NOTES AND QUERIES. 109 



course, a stone is sometimes seen occupying a place among the eggs — 

 in the sand-scooped nest of the Ringed Plover — but I have never read 

 of this in reference to the Lapwings, although it is well known to some 

 farmers. On these occasions the nest is always placed on a stony 

 field. Tricks by mischievous boys placing stones among the eggs 

 cannot be urged when nests are on well-protected lands and carefully 

 watched. I think nests 1 and 2 may have some interest for those 

 studying development in nest-building. — J. E. H. Kelso (Southsea, 

 Hants). 



Great Crested Grebes in Richmond Park. — I reported the arrival of 

 the pair of Great Crested Grebes (Podicipes cristatus) on the Penn 

 Ponds last year, and am pleased to state that a pair have arrived again 

 this year ; and I thought that the following notes made to-day (Feb. 

 25th) might prove of interest to readers of ' The Zoologist.' At first, 

 through my field-glasses, I could only see one bird, which was in full 

 breeding plumage. This bird (which is probably the male) was 

 treading water, splashing with his wings, and spinning round on his 

 stern like a teetotum. Presently, with neck stretched to its full extent 

 straight in front of him, he lies flat on the water, flaps his wings, and 

 utters a hoarse croak. I see now the cause of his excitement, for 

 coming towards him is the other Grebe, also stretched along the water 

 in the strange position as the first. The two meet breast to breast, 

 and chatter together, and spar with their bills. The second bird is not 

 in breeding plumage, but retains the winter dress, and is probably an 

 immature female. The two then swim in company, and visit the 

 nesting-place of last year. This is, however, now covered with water, 

 save a few stumps of wood and reeds. The male bird dives, bringing 

 up a bunch of weed, which he gives to the other bird. The two play 

 with the weed for a little while, then leave it. What makes the Grebe 

 bring up this weed, for these birds do not feed on it, and it is the stuff 

 their nests are made of ? Can the bird have mistaken the time of 

 year, and thinks the nest ought to be commenced ? We feel sure the 

 immature bird is not the female of last year, and, if this be so, can this 

 action on the part of the male bird of lifting the weed be to show this 

 young bird how and where to build the nest ? The cries of these birds 

 were very loud and quite audible some distance off. Besides making a 

 croak every now and again, they would utter a curious buzzing sound. 

 These birds have arrived very early this year, for I did not notice them 

 on the ponds last year until April 17th, and I saw them reported in a 

 daily paper shortly after that date. — Gordon Dalgliesh (29, Larkfield 

 Road, Richmond, Surrey). 



