Black-necked Grebe outwitted!

Found late yesterday at Pitsford Reservoir and, despite its best attempts to outwit and elude this morning’s would-be observers (including me!), this fine summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe finally gave itself up to those who entered Maytrees Hide and found it hugging the shoreline behind the reeds, where it remained invisible to birders looking from the perimeter path.

Only a few Black-necks are found in the County annually and many of these are juveniles in early-mid autumn plus the odd one or two in winter. Summer-plumaged individuals are rarely encountered so this one provided a real treat to those who were fortunate to see it this afternoon.