A Pair of Black-necked Grebes at Rye Meads

24th May 2022

News came through of a pair of Black-necked Grebes in front of the Draper Hide at Rye Meads so time for a look. As I peered out of the busier than usual hide the usual suspects were on display including some Tufted Ducks, Little Grebes and a Muntjac grazing on the scrape.

The Common Terns were quite active with many enjoying a wash. This one had a soak first, then a wash before flying on the the scrape to dry.

Initially the grebes were visible but about as far away as they could get, so it was just a matter of waiting until they drifted my way. They did eventually come closer, not quite as close as I would like, but enough to allow some shots to be taken. Notice how the female on the right has a red neck.

Most of the time they were together they were very synchronised.

The last time I saw Black-necked Grebes at Rye Meads was in 2014 when a pair nested on the island in front of the Gadwall Hide, pictured here. You can just about make out the head of a chick on the back of the grebe on the nest.

Unfortunately there is no prospect of this pair breeding as they had gone the next day.