The Great Crested Grebe Enquiry and Census of 1931 . 91 
much to the surprise of the natives. In 1932 I paid one short visit to 
Fairburn, but although I made no attempt to count the Great-Crested 
Grebes, they appeared to be in rather less numbers than in 1931. 
There have usually been two pairs of Great-Crested Grebes nesting 
on Worsborough Dam for a great number of years ; occasionally three 
pairs, or only one pair. Only one pair was known to nest there in 1930 
and in 1931. 
The record for Harthill Big Pond was not mine — I did not know 
of it. Mr. R. Chislett kindly paid it a visit in August, 1932, on my 
behalf, and reported three adult birds ; but could not see anything of 
any young birds. 
At Harewood Park the two pairs of Grebes had to leave their first 
nests and build second ones, both in 1931 and 1932, owing to the fall 
of the water due to repairs to the outlet. 
On Chelker Reservoir the Great Crested Grebes usually remain a 
month or so and leave in April or early May. In 1921 and in 1931 a 
pair remained throughout the summer, but in neither year could a nest 
be found and no young were reared. In 1924 a pair remained and built 
a nest, which I am fairly sure was robbed, as it was at the shallow end 
and was conspicuous from the road. This reservoir contains only trout 
and minnows, if that should be any reason why young are not reared there. 
At Malham Tarn the first nesting pair was in 1921. There were two 
pairs — and once three pairs— yearly during 1923 and 1927 inclusive. 
In 1928 nine Mute Swans were introduced, where there had not been any 
swans before, and the Grebes absented themselves in 1928 and 1929 ; 
but a pair returned and nested in 1930 and in 1931. (Three pairs again 
nested on the Dring Houses ponds in 1932). 
Other waters that have been tenanted in various years, but not in 
1931, are as follows : — 
Upper Lake, Bretton Park, Wakefield. Two pairs usually nested 
until 1929, and one pair in 1930. Excessive weed growths and fish 
elements believed to be the cause for desertion. 
Hamsworth Dam, near Ackworth. A pair first nested here in 1893, 
and each year a pair, and sometimes two pairs, nested regularly until 
about 1920 . Since then it has not been tenanted . Reason — increase of — 
and annoyance by — pit boys. 
Greasborough Dam, near Wentworth. A pair first nested here in 
1907 and until 1927, when the dam was drained for alterations, and 
they never returned. 
Ulley Pond, five miles south of Rotherham. One pair nested from 
1921 to 1930 inclusive ; when the reeds in which they nested were cut 
down. They returned in 1931 but did not stay to nest. 
Hazelwood Castle, near Wetherby. For many years a pair nested 
here each year until 1920, when the last nest was seen. No reason can 
be given for their discontinuation. 
Ripley Park, near Harrogate. A pair successfully nested in 1904 
and in 1905. A photograph of a nest and four eggs was taken on the 
Upper Lake in 1910. In most years a bird or a pair appears in March 
or April. A suitable water : only apparent objection a flock of noisy 
semi -domesticated Canadian geese. 
Coniston Cold, near Bell Busk. One pair nested each year in 1914 
to 1928 inclusive ; and was protected and encouraged by the late Col. 
Tottie. (I am pleased to add that a pair successfully nested here in 
1932. ) Large Pike in this lake are very destructive to the young of 
water-birds. 
Waters in the West Riding where the Great Crested Grebe might be 
expected to nest, but have not been known to do so. Semmerwater I 
consider to be the most suitable nesting site in this Riding. It contains 
abundant fish foods, large area, quietude, and plenty of cover. 
On August 2nd, 1932, Mr. W. F. Fearnley and I watched a single 
1933 April 1 
