GREBES AND DIVERS. 



249 



to approximate most closely to the Northern Diver ; but, 

 unlike that species, it is a strong and good flier, always ready 

 to take wing oil the approach of a boat, which I have never 

 seen the Northern Diver do. The latter of course can, and 

 does fly well, during the breeding season, and when on 

 migration. I have seen a pair, in March, passing over north- 

 wards very high, and at great speed. 



The Great Northern Diver is not infrequently met with on 

 the Northumberland coast, a few occurring almost every 

 winter. The following are the dimensions of an adult pair shot 

 by myself in January : — 



CORMORANTS. 



The male (shot January 19th) still retained a considerable 

 proportion of the handsome spotted plumage of the previous 

 summer on the wings, but the back and neck were in full 

 winter dress. His gullet contained two or three good-sized 

 flounders. The beak of this species in winter is pale 

 horn, or ivory colour. 



Both Grebes and Divers are remarkably variable as to the 

 numbers which come in different vears. Some seasons both 



