Spotted Nutcracker

Corvidae

Jun 25

Nucifraga caryocatactes (Linnaeus, 1758) (58, 9)

STATUS

Palearctic. Polytypic.

OVERVIEW

The slender-billed race N. c. macrorhynchos that resides around the Ural Mountains to E Siberia and NE China is an irruptive migrant. The thick-billed race N. c. carycatactes is generally sedentary and has been said to have occurred on a few occasions but these have been found to be not proven.

RECORDS

1). 1753 Flintshire Mostyn, shot, 5th October.

(Pennant, 1766; Pennant, 1776; Montagu, 1802; T. C. Eyton, Annals of Natural History 1: 291; Yarrell, 1845; BOU, 1883; Forrest, 1907; Coward, 1910; Gurney, 1921; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Pennant (1776 (2): 625-626, 4th ed.) under 'Appendix' says: 'The specimen we take our description from, is the only one we ever heard was met in these kingdoms; it was killed near Mostyn, Flintshire, October 5, 1753. It was somewhat less than the Jackdaw; the bill strait, strong, and black; the colour of the whole head and neck, bread and body, was a rusty brown; the crown of the head and the rump were plain; the other parts marked with triangular white spots; the wings black; the coverts spotted in the same manner as the body; the tail rounded at the end, black tips with white; the vent-feathers white; the legs dusky.'

T. C. Eyton (1838) in the Annals of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 291, says: 'The only specimen that I know of, obtained in the district, is one mentioned in Pennant's British Zoology, killed near Mostyn in Flintshire, October 5, 1753.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 126, 2nd ed.) says: 'Pennant in the edition of his British Zoology, published in 1766, says of the Nutcracker, Vol. II. p. 265, that the specimen he took his description from was the only one he ever heard of that was shot in these kingdoms. It was killed near Mostyn in Flintshire, October 5th, 1753.'

Admitted in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883: 67).

Forrest (1907) says: 'Shot in the garden of Pennant's home at Mostyn and figured by him in his British Zoology, 1766, Vol. II. p. 265 and 1812, Vol. I. p. 298.'

Gurney (1921: 229) in his Early Annals of Ornithology lists this as the first for Britain.

Comment Very good line drawing in Pennant of the bird.

2). Pre 1781 Kent No locality, obtained, undated.

(Latham, 1781-85; Montagu, 1802; Yarrell, 1845; Yarrell, 1871-85; BOU, 1883; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

History Latham (1781 (1): 400-401, pt. i) says: 'Visit England very seldom, not more than twice that I have heard of; once mentioned in the British Zoology to have been shot in Flintshire, and another time in Kent a mutilated skin of which is now in the house of an acquaintance of mine.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 126, 2nd ed.) says: 'Montagu, in his Ornithological Dictionary, mentions another that was killed in Kent.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 331, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds,says: 'Latham, in 1781 (Synops. I. p. 401), added a second instance, having seen the mutilated skin of one obtained in Kent.'

Admitted in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883: 67).

Ticehurst (1909: 193) says: 'The first specimen, which was secured prior to 1781, was examined by Latham, and is recorded by him in his Synopsis (Vol. I. p. 401) as "a mutilated skin, now in the house of an acquaintance of mine". This is probably the same one subsequently referred to by Montagu and Pemberton Bartlett.'

3). 1805 Somerset Bridgwater, seen, autumn.

(Montagu, 1813; Newman, 1866; Yarrell, 1876-82; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History Montagu (1813) says: 'Mr. Anstice assures us he saw one of this rare species near Bridgwater, upon a Scotch fir, in the autumn of 1805. This accurate observer of nature could not be deceived, as he examined the bird and attended to its actions for some time with the aid of a pocket telescope, which he usually carried with him for similar purposes.'

4). Pre 1816 Greater London/Kent Darenth, adult, obtained, undated, now at Natural History Museum, Tring.

(Leach, 1816; Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett, 1907; Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953; Self, 2014).

History The Willughby Society (1882) under 'Leach's Systematic Catalogue of the Specimens of the Indigenous Mammalia and Birds in the British Museum', in a reprint of his 1816 edition, say: 'Common Nutcracker, Darent, Kent. W. George, Esq.'

Balston, Shepherd & Bartlett (1907: 213) say: 'There is an adult specimen in the British Museum, labelled Kent, presented by Mr. William George.'

Ticehurst (1909: 193) says: 'The second is an adult in the British Museum which was obtained at Darenth prior to 1816, and was presented to the National Collection by William George (Syst. Cat. of Indigenous Birds in the Brit. Mus.: W. E. Leach, 1916. Reprinted by the Willoughby Soc., 1882, p. 18. Sharpe, Cat. of Birds, III. p. 54).'

5). 1829 Devon Washford Pyne Moor, near Tiverton, killed, undated.

(E. Moore, Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History 1: 179; Yarrell, 1845; Moore, 1969).

History E. Moore (1837) in Charlesworth's Magazine of Natural History, Vol. I. p. 179, says: 'Another was shot in 1829, near Washford Pyne Moor, by Mr. W. Tucker of Dawlish.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 127, 2nd ed.) says: 'Dr. Edward Moore of Plymouth, in his published catalogue of the 'Birds of Devonshire', records one shot in Devonshire in 1829, near Washford Pyne Moor, by Mr. W. Tucker of Dawlish.'

6). 1833 Lincolnshire Near Sleaford, male, killed, March, now at Lincoln Museum.

(A. Fieldsend, Zoologist 1893: 153; F. M. Burton, Naturalist 26: 319; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History A. Fieldsend of Lincoln (1893) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVII. p. 153, says: 'Lincolnshire, in common with many other counties, has no record of a Nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes, taken within its borders. Assuming that all the bonâ fide British specimens of this bird had hitherto been carefully recorded, I wondered how one came to be in a certain public-house in Lincoln.

In the course of four or five years I paid several visits to this inn, to see the additions made to his collection by the proprietor. Doubtful whether the Nutcracker was a county specimen, yet wishing to secure it, I offered a case in exchange for it, and the bird became mine.

On examination I could find no inscription about the case, it having the usual old-fashioned covering of paper, the edges of which, pasted wide over the glass front, acted as moulding, and that detached in places had let in the dust of half a century.

So I unglazed the case, and, on removing the bird preparatory to throwing the box away, the inscription, "Male, killed near Sleaford, Lincs", written close inside the case, attracted my attention, and on the corresponding side, too, was marked "March, 1833".

So far, so good: but who was the writer of the inscription? Thinking I might find more information outside the case if I removed the colouring of glue and lamp-black, I cleaned the paper, only to find an old report of a parliamentary division. Col. Mason, calling the same day, inspected the case and data, and, after carefully comparing the handwriting with that of Lucius Gray on some cases in his own collection, he had no doubt it was identical. And who was Lucius Gray?

On the same authority, I learn that he was the taxidermist of Sleaford who preserved most of the so-called "rare birds", at a time when Lincolnshire was described as "The Aviary of England". Many of his birds - from the late Dr. Harvey's collection - were transferred to the British Museum. It is hoped a full list will appear when Mr. Cordeaux's Birds of Lincolnshire reaches a second edition.'

F. M. Burton of Gainsborough (1900) in The Naturalist, Vol. XXVI. p. 319, dated 20th September 1900, says: '...There is one, and only one, previous record of it in Lincolnshire, and that occurred near Sleaford, where it was shot in March 1833, and, through the liberality of Colonel Mason, is now in the Lincoln Museum.'

7). 1839 Surrey Elstead, shot, undated.

(Bucknill, 1900; Harting, 1901; Wheatley, 2007).

History Bucknill (1900: 72) says: 'The Charterhouse collection has a specimen which was shot by a Mr. John Woods, of Elstead, in 1839.' Wheatley (2007: 556) adds that it is no longer in the collection.

8). 1844 Sussex Litlington, killed, 26th September, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 204086).

(W. Borrer, Zoologist 1845: 868; Yarrell, 1845; Knox, 1850; Booth, 1901; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 5: 120; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963; James, 1996).

History William Borrer (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 868, says: 'In October last, I saw, at a birdstuffer's in Brighton, a specimen of the Nutcracker, which he told me he had received, in the flesh, from a farmer of the name of Norman. I called upon him, and he informed me that it was shot by his own nephew, Mr. Roods, at Litlington, near Alfristone, in this county on the 26th of September last. It was flying across a turnip-field, and appeared to have risen from a stubble field near to hand. Unfortunately, the entrails had been removed previous to it being sent to Brighton, which effectually prevented the possibility of ascertaining the nature of the food: it appears to be an old bird, and is in excellent plumage, but the sex was not ascertained. I of course purchased the bird.'

Knox (1850: 212, 2nd ed.) says: 'I have seen a specimen of this rare wanderer which was shot at Alfriston by Mr. Newman, a gentleman residing in that neighbourhood.'

Morris (1857 (2): 52, 1st reissue) says: 'In Sussex, one at Litlington, near Alfriston, on the 26th of September, 1833.'

Borrer (1891: 156) says: '...I bought it and still have it.'

Booth (1901: 215, 3rd ed.) says: 'Shot by Mr. Roods at Litlington, Sussex, September 26th, 1844.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 120, in a review of the Catalogue of Cases of Birds in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton. By E. T. Booth; with further notes by A. F. Griffith, says: 'The most important additions since the publication of the supplement, appear to be the...Besides these, certain important corrections must be noted: - The original Sussex specimen recorded and figured by Borrer (Birds of Sussex, p. 156), shot at Litlington, September 26th, 1844, has been found to belong to the thin-billed Siberian race.'

Accepted locally as of the thin-billed race (N. c. macrorhynchus) belonging formerly to Borrer, but now in the Booth Museum, Brighton (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 39).

James (1996: 507) adds: '...now in the Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 204086).'

Comment Morris had recorded the date erroneously.

9). 1844 Norfolk Rollesby Broad, shot, 30th October, now in G. H. Gurney collection.

(W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1845: 824; Yarrell, 1845; J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1315; Newman, 1866; Stevenson, 1866; Gurney, 1876; Seago, 1977).

History W. R. Fisher (1845) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. III. p. 824, undated, says: 'A specimen of the Nutcracker was killed at Rollesby, near Yarmouth, on the 30th of October, 1843.

From the rarity of this bird, it is seldom that an opportunity is afforded of ascertaining, by dissection, the nature of its food. It has been stated to live on kernels and seeds as well as insects. The contents of the stomach of this bird consisted entirely of Coleopterous insects, and thought it may occasionally feed upon vegetable matter, I think that from the fact that this bird was observed near the spot for a week before it was shot, we may infer that such is not its favourite food.

In its perfect state, the upper mandible of the beak of the Nutcracker, as will be seen by the annexed outline, which is reduced to half the natural size, projects considerable over the lower. In foreign specimens which I have seen, the mandibles were of equal length, the projecting part having, I presume, been worn down by seeking for insects on the bark of trees; or, if the bird really obtains its subsistence in that way, by the process of breaking nuts and seeds. The tip of the upper mandible is horn colour, the rest of the beak is black.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 128-129, 2nd ed.) adds: 'During the autumn of 1844 an unusual number of Nutcrackers were observed to visit different parts of Europe. They were particularly noticed in Germany and Belgium; many appeared in the southern part of Sweden.'

J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1315, say: 'A specimen was killed at Rollesby, near Yarmouth, October 30th, 1844, a notice of which will be found in The Zoologist, (Zool. 824). It is the only instance that has come to our knowledge of the occurrence of the species in Norfolk.'

Newman (1866) in Montagu's British Birds, says: 'Mr. Fisher recorded in The Zoologist that the upper mandible projected considerably beyond the lower. Its stomach contained coleopterous insects.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 284) says: '...its of the thin-billed race.'

Gurney (1876: 6) in a footnote, adds: 'The middle tail feathers are so abraded at the end in a Nutcracker of mine...and they are worn in the same in a specimen of my father's, killed at Rollesby in Norfolk.'

Riviere (1930: 6) says: 'Was obtained at Rollesby on 30th October 1844 during which year a marked immigration of these birds was observed in western Europe. Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'In this notice (Zoologist 1845: 824) the year given is 1843, but this is probably an error, Gurney and Fisher, in 1846, stating that it was killed in 1844.'

10). 1846 Hampshire New Forest, adult female, shot, October, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/3).

(Hart MS.; Clark, 2022, photo).

History Work by John Clark on Birds of Hampshire resulted in the author looking at the Horniman Museum web site where this record was uncovered. The adult female specimen is cased and was initially mounted by Barron, Taxidermist, Christchurch and re-mounted by Edward Hart, also of Christchurch. According to Hart, writing in April 1927, it was shot in October 1846 in the New Forest and came from the H. Treasure Jenkins Collection.

11). c. 1858 Essex Ardleigh, shot, September.

(C. R. Bree, Field 7th May 1870: 408; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History C. R. Bree (1870) in The Field of 7th May, Vol.XXXV. p. 408, says 'I have lately heard of three unrecorded cases of the capture of Nutcrackers in this neighbourhood in the month of September, ten or twelve years ago. They were all shot in the same locality, and about the same time. I saw one of them a few weeks ago.'

Christy (1890: 131-132) adds '...Mr. Ambrose himself has informed me that he also preserved the specimen shot in Ardleigh parish, which was killed by a man named Tillet. It passed into the possession of Mr. Errington, banker, of Colchester, who sent it to Dr. Maclean, after whose death it went to the Museum. It is still in fair condition. The foregoing statements are confirmed by the following memorandum among Dr. Bree's notes: - "Dec. 30, 1869. - A specimen of this bird was sent to me for identification, shot twelve or fourteen years ago at Horkesley by Mr. Nicholls, the brewer, who informs me that two others were shot at the same time", and I can trace the other to Dr. Maclean, I think, it having been shot at Ardleigh. - C.R.B.'

Glegg (1929: 12) says: 'The specimen recorded as being at Colchester Museum is now not there.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968: 75; Cox 1984: 248).

12). 1858-60 Essex Boxted, shot, September.

(C. R. Bree, Field 7th May 1870: 408; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Wood, 2007).

History C. R. Bree (1870) in The Field of 7th May, Vol. XXXV. p. 408, says: 'I have lately heard of three unrecorded cases of the capture of Nutcrackers in this neighbourhood in the month of September, ten or twelve years ago. They were all shot in the same locality, and about the same time. I saw one of them a few weeks ago.'

Christy (1890: 131-132) adds: ' …The foregoing statements are confirmed by the following memorandum among Dr. Bree's notes: - "Dec. 30, 1869. - A specimen of this bird was sent to me for identification, shot twelve or fourteen years ago...at Boxted by Mr. Osborne. - C.R.B.'

Accepted locally (Glegg 1929: 12; Hudson & Pyman 1968: 75; Cox 1984: 248).

13). 1858-1860 Essex Horkesley, shot, September.

(C. R. Bree, Field 7th May 1870: 408; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Wood, 2007).

Christy (1890: 131-132) adds: '...One of the specimens thus recorded is now at Colchester Museum, to which it was presented by the late Dr. Maclean, as I understand on the authority of Dr. Laver. The following interesting note from Mr. C. Nicholls of Bovill's Hall, Ardleigh, who has another of the specimens. gives all the details of the occurrence which seem to have been procured: - "The Nutcracker in my possession was shot by myself one day when I was out Partridge shooting in the month of September, in Horkesley parish, considerably more than thirty years ago. There was only one bird seen when I shot this; but within a short time, two more were seen in the neighbourhood, and one shot by Mr. Osborne's keeper in Ardleigh parish. The other was shot in the neighbourhood, but I am uncertain where.

For along time no one knew what bird it was, but on showing it to the late Dr. Bree he told me it was a Nutcracker. I had it stuffed in Colchester, and I think by Mr. Ambrose". Mr. Ambrose himself has informed me that this was the case...The foregoing statements are confirmed by the following memorandum among Dr. Bree's notes: - "Dec. 30, 1869. - A specimen of this bird was sent to me for identification, shot twelve or fourteen years ago at Horkesley by Mr. Nicholls, the brewer, who informs me that two others were shot at the same time". - C.R.B.'

Accepted locally (Glegg 1929: 12; Hudson & Pyman 1968: 75; Cox 1984: 248). Wood (2007: 58) states that one of three Nutcrackers obtained in Essex between 1858-60 is in the Passmore Edwards Museum of the Essex Field Club, Essex.'

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

14). 1859 Cambridgeshire/Norfolk Near Wisbech, male, shot, 8th November, now at Wisbech Museum.

(Stamford Mercury; T. W. Foster, Zoologist 1859: 6809; Eds., Field 26th Nov., 1859: 439; Yarrell, 1871-85; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History T. W. Foster of Wisbech (1859) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVII. p. 6809, dated 16th November, 1859, says: 'A fine male specimen of this rare bird, in full plumage, was shot in a plantation at the Black Sluice, a short distance from this town, on Tuesday, the 8th of November inst. On dissection, it was found that its food, while in this country, consisted of small Coleoptera. It has been preserved for the Wisbech Museum.'

In an Editorial (1859) in The Field of 26th Nov., Vol. XIV. p. 439, says: 'A fine male Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), in full plumage, was shot on the 8th inst., in a plantation at the Back Sluice, near Wisbech (Stamford Mercury).'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 284) adds: '...its of the thin-billed race.' Accepted locally for Cambridgeshire (Lack 1934: 53).

15). 1860 Cheshire & Wirral Vale Royal, near Northwich, male, shot, undated, now at Grosvenor Museum, Chester, N. c. caryocatactes.

(Dobie, 1893; Coward & Oldham, 1900; Coward, 1910; Hardy, 1941; Hedley Bell, 1962).

History Dobie (1893: 303) says: 'We cannot boast of having this very ancient specimen [Mostyn, 1753] in our Museum collection, but we have a more recent one, a male (No. 1617), which was shot at Vale Royal, Delamere, Cheshire, in the year 1860, and sent in the flesh to the late Wm. Thompson, of Chester, who afterwards sold it to Mr. A. O. Walker. The exact date was unfortunately not kept. For this information I am indebted to Mr. Newstead, who obtained it direct from Mr. Thompson.'

Coward & Oldham (1900: 98) say: 'Mr. A. O. Walker presented it to the Grosvenor Museum.'

Coward (1910: 236) says: 'The Nutcracker has been obtained once in Cheshire. In 1860 a male was shot at Vale Royal near Northwich, and preserved by the late William Thompson of Chester, from whom it was purchased by Mr. A. O. Walker and presented to the Grosvenor Museum, Chester. This bird has a short bill, forty millimetres in length and fifteen in depth at the nostrils. There are two geographical races, distinguished by the length and stoutness of the bill, which visit England; it is referable to the thick-billed Northern European form, which by some authorities is said to be less frequent in Great Britain than the slender-billed Siberian form.'

Comment A Mr. Newstead bought the rejected 1908 Kermadec Petrel; whether the same person I have no proof.

16). 1864 Norfolk/Suffolk Gorleston-on-Sea, Suffolk, male, shot, 8th October, photo.

(T. E. Gunn, Naturalist 1865: 242; H. Stevenson, Zoologist 1865: 9405; Stevenson, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Babington, 1884-86; Ticehurst, 1932; Allard, 1990).

History T. E. Gunn of Norwich (1865) in The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 242, dated 31st October, 1864, says: 'I have to notice the occurrence of a magnificent specimen of that very rare visitor, the Nutcracker, which was sent to a birdstuffer's shop in this city for preservation on the 10th of October last, it having been shot a day or two previously in the neighbourhood of Burgh, distant seven miles north-east of Yarmouth; this bird which is so rarely met with in the British Isles deserves, I think, a short description here.

It is an adult male, and measures 13½ inches from the tip of its beak to the end of its tail, and 21 inches across its extended wings to the extreme points; tail five inches; crown of head, umber brown; space between the beak and irides, dull white; the surface of its back, neck, cheeks, lesser wing coverts, and all the under surface of its wings, clove brown; each feather tipped with an elongated spot of dull white; wings, greater wing coverts, and upper surface of its tail, blackish brown; the tail feathers are tipped with dull white, excepting the two centre ones; under surface of tail feathers, greyish brown, tipped with white. Irides, dark hazel; beak, black, straight, and conical, and two inches in length; legs, toes, and claws, black; the centre claw five eighths of an inch, the hinder three-quarters of an inch in length. Its gizzard contained the remains of a few beetles.'

H. Stevenson of Norwich (1865) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9405, dated 14th November 1864, says: 'A specimen of this rare visitant to our shores was shot off a tree in a garden at Gorleston, near Yarmouth, on the 8th of October, as I learn from the Rev. C. J. Lucas, of Burgh, in whose possession it now is. I saw this bird in the flesh, and on dissection found it to be a male in fine condition, the stomach (very muscular in texture) being filled with the remains of a large dung-beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius).

This is the third recorded instance of the appearance of this bird in Norfolk; the first, in Mr. Gurney's collection, having been killed at Rollesby, near Yarmouth, on the 30th of October, 1844, (see Zool. 824 and a subsequent paper by Mr. W. R. Fisher, on the same example Zool. 1073); and the second, which was seen in the flesh by the Editor of The Zoologist, is recorded (Zool. 4097) as killed off Yarmouth on the 7th of October 1853. I cannot now ascertain whether this specimen had a thin or thick bill, but it is worthy of note that the Rollesby and Gorleston birds, and one killed at Wisbech, November 8th, 1859 (Zool. 6809), as noticed by Mr. F. W. Foster, of the Wisbech Museum, had all thin bills, and two out of the three (the sex of Mr. Gurney's, singularly enough, not being stated, although the contents of the stomach are said to have been coleopterous insects) were males.

I have particularly mentioned these facts, since it is by no means satisfactorily decided at present whether the thick and thin-billed Nutcrackers are specifically distinct, or whether, as in the case of the Neomorpha Gouldii of Australia, the difference in the form of the beak is merely a sexual distinction. I should be particularly glad of any authentic information as to the ascertained sex or sexes of any thick-billed Nutcrackers, whether killed in England or abroad.'

Babington (1884-86: 235) says: 'A male shot, Oct. 8, 1864, in a garden in Gorleston, on the Suffolk side of the Yare. Shot by Mr. Stone in his garden and given to his boy who sold it to a game dealer in Yarmouth from whom Mr. Lucas purchased it; it is in good plumage; it has been photographed (Gunn's Photographs of Norfolk Birds No. 8).'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 283) adds: 'I had the opportunity of examining this bird in the flesh, which has a narrow-pointed bill, and proved on dissection to be a male. The plumage may be thus described: - Upper parts of the head pure hair brown; all the under surface, with the sides of the head, and upper portions of the back, mottled with white on a chocolate ground, the patches of white occupying the centre of each feather; a few small white spots on the tail-coverts; lower part of the back plain hair brown; tail-feathers, twelve in number, the two centre ones black, all the rest with white tips, deepest on the outside ones, and graduating to the centre; secondary wing-coverts slightly edged with white, showing more on one side than the other. In comparing this specimen with two thick-billed Nutcrackers in the Museum collection, I found the white margins of the tail feathers somewhat deeper in the thin-billed bird, which is generally darker in its plumage and less inclined to any reddish tinge. The length of the quill feathers in the wings about the same in either case. Tarsi, the same length in both the thick and thin-billed birds, but the legs and feet of the former the stoutest.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 48).

17). 1865 Yorkshire Near Wakefield, obtained, autumn.

(Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Harting (1872: 119) says: 'Purchased by me in May, 1866.'

Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 35) say: 'Wakefield, one, autumn of 1865, in Mr. Harting's collection (Harting, Handbook of Brit. Birds, p. 119).'

Nelson (1907 (1): 225) says: '...purchased by Mr. J. E. Harting from G. Lumb, who had it in the flesh.'

18). 1868 Highland Invergarry, Inverness-shire, shot, October.

(J. A. Harvie-Brown, Zoologist 1868: 1484, Eds., Field 24th Oct., 1868: 329; Eds., Zoologist 1869: 1519; Gray, 1871; Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1896; Harting, 1901; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. p. 1484, undated, says: 'A Nutcracker during the past month [October, 1868] has been obtained in the North of Scotland.'

Recorded in The Field of 24th Oct., Vol. XXXII. p. 329, and in The Zoologist 1869, p. 1519, is an extract from the Inverness Courier, which says: 'The greatest curiosity of the week is a Nutcracker, which was shot at Invergarry, in the heart of the country.'

Gray (1871: 188) adds: '...the occurrence of a specimen in Inverness-shire in October, 1868; it was shot at Invergarry and sent to Inverness, where it was preserved by Mr. William McLeay, Taxidermist, 80 Church Street.'

Accepted locally (Harvie-Brown & Buckley 1896 (2): 5). While, Harting (1901) adds: '...seen in the collection of Sir John Crewe of Calke Abbey.'

19). 1868 Orkney Sanday, shot, 1st October, now at National Museums of Scotland.

(Buckley & Harvie-Brown, 1891; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Buckley & Harvie-Brown (1891: 125) say: 'Mr. Harvey informs us that a Nutcracker was shot in Sanday on 1st of October 1868, as it was feeding on worms like a crow....The specimen is now in the possession of Mr. Denison of Brough, Sanday, where we saw it.'

Harvie-Brown (1906: 146) in a footnote, says: 'The Orkney specimen is, however, still preserved in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

20). 1868 Dorset Pike's Field, St Catherine's Hill, near Christchurch, Hampshire, adult male, shot, 6th November, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/4).

(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1868: 1481-1482; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1869: 1511; Cordeaux, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Gurney, 1876; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Green, 2004; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1868) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. III. pp. 1481-1482, undated, says: 'On the 6th of November, Mr. Hart sent me a Nutcracker, in the flesh, from Christchurch. It was shot on a fir tree, and proved a male on dissection. This specimen has a narrow pointed beak, the extreme tip of both mandibles horn-coloured , the upper slightly projecting, and this is so far confirmatory of the views expressed in the Birds of Norfolk (p. 281), viz. that the disparity in the bills of this species is a sexual distinction. Mr. Cordeaux found its stomach to contain a great mass of Coleopterous insects, broken and entire, of several species and sizes, principally a small black-headed beetle, with brown wing-cases, a little vegetable fibre, a few white oats, also some small stones.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Darlington (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1511, under 'List of the Rarer Birds obtained by Mr. Hart in the vicinity of Christchurch, Hants.', says: 'Nutcracker - 6th November 1868 (Zool., s.s. p. 1481).'

Further, p. 1512, he summarises: 'Mr. E. Hart or his father (the late Mr. W. Hart) had all the above named birds in the flesh.'

Cordeaux (1872: 66) says: '...It contained the fragments of Coleoptera of several species and sizes, principally those of Aphodius contaminatus of Fabricius, a small portion of vegetable fibre, some white oats, and a few small stones.'

Gurney (1876: 6) in a footnote, adds: 'The middle tail feathers are so abraded at the end in a Nutcracker of mine, killed at Christchurch in Hampshire, as to leave the shafts almost bare....'

Edward Hart writing in April 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot by S. Plowman (Keeper) on 6th November 1868 at Pike’s Field, Cattens Hill and mounted by me.

Accepted for Hampshire (Kelsall & Munn 1905: 81). Green (2004) states that it is now known as St Catherine's Hill.

21). 1872 Essex Tollesbury, obtained, September.

(Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History Christy (1890: 132) says: 'Of another Essex specimen, I have received information from Dr. R. Z. Pitts of Chelmsford, who owns a fine specimen shot at Tollesbury in Sept., 1872, by Mr. Wm. Seabrook of Brent Hall, Boreham.'

Accepted locally (Glegg 1929: 12; Hudson & Pyman 1968: 75; Cox 1984: 248).

22). 1873 Somerset Cothelstone Park, seen, late summer.

(M. A. Mathew, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 39: 114; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 86) say: 'We ourselves one day towards the end of the summer of 1873 are confident that we saw a Nutcracker when riding down the beautiful stretch of the Bridgwater and Taunton Road which passes through the Cothelstone Park. A bird which was at once perceived to be a stranger was perched upon a post at a short distance from the road, and its speckled back and breast revealed to us what it was.'

M. A. Mathew (1893) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. XXXIX. p. 114, says: 'We ourselves saw one in the summer of 1873, in Cothelstone Park, about the same time that Mr. T. Cosmo Melville, writing from Maunsell House, near Bridgwater, to The Field, stated that he and his friends had seen one near North Petherton.'

23). c. 1876 Suffolk Somerleyton, shot, undated.

(Babington, 1884-1886; Ticehurst, 1932).

History Babington (1884-86: 235) says: 'Shot once at Somerleyton, about 1876 (Freeman viva voce).'

Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1932: 48) who adds: 'In Cook Collection.'

24). 1885 Kent Strode Park, Herne, seen, 15th and 17th November, when shot.

(C. Willmott, "The Standard" 28th Jan., 1886; C. Willmott, Zoologist 1885: 480; C. Willmott, Field 28th Nov., 1885: 776; D. S. W. Nicholl, Zoologist 1888: 185; Ticehurst, 1909; J. B. Nichols, British Birds 4: 23-24; Harrison, 1953).

History Collis Willmott of Eddington (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. pp. 480-481, undated, says: 'Your readers will be interested to hear of the recent occurrence in Kent of the Nutcracker, a bird sufficiently rare in this country to deserve notice.

The specimen referred to was shot by me on November 17th near Eddington. I saw this bird two days before it was shot, and had good opportunity of observing its movements, which appears to partake of those of the Jackdaw and Magpie.

It was flying from an elm tree to the ground, and raking among the fallen leaves with a sharp busy motion, quite undisturbed by the presence of myself and a friend, whose attention I called to the indifference which the bird displayed. Although I spoke very loudly, to try the effect, no notice was taken, and it was only the abrupt appearance of a fox-terrier on the scene that caused the bird to take refuge in the tree overhead. We were standing within forty yards, and it allowed the dog to approach within a yard of it before taking wing.'

[If our correspondent will refer to the Editor's Handbook of British Birds (pp. 118, 119) he will find reference to many more recent occurrences of this bird than those mentioned in the old records quoted by him, which we have consequently struck out. One observed in Somersetshire in August, 1873, is noticed in The Zoologist for that year (p. 3689). - Ed.]

Collis Willmott of Eddington (1885) in The Field of 28th Nov., Vol. LXVI. p. 776, says: 'On Nov. 17 I shot a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) near Eddington, Kent, a bird of sufficiently rare occurrence, I think, to be worth recording.'

Digby S. W. Nicholl of Cowbridge, Glamorgan (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 185, says: 'The accompanying cutting from The Standard of Jan. 28th, 1886, speaks for itself: - "In one of your admirable articles in The Standard of today you refer to a great band of Nutcrackers, Nucifraga caryocatactes, which invaded Western and Central Europe forty-two years ago. It may interest you to learn that I obtained a fine specimen of this bird on the 17th November last (1885) in Strode Park, Herne, the seat of Mr. Prescott-Westcar, and that on examination it was found that, although the bird is called a Nutcracker, and presumably is a nut-eater, its stomach contained more specimens of small Coleoptera than vegetable or other matter. - Colonel Wilmott (Eddington Cottage, Canterbury, Jan. 26, 1886". I do not know whether the occurrence of this specimen of the Nutcracker was recorded in any Natural History journal at the time; if not, it might be as well to record it now in The Zoologist.'

J. B. Nichols (1910) in British Birds, Vol. IV. pp. 23-24, says: '...A bird shot on November 17th, 1885, at Strode Park, Herne, Kent (cf. N. F. Ticehurst, Birds of Kent, p. 193), is now in my possession, and I find that its bill is nearly a quarter of an inch longer and is rather more slender than that of the bird shot on March 4th, 1909. The Strode Park bird therefore appears to be an example of the slender-billed Siberian form N. c. macrorhynchus, Brehm.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 193).

25). 1886 Hampshire Exbury, New Forest, seen, 8th February.

(A. G. Renshaw, Zoologist 1886: 182; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993).

History A. G. Renshaw of London (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 182, undated, says: 'On February 8th at Exbury, in Hampshire, on the skirts of the New Forest, I saw a Nutcracker. It was close to the house where I was staying, and I recognised the note (with which one gets familiar in Switzerland and the Alps generally) as I laid in bed. I got up at once, and saw my friend busy amongst the cones of a large fir tree near the windows of my room. Perhaps the bird is commoner in this country than I suppose, but I never saw or heard one here before.'

Accepted locally quoting the above reference (Kelsall & Munn 1905: 81).

26). 1887 Avon Near Wrington, shot, summer.

(Davis, 1947; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; R. Mielcarek, 2019 An Annotated Checklist [Avon] 2nd ed.).

History Mielcarek (2019) states the specimen to be in the City Museum (Davis (1947) under 'A revised list of the birds of the Bristol District' in Bristol Naturalists's Proceedings).

27). 1888 Lincolnshire Marshchapel, shot, 6th November.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, Zoologist 1889: 153; J. Cordeaux, Naturalist 15: 44; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1893: 191; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).'

History G. H. Caton Haigh of Grainsby Hall, Grimsby (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII., p. 153, says: 'A specimen of the Nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes, was shot by Mr. Thomas Sargent, at Marsh Chapel, a parish on the Lincolnshire coast, on November 6th, 1888. This is, I believe, the first example of this bird known to have been found in Lincolnshire.'

John Cordeaux of Great Cotes (1889) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XV. p. 44, says: 'Nutcracker. November 6th, 1888. One, now in the collection of Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh, of Grainby Hall, was shot on this date in the parish of Marsh Chapel, on the Lincolnshire coast, by Mr. Thomas Sargeant. This is the first recorded example of the Nutcracker in the county. Two Yorkshire occurrences are given in the Handbook of the Vertebrate Fauna of Yorkshire, by Messrs. Clarke and Roebuck. It is probable the Lincolnshire bird came in with a great flight of Woodcock and other species, during the first week in November, with a north-east wind.'

J. Cordeaux (1893) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVII. pp. 191-192, says: 'With reference to Mr. Fieldsend's note (p. 153) on this bird in Lincolnshire, I may add that a Nutcracker, now in Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh's collection at Grainsby Hall, was obtained on Nov. 6th, 1888, in the parish of Marsh Chapel, near the Lincolnshire coast. This was just previous to the "great flight" of Woodcocks which came with a N.E. wind. It was recorded at the time by Mr. Haigh (Zool., 1889, p. 153), and also by myself in The Naturalist for the same year (p. 44). Mr. Fieldsend's bird, therefore, - killed near Sleaford in March, 1833, - is not the only example recorded for this county.'

Accepted locally (Smith & Cornwallis 1955; Lorand & Atkin 1989).

28). 1888 Norfolk Hunworth, female, killed, 8th November, now in Connop collection.'

(C. B. Dack, Zoologist 1889: 75; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1889: 135-136; Riviere, 1930; Seago, 1977).

History C. B. Dack of Holt (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. p. 75, says: 'On Nov. 9th I received for preservation a female specimen of the Nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes. It flew out of an old chalk-pit, and was shot by a gamekeeper in mistake for a young Blackbird.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1889) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIII. pp. 135-136, says: 'In November the prevailing winds were E. and S.W. About the 8th a Nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes, was shot at Haunworth [sic]: it was a female, with rather a thin beak measuring along the ridge 1¾ inch, and the upper mandible projected ⅛ inch. The depth of the beak at its base is almost ¾ inch.'

Comment Now in the Connop collection which is housed in the City of Birmingham Museum.

29). 1893 Sussex Stockbridge Fields, near Chichester, shot, 3rd November.

(H. D. Gordon, Zoologist 1895: 310; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History H. D. Gordon of Harting Vicarage, Petersfield (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 310, says: 'Mr. John Hale, butler at the Deanery, Chichester, lately showed me a remarkable bird which was shot on the 3rd November, 1893, in Stockbridge Fields, near Chichester. Its large size (about 14 inches in length), corvine appearance, and spotted plumage made me think it must be a Nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes, but, to make quite sure of this, I carried the bird in its case to the Natural History Museum, where I had the satisfaction of learning that I was right. As Mr. Borrer, in his Birds of Sussex, mentions but a single example of this bird obtained in Sussex, namely, one shot at Litlington in Sept. 1844, it may well be to place on record the occurrence of a second and more recent specimen.'

Accepted locally as of the thick-billed race (N. c caryocatactes) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 38).

30). 1900 Essex Bradwell-on-Sea, shot, 27th October.

(Essex Weekly News 2nd Nov., 1900; W. Cole, Essex Naturalist 11: 333; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

History W. Cole, Editor (1900) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 333, under 'Nutcracker at Bradwell' quoting from the Essex Weekly News, 2nd Nov., 1900, says: 'On October 27th a fine specimen of the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) was shot in this parish. It is now in the possession of Mr. Clement W. Parker, who has had it set up by Ashmead, of Bishopsgate.'

Glegg (1929: 12) says: 'This specimen obtained at Bradwell-on-Sea, on 27th October, 1900, was set up by Ashmead of Bishopgate Street, and examined in the flesh by the late Mr. E. A. Fitch, President of the Essex Field Club, and purchased by Mr. C. W. Parker of Bradwell.'

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968: 75; Cox 1984: 248).

31). 1900 Essex/Greater London Epping Forest, shot, 5th November.

(Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Self, 2014).

History Glegg (1929: 12) says: 'This Nutcracker was shot near the Epping Forest on 5th November, 1900, was examined in the flesh by the late Mr. E. A. Fitch, President of the Essex Field Club, and set up by Ashmead of Bishopgate Street.

Accepted locally for Essex (Hudson & Pyman 1968: 75; Cox 1984: 248) and for the Greater London area (Self 2014).

32). 1900 Herefordshire Credenhill, shot, 19th November, now at Cardiff Museum.

(T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1900: 59; H. E. Forrest, Zoologist 1902: 25; E. C. Phillips, Field 23rd Aug., 1902: 364; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 254; Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).

History T. W. Proger & D. R. Paterson (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXII. p. 59, say: 'We have seen in the flesh at our local bird-stuffer's in Cardiff a very fine specimen of this very rare bird. It was killed at Kingsland, near Hereford, on November 21st, 1900, and was sent here for preservation.'

H. E. Forrest of Shrewsbury (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 25, says: 'A specimen of the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) was obtained in September not many miles from Hereford, and is now to be seen in the Cardiff Museum. There are reasons for not giving the exact place. So far as I can learn, the species has not been recorded from any of the neighbouring counties.'

E. Cambridge Phillips of The Rock, Bwlch (1902) in The Field of 23rd Aug., Vol. C. p. 36, says: 'I have received a communication from Mr. J. B. Pilley, the assistant secretary of the Woolhope Field Naturalists' Club, that on Nov. 19, 1900, a specimen of the Nutcracker was obtained at Credenhill, near Hereford. I have not examined the bird, but on referring to Mr. Harting's useful Handbook of British Birds (first edition) I find he mentions twenty-four occurrences of this bird in Great Britain.

The Glamorganshire bird seen stuffed by me will make twenty-five, and this one twenty-six, but whether others have occurred in the meantime I am unable to say.'

[In the second edition of the Handbook referred, thirty-three instances are noted of the occurrence of this bird in the British Islands, and since that was published in 1901 eight or nine others have been recorded. - Ed.]

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 254, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who quoting Forrest, say: 'One was obtained in September, 1901, near Hereford.'

Further, they say: 'In the autumn of 1900 the invasion of the Siberian race into north-eastern Europe was spread over a large area, and reached to Denmark and Holland, but the invasion was not so large as that in 1844 (cf. Ibis, 1902, p. 172).'

Gilbert & Walker (1954: 7) say: 'One of a pair seen at Credenhill was shot on 19th November, 1900, and went to Cardiff Museum.'

Comment Forrest states Sept., 1901, while Gilbert and White state there were two on 19th Nov, 1900. There were a few other records in 1900, so that would be the obvious choice regards the year. If only the later authors would give the evidence for the change! In a spreadsheet of rare birds at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, which was sent to me, this bird did not appear there. Regards the Glamorganshire record I can find no details whatsoever; therefore the record is ignored through lack of detail.

33). 1900 Sussex Chilgrove, obtained, 21st December, N. c. caryocatactes.

(H. M. Langdale, Zoologist 1901: 107; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 254; Shrubb, 1979; James, 1996).

History H. Marmaduke Langdale of Compton, Petersfield (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. p. 107, says: 'On Dec. 21st, 1900, a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) was shot at Chilgrove, nearly seven miles to the north of Chichester, by J. Woods, Esq. The last recorded specimen in Sussex was obtained on Nov. 3rd, 1893, in Stockbridge fields, near Chichester (Zool., 1895, p. 310), where it is also stated that Mr. Borrer, in his Birds of Sussex, mentions but a single example of this bird obtained in Sussex, namely, one shot at Litlington, in September, 1844.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 254, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who add: 'This was a specimen of the typical N. caryocatactes.'

Accepted locally as of the thick-billed race (N. c. caryocatactes) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 38).

34). 1901 Cambridgeshire Near Upware, obtained, 10th November, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3769).

(Watson, 2010).

History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was shot by a Mr. Stanley in the autumn.

35). 1907 Suffolk Gunton, seen, 28th and 30th November.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1908: 133-134; Eds., British Birds 2: 35; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1908) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XII. pp. 133-134, says: 'November 28th. S.W. 4. A Nutcracker seen at Gunton, near Lowestoft, and again on the 30th, when it was very exhausted (E. Fowler), and probably did not survive long.'

In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 35, they say: 'One was seen at Gunton, near Lowestoft, on November 28th and 30th.'

36). 1911 Norfolk Hempstead, seen, 5th October; presumed same, Cawston, female, killed, 6th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 5: 191; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1912: 136; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 251; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 459-460; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 790-791; Seago, 1977).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 191, says: 'October 4th, 1911, was a very still day in Norfolk, and this was succeeded by a boisterous night and a gale from the north-east, which, at 7 a.m. the following morning, was registered by the Meteorological Office as E.N.E., force six, at Yarmouth. On the 6th, my woodman informed me that he had the day before seen a remarkable bird, unknown to him, perched on an oak tree at Hempstead, which he described as brown in colour with a white bar on the tail, and about the size of a Jackdaw.

I at once suggested a Nutcracker, and accordingly the same day an example of this uncommon species, presumably the same one, was shot at Cawston, a parish only nine miles further inland, and forwarded to Mr. T. E. Gunn. This showing of the white upon the tail was a feature noticed when my son and I were at the Riffel Alp in Switzerland with Mr. W. H. St. Quintin, in July, 1905, and I am not surprised that it at once attracted my woodman's attention. On the same day (October 5th), and not far from the same place, distant from the sea about two-and-a-half miles, a Hoopoe was seen, and a Scoter was met with near Norwich.

Both these Nutcrackers belong to the slender-billed Siberian race (Nucifraga c. macrorhynchus), indicating their eastern origin. In one of them, which was exhibited by the writer to the Norwich Naturalists' Society, the culmen measured 1.9 in., and the upper mandible projected considerably over the lower one.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 136, says: 'October 6th....Accordingly, the following day the head-woodman at Hempstead, near Holt, informed me that he had seen a bird answering to the description of a Nutcracker. This is proved to be. The unfortunate bird lived to get as far as Cawston, where there is a large fir-wood, where one, presumably the same individual, was shot that afternoon.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 251, says: 'During the autumn (1911) one of the periodic irruptions of this species occurred....One was shot at Cawston (Norfolk) on the 6th [October].'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 790-791, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.

37). 1911 Buckinghamshire Whitchurch, male, killed, 7th October, now at County Museum, Aylesbury.

(E. Hollis, Zoologist 1911: 386; Field 14th Oct., 1911: 877; E. Hollis, British Birds 5: 167; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 251; Lack & Ferguson, 1993).

History Edwin Hollis of The Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury (1911) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XV. p. 386, says: 'It is probably worthy of record that on October 7th last I had a male Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), brought to me in the flesh. It was killed in a horse-chestnut tree at the village of Whitchurch, about four miles from here. It was in good condition (quite fat). I fancy this is the first recorded instance of its occurrence in Bucks. It will be mounted for this museum.'

Edwin Hollis (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 167, says: 'On October 7th, 1911, I had a male Nutcracker brought me in the flesh. It was killed in a horse-chestnut tree that morning at the village of Whitchurch, about four miles from Aylesbury. I was told that it was seen in the same tree on the previous day, and was very tame. It was in good condition (quite fat). I fancy this is the first recorded instance of the occurrence of a Nutcracker in this county. It is being mounted for the Bucks. County Museum, Aylesbury.

Subsequently I submitted the bird to Dr. Hartert for examination and he pronounced it to be a specimen of the Siberian race (Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus). Dr. Hartert informs me that by the same post as my letter he had one from a friend in Germany, who stated that Nutcrackers had arrived in his district and that we might expect them in England.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 251, says: 'During the autumn (1911) one of the periodic irruptions of this species occurred....a second at Whitchurch (Bucks), on the 7th [October].'

38). 1911 Kent Broome Park, Canterbury, male, found dying, 9th October, now at Royal Canterbury Museum.

(H. F. Witherby, British Birds 7: 239; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 7: 261-262; Harrison, 1953).

History H. F. Witherby (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 239, in a Review of 'Report on the Immigration of Summer-residents in the Spring of 1912; also Notes on the Migratory Movements and Records received from Lighthouses and Light-vessels during the Autumn of 1911', says: 'A Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes ? subsp.) is recorded from Broome (Kent), about October 9th, 1911, at the time when several were reported (cf. B. B., Vol. V.).'

N. F. Ticehurst (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. pp. 261-262, says: 'In the last issued report of the Migration Committee of the British Ornithologists' Club (Bull. B.O.C., XXXII. p. 251) the occurrences of Nutcrackers in the autumn of 1911 were briefly summarized. Amongst them is included a record of a bird that was obtained at Broome in Kent, in October, and which had not been previously recorded.

I first heard of the bird in the following December, and on making inquiries ascertained that it had been picked up in a dying condition, having obviously been shot, at Broome, near Canterbury, and was seen in the flesh by Mr. H. Mead Briggs of that town on October 20th, so that it had most probably been shot a day or two before that date. After being stuffed it was acquired for the Canterbury Museum.

I was unable to prevail upon the authorities of that institution to send me the bird for inspection, and it was not until quite recently that I had an opportunity of going to see it, when I found that, like the birds that occurred in England about the same time, it was a specimen of the Siberian race (N. caryocatactes macrorhynchus).'

Harrison (1953 (2): 94) says: 'Found in a dying condition by Mr. Western and taken to the Royal Canterbury Museum where it was set up by Mr. Allen and presented to the Museum.'

39). 1911 Norfolk Sparham, female, shot, 9th October, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.

On the 6th, my woodman informed me that he had the day before seen a remarkable bird, unknown to him, perched on an oak tree at Hempstead, which he described as brown in colour with a white bar on the tail, and about the size of a Jackdaw. I at once suggested a Nutcracker, and accordingly the same day an example of this uncommon species, presumably the same one, was shot at Cawston, a parish only nine miles further inland, and forwarded to Mr. T. E. Gunn.

This showing of the white upon the tail was a feature noticed when my son and I were at the Riffel Alp in Switzerland with Mr. W. H. St. Quintin, in July, 1905, and I am not surprised that it at once attracted my woodman's attention. On the same day (October 5th), and not far from the same place, distant from the sea about two-and-a-half miles, a Hoopoe was seen, and a Scoter was met with near Norwich.

In all probability these birds had come in during the night of the gale, as well as the Buckinghamshire Nutcracker, which Mr. Hollis records (p. 167) as having been first seen on the 6th. It has often been remarked how birds of different species come in with the same wind. On the 9th, a second Nutcracker was shot on some low ground at Sparham, which is a very little way from Cawston, by Mr. J. A. Sayer, and has since been offered to the Norwich Museum. This also was sent to Mr. Gunn, who made a careful dissection of the ovaries in both cases, for they were both females. Both these Nutcrackers belong to the slender-billed Siberian race (Nucifraga c. macrorhynchus), indicating their eastern origin. In one of them, which was exhibited by the writer to the Norwich Naturalists' Society, the culmen measured 1.9 in., and the upper mandible projected considerably over the lower one.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 136, says: 'October 9th. N.N.E., 4. Another Nutcracker shot at Sparham, within fives miles of where the other one was shot, and it is not unlikely that they came over together on the night of the 5th, with a third which was shot in Buckinghamshire, as recorded....On looking back through The Zoologist, I do not find that a Nutcracker has been accorded a place in these Norfolk Notes since 1907, and the last before that was a doubtful occurrence in May, 1899.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 251, says: 'During the autumn (1911) one of the periodic irruptions of this species occurred....a third at Sparham (Norfolk), on the 9th [October].'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 790-791, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.

40). 1911 Suffolk Beyton, near Bury St Edmunds, female, shot, 11th November.

(J. G. Tuck, British Birds 5: 192; J. G. Tuck, Zoologist 1912: 34; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1912: 137; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 251; W. H. Tuck, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 460; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. G. Tuck (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 192, says: 'With reference to the migration of Nutcrackers, I may record that a female was shot on November 11th, 1911, in the parish of Beyton, near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, and brought to me soon afterwards. It is one of the slender-billed form; the man who shot it had seen it about for a week or more, and noticed its resemblance to a Jackdaw.'

Julian G. Tuck of Tostock Rectory, Bury St Edmunds (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 34, says: 'A female Nutcracker was shot at Beyton on Nov. 10th, 1911, and brought to me the same day. It is one of the slender-billed race which is believed to inhabit Siberia, and was in good condition. The gizzard was full of what appeared to be acorns bitten into small fragments. I cannot find any reference to the curious tongue of this bird, which is bifurcated, exactly fitting into a small knob in the lower mandible, dark in colour, and rather like a turnip-seed. At least two others have been obtained in East Anglia, which will doubtless be duly recorded in this Journal.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 137, says: 'November 11th. Nutcracker shot near Bury, in Suffolk; it had been seen for a week or more (J. G. Tuck), and may perhaps have come over with the other three in October.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 251, says: 'During the autumn (1911) one of the periodic irruptions of this species occurred....a fifth at Beyton (Suffolk), where it had been seen for at least a week, on the 9th of November.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 48).

41). 1911 Kent Broome Park, Canterbury, 18th November, now at Maidstone Museum.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 251; Harrison, 1953; Borrer, 1960).

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 251, says: 'During the autumn (1911) one of the periodic irruptions of this species occurred....a fourth at Broome (Kent), about the same time [7th October].'

Harrison (1953 (2): 94) says: 'Another obtained in Broome Park, Canterbury, on 18th November 1911, was examined by me at Maidstone Museum where it is in the Mannering collection and was of the race N. c. macrorhynchus.'

Comment Not mentioned by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 37-40). I wonder if Harrison has mistakenly put November for October.

42). 1912 Somerset Triscombe Hill, before April.

(Turner, 1913; Ballance, 2006).

History Ballance (2006) lists one before April 1912 at Triscombe Hill (Turner 1913). However, this record did not appear in the previous Birds of Somerset (1988).

43). 1912 Suffolk Gunton Hall, near Lowestoft, seen, 26th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1913: 177; Eds., British Birds 7: 122; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 274; Ticehurst, 1932).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1913) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVII. p. 177, says: 'October 26th. W., 1. I learn from Mrs. Fowler that quite early in the morning an unmistakeable Nutcracker was sitting on the roof of Gunton Hall, which is less than a mile from the sea. No attempt was made to shoot it, and it presently flew away, but in the afternoon was again seen being chased by a Goldfinch. This is in the same parish, and close to the spot where a Nutcracker was seen by Miss Fowler on Nov. 26th, 1907. Another occurred at Gorleston, which is close by, in October, 1864, and another at Somerleyton; so this neighbourhood has been favoured.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 122, this record was admitted.

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 274, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One seen, Gunton (Norfolk), October 26th.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 48).

44). 1913 Greater London/Surrey Addington Park, Croydon, shot, 13th October, now at Manchester Museum (Acc. No. B.12164).

(E. N. Mennell, Zoologist 1914: 75-76; T. A. Coward, British Birds 7: 301; Witherby, 1920-24; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History Edward N. Mennell of Shriley, Croyden (1914) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVIII. pp. 75-76, says: 'By editorial request I have pleasure in sending particulars of the Nutcracker in my possession, which was taken in Addington Park, Surrey, on October 14th, 1913. The reason for not recording it before is because I sent it to my nephew, who forwarded it to Mr. J. A. Coward to identify and get properly stuffed, and it was returned this week with his remarks. It is the Slender-billed form (Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus)....The specimen referred to was found in some Scotch firs at an altitude of 460 ft.'

T. A. Coward (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 301, says: 'I have recently had an opportunity of examining a Nutcracker which was shot on October 13th, 1913, in Addington Park (near Croydon), Surrey; it is the Slender-billed form, Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus. I saw it both in the flesh and in skin.'

BOU (1915: 7) list Surrey for the Slender-billed Nutcracker. While, Witherby (1920 (1): 27) admits two for October, 1913 - presumably this one and one for Sussex.

Admitted nationally by Clarke (1927: 18, 3rd ed.) in Saunders Manual of British Birds.

Wheatley (2007: 557) says: 'It was donated to Manchester Museum (Acc. No. B.12164) by Ferris Neave in 1917.'

45). 1913 Sussex Near Pulborough, female, shot, 19th October.

(W. B. Ellis, Field 25th Oct., 1913: 912; N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 7: 262; Walpole-Bond, 1938; des Forges & Harber, 1963; James, 1996).

History W. B. Ellis of Arundel (1913) in The Field of 25th Oct., Vol. CXXII. p. 912, says: 'On Oct. 21 I received a good specimen of the Nutcracker, a female. It was shot at Coetham, near Pulborough, whilst with some fowls, presumably picking up the maize.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 262, says: 'In The Field for October 25th, 1913, it is recorded by Mr. W. B. Ellis, of Arundel, who had the bird to stuff, that a Nutcracker had been shot near Pulborough and received by him on October 21st. The Rev. Clifford Toogood, of Burpham, kindly wrote me about this bird, which he saw while in Mr. Ellis's hands, and sent me a careful drawing of the head and bill from direct measurements. From this it appears that this bird is also a specimen of the Slender-billed race; it is a female, and was shot by a Mr. Arlington, on October 19th, 1913.'

Accepted locally as of the thin-billed race (N. c. macrorhynchus) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 39).

46). 1914 Isle of Wight Hamstead, shot, February, now at Haslemere Museum.

(Bird Report of the Isle of Wight Natural History & Archaeological Society 1: 4; Cohen, 1963).

History Cohen (1963) says: 'One was shot at Hampstead, Isle of Wight, in February 1914 and is now in the Haslemere Museum (I. o. W. 1: 4).'

47). c. 1915 East Glamorgan No locality, killed, undated, now at Taunton Castle Museum.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 67: lxiii).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1921) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. LXVII. p. lxiii, says: 'We regret to report that Mr. W. K. Petherick, the Society's taxidermist, died on March 12th, 1921. He expressed a wish that three stuffed birds in his possession should be handed over to the Somerset County Museum [Taunton]. These include a Nutcracker, probably of the thick-billed variety, killed in Glamorganshire, c. 1915 - a very rare visitor to Britain.'

48). 1922 Suffolk Southwold, seen, 19th October.

(H. M. Hart-Smith, Field 4th Nov., 1922: 684; Eds., British Birds 16: 222; Ticehurst, 1932).

History H. M. Hart-Smith of Southwold (1922) in The Field of 4th Nov., Vol. CXL. p. 684, says: 'The night of Oct. 19 was very dark, and there was a strong easterly gale. My house is situated about forty yards from the edge of the cliff facing south on this Suffolk coast. On going to bed I heard a violent scratching at the window, and on drawing aside the blind I saw a bird which immediately began to scratch at the pane. Not recognising it and the bird being illuminated immediately under an electric light, I took careful note of its large straight beak, 1-1¼ in. long and greyish black in colour; its rufous (query brownish) body, white spots over it, and dark wings and tail. On opening the window it flew past me into the room. After flying around for a short while it perched on the top of a cupboard, when I put out the light, opened the window and drew up the blind. I awoke soon after 5.30 a.m. and saw it still there; at 6.15 the bird began twittering, and very soon my unknown visitor flew out of the window.

On looking to Coward's Birds of the British Isles, in order to identify it, I found it to be the "Nutcracker", and a rare bird.'

[The Nutcracker is an irregular visitor to this country in the autumn and winter. We have notes of its occurrence here in more than forty instances. - Ed.]

In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 222, under 'Reported Nutcracker in Suffolk', they say: 'Mr. C. E. Afford has informed us that Dr. H. M. Hart-Smith observed a bird which he identified as a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) on October 19th, 1922, at Southwold, and Dr. Hart-Smith has himself recorded the occurrence in The Field (November 4th, 1922, p. 684). During the night, which was very rough with a strong easterly gale, Dr. Hart-Smith heard a violent scratching at his window and on drawing aside the blind saw a bird which had a large straight greyish-black bill, rufous or brownish body with white spots and dark wings and tail. On the window being opened the bird flew in and perched on a cupboard where it remained until the early morning, when it flew out of the window which had been left open. Dr. Hart-Smith identified the bird as a Nutcracker on looking at Coward's Birds of the British Isles.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 49).

49). 1925 Avon Leigh Woods, seen, 28th April.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1926: 6; R. Mielcarek, 2019 An Annotated Checklist [Avon] 2nd ed.).

History F. L. Blathwayt (1926) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 6, says: 'One seen in Leigh Woods, Apr. 28th, 1925, by W. R. Taylor, with whom B.W.T. discussed the record and is satisfied that it can be accepted.'

50). 1928 Cambridgeshire Cambridge, seen, 1st October.

(W. H. Thompson, Report of the Cambridge Ornithological Club 1928: 14-15; Eds., British Birds 23: 232; Lack, 1934; Bircham, 1989).

History W. H. Thompson, Secretary (1928) in the Report of the Cambridge Ornithological Club, Vol. II. pp. 14-15, says: 'The following note is the only definite record that the Editor has managed to discover. It was very kindly sent to him by Miss E. P. Leach: "On October 1st, 1928, I was casually looking out of the window of a house in Cranmer Road, and saw a Nutcracker splashing in the bird-bath on the lawn. It was extremely shy and flew almost as soon as I saw it, but there was no mistaking its identity with the very noticeable spots, and the Jay-like appearance in flight".'

In an Editorial (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 232, in a Review of the 2nd Report of the Cambridge Ornithological Club, 1928, they say: '...and the report of a Nutcracker in Cambridge in October.'

Locally, Lack (1934: 53) says: 'On October 1st, 1928, E. P. Leach with other reliable observers, saw one in Cambridge.'

51). 1930 Norfolk Letheringsett, seen, 6th October.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 24: 312; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 13: 478; Seago, 1977).

History B. B. Riviere (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 312, in the 1930 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'Mr. Guy Davey tells me that on October 6th he had a clear and unmistakable view of a Nutcracker at Letheringsett, but in spite of several people being on the look-out for it, it was not seen again.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1933) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XIII. p. 478, under 'Additions to Part XI (Tenth List) 1929-33'.

52). 1938 Devon Budleigh Salterton, seen, 27th December.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1938: 17; Eds., British Birds 33: 144; Moore, 1969).

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell (1938) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XI. p. 17, say: 'Budleigh Salterton. Dec. 27th. Had a good view through glasses of a bird I am convinced was a Slender-billed Nutcracker, which was feeding among a flock of Redwings and other birds, so was able to note its size, big bill, white spots of irregular size, and the white tips of the tail. I have since compared it to the stuffed specimens in Exeter Museum. (C.W.L.).'

In an Editorial (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 144, in a Review of the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, for 1938, they say: 'There are a number of interesting items in this Report, but some of the records are very unsatisfactory as no details of identification are given. A Nutcracker seen at Budleigh Salterton on December 27th is better authenticated though whether it was of the slender-billed form or not is, of course, quite uncertain.'

53). 1940 Somerset Dunster, seen, August to September.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1940: 23; Allen, 1971; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell (1940) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIII. p. 23, say: 'Near Dunster. August-September. One, whether slender-billed or thick-billed is uncertain, seen on several occasions. General appearance resembled a Jackdaw with mottled plumage; flight clumsy; fed largely on dung beetles. (G.F.L.).'

Allen (1971: 59) says: 'In August and September, 1940, one was seen at Dunster.'

Comment G. F. Luttrell of Dunster.

54). 1943 Yorkshire Near Great Smeaton, seen, 23rd March.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 70: 57; Eds., British Birds 38: 180; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Ralph Chislett (1944) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXX. p. 57, in the Annual Report for 1943, says: 'Nutcracker. A bird, Jay-like in size, and with a similar flight, with a chocolate brown body, and with small white spots on the mantle, swooped down over the car in which J. P. Utley was travelling towards Great Smeaton village on March 23rd and flew along before it for about 50 yards before swinging over the hedge. The tail was black, narrowly barred with white at the end. Wings were broad and blueish-black. The bill appeared rather long and as thick as a Jackdaw's. At J.P.U.'s shout the (A.T.S.) driver stopped the car, but the bird could not be picked up again. The bird could only be a Nutcracker, but good as was the view obtained of the upper plumage and tail, it could hardly be possible to say with certainty whether "Thin-billed" or "Thick-billed".'

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p.179, in a Review of the above, they say: 'Amongst noteworthy visitors not previously recorded in British Birds are a Nutcracker near Great Smeaton on March 23rd.'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 38).

55). 1944 Devon Preston, Paignton, moribund, November, now at Torquay Museum.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendry, R. W. Howell & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1944: 10; Eds., British Birds 38: 359; Moore, 1969).

History Anon. (1944) in the Devon Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVII. p. 36, says: 'Preston, Paignton. November. One seen by a number of residents when it haunted gardens in company with fowls and ducks. Then discovered in a distressed condition by Mrs. Sutcliffe...who did what she could for it, but next morning it was found dead. Bird in good plumage, and is now exhibited in the Torquay Natural History Museum. (Miss E. Pearse, Hon. Sec. Ornithological Section of the Torquay Museum, and Mr. L. E. Currey).'

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 359, in a Review of the Devon Bird Watching & Preservation Society Report, for 1944, they say: 'A Slender-billed Nutcracker seen and subsequently found dying at Paignton in November.'

56). 1945 Devon Trusham, seen, 6th September.

(M. Brooks-King et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1945: 42; Eds., British Birds 39: 381; Moore, 1969).

History M. Brooks-King et al. (1945) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVIII. p. 42, say: 'Trusham. September 6th, one, (probably Slender-billed) watched for several minutes in good light. Seen to fly from the ground to a low apple tree, where it remained for some time before flying off. Identified by brown-speckled plumage, long pointed bill very clearly seen, broadish wings and rather stumpy tail. (S.D.G. and W.N.B.).'

In an Editorial (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 381, in a Review of the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, for 1945, they say: 'Amongst the records of the rarer visitors we may mention a Nutcracker, believed to be Slender-billed, at Trusham on September 6th.'

Comment Seen by S. D. Gibbard and W. N. Bolderston and described in the Devon Bird Report.

57). 1946 Sussex Near Turners Hill, seen, 18th December.

(I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 41: 149; des Forges & Harber, 1963).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. p. 149, says: 'On December 18th, 1946, I saw a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes subsp.?) about two miles west of Turners Hill, Sussex. It flew across the road and settled in a tree about 35 yards away in full view, I was able to watch the bird for about three minutes, before it flew away. In flight, the bird looked very much like a Jay (Garrulus glandarius), being about the same size, but lacking the white rump and having instead a thick white edge round the end of the tail and white under tail-coverts. The flight was jay-like and undulating. When perched on the tree, its long dagger of a beak was very noticeable and gave an impression of top-heaviness with its rather short tail. The primaries and tail (excepting the white hind border) were dark brown, almost black. Through binoculars, the white spots on the brown plumage were noticeable, but with the naked eye they merely made the bird look paler and did not stand out. It made no sound. On December 23rd, I believe that I saw this bird again in flight, but was not able to be certain.'

58). 1948 Leicestershire & Rutland Stathern Rectory, seen, a week in early September.

(R. E. Pochin, A. Bonner & R. A. O. Hickling, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1948: 7-8; Hickling, 1978; Fray et al., 2009).

History R. E. Pochin, A. Bonner & R. A. O. Hickling (1948) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, pp. 7-8, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'Mrs. D. O. Thomas sends the following: "During the second week of September a bird visited the Rectory lawn at Stathern on three successive days. It was about the size of a Jackdaw, similar in build to a Starling and had a large bill. It was nut-brown in colour with a cream spot in the centre of the feathers. On the flanks the brown spots tended to be almost black. It was in shape exactly like the Nutcracker in Coward's book. It walked instead of running or hopping.'

On reading the above, H.H. reports having two similar birds in his garden, in Victoria Park Road, Leicester, during October, 1928, which he had no doubt were of this species.'

Locally, Fray et al. (2009) accept the first statement, but make no mention of the second, so presumably unacceptable.

1950-57 RECORDS

59). 1951 Essex Little Dunmow, 2nd October.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 5; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984; Wood, 2007).

History G. A. Pyman (1951) in the Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, p. 5, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird seen by S.E.L. at Little Dunmow on October 2nd was described as follows: Rather smaller than Jackdaw; broad rounded wings and short tail; bill noticeably long and pointed; in very poor light, underparts appeared very dark, upperparts lighter and wings black; tips of tail feathers pale grey or off-white; flight dipping and reminiscent of Jay; call, a loud and harsh "chuck" continuously repeated.

The observer claims that the bird was a Nutcracker, a species which has apparently only been recorded in the British Isles on two occasions since the late war, but unfortunately he was unable to obtain fuller details owing to the extremely poor light conditions under which the observation was made. We feel that his identification was probably correct but in all circumstances and in agreement with the Editors of British Birds, we have reluctantly decided to place the record in square brackets.'

However, it has since been accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007).

60). 1953 Yorkshire Wadworth Wood, near Doncaster, 6th to 10th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 79: 51; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 405; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1954) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIX. p. 51, says: 'R. Bramhill, in Wadsworth Wood, near Doncaster, on September 6th, heard a continuous call "karr-karr" which was new to him. He traced it to a bird perched on a small tree, and when he imitated the call the bird flew towards him passing some eight feet above. Jackdaw-sized, the bird had rounded wings, was rich-brown in colour heavily flecked with white on breast and back. The dark tail had white edges. The bill appeared strong and the legs blackish. The bird was watched for half-an-hour at a distance of ten yards as it perched on a second small tree, and it was present thereabouts on the 7th, 8th and 10th. R.B. is certain the bird was a Nutcracker.'

I. C. T. Nisbet (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 405, in a review of the 1953 Yorkshire Bird Report, says: 'A Nutcracker is well described near Doncaster on 25th September.'

Mather (1986) and Wilson & Slack (1997) state the year as 1952 whereas Rhodes (1967) in The Birds of Doncaster District states it as 1953 and R. K. Cornwallis (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 427, says: '6th to 10th October 1953.'

61). 1954 Gwent St Julian's Wood, Newport, Monmouthshire, 19th October.

(Gwent Ornithological Society, 1977; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Gwent Ornithological Society (1977) say: 'A single bird was seen in St Julian's Wood, Newport on 19th October 1954.'

62). 1955 Yorkshire Eccup Reservoir, three, 1st November.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 81: 70; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1956) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXI. p. 70, says: 'Three flew out of a plantation at Eccup on November 1st showing conspicuous white under tail coverts, and white edges and tip to black tail. One settled on the top of a tree. Through x 10 glasses at 20 yards range the mottled brown plumage and almost black wings were quite clear (H.W).'

65). 1957 Surrey Frensham, 31st August.

(Haslemere Natural History Society Report 1968; Clark, 1984; Wheatley, 2007).

History Clark (1984) lists one for 31st August at Frensham.

66). 1957 Surrey Frensham, 12th November.

(R. K. Martin, Surrey Bird Report 1957: 16; Parr, 1972; Clark, 1984; Wheatley, 2007).

History R. K. Martin (1957) in the Surrey Bird Report, p. 16, says: 'An excellent description and drawing was received of a bird seen at Frensham on Nov. 12th (E.C.M.). It is of interest that it was seen at a time when there had been an unusually large immigration of Corvids and other Continental species.'

67). 1957 Breconshire Llangattock, seen, autumn.

(Massey, 1976; Peers & Shrubb, 1990; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History Massey (1976: 49) says: 'The only acceptable record is of one in the autumn of 1957 seen by J. P. Sankey-Barker at Llangattock.'

NOT PROVEN

0). Early 1800s Gower Near Swansea, Glamorgan, killed, undated.

(E. C. Phillips, Zoologist 1882: 47; Phillips, 1899; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; Hurford & Lansdown, 1995).

[KAN].

History Edward Cambridge Phillips (1882) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VI. p. 47, says: 'Nutcracker. I have seen but one stuffed specimen in Wales, and that was a bird in perfect plumage, which was killed many years since in the adjoining county of Glamorgan.'

Phillips (1899: 38) quotes the same as above, while, Hurford & Lansdown (1995) state this occurrence at Swansea as some time before 1870.

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

0). 1808 Devon Locality in the North, shot, August.

(Montagu, 1813; Yarrell, 1845; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Harting, 1901; Moore, 1969).

[KAN].

History Montagu (1813) says: 'In August, 1808, one of these birds was shot in the north of Devon, now in the collection of Mr. Comyns.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 126, 2nd ed.) says: 'In 1813, Montagu mentioned one in the collection of Mr. Comyns, which had been shot in North Devon in August 1808.' Further, in a footnote he adds: 'In the same year (1813) Graves figured (Brit. Orn. II.) a specimen from Bullock's Museum, said to have been shot in Devon and given to the proprietor by a Mr. Harrison. No notice of it, however, is taken in the Guide to that collection nor in the catalogue of its contents when sold a few years later. The anonymous compiler (believed by Mr. Harting to have been Mr. James of Manaccan) of a list of the birds of Cornwall and Devon (Monthly Mag. XXVI. pt. ii, p. 434, for Dec. 1808) mentions one seen by him in autumn in one of those counties. Whether it was the specimen recorded by Montagu is uncertain.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 86) say: 'A specimen was shot in North Devon in August 1808, which was preserved in the collection of Mr. Comyns, a gentleman who resided at Mount Pleasant, Starcross, and had a large collection of birds (Montagu, Orn. Dict., Suppl.). This collection was dispersed sometime between 1837 and 1848.'

Comment Confusion with the said Cornwall record. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). 1808 Cornwall No locality, seen, autumn.

(Monthly Magazine, Dec., 1808; Montagu, 1813; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1880; Penhallurick, 1978).

[Harting, 1880].

History Montagu (1813) says: 'Another is stated to have been shot in Cornwall (Monthly Magazine for December, 1808).'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 126, 2nd ed.) says: 'Another is stated in the Monthly Magazine for December 1808, to have been shot in Cornwall.' It was admitted by Newman (1866: 2009).

Harting, Editor (1880: 309) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, under 'Appendix' says: 'Nutcracker. Has apparently some claim to be added to the list, although it must be confessed, a slight one.'

Bellamy (1839) says: '...has been killed in Cornwall.' Doubtless he copied from Montagu, who in turn derived his information from an anonymous writer in the Monthly Magazine for December, 1808, believed to be a Mr. James of Manaccan. The words of this writer are: "I never saw but one, and that was in the autumn". No locality was mentioned.'

Penhallurick (1978) adds: 'Mr. James of Manaccan wrote in his list published in December 1808, "I never saw but one, and that was in the autumn". The year is not given, but it seems probable, considering the time of publication of the Monthly Magazine, that "the autumn" is the one just gone, a speculation given weight by the record of one shot somewhere in North Devon in August the same year. James most probably saw his bird in his own parish or within the Lizard peninsula.'

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1813 Devon No locality, shot, undated.

(Graves, 1811-21; Yarrell, 1845).

[Pidsley, 1891].

History Graves (1813 (2): unpaged) says: 'This rare species is about thirteen inches in length, and weighs between eight and nine ounces. Bill two inches long, the base thickly beset with sharp pointed feathers interspersed with bristles; eyes light hazel 5 legs very strong; claws short, and much curved. But few instances are on record of this bird having been found in England; the specimen from which our figure was executed was shot in Devonshire, and presented by Mr. Harrison, of Parliament Street to Mr. Bullock, proprietor of the London Museum.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 331, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'In 1813, Montagu mentioned...' Further, in a footnote he adds: 'In the same year (1813) Graves figured (Brit. Orn. II.) a specimen from Bullock's Museum, said to have been shot in Devon and given to the proprietor by a Mr. Harrison. No notice of it, however, is taken in the Guide to that collection nor in the catalogue of its contents when sold a few years later.'

Pidsley (1891: 52) says: 'There are other reports of Nutcrackers supposed to have been seen in the county: Graves figures a Nutcracker, with this remark; "The specimen from which our figure was executed, was shot in Devonshire, and presented by Mr. Hamilton of Parliament Street, to Mr. Bullock, proprietor of the London Museum", (Brit. Orn. Vol. I.), but no recent occurrences are known to me.'

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). 1819 Northumberland Netherwitton Wood, seen, autumn.

(Selby, 1833; Yarrell, 1845; Hancock, 1874; Harting, 1901; Bolam, 1912; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

[Yarrell, 1876-82].

History Selby (1833 (1): 368) says: 'The Nutcracker is a very rare visitant in Great Britain. Not more than three or four instances are upon record of its having been observed in this country. To these I may add another, as this bird was seen in Netherwitton Wood, in the county of Northumberland, in the autumn of 1819, by my coadjutor in the delineations for this work, Captain Robert Mitford of the Royal Navy.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 127, 2nd ed.) says: 'Mr. Selby refers to one seen in Netherwitton Wood in the county of Northumberland, in the autumn of 1819, by his brother Captain Robert Mitford, of the Royal Navy, who also during an excursion in Switzerland, September 1825, met with a large flock of Nutcrackers in a forest mostly composed of pinasters and stone pines. These birds were all busily engaged, feeding upon the seeds contained in the cones. They were not wild, but allowed of a near approach.'

Hancock (1874: 39) says: 'In Mr. Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, Vol. I. p. 368, it is stated that this rare casual visitant "was seen in Netherwitton Wood, Northumberland, in the autumn of 1819, by his coadjutor, Captain Robert Mitford, of the Royal Navy". This species is not included, however, in Mr. Selby's catalogue.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 332, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote says: 'The species has been many times noticed as seen in various parts of England, and, though observers may in some cases have been mistaken, the records deserve mention. The second bird was observed in Netherwitton Wood, in the autumn of 1819, by Admiral Mitford, the coadjutor of Selby, who records the incident.'

Comment Identity not fully proven. Not acceptable.

0). 1824 Suffolk Holton, near Halesworth, obtained, June, now at Leverian Museum, Ely.

(Babington, 1884-1886; Ticehurst, 1932).

[KAN].

History Babington (1884-86: 235) says: 'One taken at Holton in June, 1824, preserved in the Leverian Museum at Ely (E. Bidwell in litt. from Cat. of Leverian Museum at Ely).'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 48).

Comment A very curious date. All records are from autumn and winter. Probably imported. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1826 Suffolk Southwold, obtained, undated.

(R. Sheppard & W. Whitear, 1827; J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1315; Stevenson, 1866; Babington, 1884-86).

[Yarrell, 1876-82].

History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1315, say: 'A Nutcracker was taken some years since at Southwold, in Suffolk.'

Stevenson (1866 (1): 284) says: 'A Nutcracker is stated by Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear to have occurred some years ago at Southwold, in Suffolk.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 331, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'In 1846, Messrs. Gurney and Fisher mentioned (Zool., p. 1315) an example "taken some years since at Southwold, in Suffolk", but the Editor, without expressing any doubt as to the statement, is compelled to remark that he has failed in obtaining any confirmation of it.'

Babington (1884-86: 236) says: 'One taken some years before 1846 at Southwold; Prof. Newton has not been able to trace it; perhaps the same as the Holton bird.'

Comment All probably relate to one individual and the original record by Sheppard & Whitear. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1833 North-east Scotland Alford, Peterhead, seen, undated.

(Yarrell, 1845; Gray, 1871; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 363; Phillips, 1997).

[Yarrell, 1876-82; Sim, 1903; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953].

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 127, 2nd ed.) says: '...another in that of Mr. Arbuthnot, at Peterhead.'

Gray (1871: 188) says: 'A third example is referred to in the statistical account of the parish of Peterhead, the writer of which states that a specimen of the Nutcracker, killed near that town, was in the collection of Mr. [Adam] Arbuthnot there in 1833.'

Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'I visited the Peterhead Museum, which contains Mr. Arbuthnot's collection, in May, 1869, but could find no trace of the specimen.' However, it is not included in the list supplied by A. Arbuthnot to Rev. William Donald (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, XII, "Peterhead", 1840, pp. 350-351). But, in the Statistical Account for the Parish of Alford, written in 1831, Rev. James Farquharson says: 'amongst which is the rare Nutcracker, seen by Major Thomas Youngson.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 332, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'The species has been many times noticed as seen in various parts of England, and, though observers may in some cases have been mistaken, the records deserve mention. Mr. R. Gray, who in 1869 examined this collection in the Peterhead Museum, could find no trace of the specimen. The statement, like many others touching Zoology in the same compilation, very possibly originated in a mistake. MacGillivray is frequently said to have asserted that the specimen he described was also killed in Scotland, whereas he did nothing of the kind.'

H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 363, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record. However, Sim (1903: 106-107) placed the record in square brackets.

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

0). Pre 1837 Surrey Peper Harow Park, Godalming, seen, undated.

(W. Kidd et al., Entomological Magazine 4: 270; E. Newman, Letters of Rusticus, p. 158; Yarrell, 1845; Bucknill, 1900; Harting, 1901).

[Yarrell, 1876-82].

History W. Kidd et al. (1836-37) in the Entomological Magazine, Vol. IV. pp. 263-275, say: 'One specimen of this exceedingly rare bird was seen, and closely observed by Samuel Haines, Esq. surgeon, of Godalming, in Peperharrow-park, the seat of Viscount Middleton. From the description given by Mr. Haines, who is a good Ornithologist, there is not the slightest doubt as to the identity of the bird. W.K.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 127, 2nd ed.) says: 'Rusticus, of Godalming, has lately noticed that one was closely watched by a gentleman in Pepper Harrow [sic] Park, the seat of Lord Middleton.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 332, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'The species has been many times noticed as seen in various parts of England, and, though observers may in some cases have been mistaken, the records deserve mention. Newman ('Letters of Rusticus', p. 159) notices two seen in Surrey - one closely watched by Mr. R. Haines in Peperharow Park.'

Bucknill (1900: 71-73) says: 'In the Entomological Magazine, for 1837 Rusticus places it in his list, and Mr. Waring Kidd, add: "One specimen of this exceedingly rare bird was seen and closely observed by Samuel Haines, Esq., surgeon, of Godalming, in Peperharow Park, the seat of Viscount Middleton". From the description given by Mr. Haines, who is a good ornithologist, there is not the slightest doubt as to the identity of the bird....The Peperharow specimen was, therefore, prior to 1837...Though Mr. kidd gives no date for his Guildford observation, it is quite possible that, as both the the two specimens of Mr. Webb and Mr. Stafford were shot during the period in which Mr. Kidd's record must have been (as explained above), either of the two latter were identicial with the one he noticed, and the more so because the two places are only a few miles apart...it is somewhat curious that all four records have been recorded from one corner of the county.'

Comment "Rusticus" was Edward Newman, Editor of The Zoologist. Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. Not acceptable.

0). 1837-49 Surrey Near Guildford, seen, undated.

(E. Newman, Letters of Rusticus, p. 159; Bucknill, 1900; Harting, 1901).

[Yarrell, 1876-82].

History Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 332, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'The species has been many times noticed as seen in various parts of England, and, though observers may in some cases have been mistaken, the records deserve mention. Newman ('Letter of Rusticus', p. 159) notices two seen in Surrey - one closely watched by Mr. W. Kidd near Guildford.'

Bucknill (1900: 72) says: 'In 1849, in the 'Letters of Rusticus', the writers class it as an "occasional visitor" (p. 156), and after embodying their former note, Mr. Waring Kidd adds, "a second example was observed by myself near Guildford....and Mr. Kidd's Guildford specimen between 1837 and 1849".'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. See Pre 1847 Surrey record. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1840 Suffolk Oakley Park, obtained, undated.

(Babington, 1884-1886; Ticehurst, 1932).

[KAN].

History Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 331, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'The Editor is informed by Sir E. Kerrison that he has had a specimen in his possession for about forty years, which he believes to have been killed in Oakley Park in the same county [Suffolk].'

Accepted locally (Babington 1884-86: 236; Ticehurst 1932: 48).

Comment "Believed to be"! says Prof. Newton. Not acceptable.

0). 1841 Kent Sachet’s Hill, near Margate, seen, undated.

(S. Mummery, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 7: 523; Harrison, 1953).

[Ticehurst, 1909; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981].

History Stephen Mummery (1841) in the Annals & Magazine Natural History, Vol. VII. p. 523, says: 'Mr. Mummery has communicated the following notices of birds lately taken in the Isle of Thanet: - "I have also seen at Sacketts [sic] Hill a beautiful bird, the Nucifraga caryocatactes, or Nutcracker: I kept in sight of it for about two hours without being able to get a shot at it".'

Ticehurst (1909: 194) says: 'Besides these four [1781, 1816, 1885, 1905], one or two others are reported to have been seen in the county.'

Comment Seen by Stephen Mummery but presumably not of the five accepted (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1981). Mummery is unreliable (Ticehurst 1909). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1842 Yorkshire Campsall, near Doncaster, undated.

(Lankester, 1842; Clarke & Roebuck, 1881; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History Clarke & Roebuck (1881: 35) say: 'Campsall, one said to have occurred, on the authority of Neville Wood (Lankester's Askern, 1842, p. 70).'

Accepted locally by Nelson (1907 (1): 225) who erroneously calls the author of the reference, Lancaster. Also, by (Mather 1986).

Comment An Account of Askern and its Mineral Springs; together with a Sketch of the Natural History, and a brief topography of the immediate neighbourhood, by Edwin Lankester, to give it the full title. Lankester worked for Mr. Wood of Campsall Hall, near Doncaster, as the family medical attendant and science tutor. He was a F.R.S. becoming later the secretary of the Ray Society. Askern is in Campsall parish about seven miles north of Doncaster. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1845 Devon Hooe Lake, near Plymouth, seen, undated.

(Yarrell, 1845).

[Yarrell, 1876-82].

History Yarrell (1845 (2): 127, 2nd ed.) says: 'Mr. E. H. Rodd, of Penzance, in an extended communication to myself on the birds of Cornwall, mentions that one was seen on a tree on the banks of Hooe Lake by Thomas Bulted, Esq., of Belle Vue, Plymouth.'

Comment Two spellings of the person who saw it. Identity not fully proven. Not acceptable.

0). 1847 Surrey Clandon Common, shot, autumn.

(G. J. Webb, Zoologist 1850: 2914; Bucknill, 1900; Wheatley, 2007).

[Yarrell, 1871-85].

History G. J. Webb of Godalming (1850) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. VIII. p. 2914, undated, but probably August, says: 'The gardener at West Horsley Place being a bit of a birdstuffer, frequently has specimens brought to him from the neighbourhood, and three years ago, as near as he can remember, about this time of year, a labouring man sold him a bird which he had shot on the roof of his cottage, on Clandon Common, in this county (Surrey), which he preserved, but till the other day had no notion what it was, when a gentleman from the neighbourhood happening to see it, told him it was a Nutcracker. I have since seen it, and thought it was worthy of a corner in The Zoologist.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 331, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: 'About 1847 one is said (op. cit. p. 2914) to have been killed on Clandon Common in Surrey...'

Comment Prof. Newton did not have much faith in the record, using the phrase "one is said to have been killed". Not acceptable.

0). 1853 Norfolk/Suffolk Off Great Yarmouth, killed, 7th October.

(J. Green, Zoologist 1853: 4096; J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1853: 4124; T. Southwell, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 4: 88; J. O. Harper, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 4: 164; Allard, 1990; Piotrowski, 2003).

[KAN].

History James Green of East Road, City Road (1853) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XI. p. 4096, dated October, 1853, says: 'I have a fine specimen of the Nutcracker, which was shot by a fisherman, off Yarmouth, on the 7th of this month (October 1853): it is in a beautiful state of preservation. [This bird was brought to me in the flesh - E.N.[ewman].'

J. H. Gurney of Easton (1853) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XI. p. 4124, dated 21st October 1853, adds: 'The above rare bird has recently been obtained in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth about the 10th of October.'

Thomas Southwell of Fakenham (1854) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 88, dated 11th February 1854, says: 'A Nutcracker was shot off Yarmouth, Norfolk, on 7th October, 1853.'

J. O. Harper of Norwich (1854) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 164, dated April, 1854, says: 'A male specimen of this bird, in good plumage, was shot at, or near, the above mentioned town, the 12th of October, 1853.'

Further, p. 165, he adds: 'It was prepared by me as a natural skeleton for J. E. Warwick, Naturalist, 23, New Street, Kennington Road, London.'

Comment Mr. J. Green, Finsbury, was a dealer and anything was doubtfully received (Witherby). Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1854 Cumbria Near Whitehaven, undated.

(J. Robson, Zoologist 1854: 4168; Harting, 1901).

[Yarrell, 1876-82; Hutcheson, 1986].

History J. Robson (1854) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XII. p. 4168, says: 'Near Whitehaven.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 331-332, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'The species has been many times noticed as seen in various parts of England, and, though observers may in some cases have been mistaken, the records deserve mention. An example is said (Zool., p. 4168) to have occurred near Whitehaven in Cumberland, but the list which includes it contains so many extraordinary assertions that belief in this particular statement may await the aducement of further evidence, the more so since it is not declared whether the example was procured or not.'

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

0). 1862 Devon Near Saltram, seen, October.

(J. B. Rowe, Transactions of the Plymouth Institution 1862-63: 66; Harting, 1901).

[Yarrell, 1876-82; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; Moore, 1969].

History J. Brooking Rowe (1862-63) in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, Vol. I. p. 65, says: 'I am pretty sure I saw one in the woods at Saltram, in October, 1862.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 86) say: 'Mr. J. Brooking Rowe thinks he saw one in the woods at Saltram in October, 1862 (Trans. Plym. Inst., 1863).'

Comment Identity not fully proven. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1865 Greater London/Surrey Dulwich Meadows, obtained, undated.

(Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

[KAN].

History Wheatley (2007: 556) says: 'One said to have been obtained about 1865 by Mr. Parsloe, a Brixton bird-stuffer, at Dulwich Meadows.'

Comment One "said to have been" places no faith in the record. Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). 1866 Gloucestershire Shurdington, undated.

(Mellersh, 1902).

[Swaine, 1982].

History Mellersh (1902) says: 'One seen by T. White, Shurdington near Cheltenham, 1866. Rejected by Swaine (1982).

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). Pre 1868 Yorkshire Boynton Wood, obtained, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History Nelson (1907 (1): 225) says: 'Mr. T. Boynton of Bridlington has a specimen, which he informs me was procured in Boynton Woods, and was formerly in the Bessingby collection belonging to the late Harrington Hudson.'

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not acceptable.

0). 1870 Yorkshire Dungeon Wood, Huddersfield, killed, undated.

(Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[Anon., Naturalist 1909: 197; Chislett, 1952].

History Nelson (1907 (1): 225) says: 'The Rev. G. D. Armitage possesses an example which was killed at Dungeon Wood, Huddersfield, in 1870, and was purchased by S. L. Mosley who preserved it (Armitage, in litt.).'

Anon (1909) in The Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. p. 197, says: 'Mr. S. L. Mosley, the Curator of the Keighley Museum, periodically publishes pamphlets bearing upon objects in his collection....In the last we notice Nutcracker - an error. A statement in Nelson's Birds of Yorkshire that a bird of this kind was shot in Dungeon Wood, and that I had it in the flesh is a mistake, and was inserted without my knowledge. I never had such a bird, nor had my father.'

Chislett (1952: 38) says: 'S. L. Mosley states (Naturalist, 1909, p. 197) that he had never possessed a Nutcracker.'

Comment Error. Not acceptable.

0). 1871 Nottinghamshire Ramsdale, seen, winter.

(Whitaker, 1907).

[KAN].

History Whitaker (1907) says: 'One of these very uncommon birds was seen at Ramsdale by my brother, W. Whitaker, in the winter of 1871. It flew out from a thorn tree, and he had a shot at it but missed; on following it up he had a good view of it several times but failed to secure it.'

Comment Joseph Whitaker who was a showman, built up a collection of birds which are housed in the Mansfield Museum, and had many articles published in The Field (1871-1912), Zoologist (1883-1913) and The Naturalist (1884-1904) but failed to make any mention of this record, so one is left with the idea that he did not have much faith in it. There were no supporting details of his brother's expertise in ornithology. Not acceptable.

0). 1873 Somerset King's Cliff Wood, North Petherton, seen, 4th August.

(T. C. Melvill, Field 16th Aug., 1873: 190; T. C. Melvill, Zoologist 1873: 3689-90; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).

[Yarrell, 1871-85].

History T. Cosmo Melvill of Maunsell House, near Bridgwater (1873) in The Field of 16th Aug., Vol. XLII. p. 190, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII., pp. 3689-90, quoting from The Field, of 16th August, 1873, says: 'It may interest your readers to learn that, on the 4th instant, a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) was observed by myself and others flying over the Kingscliffe Woods, about two miles from North Petherton. We had a good view of it for upwards of a mile, and repeatedly heard it utter its shrill discordant note. There is a record of one having been seen in this county some seventy years ago; but so far as I can learn no recent examples have been observed here.'

Accepted locally (Somerset Ornithological Society 1988; Ballance 2006).'

Comment Prof. Newton did not have much faith in these sight records. Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. Very early date. Not acceptable.

0). 1876 Lothian Yester, seen, December.

(Yarrell, 1871-85).

[Yarrell, 1876-82; Bolam, 1912].

History Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 332, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, in a footnote, says: 'The species has been many times noticed as seen in various parts of England, and, though observers may in some cases have been mistaken, the records deserve mention. The late Lord Tweeddale told the Editor [A. Newton] of one supposed to have been seen at Yester in East Lothian in December, 1876.'

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

0). 1881 Devon Instow, seen, undated.

(Field 1881; M. H. Rotherham, Zoologist 1883: 338; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; D'Urban, 1906).

[Not in Moore, 1969].

History M. H. Rotherham of Westward Ho (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 338, says: '...A bird of this species was observed two years previously at Instow, near Bideford, by Mr. C. F. Hinchcliff, and he recorded it in his list of birds which was published in The Field as occurring within seven miles of Westward Ho.'

Accepted locally (D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 86).

W. S. M. D'Urban (1906 (1): 307) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says: 'A Nutcracker was seen...and another was seen two years previously at Instow by Mr. C. F. Hinchliff.'

Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

0). 1883 Devon Huntsham Woods, near Bideford, seen, 14th July.

(M. H. Rotherham, Zoologist 1883: 338; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; D'Urban, 1906).

[Not in Moore, 1969].

History M. H. Rotherham of Westward Ho (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 338, says: 'I have to report the occurrence of the Nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes, which I observed in Huntshaw Woods [sic], near Bideford, North Devon, on July 14th....Yarrell also mentions it as having been observed in North Devon in 1808. When I saw the bird in question it was perched on a withered larch-stump, where it remained for about two minutes. I was quite close enough to observe distinctly its plumage, and am perfectly certain that I am not mistaken as to its species.'

Accepted locally (D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 86).

W. S. M. D'Urban (1906 (1): 307) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says: 'A Nutcracker was seen by Mr. M. H. Rotherham on 14 July 1880, in Huntsham Woods near Bideford; and another was seen two years previously at Instow by Mr. C. F. Hinchliff.'

Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

0). 1883 Nottinghamshire Clumber Park, two, shot, undated.

(Barker, 1966).

[KAN].

History No further details.

Comment Lacks adequate details. Not recorded in any of the journals of the day. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1890 Gwent Pontrhydyrun Wood, Pontypool, Monmouthshire, obtained, undated, now at National Museum of Wales, Cardiff (Z.1912.070).

(Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 31: 13; Ingram & Salmon, 1939; Humphreys, 1963).

[Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994].

History Cardiff Naturalists' Society (1900) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. XXXI. p. 13, say: 'A specimen in Cardiff Museum was obtained in the neighbouring county of Monmouth, in Pontrhydyrun Wood, by the late Mr. Conway.'

Humphreys (1963: 40) says: 'Obtained in Pontrhydyrun Wood over sixty years ago is now in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.'

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

0). Pre 1891 Devon No locality, obtained, undated.

(Pidsley, 1891).

[Pidsley, 1891].

History Pidsley (1891: 52) says: 'The Rev. G. C. Green has kindly called my attention to a Nutcracker preserved in the possession of Mr. L. Sparrow of Strode, near Ivybridge. Mr. Sparrow believes the specimen to have been obtained by his father, but is unable to furnish an exact date.'

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

0). 1891 Dumfries & Galloway Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, seen, early September.

(H. Maxwell, Scottish Naturalist 11: 191; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[I. J. Andrews & K. A. Naylor, Scottish Birds 23: 106].

History Herbert Maxwell (1891) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 191, says: 'I have pleasure in reporting the occurrence of an extremely rare and interesting visitor to Scotland – the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). My younger son, who is a well-informed naturalist, on whom I am able to rely as a careful observer, watched the bird at Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, feeding on mountain-ash berries, and assures me that he could not be mistaken, as he and a companion got quite near the bird. He identified it afterwards by comparison of three authorities, Yarrell, Morris, and Lord Lilford, in all of which it is well figured...there being, only three authenticated instances of its having been shot in Scotland.'

Admitted by Saunders (1899: 233 2nd ed.) but not listed by Harting (1901).

Baxter & Rintoul (1953 (1): 28) say: 'The only occurrences which appear to us wholly free of doubt is of one seen in September, 1891, at Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire.'

However, in a review it was found unacceptable (I. J. Andrews & K. A. Naylor, Scottish Birds 23: 106).

0). Pre 1893 Avon Near Bath, Somerset, shot, undated.

(M. A. Mathew, Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society 39: 114; Blathwayt, 1906).

[KAN].

History M. A. Mathew (1893) in the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Vol. XXXIX. p. 114, says: 'The late Captain Tomlin, of Rumwell House, near Taunton, possessed a Nutcracker that had been shot near Bath.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1906 (1): 150) in the Victoria County History of Somerset, quotes the same story.

Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Details could be confused with one obtained in 1887 near Wrington which is not so far from Bath. Not acceptable.

0). 1898 North-east Scotland Aberdeen, seen, 5th November.

(H. N. Bonar, Transactions of the Scottish Natural History Society 1: 101-102).

[KAN].

History H. N. Bonar (1900) in the Transactions of the Scottish Natural History Society, Vol. I. pp. 101-102, says: 'I give the following on the authority of Mr. Robert Walker, M.A., Secretary of the University Court, Aberdeen, with whom I have lately been in correspondence. Mr. Walker had several times heard a peculiar bird-note (which he describes as like "kir-kir-kir-kir-ik" which he could not identify, coming from some old and lofty trees in grounds on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

On the afternoon of 5th November 1898, he heard the cry directly overhead, and soon discovered, among the topmost branches of a beech-tree, some forty or fifty feet high, the bird from which it proceeded. He watched it carefully through a pair of binoculars, and, although at the time he had no idea what kind of bird it was, he was at once struck by its corvine appearance. As it was not particularly timid, and as he was less than fifty feet from the bird (directly below it), he was enabled by means of his powerful glasses to see its every movement.

Owing to its comparatively large size the bird had difficulty in steadying itself on the very slender outside branches which it was trying to reach, and consequently it flapped about a good deal with its wings in its attempts to balance itself on the thin branch to which it clung. At last, seizing its opportunity, it pounced on a beech-nut within reach. This it grasped with its toes, then deftly pecked once or twice, and finally extracted the kernel. All this was clearly seen by Mr. Walker through his binoculars. Being in such a favourable position he was particularly struck by the rich brown colour of its plumage. Though he subsequently heard its cry, he never again saw the bird. Next day he went to Professor Trail, who, on hearing the details I have just given, pronounced the bird to be the Nutcracker.

It is interesting to note the account of the bird's feeding habits given by Yarrell (Vol. II. p. 338, Brit. Birds). He says: - "It plucks cones or nuts from the smaller boughs. It then repairs to a larger branch, and there holding its booty fast to the perch with one foot, skilfully picks out the seeds".

In Scotland there are, so far as I am aware, only three well-authenticated cases of the occurrence of this bird. One at Invergarry in October 1868, and one in Orkney. Both those luckless birds were "obtained", so that there can be no doubt as to their genuineness; while a third example was, on the reliable authority of Sir Herbert Maxwell, seen in Wigtownshire in 1891. This Aberdeen bird was not, I am glad to say, shot. In fact, the reason why Mr. Walker delayed making public its occurrence was his great desire to save the nutcracker from the gun of the collector.

I think there can be little doubt as to the identity of the bird. We have - 1. Its resemblance to a crow. 2. Its method of shelling nuts. 3. Its rich brown plumage. 4. Its note (though to this I do not attach much importance, except when taken in conjunction with the other three points).

I only add in conclusion: if it were not a Nutcracker, what bird could it possibly have been?'

Comment No white spotting seen. Identification uncertain. Not acceptable.

0). 1899 Norfolk/Suffolk Near Thetford, seen, early May.

(Field 13th May 1899: 680; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1900: 106; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 254; Ticehurst, 1932; Seago, 1977).

[J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1912: 136].

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 106, says: 'For a week in the early part of May a Nutcracker frequented a plantation of tall dark fir trees near Thetford, Mr. Thomas Baring's attention being first drawn by its unusual croaking note; but after a week the bird disappeared, and was not seen again, fortunately escaping the prowling gunners. The last occurred in 1888; but we have never had one in spring before, and only four altogether; and, for Lincolnshire, Mr. Cordeaux only mentions two.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 254, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 136, says: 'On looking back through The Zoologist...and the last before that was a doubtful occurrence in May, 1899.'

Accepted locally for Suffolk (Ticehurst 1932: 48).

Comment Unusual date. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1900 Lincolnshire Near Scotton Common, seen, 14th August.

(F. M. Burton, Naturalist 26: 319; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 411).

[Smith & Cornwallis, 1955].

History F. M. Burton of Gainsborough (1900) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXVI. p. 319, dated 20th September, 1900, says: 'On the 14th of August last I had the good fortune to come across the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) in a wood, principally of pine, on the south-west side of Scotney Common. I was first attracted by its very loud and raucous notes, totally unfamiliar to me, resembling more the noise one hears in the parrot-house at the Zoo, than any other English bird....One corner of the wood at Scotney Common consists of a thick plantation of young larch trees from which the sounds came, and, on my going cautiously up to it, three birds, about the size of doves, flew out without uttering a sound; but, immediately, close to me, the cries I had heard before broke from apparently more than one quarter. Three others who were of my party heard the cries, independently of one another, and two of them saw the bird; while each corroborated the account I give, describing the flight as undulating like that of a woodpecker, and the notes as being exceedingly harsh and loud.

So far as I can ascertain the nest of this bird has not hitherto been found in England, though it occurs in various parts of Europe. Possibly it may have been overlooked, but, if not, there is no reason why it should not be met with in this country. Whether, however, the bird I saw in June was a Nutcracker, and whether the three birds I saw fly out from the larch trees were the young of that species with their parents - and Nutcrackers are in the habit of going in small flocks, parents and young - of one thing there is no doubt, that the bird I met with last August was Nucifraga caryocatactes.

There is one, and only one, previous record of it in Lincolnshire, and that occurred near Sleaford, where it was shot in March 1833, and, through the liberality of Colonel Mason, is now in the Lincoln Museum.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 411, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Not accepted locally (Smith & Cornwallis 1955).

0). 1901 Yorkshire Ilkley, killed, 5th January.

(W. R. Butterfield, Ibis 1901: 737-738; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 254; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History W. R. Butterfield of St. Leonards-on-Sea (1901) in The Ibis, Vol. XLIII. pp. 737-738, in a Letter, says: 'My friend Mr. Arthur P. Page permits me to send particulars of a Nutcracker shot by a gamekeeper near Ilkley, Yorkshire, on the 5th of Jan., 1901, and purchased by Mr. Page in the flesh on the same day. Unfortunately the sex was not determined. On comparing this specimen with two Dutch examples sent by Heer F. E. Blaauw to Dr. Sclater (cf. Bull. B. O. Club, Vol. XI. p. 48, Feb. 28, 1901), I find that it belongs to the slender-billed or eastern form, Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchos, and it is therefore interesting as indicating, the western limit of the irruption of this bird in Europe during the last months of 1900.'

Accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 225) and admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 254, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Cheshire. [sic] One was shot at Ilkley on 5th January, 1901, and was identified as belonging to the slender-billed Siberian form.'

Comment Ilkley is in Yorkshire. Butterfield was at the heart of recording a lot of "Hastings Rarities". Not acceptable.

0). 1902 Northamptonshire Courteenhall, seen, 14th January.

(W. Tomalin, Field 2nd Apr., 1904: 580).

[Taylor MS., 1959].

History W. Tomalin of Northampton (1904) in The Field of 2nd Apr., Vol. CIII. p. 580, says: '...On Jan. 14, 1902, I find an entry in my diary that Sir Hereward Wake, Bart., of Courteenhall in this county, saw one in the woods there.'

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

0). 1904 Northamptonshire Tywell, caught, 27th February.

(W. Tomalin, Field 2nd Apr., 1904: 580).

[Taylor MS., 1959].

History W. Tomalin of Northampton (1904) in The Field of 2nd Apr., Vol. CIII. p. 580, says: 'A bird of this species was taken in February last in a trap set for vermin at Tywell, some seven miles from this town, and I have seen it. It was set up by Mr. Bazeley of this town. About the same date (Feb. 27) one was reported as seen in Devonshire. On Jan. 14, 1902, I find an entry in my diary that Sir Hereward Wake, Bart., of Courteenhall in this county, saw one in the woods there.

It would appear to be unacceptable locally.

Comment The Devon record is ignored as hearsay. Bazeley, George or William are mentioned in Marshall (2009). Not acceptable.

0). 1904 Kent Godlands, Tovil, seen, November.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981].

History Ticehurst (1909: 194) says: 'During the previous November [to January 1905] a Nutcracker (possibly the same bird) [as the 1905 bird] was seen on three different days by Mrs. Herbert Green and several members of her family in their garden at Godlands, Tovil. On the second occasion, Mrs. Green informs me, the bird was on the lawn or in the neighbouring trees for about half-an-hour, so that they were able to watch it with glasses at short range and fully establish its identity.'

Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1981).

0). c. 1904 Sussex Bow Hill, Lavant, obtained, undated.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 39) who was informed by T. H. A. Denman that a Nutcracker was obtained about 1904 under Bow Hill, Lavant.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).

0). 1905 Kent Benenden, male, 14th January.

(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 15: 31-32; "Hy.S." Field 4th Feb., 1905: 190; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 254; Ticehurst, 1909).

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

History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1905) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XV. pp. 31-32, at the 111th Meeting of the Club held on 18th January 1905 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst exhibited a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) which had been shot on the 14th inst. by a gamekeeper at Benenden in Kent. It was a male by dissection.

The previous instances of this bird's occurrence in Kent appear to be one mentioned in Latham's Synopsis (Vol. I. p. 401), a specimen in the British Museum (cf. Sharpe, Catalogue of Birds, III. p. 54), and a specimen shot in Strode Park, Herne, on November 17, 1885.'

"Hy.S." (1905) in The Field of 4th Feb., Vol. CV. p. 190, says: 'At the last meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club Dr. N. F. Ticehurst exhibited a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) shot by a gamekeeper at Benenden, near Cranbrook, Kent, making the fourth record for the county. The bird proved a male by dissection.'

Accepted locally by Ticehurst (1909: 193-194) who adds: 'It is now in the collection of Mr. Fleetwood Ashburnham.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1905 Greater London/Surrey Dulwich, seen, 14th April.

(Power, 1910).

[London Natural History Society, 1964; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014].

History Power (1910: 52) says: 'Although a hundred yards or so distant, I am satisfied as to my correct identification of this wandering straggler. On April 14th, 1905, I saw it crossing the golf round near Lordship Lane to the wooded rise at Sydenham, where it alighted with a low dip among some fir trees. In the year 1880, the late Mr. Parsloe, a Brixton bird-stuffer, showed me a mounted specimen which he had obtained some fifteen years previously in the same Dulwich Meadows.'

London Natural History Society (1964) say: 'Power (1910) claims to have seen a Nutcracker flying across the golf course at Lordship Lane, Dulwich, on 14th April, 1905. He says: "I am satisfied as to my correct identification", but gives no details, and some doubt must attach to the record.'

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). 1905 Sussex Northiam, female, obtained, 27th April.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 38) says: 'On 27th April, 1905, a female of the thick-billed race (N. c. caryocatactes) was obtained at Northiam and is in Mr. F. Ashburnham's collection.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1905 Shropshire Locality withheld, five/six, seen, late August to late September.

(H. E. Forrest, Field 21st Oct., 1905: 734).

[H. E. Forrest, Field 4th Nov., 1905: 818].

History H. E. Forrest of Shrewsbury (1905) in The Field of 21st Oct., Vol. CVI. p. 734, says: 'I am pleased to be able to add to the list of Shropshire birds the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), not only a solitary example, but a small party of this rare visitor. I have been asked not to specify the locality, so can only state that it was in wooded southern part of the county. The birds were seen repeatedly by some ladies in the garden behind their house. In this garden there is a large old yew tree, whilst close by are several plantations of conifers and other trees; indeed, the whole neighbourhood is more or less wooded.

The ladies first noticed a single strange bird on the lawn below the yew tree towards the end of August. It was larger than a Starling and lighter in colour, whilst its walk was a kind of strut similar to that of a Rook. They did not know what the bird was, and it was only when a week or so later the same bird again appeared accompanied by several others of the same kind that they began to search in natural history books to try and ascertain its species.

They then found that the birds were undoubtedly Nutcrackers, and as they continued to visit the garden from time to time up till the end of September, and the ladies frequently watched them at fairly close quarters through glasses, they were able to place the matter beyond dispute. On some occasions the birds were seen several times in a day, and they apparently numbered five, but possibly six. They were very shy, and always flew away when anyone appeared in the garden, going sometimes into the yew tree, at others disappearing into trees further off. The birds were not all alike in plumage, some being darker than others; these last were probably females.

The Nutcracker on the rare occasions when it has visited Great Britain has always appeared in the autumn, generally in October, so that this little party seems to have come somewhat earlier than usual.'

H. E. Forrest (1905) in The Field of 4th Nov., Vol. CVI. p. 818, says: 'On further consideration I think there is an element of doubt as to the identification of the birds reported by me in your columns. They were not seen by any competent ornithologist. The ladies have promised to let me know if they appear again; if I see them I will write further; meanwhile the matter must be considered not proven.'

[We inserted the note referred to on the assumption that our correspondent had satisfied himself of the truth of the report. The hasty announcement of the occurrence of birds believed to be rare, before they have been correctly identified, is much to be deprecated. - Ed.]

0). 1906 Dorset Bingham's Melcombe, seen, November.

(Dorset County Chronicle 29th Nov., 1906; N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 28: 261-262; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 39: 49; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

[F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 61: 138].

History Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1907) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XXVIII. pp. 261-262, says: 'Rare birds in 1906. Nutcracker. A specimen of this very rare bird was seen in the middle of November, on the Downs between Bingham's Melcombe and Chesilborne, by Mrs. and Miss Bosworth Smith and two lady friends, one of whom wrote to the Dorset County Chronicle (Nov. 29, 1906), giving some description of the bird and recording its occurrence.

As, however, important points were omitted, and the letter was somewhat unconvincing, I wrote to Mr. Bosworth Smith, who has kindly furnished me with further particulars, which make the record as reliable as one of observation without capture can well be. He says that Mrs. Bosworth Smith, who is a good observer of birds, when she came back laid stress on the material points, which are omitted from the description in the Dorset County Chronicle: (1) the size of the bird being that of a Jackdaw, (2) the size of its bill and tail, (3) the curved shape of the bill. In these points she was confirmed by her daughter, who was also accustomed to observe birds. The bird was under observation for some little time. This species has not before been recorded as occurring in Dorset. (N.M.R.).'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1918) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XXXIX. p. 49, under 'New Species of Birds observed in Dorset'. Later, however, it was not accepted by F. L. Blathwayt (1940) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXI. p. 138, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset', where he now placed the record in square brackets.

0). 1907 Sussex Broadoak, male, shot, 12th February, N. c. caryocatactes, now at Leicester Arts & Museums (Acc. No. Z28.2006.4.1).

(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 1: 285; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 124-125; Walpole-Bond, 1938; A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 111: 228-230).

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

History J. B. Nichols (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 185, says: 'I have been much interested in Mr. H. Saunders' and Messrs. Witherby and Ticehurst's papers in British Birds on "Additions since 1899" to the British Bird List. I should like to supplement them with the following records of rare birds in my own collection. A fine male of the thick-billed (west European) form of the Nutcracker was shot at Broadoak, Brede, Sussex, on February 12th, 1907.'

E. N. Bloomfield (1907) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 124-125, says: 'I am again indebted to Messrs. N. F. Ticehurst, W. Ruskin Butterfield and Walter Field for the following notices of rare birds which have occurred in our own and in neighbouring districts. In the Hastings district - Nucifraga caryocatactes, L., Nutcracker, Brede, February, 1907.'

Accepted locally as of the thick-billed race (N. c caryocatactes) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 38).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1907 Greater London/Kent Riverhill, Sevenoaks, seen, August.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981].

History Ticehurst (1909) says: '...and Colonel J. M. Rogers informs me that he has twice seen Nutcrackers on Riverhill, Sevenoaks, in August, but is unable to give the exact dates. He says, "I was struck by a peculiar cry, quite strange to me, and searched for the author of it. I saw the first bird several days running, and am as positive of its identity as it is possible to be without shooting it. I saw two the following year at the same time, but have never seen it since".'

Harrison (1953) states that Col. J. M. Rogers reported that he saw one in one year and the following year he saw two at Riverhill, Sevenoaks, during August.

Comment Three seen in two years! No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1981).

0). 1907 Kent Edenbridge, killed, 29th December.

(N. F. Richardson, Field 4th Apr., 1908: 583; Eds., British Birds 1: 388).

[G. M. Beresford-Webb, British Birds 2: 28-29; Eds., British Birds 2: 92-93; N. F. Richardson, Field 4th July 1908: 3; Harrison, 1953].

History Norman F. Richardson of Forest Hill (1908) in The Field of 4th Apr., Vol. CXI. p. 583, says: 'A specimen of this rare bird was shot by a friend of mine in Kent on Dec. 29 last, and was kindly sent to me. I at once skinned it, and it was subsequently mounted for me by a taxidermist.'

[From Mr. Balson's recently published volume on the Birds of Kent, it appears that the Nutcracker is regarded as a very rare visitor to Kent, and not more than four examples have been previously met with in the county. The last was shot by a gamekeeper at Benenden on Jan. 18, 1905, and was exhibited a few days later at a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club. - Ed.]

In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 388, they say: 'The Field, April 4th, contains a record of the fact that a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) was shot "in Kent" on December 29th, 1907.

Mr. Norman Richardson, who sends this note, does not give further particulars as to locality or sex, or as to whether this bird was of the typical form or of the Siberian race, N. c. macrorhynchus.'

G. M. Beresford-Webb (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. pp. 28-29, says: 'I notice in last month's British Birds (Vol. I. p. 388) a note to the effect that a Nutcracker was shot "in Kent" on December 29th, 1907. It would be interesting to know in what part of Kent this bird met its death, inasmuch as a Nutcracker escaped from my aviaries on December 26th, 1907, three days previous to the time when the bird recorded was shot.

This house is about five miles from the Kentish border, so that it is not unlikely that the example was my bird. It was in perfect plumage when it escaped. I believe it was a male. It was very tame, and would feed from hand.'

In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. pp. 92-93, they say: 'In Vol. I. p. 388, we referred to a Nutcracker which had been reported by Mr. N. F. Richardson as having been shot in Kent on December 29th, 1907. On page 28 of the present volume Mr. G. M. Beresford-Webb suggested that this might have been a bird which escaped from his aviaries. Mr. Richardson has very kindly submitted the bird, with full particulars, to Mr. Beresford-Webb for examination, and that gentleman writes us that "as far as it is possible to see the bird appears to be similar to the one which escaped.' It was shot only six miles from Mr. Beresford-Webb's house, and three days after his bird had escaped, and little doubt remains that it was in fact his bird and not a wild one.'

N. F. Richardson (1908) in The Field of 4th July, Vol. CXII. p. 3, says: 'Some time ago I wrote to you about a Nutcracker being shot near Edenbridge, Kent, in December last. Since then I have been in communication with a gentleman living at Godstone, who lost one of these birds from his aviary about the same time that the above-mentioned bird met its death.

The bird in question has been sent for inspection, and there is very little doubt but that it was the tame one, and not wild, as first supposed.'

Comment Known escape. Not acceptable.

0). c. 1908 Greater London/Kent Riverhill, Sevenoaks, two, seen, August.

(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).

[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981].

History Ticehurst (1909) says: '...and Colonel J. M Rogers informs me that he has twice seen Nutcrackers on Riverhill, Sevenoaks, in August, but is unable to give the exact dates. He says, "I was struck by a peculiar cry, quite strange to me, and searched for the author of it. I saw the first bird several days running, and am as positive of its identity as it is possible to be without shooting it. I saw two the following year at the same time, but have never seen it since".'

Harrison (1953) states that Col. J. M. Rogers reported that he saw one in one year and the following year he saw two at Riverhill, Sevenoaks, during August.

Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1981).

0). 1908 Sussex Penhurst, male, obtained, 7th November, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.

(N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 5: 120; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 2; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History N. F. Ticehurst (1911) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 120, in a review of Catalogue of Cases of Birds in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton. By E. T. Booth; with further notes by A. F. Griffith, says: 'The most important additions since the publication of the supplement, appear to be the...Besides these, there are a few that do not appear to have been previously recorded, viz: - Nutcracker (Nucifraga c. caryocatactes). - Penhurst (not Penshurst, as printed), near Ashburnham, Sussex, November 7th, 1908.'

Accepted locally as of the thick-billed race (N. c caryocatactes) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 38).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Sussex Hastings, 3rd February.

(Haslemere Museum).

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

History E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1962) in British Birds, Vol. LV. p. 363, list this record as recorded by the Haslemere Museum per E.M.N.

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Sussex Guestling, female, obtained, 4th March.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 1: 207; Haslemere Museum; J. B. Nichols, British Birds 4: 23-24; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History E. N. Bloomfield (1909) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 207, says: 'We are again indebted to Mr. N. F. Ticehurst for a long list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which Mr. Butterfield has made some good additions. In the Hastings district - Nucifraga caryocatactes, L., Nutcracker, Three Oaks, Guestling, end of February, 1909.'

J. B. Nichols (1910) in British Birds, Vol. IV. pp. 23-24, says: 'A female example of the Nutcracker was shot at Three Oaks, Guestling, near Hastings, Sussex, on March 4th, 1909. The bird was examined in the flesh by Mr. L. Curtis Edwards, and is now in my possession. This bird's bill appears to be exactly the same as that of the male obtained at Brede, Sussex, in 1907 (cf. antea, Vol. I. p. 185), and this was identified as an example of the west European form N. c. caryocatactes, not N. c. macrorhynchus, as printed, this being the name of the slender-billed form (cf. Hartert, Vog. F., 26).

A bird shot on November 17th, 1885, at Strode Park, Heme, Kent (cf. N. F. Ticehurst, Birds of Kent, p. 193), is now in my possession, and I find that its bill is nearly a quarter of an inch longer and is rather more slender than that of the bird shot on March 4th, 1909. The Strode Park bird therefore appears to be an example of the slender-billed Siberian form N. c. macrorhynchus, Brehm.'

Accepted locally as of the thick-billed race (N. c caryocatactes) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 38).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1911 Essex Maldon, seen, November.

(Glegg, 1929).

[Glegg, 1929].

History Glegg (1929: 12) says: 'Mr. E. A. Fitch in his annotated copy of The Birds of Essex, wrote that he had seen this bird with his sons in the orchard at Brick House, Maldon, in November, 1911, and that it must have been of this species. However, this record cannot be admitted.'

Not accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968) or (Cox 1984).

Comment Apparently he examined the two specimens in 1900 that occurred in Essex that year, which have been accepted; so he had experience of them. Why not accept this one?

0). 1911 Sussex Brede, female, 2nd December, N. c. macrorhynchos, now at Leicester Arts & Museums (Acc. No. Z28.2006.4.2).

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 5: 225; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 251; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 2; A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 111: 228-230).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1912) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 225, says: 'In connection with the migration of these birds already reported (supra, pp. 191-2), I have to record a female shot at Brede, Sussex, on December 2nd, 1911. Upon opening the gizzard I found no trace of insect food, the contents consisting entirely of wheat. It was an example of the slender-billed form N. c. macrorhynchus.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 251, says: 'During the autumn (1911) one of the periodic irruptions of this species occurred....and a sixth at Brede (Sussex) on the 2nd of December.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1912 Sussex Alder Wood, Brede, seen, 16th November; presumed same, Brickwall Park, Northiam, seen, late December.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 6: 278, W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 274; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 43; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 278, says: '...A third has been seen in Brickwall Park, Northiam, Sussex, which so far has escaped capture.'

[Concerning the last bird mentioned above, Mr. T. Parkin writes to us under date January 8th as follows: - "A few days ago I received a letter from Colonel Edward Frewen, C.B., of Brickwall, Northiam, informing me that when shooting in Alder Wood on his property at Brede, on November 16th, 1912, a Nutcracker was seen".

I am pleased to be able to state that Colonel Frewen writes that none of the "guns" shot it. "It is curious that there are records of two other birds of this species having been obtained in the last few years in the same neighbourhood, viz. one (west European or Thick-billed form) at Broad Oak, Brede, on February 12th, 1907 (British Birds, i, p. 105), the other (also of the west European form) at Three Oaks, Guestling, on March 4th, 1907 (l. c., IV. p. 23).

Both these birds are, I believe, now in the fine collection of Mr. J. B. Nichols. All good ornithologists will thank Colonel Frewen for kindly preserving this bird from destruction when it appeared in the deep woodlands on his property at Brede and Northiam".]

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 274, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One seen, Brede (Sussex), November 16th.'

Accepted locally as of the thin-billed race (N. c. macrorhynchus) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 39).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1912 Sussex Wartling, two: male, obtained, 26th December; female, obtained 28th December.

(H. W. Ford-Lindsay, British Birds 6: 278; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 274; E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 43; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History H. W. Ford-Lindsay (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 278, says: 'Two examples of the Slender-billed Nutcracker (Nucifraga c. macrorhynchus) have recently been obtained at Wartling, Sussex, the first a male, on December 26th, 1912, and the second a female, on December 28th. I saw both birds in the flesh.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 274, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Pair shot (slender-billed), Wartling (Sussex), December 26th and 28th.'

Accepted locally as of the thin-billed race (N. c. macrorhynchus) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 39).

Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Brede, female, obtained, 16th February.

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 170; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Anon. (1917) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 170, says: 'Slender-billed Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus), female, Brede, 16 February. Reported by Mr. W. H. Mullens, and presented by him to the Hastings Museum.'

Accepted locally as of the thin-billed race (N. c. macrorhynchus) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 40).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Brede, male, obtained, 27th February, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMS.Z.1914.22.2).

(J. M. Collinson & R. Y. McGowan, British Birds 104: 543).

[J. M. Collinson & R. Y. McGowan, British Birds 104: 543].

History J. M. Collinson & R. Y. McGowan (2011) in British Birds, Vol. CIV. p. 543, in a Letter, under 'Hastings Rarities in the Royal Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh', state that the following species were sold to the museum during 1913 and 1914 by George Bristow, the taxidermist of St Leonard's, who was at the heart of the fraud known as the 'Hastings Rarities', just before Witherby challenged him in 1916 over the amount of rarities recorded in the area. A male from Brede on 27th February 1914 (Acc. No. 1914.22.2).

0). 1916 Sussex South Malling, seen, September.

(T. Colgate, Selborne Magazine Oct., 1916: 117; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963].

History Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 40) who says: 'One was observed by Mr. T. Colgate in September, 1916, in the parish of South Malling, and recorded by him in the October, 1916, issue of the Selborne Magazine, page 117; the month I acquired from him by letter.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1962).

0). 1917 Norfolk No locality, male, obtained, March, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.270).

(Watson, 2010).

[KAN].

History Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a male specimen that was obtained in Norfolk during March 1917, adding that it was bought at the sale of Sir V. H. Crewe's collection.

Comment Crewe's specimens have been questioned before over their provenance and this record has come to light 93 years after the event leaving it open to doubt. Not acceptable.

0). 1923 Sussex Northiam, male, obtained, 28th February.

(W. R. Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 1; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History W. Ruskin Butterfield (1924) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 1, under 'Slender-billed Nutcracker', says: 'A male, shot at Northiam on February 28th, was sent to Mr. G. Bristow for preservation. This is the fourth record for our district.'

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 40).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1924 Sussex Bodiam, female, obtained, 23rd January.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 23; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History N. F. Ticehurst (1928) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 23, says: 'A female shot at Bodiam, January 23rd, 1924 (G.B.).'

Accepted locally as of the thin-billed race (N. c. macrorhynchus) (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 40).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1926 Sussex Mayfield, two, seen, December.

(H. G. Houseman, The Times 29th Dec., 1926).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938].

History Not accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 37) who stated that the description of the birds by the Rev. H. G. Houseman in The Times of 29th December, 1926, was "far from happy".

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1926 Sussex Near Heathfield, three, seen, December.

(H. G. Houseman, The Times 29th Dec., 1926).

[Walpole-Bond, 1938].

History Not accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 37) who stated that the description of the birds by the Rev. H. G. Houseman in The Times of 29th December, 1926, was "far from happy".

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1927 Oxfordshire Bloxham, 14th February.

(B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1927: 6).

[B. W. Tucker, Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire 1927: 6].

History B. W. Tucker (1927) in the Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, p. 6, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'One probably seen at Bloxham by O.V.A., who sends the following note: "I saw in my garden on February 14th what I believe was a Nutcracker. But it was a foggy day and I had no glasses, so that I could not get a clear enough view to see the markings. But the shape, size and general colour were right. It uttered a harsh note, each time repeated three times, and this agrees with my experience of the bird's cry in Switzerland years ago. It flew from tree to tree and then flew away, and I never saw it again".'

0). 1927 Somerset Limington, seen, late August.

(F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1927: 6).

[F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1927: 6].

History F. L. Blathwayt (1927) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XIV. p. 6, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'The Rev. E. Glanfield, rector of Limington, near Yeovil, is quite convinced that he saw a bird of this species in his paddock on a tree at the end of August. He went to see the stuffed specimen in the Taunton Museum and confirmed his impressions.'

Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1927 Herefordshire Fownhope, seen, undated.

(Gilbert & Walker, 1954).

[Gilbert & Walker, 1954].

History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 7) record this sighting in square brackets because it was seen by a single observer.

0). 1928 Leicestershire & Rutland Leicester, two, seen, October.

(R. E. Pochin, A. Bonner & R. A. O. Hickling, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1948: 7-8).

[Fray et al., 2009].

History R. E. Pochin, A. Bonner & R. A. O. Hickling (1948) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, pp. 7-8, say: '...On reading the above, H.H. reports having two similar birds in his garden, in Victoria Park Road, Leicester, during October, 1928, which he had no doubt were of this species.'

Not accepted locally (Fray et al. 2009).

0). 1933 Somerset Taunton, seen, 18th November.

(F. C. Butters, A. B. Gay, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1933: 3).

[Ballance, 2006].

History F. C. Butters et al. (1933) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VI. p. 3, says: 'Taunton. November 18th. One seen by Mr. George Winn. (E.W.H. per R.S.P.B.).'

Not accepted locally (Ballance 2006).

0). 1935 Sussex Near Cooksbridge, seen, 6th December and 5th January 1936.

(R. Morphew, Field 4th Jan., 1936: 31; G. Gregson, Field 25th Jan., 1936: 189).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; James 1996].

History Raymond Morphew of The Grange, Barcombe (1936) in The Field of 4th Jan., Vol. CLXVII. p. 31, says: 'On December 6th, when travelling by train between Cooksbridge and Plumpton, Sussex, I was watching a large flock of Rooks feeding, and flying, over a ploughed field, when I noticed a bird which stood out distinctly from the rest. It was decidedly brown mottled colour, looking, with the mottled white, quite a light brown on the back (it was facing away from the line) and with what appeared to be a black head and nape. It seemed almost as big as the Rooks and, generally, except for colour, decidedly rookish. It certainly had the Rook waddle.

Could it have been a Nutcracker? I have never seen a Nutcracker alive and in its natural surroundings, but am well acquainted with its appearance from coloured plates.'

[There is the possibility that the bird was an abnormally coloured Rook, brown or cinnamon varieties having been recorded. Perhaps some other reader in that part of Sussex has seen the bird? - Ed.]

G. Gregson of Warnham (1936) in The Field of 25th Jan., Vol. CLXVII. p. 189, says: 'Referring to Mr. Raymond Morphew's letter regarding an abnormal Rook, I was travelling near Cooksbridge on January 5th, when I saw just such a bird as Mr. Morphew describes. It was feeding among a large flock of Rooks and was of cinnamon colour with apparently no black on any part of the body. It seemed in every way to resemble the Rooks it was feeding with.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963; James 1996).

0). 1936 Greater London/Surrey Kew Green, seen, 6th July.

(Eds., British Birds 30: 93; Parr, 1972).

[Eds., British Birds 30: 93; London Natural History Society, 1957; Parr, 1972; Self, 2014].

History In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 93, they say: 'Surrey. - Mr. W. N. Greenwell informs us that on July 6th, 1936, near Kew Green, he observed a bird which he identified as a Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) and from the careful description he has given us there can be no doubt that his identification is correct. The bird was feeding on the ground within a dozen yards of Mr. Greenwell and then flew up into an oak and disappeared into Kew Gardens. The date makes it unlikely that this was a wild migrant and it seems more probable that it was an escape from captivity.'

Locally, Parr (1972) classes it as an escape.

Comment Probably an escaped bird. Not acceptable.

0). 1936 Clyde Holytown, Lanarkshire, seen, 3rd November.

(W. Stewart, Scottish Naturalist 57: 58).

[Baxter & Rintoul, 1953].

History Walter Stewart (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 58, on a probable Nutcracker, says: 'On 3rd November 1936, in the Holytown district of Lanarkshire, I put up a bird, quite new to me, which I think must have been a Nutcracker; probably an "escape" from some aviary. While walking along the grass margin of a very late field of oats (part of it still uncut) the bird in question rose from a sheaf of corn, almost at my feet, and flew into an old hawthorn tree about fifteen yards distant.

In size it was about similar to the Jackdaw; general ground colour that of a female Blackbird; entire body spotted all over with white. Its flight was sluggish, reminding one of a tame Rook, but once into the hawthorn tree it showed an extraordinary adroitness in getting through the branches and into another hawthorn tree nearby; in fact, before I could get my Zeiss binoculars on it, it had disappeared. Of course I had a very good view of it in its short flight, but a perching view of it through binoculars would have been much more satisfactory.

This little glen is well wooded, almost entirely with old hawthorn trees, and would be a favourite nesting spot of both Carrion Crows and Magpies were they allowed. On the day in question, and on two subsequent occasions, I gave it a thorough search, but saw no trace of this stranger, neither did I see any other "crow-bird" near this spot.'

Not accepted nationally for Scotland (Baxter & Rintoul 1953).

0). 1936-37 Isle of Wight Bonchurch, two, winter.

(Cohen, 1963).

[KAN].

History Cohen (1963) says: 'Two in a garden at Bonchurch in the winter of 1936/37 (Miss M. Venables).'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Hampshire Burley, seen, late November.

(S. Vesey-Fitzgerald, Field, 1st Jan., 1938).

[F. C. R. Jourdain, Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, 1937: 96].

History F. C. R. Jourdain (1937) in the Ornithological Report of the County of Hampshire, p. 96, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'A note appeared in The Field (January 1st, 1938) from Miss S. Vesey-Fitzgerald to the effect that one of these birds had visited a bird-table at Burley during the last week of November. Subsequently Mrs. M. McComas quite independently recorded a brown bird with white spots, dark wings, and white on the tail feathers, which she had seen apparently eating yew-berries at Burley.

Miss Vesey-Fitzgerald also described the bird she had seen as similarly marked, with dark bill and feet and about the size of a Green Woodpecker. In neither case was a definite date noted, and from memory Mrs. McComas thought it might have been about the beginning of September, but the date given by Miss Fitzgerald seems more probable if it was the same bird. Both noted the long narrow bill, which is characteristic of the Siberian form: there may have been more than one, as harsh, Jay-like notes were heard from the yew tree (W. McC.). On the whole, the description not only tallied with that of the bird, but agreed together, except that the size was rather underestimated in one case (W. McC.), so that there is reason to believe that the identification was correct. We have, however, heard of no other occurrences up to the present of this species in the neighbourhood, and confirmation would be very welcome.'

0). 1938 Isle of Wight Bonchurch, seen, November.

(Bird Report of the Isle of Wight Natural History & Archaeological Society 2: 7; Cohen, 1963).

[R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1938: 35].

History R. Whitlock (1938) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 35, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'One is recorded at Bonchurch, I.O.W., in Nov. by M.V., who saw it in her garden. The bird is recorded as being not at all shy, feeding fearlessly near a window, from which it was easily identified by comparison with illustrations of the species.'

Cohen (1963) says: 'And one in the same garden (as in winter 1936-37 at Bonchurch) in December 1938 (Miss B. Thorneycroft, I. o. W. 2: 7).'

0). 1940 Herefordshire Weobley, seen, undated.

(Gilbert & Walker, 1954).

[Gilbert & Walker, 1954].

History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 7) record this record in square brackets because it was seen by a single observer.

0). 1943 Devon Wrangton, seen, July.

(F. C. Butters et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1943: 27).

[Eds., British Birds 38: 159].

History F. C. Butters et al. (1943) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVI. p. 27, says: 'Seen for several days running. (J.U.) [Miss J. Underhill]. Vouched for by H.G. H.[urrell]).'

In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 159, in a Review of the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, for 1943, they say: 'This report contains a number of noteworthy records, mostly satisfactorily authenticated, but two or three not above criticism....Records which suffer from the lack of any accompanying evidence are those of a Marsh-Harrier on June 14th, a Kite at Cheriton Bishop on April 9th, 1941, and a Nutcracker at Wrangaton in July.

These are probably correct - indeed the last is stated to be vouched for by an experienced observer, notwithstanding the highly abnormal date - but we cannot insist too strongly that in all records of rare birds the evidence should be published.'

Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

0). 1944 Nottinghamshire Colwick, 19th February.

(J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1944: 5).

[J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1944: 5].

History J. Staton (1944) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 5, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A bird seen at Colwick on February 19th, and described as dark brown, with long black bill, broad short wings, tail short with some white, and white spots on back and breast was considered a Nutcracker (R.J.R.). But an eminent authority considered the identification not proven.'

0). 1948 Surrey Frensham Vale, seen, late June.

(M. R. Campbell, Country Life 29th Oct., 1948: 887).

[Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007].

History Miss M. R. Campbell (1948) in Country Life, 29th Oct., Vol. CIV. p. 887, says: 'At the end of June I saw a bird which I believe to have been a Nutcracker in some pine woods in Frensham Vale, Surrey. It was about the size and shape of a Jackdaw, but with rather longer beak, and was a dark but warm shade of brown all over, heavily spotted with large white spots. When I first saw it, it was perched at the very top of a pine tree, where, at rather long intervals, it repeated a loud, harsh, croaking "kraak".

Thereafter it kept making short flights of a somewhat clumsy, uncertain nature to a tree lower down the wood. Before alighting there it spread its tail, which apparently was barred with black and had a white tip. I was not aware that such a bird was ever seen in this country.'

[From our correspondent's description of the bird she saw there seems no doubt that it was a Nutcracker, a bird of Northern and Central Europe which has been recorded a s a vagrant in this country about fifty times. These records, however, are of birds seen in winter, and the fact that this one was observed in summer suggests that it may have been an escape. On the other hand, we have not heard of a Nutcracker having escaped from any of the aviaries in the south of England this year. - Ed.]

Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Spotted Nutcracker

Nucifraga caryocatactes (Linnaeus, 1758) (58, 9)

Daurian/Turkestan Shrike sp.

European Crested Tit