Birds, . 6971 



nearly three miles distant. They are generally among the first to 

 arrive and the last to leave. 



Hooded Merganser {Mergits cucullaiiis). I was told by an old 

 gunner and bird-stuffer that he had shot a specimen of this species, 

 but I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statement. 



Redbreasted Merganser {M. serrator). Not very plentiful. All 

 along the coast, in suitable localities, they may be met with, singly 

 and two or three together, never more. 



Goosander {M. merganser). A winter visitor. The male is a very 

 showy gentlemen. As many as seven or eight specimens were pro- 

 cured at one shot, on the Diveron, by a Mr. Gellie. I have seen as 

 many as five or six together, not more. 



Great Crested Grebe [Podiceps cristatus). An occasional visitor. 



Rednecked Grebe {P. ruhricollis). Of more frequent occurrence, 

 but generally in immature plumage. 



Eared Grebe (P. auritus). Less frequent than the last. 



Little Grebe [P. minor). A winter seldom passes without an op- 

 portunity occurring to obtain this species. 1 think it is one of the 

 most expert divers we have. 



Great Northern Diver {Colymbus glacialis). Some seasons pretty 

 plentiful. Splendid specimens are at times procured, but they are 

 generally immature. 



Blackthroated Diver (C. orcticus) and Redlhroated Diver (C sep- 

 tentrionatis). Winter visitors, and, as far as I am aware, in about 

 equal numbers. A iew of them generally fall victims every spring by 

 getting entangled in the bog-nets set for salmon. They not unfre- 

 quently visit our larger streams, where they make great havoc among 

 the smaller of the finny tribe. 



Brunnich's Guillemot [Uria Brunnichii) has been once met with. 



Common Guillemot [U. troile). Ringed Guillemot {U. lachrymans). 

 Black Guillemot [U. grylle), Puffin {Mormon fratercula), and Razor- 

 bill {Alca torda). All these species breed with us, but the common 

 guillemot only rarely. As my late respected friend the Rev. Mr. 

 Smith has already given (Zool, 2905) an account of the breeding- 

 places of the Banffshire birds, I need only state that since that 

 account was written the ringed guillemot has been discovered to 

 breed here. I resolved to visit the rocks of Gamrie, to ascertain if 

 the species nested there, but although I spent nearly two days in 

 searching I failed to detect it. Sailing in a little bark, with a gentle 

 breeze blowing, I had ample opportunity of viewing the various 

 birds as they were approached and as they flew past. Passing in 



