Black-necked Grebe - Middleton Moor

 I was away when Jon Lowes found a Black-necked Grebe at Middleton last May so I was very pleased when he called this morning to say he had found another. 

It was in perfect summer plumage and gave fantastic views as it swam around with a small group of Tufted Duck.

Black-necked Grebe

Black-necked Grebe - Millfields Bay, Carsington Water

The forecasted heavy rain commenced about 7am, just as it was getting light so after a quick drive round the moors I decided to head for Carsington to look for the Black-necked Grebe which has been present for almost a month. Despite the rain, and with help from Clive Ashton, it was soon located and showed quite well in the circumstances. There were plenty of Wigeon and single Shoveler and Gadwall in the bay and a Green Sandpiper landed briefly.

Black-necked Grebe in the rain