G 11 E A T CREST E D G R E. li 1 ^ . 
PODICEPS CRIST J TUS. 
The breeding-haunts of the Great Crested Grebe appear to he now restricted to a few of the central, southern, 
and eastern counties of England : considering the persecution that this curious bird has undergone from one 
cause or another, it is a wonder that survivors are still to be found. Though its quarters are rapidly becoming 
contracted by drainage and other innovations, the broads in the eastern counties with their extensive reed- 
beds are likely to afford a safe asylum for many years to come; but the demand for plumes in former days, 
and latterly the rage for egg-collectiug, coupled with the scanty protection afforded by proprietors in many 
districts, render it, unlikely that the species will increase. During winter, even should the weatiier prove 
mild, the majority of these birds take their departure from their summer-haunts and resort, for the most 
part singly, to the tidal rivers or the open sea. On the lochs and rivers of the Ilighlands I did not recognize 
a single specimen ; though during a residence of two years in East Lothian a few pairs and solitary birds 
were not unfrequently met with off Gullane, and also in xiberlady Bay in the Eirth of Forth. 
The old birds doubtless take their young into the water almost immediately after hatching ; on one 
occasion only have I met with a juvenile on the nest, the fact being referred to in the following extracts 
from my notes: — “June 2G, 1871. Started early for the broad, to examine a nest discovered a few days 
before, containing four eggs, apparently on the point of hatching. On reaching the spot, it was ascertained 
that only two were left, the empty shells plainly indicating that a couple of the juveniles had already 
taken their departure. Though doubtless near at hand, it was useless to search for the youngsters, owing 
to a strong breeze that rufiled the water and kept the reeds in constant motion. 
“ June 27. Down at the Loons’ * nest at daybreak. The two eggs were still unhatched, though one 
helpless mite was calling distinctly inside the partially l)roken shell. As an old Ihrd, accompanied by the 
juveniles that had already taken their departure, could be heard close by, the patch of reeds in which 
they had taken refuge was surrounded by three punts; and the party having been driven backwards and 
forwards, the young were at length secured in a landing-net, the old birds following them to within a couple 
of yards of the boat’s side. As soon as the capture was effected we retired from the neighbourhood of the nest, 
and took up our quarters in an adjoining reed-bed, so that the bird might return to hatch the remaining eggs. 
Some three or four hours later, having discussed our breakfast and indulged in a rest, the spot was again 
carefully approached : so noiselessly did the punt glide through the roadway cut through the reeds, that the 
female did not dive from her nest till the craft was within half a dozen yards. The juvenile whose querulous 
notes had previously atti’acted attention was now released from the shell ; no change, however, could be detected 
in the remaining egg. Ilaving now secured as many specimens as were needed, this egg Avas left, and though 
the old birds were seen an hour later some distance from the nest, the young one was eventually brought out ” 
Being frequently watched in order to observe the various changes undergone by juveniles of this 
* Grebe are known to the Norfolk marshmen by this title. 
