THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 79 



RED-THROATED DIVER. 

 Colymbus septentrionalis^ Linn. 



The red-throated Diver, locally called Sprat Loon, 

 is common on the Medway, observed in the winter 

 and spring with speckled back and white throat, 

 most numerous in the month of March. I once 

 happened to shoot a Sprat Loon from a boat, the 

 day was clear, the tide low, the water smooth as 

 glass. After falling it dived out of sight, then pro- 

 truding its beak only above water for air floated and 

 dived away. 



GUILLEMOT. 

 Uria troile (Linn.). 



The Guillemot is not very common on the Med- 

 way, come it does at intervals and is sometimes 

 shot. 



BLACK GUILLEMOT. 

 Uria grylle (Linn.). 



I am not aware that the Black Guillemot has ever 

 appeared on the Medway. 



LITTLE AUK. 

 Mergulus alle (Linn.). 



A storm-driven specimen of the Little Auk may 

 have occurred on or near the Medway. 



