Black-Necked Grebes at RSPB Rye Meads, 24th May 2022

The news that there were a pair of Summer plumaged Black-Necked Grebes viewable from the Draper hide at Rye Meads had me rushing down there as soon as possible. They were found by Alan Harris and fortunately they stayed for the day allowing quite a few people to see them.

The female showed a more rusty/red neck than the all black on the male bird.

There may have been the odd one that had dropped in, but the last time a pair lingered, and had a failed breeding attempt was 2014.

Stunning birds and a shame that they departed so soon! Also great to see a few familiar faces in the hide.