282 THE BIRDS OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 



in this instance, as Captain Ashby was perfectly well 

 acquainted with all the British Grebes, and was 

 a keen observer and collector of local rarities. 

 As this is a species that I have never met with 

 alive, and with whose habits I have therefore 

 no personal acquaintance, I will merely state that 

 although it has never been known to nest in the 

 United Kingdom, it is frequently met with during 

 the winter months on our eastern coasts, and not 

 rarely elsewhere on British waters. In habits it is 

 said to resemble the other members of the Grebe 

 family, with the exception that it does not, as they 

 do, use the wings in diving. I find it stated that 

 this species breeds locally in Denmark, Sweden, 

 Northern Germany, and Russia ; and my friend 

 Colonel Irby has assured me that he is convinced 

 that the Red-necked Grebe breeds in Morocco. At 

 the seasons of migration, this bird may be met with, 

 according to the best, authorities, over the greater 

 part of Europe and in the Mediterranean. 1 have 

 proof positive of its occurrence in Ionian waters, but, 

 as I have already stated, I never, to my knowledge, 

 saw a living specimen. ^ 



225. LESSER CRESTED, HORNED, 

 OR SCLAVONIAN GREBE. 



Podiceps auritus. 



This Grebe is not a very uncommon visitor to our 

 county, and I feel convinced that where the Little 

 Grebe or Dabchick is common, this bird often 

 escapes special notice during the mnter months. 

 Two of this species were shot on the garden-pond at 



