GREBES. 139 



the mouth. This state of things, it may be presumed, 

 explains the gaping of the bill, in the case of the 

 Cormorant, to obtain air needful to sustain the 

 increased activity of respiration which is produced 

 by the exertion of prolonged flight." 



There are five species of Grebes, all of which are 

 to be met with in Ireland from time to time. Idle 

 moments may be passed chasing the largest (the 

 Great Crested) if it cross your path ; but as with 

 the Colymbi, save for a fowling-cap, waistcoat, or 

 lady's dress, such a chase is only so much time lost. 

 How much of that precious article may be wasted 

 following a Grebe, those best know who have tried it. 

 As before stated, the first shot should be the surest. 

 If you fail, your chance on open water is a poor one, 

 unless you can edge the bird up a narrow creek. 

 When cornered he may then fly within range, as he 

 is passing back to the open water. 



THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus], 

 without being numerous, is fairly common to the 

 harbours and estuaries of Ireland. It may be 

 observed to choose certain spots which it frequents 

 throughout the winter, often alone and sometimes in 

 couples ; but it usually haunts inland lakes, where a 

 few breed regularly. 



The Great Crested Grebe forms its nest chiefly of 

 Villarsia, sometimes of the Gafaim, or bed-straw, 

 which, growing to the surface from five or six feet 

 depth of water, it utilizes both to make the nest and 

 securely moor it as well. The four or five long 

 white eggs when in the nest are only just clear of 

 the water, and the nest rises and falls with any 

 slight elevation or depression of the tranquil surface 



