274 THE BIRDS OF ESSEX.
Red-throated Diver : Colymbus septentrionalis. Locally,
"Sprat-Loon."
A fairly-abundant bird during winter on the Essex coast, where it
is commonly known as the " Sprat-Loon." Individuals are occasion-
ally blown far inland by severe storms.
Pennant says (Brit. Zool., 1768-70. ii. p. 414): "On the Thames, they are
called Sprat Loons, for they attend that fish during its continuance in the river."
Yarrell also says (14. iii. 336) "it is common about the estuary of the Thames,
both on the Kentish and Essex sides, where these birds follow the numerous
shoals of sprats, and are in consequence called the Sprat-Loons. They are fre-
quently caught in the nets." Mr. Clarke notes the occurrence of an immature in-
dividual at Saffron Walden in Feb., 1838 (24), and informs me that some years
ago a mature specimen was shot by a gamekeeper on the lake in Debden Park.
Mr. C. Walford wrote in Jan., 1839 (19. 90) that an adult bird in moult had re-
cently been taken at Maldon. It had the red on its neck. Mr. Bond met with an
adult at Southend early in Sept., 1842 (23. 40). Early on the morning of Dec.
2nd, 1876, during a heavy fall of rain and a high wind which had blown all
night from the S.E., a female (?) specimen alighted in the garden of a cottage
at Springfield, immediately opposite the gaol, to the great surprise of the occupants
of the cottage. It had no doubt been blown inland by the gale, but from the first
it exhibited little or no fear of human beings, and lived contentedly for a fortnight
in a pig-pen in the garden, without making any attempt to fly away. It was fond
of sprats and earthworms. In the end, it was killed for stuffing (44. iv. lxxiv.).
Mr. Lister watched one—apparently a young bird—on the Basin in Wanstead
Park in Jan., 1877 (47. 97, and 44. lxxvi.). Dr. Bree says (29. Apr. 23), about the
middle of April, 1881, " Mr, Ely sent me from Sible Hedingham a live specimen
which was picked up off his land by a labourer. It could not fly, but no reason
was discovered upon dissection."
An albino specimen, shot in Essex, and preserved by Ward, was among the
birds left by the late Col, Russell. The whole (including the legs and bill) is pure
white, except a few dark feathers on the back (29. Mar. 8, 1862 ; and 23. 8002).
Family PODICIPIDAE.
Red-necked Grebe: Podiceps griseigena.
A somewhat rare visitor, chiefly to our coast, from autumn to
spring.
Mr. Clarke records (24) a fine adult specimen killed on the lake in Debden
Park on Apr. 20th, 1839. Morris (27a. vi. 299) says it has occurred at Saffron
Walden. Yarrell says (37. iv. 125), "Examples have been obtained at irregular
intervals in Essex, Kent, Sussex," &c. A specimen was shot at Wethersfield during
the severe winter of 1837-38 (19. 34). One was caught by a dog in a pool of water
on the sea-shore at Dovercourt on Nov. 26th, 1875 (Kerry—34. 4827). Another
was captured at Bradwell, after half an hour's exciting chase, about the end of Sept.,
1876 (Chelmsford Chronicle, Oct. 6th). In the winter of 1877-78, Mr. Crick received
for preservation one said to have been shot near Witham. Mr. Lister says (47. 97)
early " in February, 1877, one of these birds remained for almost a week on the