152 



achieved, aided as it is in many instances by private 

 endeavours. 



"April 3, 1904. Eight Great Crested Grebes seen 

 here (Breconshire), date of arrival uncertain : have 

 never seen them in the winter. Nest towards the end 

 of May or beginning of June. 



April 19, 1905. Could only find three pairs this 

 year. 



April 13, 1906. Eight pairs of Grebe — a large 

 increase. 



Apparently on first arrival they all keep very 

 much together, and are very difficult to get at : in 

 about a week or ten days they divide up into pairs and 

 seem to become less shy. Have very rarely seen them 

 fly, and then only when surprised at close quarters. 



They rise quickly, fly straight, but never more 

 than a foot or so from the water. Usually when about 

 100 yards or more away they begin to settle down in 

 the water so that not much more than their necks are 

 showing. Then they dive away very rapidly coming 

 up every 20 to 30 yards. 



The nest is merely a very loosely matted lump of 

 rushes floating on the water and always saturated with 

 water. Generally but not always have found the eggs 

 covered up. 



Have never seen the birds on the water in August. 

 I understand that 30 or 40 years ago they were to be 

 seen on this bit of water in dozens." 



