ON THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE 77 



presence of suitable breeding haunts of the English " mere " 

 and "broad" type, the usually rocky margins of Scottish 

 lochs not affording suitable nesting sites. This explains, to 

 some extent at least, the sporadic nature of the birds' 

 distribution within the area occupied, though, even now, 

 there are apparently suitable breeding places unoccupied or 

 only very recently colonised. 



We have frequently noticed that, before a new breeding 

 place is occupied, it will be haunted for a season or two by a 

 bird or pair of birds apparently prospecting, a habit by no 

 means confined to this species. As far as can be told from 

 field observation, these birds are often in full nuptial dress, 

 but we have seen them in what we take to be the plumage 

 of the birds of the previous year; it therefore seems probable 

 that the Great Crested Grebe does not breed till it is at least 

 two years old. When a loch has been fully colonised the 

 number of pairs seems to remain constant, and any surplus 

 birds appear to resort to neighbouring lochs which, if found 

 suitable, in due course become fresh breeding haunts. 



The fact that the records of Great Crested Grebes breed- 

 ing in Scotland lie almost entirely after the Wild Bird 

 Protection Act of 1880, points to the benefit conferred upon 

 wild-fowl generally by that measure. Previous to this it is 

 fairly safe to assume that such a very conspicuous bird as a 

 Great Crested Grebe in full plumage, when appearing in a 

 new locality, had a poor chance of survival. It is hoped that 

 protection will be generally afforded them, and that this 

 beautiful species will continue to increase and to grace our 

 lochs with its stately presence. 



Our most cordial thanks are due to all the correspondents 

 who have sent us information on the species under considera- 

 tion. We have received much kind help from : Mr John 

 Robertson, the Earl of Home, Dr Eagle Clarke, Mr F. S. 

 Beveridge, Lieut.-Commander J. G. Millais, and Mr Henry 

 Boase, to all of whom we are much indebted for kindly 

 interest and assistance. 



