The “Eared Grebe”, better known as the Black-necked Grebe, is a rare breeding bird in Britain. It is more often seen in winter, visiting our reservoirs or observed at southern coastal sites, sometimes in good numbers. The birds begin to arrive back at their preferred breeding sites in late March and into April, when they are in full refinery, displaying their beautiful golden “ear” crests, which gives them their old name of “Eared Grebe”. St.Aidan’s was once an old opencast coal mining area that was flooded in 1988. The RSPB have created a 400 acre nature reserve near Leeds, protecting […]
Another day spent at Frampton Marsh, near Boston, Lincolnshire, one of the RSPB’s finest reserves. Only an hour or so drive from home and a place I really enjoy visiting. The reserve always has great potential and you never know what you might find here. A recent White-rumped Sandpiper and a good variety of waders was enough to spark our interest. However, the day turned out to be a little disappointing. Very few waders really, several hundred Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit, many still in summer plumage, plenty of Avocets but only 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 1 […]
A day spent observing some spring jewels, namely Red-necked Grebe & Black-necked Grebe. These birds are truly stunning in their summer plumage. So rare to see Red-necked Grebe in full regalia. Black-necked Grebes are more common in their summer attire. This Red-necked Grebe has returned to this area of Yorkshire for its seventh year. Also seen during the day were numerous Chiffchaff & Sand Martin; small numbers of Little-ringed Plover, a single Green Sandpiper and a single Holly Blue & Peacock. Year List moves on to 152. PHOTOS – Below 1, 2 & 3 – Red-necked Grebe – Hatfield Moors, […]