Red-Necked Grebe
ditto Having a Stretch
Taking out its Frustration
Bog Standard Grebe
A Pair
Tiger Beetle
Heathland Spider Sp
Yesterday I checked out a possible new venue for next term. The day started well with the screams of Jays from the car park, and then almost immediately the harsh chatter of Sand Martins. A flock of more than 5 Redpolls flew over, and there were a few waterfowl species on the large lake - Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Coot, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Mallard. A walk along a heathland path and another through some tangled birch woodland, and I arrived at the far end of the lake, and eventually a Red-necked Grebe came out from undergrowth near the bank and sailed fairly close to me. Most of the time it just swam serenely away, but occasionally it made some loud guttural noises and stretched, and then changed its shape completely by going into some rather strange postures. This bird has been returning to this location for the past 5 years, unable to find a mate, but never giving up on its lovelorn quest. I didn't find any Adders, but when the sun was out, there were lots of Tiger beetles. This venue should be even better when the summer visitors arrive in large numbers next month.