LITTLE AUK. 
357 
Gen US — Mergidus. 
293. Mergulus alle. Little Auk. 
An occasional visitor to the coast in winter, sometimes 
numerous, and frequently blown far inland in stormy 
weather. 
Our first record is from a far inland locality. Gilbert 
White, writing to Pennant in November, 1773, says that 
" Two years ago last spring, the little auk was found 
alive and unhurt, but fluttering and unable to rise, in a 
lane a few miles from Alresford, where there is a great 
lake ; it was kept awhile, but died." 
In a footnote on this passage. Bell mentions that a 
living specimen was brought to him on November 19th, 
1 86 1, from Le Court, near Alton, which he afterwards 
placed in the local museum. 
Lord Northesk has recorded one from Longwood in 
November, 1884. 
In January, 1895, there was quite an irruption into 
the county. Specimens were reported from the New 
Forest (Lord Lilford) ; Heron Court (Lord Malmesbury) ; 
and Wield, near Alton (Alton Museum), during this 
month. 
It has also occurred at Newton Stacey (Turle). 
