Slavonian Grebe at Abberton Reservoir

2nd July 2023

On the 29th June a summer plumage Slavonian Grebe was found at Abberton Reservoir, just west of the Layer de la Haye causeway. We were planning to visit Abberton to see the Spoonbills and Cattle Egrets so had a peek at the grebe while we were there, after all it would appear rude not to.

We were lucky on two counts, the light and distance. The bird has a habit of associating with the Great Crested Grebes about 100 yards out but while we were there was fishing just 10 yards from the bank, and at that moment the sun came out so a result all round. Well, you have got to get lucky some time.

Here are the results.

Getting ready to dive.

I love the way grebes and cormorants look under the water before they dive.

So why on Earth is a summer plumage Slavonian Grebe at Abberton in June when the nearest one should be at Aviemore!!!!!