| Slapton Ley is one of the few places in the United Kingdom
where you might see this grebe in the United Kingdom. Although rare in the
United Kingdom, Black Necked Grebes have a large range, occurring in every
continent except Australia and Antarctica. In the United Kingdom there are
only 40 to 60 breeding pairs plus approximately 120 birds over wintering.
These photographs were taken on the lower Ley at Slapton on the 13th July
2008. The bird is in his summer plumage with a black head, black neck, chestnut
flanks and a fan of golden cheek feathers behind the eyes. In winter the
bird is much duller; whitish with a poorly defined black cap and grey back.
The bright red eye is present in both its plumages. It is an excellent diver
feeding on small fish, crustacean as well as insects. It nests near the
water's edge and obviously therefore favours well vegetated areas of freshwater
to be able to conceal its nest. Usually two eggs are laid, and the striped
young are often carried on the adult's back to protect them from predators
such as Pike. Play Video. |
