47 
COL YMBIDJE. 
The Great Crested Grebe ( Podiceps cristatus). 
Very rarely met with in either of the counties. Being resident 
all the year in Ireland, it is somewhat singular that few, if any, of 
the young birds hatched in the loughs there find their way to the 
western shores of Wigtown. 
The Bed-necked Grebe {Podiceps rubricollis). 
Equally rare with the preceding; very few specimens being 
obtained. It is occasionally seen in the estuaries, and at some 
distance up the rivers, but not later than the month of April. 
One of these birds in the breeding plumage was shot, a few years 
ago, at Caldwell in Ayrshire, and is now in the collection of 
Mr Orr, Kilbirnie. 
The Sclavonian Grebe ( Podiceps cornutus). 
Uncommon, and generally seen at sea when it does occur. It 
turns up occasionally on fresh water lakes in spring and autumn, 
but is entirely absent during the summer months. 
The Little Grebe, or Dabchick ( Podiceps minor). 
Even this species, which is so numerous in almost all other parts 
of Scotland, is not common. Mr Gray saw one lately in the 
possession of H. Stewart, Esq. of Tonderghie, near Burrow Head, 
and was surprised to learn from that gentleman that it was 
extremely rare in his neighbourhood. In Ayrshire, however, it is 
more frequently obtained. 
The Great Northern Diver (Colymbus glacialis). 
Very common in both counties. It is, indeed, found in great 
numbers off the coast of Wigtownshire in autumn and winter. 
We have seen it also in summer near Girvan, in pairs, about a 
mile off shore on warm days during a dead calm, when their 
hoarse conversation was distinctly heard. When in pursuit of 
prey, they are at this season occasionally taken in the salmon 
nets near the town. Mr Anderson saw two very fine specimens 
in the last week of May, 1869. One of these—a brilliant bird in 
full summer dress—is now in the possession of Mr Murray, 
banker, Girvan. In August, old birds, still partly clad in this 
