It was very tame and was searching among the bushes for food dropping to the ground once or twice while it once chased a passing fly. The bird was watched for fifteen minutes before it flew over the top of the bushes and disappeared (G.H.G.).'

0). 1957 Lancashire & North Merseyside St Anne's, late October.

("J.V.M.", Field Naturalist 1957; Spencer, 1973).

[KAN].

History K. G. Spencer (1957) in the Report on Birds, Lancashire, p. 58, says: 'One seen in late October at St Anne's (J.V.M., Field Naturalist).'

Spencer (1973) says: 'One at St Annes, late October 1957.'

Comment Anonymous records were unacceptable to naturalists. Not acceptable.

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Yellow-browed Warbler (2/2)

Phylloscopus inornatus (Blyth, 1842) (173, 55)

Yellow-browed Warbler (1/2)

Pallas's Leaf Warbler