BIRD-LIFE AT SEA. 253 



means impossible, or even very unusual. The 

 Black-throated Diver is decidedly rare in Tor 

 Bay, by far the least common of the three 

 British species. The Red-throated Diver, how- 

 ever, is a well-known bird at sea in this 

 locality, coming in late October and remaining 

 with us till the following March or April. The 

 " Sprat Loon " well deserves its local name ; and 

 we have often remarked the unusual numbers 

 of these birds in the bay when sprats have been 

 exceptionally abundant. Indeed, these fish are 

 sometimes so common here as to be unsaleable, 

 except for agricultural purposes. Then the Divers 

 fare right sumptuously, and the bay is dotted 

 with birds only to be seen though by the aid 

 of a boat busily engaged in diving after their 

 finny prey. These Divers take wing with the 

 greatest reluctance, and we have sometimes seen 

 them sink low into the water until they have 

 been practically submerged, evidently in the hope 

 that our boat would pass them unobserved. They 

 can swim fast, too, soon getting out of gunshot 

 by this means alone ; but if they find the pursuing 

 boat gaining they dive, or rather disappear, in the 

 twinkling of an eye. 



