Great Crested Grebe
Great Crested Grebe / podiceps cristatus. Straws Bridge, Derbyshire. 03/08/20.
'A UNIQUE ENCOUNTER.'
This was a totally unexpected and very unique sighting for me back in August. I've never seen a Great Crested Grebe on the shoreline of my local lake before! They are usually wary birds and stay at a respectable distance from the edge.
My first thoughts were that it must be ill or injured, although it's demeanour suggested otherwise. It seemed bright and perky in manner, occupying itself with a lot of preening. After about 20 minutes it tucked it's beak tip under it's wing and dozed.
I must have observed it for at least half an hour before some Canada Geese swam in. Their size and number proved too much for the grebe who got up and with an ungainly shuffle, entered the water. As it swam off strongly I was left mystified by the encounter.
I very much doubt I will see a repeat performance.
Great Crested Grebe
Great Crested Grebe / podiceps cristatus. Straws Bridge, Derbyshire. 03/08/20.
'A UNIQUE ENCOUNTER.'
This was a totally unexpected and very unique sighting for me back in August. I've never seen a Great Crested Grebe on the shoreline of my local lake before! They are usually wary birds and stay at a respectable distance from the edge.
My first thoughts were that it must be ill or injured, although it's demeanour suggested otherwise. It seemed bright and perky in manner, occupying itself with a lot of preening. After about 20 minutes it tucked it's beak tip under it's wing and dozed.
I must have observed it for at least half an hour before some Canada Geese swam in. Their size and number proved too much for the grebe who got up and with an ungainly shuffle, entered the water. As it swam off strongly I was left mystified by the encounter.
I very much doubt I will see a repeat performance.