Small Grebes off Holkham
I saw two small grebes late on in holkham bay, the light was terrible but I couldn't make them into anything more than little grebes. Just saw pager message ? Anyone get a better view and make them out to be Black Necked ?
Stu et al
Have seen the same message and have logged on to ask for other's thoughts on small grebes they have seen off Holkham. You beat me to it.
The 2008 Norfolk Bird Report confirms that black-necked grebes on the sea require a description to County Rarities Committee.
Have never seen a black-necked grebe on the sea / offshore.
Four grebe species off Holkham but not black-necked - seen at Holkham Lake
Four grebe species off Titchwell but not black-necked - saw my first at Titchwell reserve at Gyspy Lane only this year March 1st (2009).
At Holkham today
Phil Etherington found the slav grebe this morning offshore and Pete Milford and I were put onto it. Thanks Phil! A long way out, but the bird turned sideways on to confirm it was Slavonian - pale head and neck etc.
At long last have firecrest for the year. A tit flock flew east past the gap at Holkham. Six goldcrests flew into a conifer. Not many of these this autumn. Then a short close view of the firecrest with the flock. Saw it didn't have the obvious eye of goldcrest before it (sorry he: it was a male!) appeared hopping along the branch and after a short while flew away.
Listing
Have to admit both the firecrest and slav grebe were year ticks. Have dipped both before.
Yes I was more delighted with the SELF-FOUND firecrest than the slav plus all the other good birds: red-necked grebe, great northern diver, close guillemot, eiders and many, all common? scoters with 14 shorelarks on the way back, nor forgetting 5 snow buntings briefly.
Best morning's birding in ages. Still need little auk - well done Rob W!
As for black-necked grebe....?
