The Zoologist/4th series, vol 6 (1902)/Issue 734/Ornithological Notes from Surrey

by John Alexander Strachey Bucknill

 

ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM SURREY.

By John A. Bucknill, M.A.

(Concluded from p. 231.)

 

Osprey (Pandion haliaëtus).—Mr. Styan tells me that Mr. W. Stafford informed him that the specimen referred to in my 'Birds of Surrey' (p. 200) as having been shot at Abbot's Pond, was killed there in 1840. This specimen is in the Charterhouse Collection. Another, which was in Mr. Stafford's possession, and which was probably one of those sold apart from the main collection, was obtained at Forked Pond, near Thursley. This is one of some three or four specimens which were sold at Stafford's sale without locality or date, and were not included in the type collection sold to Charterhouse in 1891.

Night Heron (Nycticorax griseus).—A fine adult male was shot at Ditton Marsh on June 12th, 1855, and preserved by F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta).—A male was shot on the Thames, at West Molesey, about the year 1870, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Bittern (Botaurus stellaris).—Mr. Styan and Mr. Mitchell had notes of the following specimens not hitherto recorded:—

1. A female shot in 1844 by Mr. W. Simmons near New Mill, Haslemere.

2. A male shot at Woodside, Esher, in 1855, in October.

3. A male on the Mole, near Molesey, in the same month of the same year.

The two latter were preserved by Mr. F. Yearley. Mr. F.H. Birley informs me that he saw a specimen, shot on Dec. 30th, 1884, on a now drained mill-pond at Lingfield (in lit.).

White Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia).—Mr. Gordon Dalgliesh informs me that he has seen a specimen which was shot on a small pond at Claudon Park on Nov. 26th, 1901; it was a female, and was preserved by Mr. Braddon, of Guildford. It was recorded by him in 'The Zoologist,' Jan. 15th, 1902, p. 32. It is the first record from Surrey since the year 1862.

Grey-Lag Goose (Anser cinereus).—A specimen was shot at East Molesey, on the river, in hard weather, in January of 1880. It passed into Mr. F. Yearley's hands for preservation (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Bean Goose (A. segetum).—Capt. E. Barnard Hankey informs me that in the winter of 1892 a specimen was shot by himself and his brother at Cannon Farm, Fetcham, on the bank of the River Mole. It is preserved, and is now in the possession of J. Barnard Hankey, Esq., of Fetcham Park, where I have examined it. I am glad to be able to record this the second definite instance of the shooting of this species in the county. The only other local example of which I am aware was shot near Godalming in 1841, and is now in the Charterhouse Collection.

Bernacle Goose (Bernicla leucopsis).—In the winter of 1875 a specimen was shot on the Thames, at Thames Ditton. It was preserved and exhibited at the 'Bear Inn,' Esher, being stuffed by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Pochard (Fuligula ferina).—One was shot at West Molesey on Jan. 8th, 1869, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell). On Fetcham mill-pond—which, owing to its numerous springs, is seldom, if ever, frozen over, and is consequently a favourite resort for duck in hard weather—this species frequently occurs. Capt. Hankey informs me that he has seen as many as thirty or more together on the lake, and on one occasion killed no fewer than eight in one afternoon. He has some specimens preserved from that locality, and on Boxing Day, 1901, shot one out of a small flock which were on the water. On the 5th January, 1902, a male was observed by Mr. Gordon Dalgliesh on Forked Pond, near Milford (in lit.).

Tufted Duck (F. cristata).—Capt. Hankey informs me that this species has occurred occasionally on Fetcham mill-pond in hard weather, and he has preserved specimens shot at that place. On Boxing Day of 1901 a pair were observed and one shot by him on that water. This specimen he kindly presented to me, and it is now in my possession.

Scaup (F. marila).—A male was shot on Jan. 10th, 1877, on the Mole, close to its junction with the Thames, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Golden-eye (Clangula glaucion).—Capt. Hankey informs me that he has shot specimens on Fetcham mill-pond; he has three examples from the lake. A female shot, Shamley Green, Guildford, Nov. 17th, 1901 (Zool. 1902, p. 32, and in lit. G. Dalgliesh).

Scoter (Œdemia nigra).—A specimen was shot at East Molesey on April 17th, 1878, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Goosander (Mergus merganser).—A male was shot at West Molesey on Jan. 10th, 1877, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley. Mr. F. Styan saw a female in the flesh in Mr. W. Bradden's hands for preservation, which was shot during very severe weather on a pond near Farncombe, Godalming, on the 28th of January, 1881 (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Smew (M. albellus).—Mr. R.W. Courage had a specimen in his collection—a female—shot near Thursley in 1874, in winter (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Red Grouse (Lagopus scoticus).—For further notes on this species, and its connection with the county, I may refer your readers to this Journal (ante, p. 27).

Quail (Coturnix communis).—Mr. F. Styan saw one in Mr. Bradden's hands for preservation, which had been shot in September, 1880, near Guildford; and several were killed in the same autumn on Wey-Down Farm, amongst some clover not far from the same locality, by a Mr. F. Roberts (F. Styan and J. Mitchell). Mr. F.H. Birley, of Lingfield, informs me that he has eggs taken in June, 1893, at Little Bookham (in lit.). Mr. G. Dalgliesh has an egg from a clutch taken in a corn-field near Milford in 1893 (in lit.).

Spotted Crake (Porzana maruetta).—A male was shot at East Molesey on May 10th, 1871, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus).—Mr. Gillman informs me that he observed this species on Wimbledon Park pond in the 'sixties on more than one occasion (in lit.). Mr. F. Styan shot a young bird in the summer of 1881 on the Wey, near Stoke, where it had doubtless been bred. Mr. G. Dalgliesh has a recent specimen from Abinger Bottom, near Guildford (in lit.).

Coot (Fulica atra).—Mr. F. Styan informs me that in former years, when this species was much more abundant on Frensham Great Pond than it is now, an annual battue used to be held there in autumn, on which occasions large numbers were killed. In 1880 over a hundred were shot on the first day, and upwards of fifty on the second.

Stone Curlew (Œdicnemus scolopax).—Mr. J. Mitchell informs me that in the summer of 1900 he observed two pairs in the county, which were undoubtedly nesting; he does not wish me to indicate the locality precisely.

Dotterel (Eudromias morinellus).—Mr. Mansell, the well-known taxidermist, of Farnham, informed Mr. Mitchell, in 1880, that about thirty years before that date he saw a small flock of five on the margin of Frensham Pond, three of which were shot and preserved by him. One of these would probably be the specimen mentioned by Mr. Spicer in this Journal (1854, p. 4367) as having been killed near Farnham shortly prior to that date, and as then in his collection (vide 'Birds of Surrey,' p. 285).

Ringed Plover (Ægialitis hiaticula).—A specimen was shot at West Molesey on May 7th, 1878, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Oystercatcher (Hæmatopus ostralegus).—A specimen was shot on the Thames, at East Molesey, in the autumn of 1872, and was preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius).—Mr. R.W. Courage had a specimen which he shot shortly prior to 1880, in the autumn, near Thursley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola).—In and before the 'eighties the Woodcock nested regularly every year in the Thursley district, where Mr. R.W. Courage found the nest. In one morning during the winter of 1879–80, a Mr. R. Mason and another gun killed fifteen near Haslemere (F. Styan and J. Mitchell). Mr. Birley informs me that he knew of the nest in 1886 at Lingfield. This nest, which is referred to in this Journal in 1887, p. 194, had a curious history. It was first noticed by Mr. Herbert Fisher's gamekeeper on the 11th of April; it then contained five Woodcock's eggs and two Pheasant's eggs. One of the Woodcock's eggs was slightly cracked, and another much damaged. On the 16th of April, Mr. Fisher himself went to the nest, and took away four of the Woodcock's eggs, and on the following day Mr. Birley saw the nest, from which a Woodcock was flushed, which had been sitting on the two Pheasant's eggs and the remaining egg of the Woodcock. Mr. Fisher retained two of the Woodcock's eggs, and gave Mr. Birley the other two. The fifth egg was broken beyond repair. The occurrence seems worthy of note, as the Pheasant was probably the interloper.

Great Snipe (Gallinago major).—A very large Snipe was obtained during this winter at Ashtead, and was supposed to be of this species; I found, however, on examination, that it was only a fine specimen of the Common Snipe.

Common Snipe (G. cœlestis).—Mr. Birley informs me that in the earty 'eighties this species used to nest pretty freely in the neighbourhood of a now drained mill-pond near Lingfield (in lit.).

Jack-Snipe (G. gallinula).—Messrs. Styan and Mitchell had notes of its occurrence near Guildford, Godalming, and Haslemere.

Knot (Tringa canutus).—A male was shot at East Molesey in the autumn of 1877, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Dunlin (T. alpina).—A specimen was shot at East Molesey on April 10th, 1878, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus).—Mr. Styan had notes of the occurrence of this species prior to or in 1880 on the Tillingbourne, near Gomshall; on a pond at Witley; on the Wey below Guildford; at Newland's Corner, on the Merrow Downs; and on Reigate Heath.

Common Sandpiper (T. hypoleucus).—Mr. Styan had notes of its occurrence in or prior to the year 1881 on the Wey near Sutton Park, at Sickle mill-pond near Haslemere, and at Little Frensham Pond.

Curlew (Numenius arquata).—Messrs. Styan and Mitchell had the following notes on this species:—

1. A specimen was shot at Thames Ditton on Dec. 10th, 1880, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley.

2. In the same year another was seen at Sickle Mill, near Haslemere, by a Mr. Simmons.

3. Mr. R.W. Courage stated, in 1880, that this species was sometimes observed near Thursley, being driven inland by rough weather.

4. A specimen was observed in 1882 on Clapham Common by a Mr. F.W. Lucas.

It is also interesting to notice, in connection with the note which I recently communicated to this Journal (1901, July, p. 253) upon the nesting of this species on Chobham Common, in Surrey, that an individual was observed flying over that heath in October of 1900 by Mr. S.H. le Marchant (in lit). On April 15th, 1902, I heard most plainly a large number migrating over Epsom about 11 p.m.

Whimbrel (N.phæopas).—Mr. Yearley preserved a specimen shot at West Molesey on Oct. 8th, 1879 (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus).—A flooded meadow close to the L. & S.W. Railway, near Earlswood, has constantly been frequented during this winter by a number of Gulls of this species; stragglers, doubtless, from the enormous crowd which now visit the Thames.

Common Gull (L. canus).—Mr. Styan had notes of its occasional appearance inland at Guildford and Haslemere (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Herring-Gull (L. argentatus).—In 1901 an interesting occurrence of the breeding of this species in captivity occurred in this (the Epsom) neighbourhood. Mr. Theodore Bell, who had three specimens, found towards the end of May that two were pairing. He shut off the third bird (a cock), and on May 30th a nest of rough grass was completed. The pen in which the birds—which were, of course, pinioned—was quite a small one, being only about three yards by five yards in size. On June 1st one egg was laid, and on June 4th a second. The hen sat very close and well, and on July 1st one egg hatched out; on July 6th the second egg, which showed no signs of hatching, was removed, and on the following day the young Gull died. It was probably a mistake to remove the other egg, which doubtless afforded to the young bird some considerable support from the weight of the parent. I understand that the nesting of this species in confinement (particularly in a small pen, without more water than that contained in a drinking-trough) is of rare occurrence, and I had therefore pleasure in receiving three photographs taken by Mr. Herbert Bell (Mr. Theodore Bell's nephew), which indicate very clearly the circumstances of the breeding of this bird.

Common Guillemot (Uria troile).—Mr. W. Simmons, of Haslemere, informed Mr. F. Styan, in 1880, that his father had shot a specimen of this species on Sickle mill-pond, near Haslemere, in the year 1868, after a very severe storm (F. Styan and J. Mitchell).

Great Northern Diver (Colymbus glacialis).—In December of 1881, a specimen, weighing 8¼ lb., was caught with a rod and line at Virginia Water by the local fisherman, John Keene. The bird took a large Thames Dace which was being used as a live bait for Pike. It was landed after a forty minutes' struggle, and was sent on the following day to H.R.H. Prince Christian, by whom it is believed to have been preserved. Keene, its captor, wrote for Mr. Styan a lengthy account of the occurrence, which was incidentally mentioned in the 'Field' (December, 1881).

Great Crested Grebe (Podicipes cristatus).—Mr. A. Gillman informs me that in the 'sixties he noticed this species on Wimbledon Park pond (in lit.). During this winter one was seen on a lake not far from Milford (G. Dalgliesh, in lit.).

Storm-Petrel (Procellaria pelagica).—In October, 1852, one was shot at West End, Esher, and preserved by Mr. F. Yearley (F. Styan and J. Mitchell). Mr. Simmons informed Mr. Styan that one was picked up dead on a road near Haslemere in 1865 (F. Styan and J. Mitchell). Mr. Dalgliesh records a male, caught alive at a street-lamp on Dec. 28th, 1901, at St. Catherine's, Guildford ('Zoologist,' ante, p. 32).

In addition to the above short list, I have received some very interesting communications upon the occurrence in the county of some curious species of obviously artificial introduction, such as the Rock-Dove, Black Swan, and Reeves's Pheasant; and also a considerable number of notes of the occurrence of species, which I do not feel justified in including in this list, owing to the records sent me being records merely of observation. The former have undoubtedly occurred, but only in a semi-domesticated, or even domesticated state; the latter, such as the Snowy Owl, Bar-tailed Godwit, White's Thrush, Rock-Thrush, &c, are without doubt erroneous and unreliable observations.

I might perhaps add to the foregoing notes a few local Surrey names which have recently been brought to my notice:—

Christial = Kestrel.—(R. W. Courage, per F. Styan and J. Mitchell. A term used near Thursley; obviously a mere local pronunciation).

Tappho = Green Woodpecker.—(The same authority. The same remarks as to origin apply.)

Fanner = Hen-Harrier.—(Fide Mr. R.W. Courage, of Thursley, per G. Styan and J. Mitchell. Probably an error for Kestrel, as "Wind-fanner" is a common local name for that species.)

I fear that this will be my last contribution for some time to the history of the avifauna in Surrey, as I am leaving England to take up duties in South Africa. I have endeavoured in these notes to bring up to date all my collected observations not mentioned in my book on Surrey Birds, and I hope that in the future some other ornithologist will periodically recapitulate the annual records from my own county.