98 the ornithologist's guide 



distance, and on coming to the surface imme- 

 diately takes wing. The young of this bird is 

 known by the name of the Dusky Grebe, and is 

 very rare in both countries. I have seen very few, 

 and these only in the spring, on the lakes near 

 to or communicating with the sea. Two or three 

 pairs used to frequent the Loch of Stenness in the 

 neighbourhood of Stromness. 



Podiceps minor, Lath. Little Grebe. Dab- 

 chick. — The Little Grebe is rather plentiful in 

 Orkney; a few are also occasionally seen in Shet- 

 land. It breeds in the former place, but I am not 

 certain that it does in the latter country. It fre- 

 quents the sea-shore and lakes, and builds its nest 

 in the lakes contiguous to the sea. 



Colymbus glacialis, Linn. Ember Goose*. 

 Great Northern Diver. Loon. — This beautiful 

 bird is plentiful both in Orkney and Shetland in 

 the winter and spring. It leaves about the latter 

 end of May, by which time it has acquired its 

 perfect summer plumage. It is extremely shy 

 and very difficult to get within shot of ; it gene- 

 rally congregates in parties of four or five : it 

 dives with the utmost facility, can remain a long 

 time under water, and rises again at a great di- 



