An elegant waterbird with striking head plumes which led to its being hunted for its feathers, almost leading to its extermination from the UK. On land they are clumsy because their feet are placed so far back on their bodies. They have an elaborate courtship display in which they rise out of the water and shake their heads. Very young grebes often ride on their parents’ backs.

Look out for these on any patch of water in our area. Shipley Park, Manor floods and Attenborough Nature Reserve will invariably have breeding pairs in occupancy throughout the summer.

These birds have an uncanny habit of being able to swallow some huge fish. Roach nearly the size of the birds necks and weighing close to a pound are down in one.

Courtship dance.

Nest made out of reed, usually abandoned a few days after the chicks are born.

Chicks are kept safe from predators by riding on the parents back.

“I caught a fish the other day and it was this big!!”.