344 The Scottish Naturalist. 



132. PoDiCEPS MINOR, Peiin. (Little Grebe or Dabchick.) 



Not uncommon in the district, but rather local in its distribu- 

 tion. I have observed it to frequent during the winter months 

 some of the deep still pools on the Tay near Logierait, and 

 some other parts. It, however, retires in the month of April to 

 the lochs and backwaters, selecting some weedy spots to breed 

 in : it is then very shy of observation and not easily discovered. 



133. CoLYMBUS GLACiALis, Linn. (Great Northern Diver.) 



Though now a rare bird in the district, I have reason to believe 

 that at one time it was not uncommon both on our lochs and" 

 on the Tay. I have known it obtained in full plumage on Loch 

 Ordie, near Dunkeld, some years ago, where a pair were captured 

 in a net set for pike. It has also been known to frequent Loch 

 Oisinneach Mhor and other places. Mr Nelson states that a 

 few individuals are seen about Broughty Ferry every winter, and 

 that this present spring (1880) he saw a fine example in full 

 summer plumage. 



134. CoLYMBUS ARCTicus, Linn. (Black-throated Diver.) 



This is a rare bird in the district, but would no doubt be more 

 frequent were it left unmolested on our lochs during the breeding 

 season. A few years- ago I saw a noble specimen at the late Mr 

 Anderson's, fly-dresser, Dunkeld, in full summer plumage, which 

 was shot on Loch Broom, a locality which used to be visited regu- 

 larly by a pair of these birds. Mr Nelson considers this species 

 rare on the lower Tay, and records only two examples obtained 

 by him, and these in winter plumage : one obtained last winter 

 (1879) ^s now in the collection of the Dundee Naturalists' Society. 

 I have notice also of its occurrence opposite Tents Muir. 



135. CoLYMBUS SEPTENTRiONALis, Linn. (Rcd-throatcd Diver.) 



I have no notice of this bird breeding in the district, or having 

 been got in the summer plumage. It is not unlikely, however, 

 that it may prove to breed on Loch Lydon and some other re- 

 tired spots where unmolested ; but until further information can 

 be obtained as to its whereabouts in the district in summer, it 

 can only be considered as a winter visitant, at which season it 

 confines itself chiefly to the lower parts of the Tay, where in some 

 seasons, according to Mr Nelson, tliey are pretty numerous. In- 



