Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis
Canon 600mm f5.6 for 1/1000th @ iso400
Finally, and after a number of visits to check on the progress of the Little Grebes, they have finally started to build a nest in the middle of the pond. The nest is a very flimsy structure on the remains of the huge algae bloom which had covered the pond in a sticky green mass during the hot weather. The green mass is now receding and all that remains is a small island of green in the middle of the pond. Unfortunately for the Little Grebes the nest location is on the direct route that the two Mute swans take as they go from one of the pond to the other and in addition also on the direct flight line the cob takes as he does short take offs and landings on the pond, a short flight which causes chaos to all the residents of the pond ! The pen is currently sitting on a makeshift nest - no eggs but she appears to have chosen a nest site at the edge of the pond.
To see a short video of the Grebes click here
Finally, and after a number of visits to check on the progress of the Little Grebes, they have finally started to build a nest in the middle of the pond. The nest is a very flimsy structure on the remains of the huge algae bloom which had covered the pond in a sticky green mass during the hot weather. The green mass is now receding and all that remains is a small island of green in the middle of the pond. Unfortunately for the Little Grebes the nest location is on the direct route that the two Mute swans take as they go from one of the pond to the other and in addition also on the direct flight line the cob takes as he does short take offs and landings on the pond, a short flight which causes chaos to all the residents of the pond ! The pen is currently sitting on a makeshift nest - no eggs but she appears to have chosen a nest site at the edge of the pond.
To see a short video of the Grebes click here