Slavonian Grebe

[dereklyz]

Although it was ducking and diving without taking much of a breath, we are convinced that there was a Slavonian Grebe on show at Calshot yesterday (Saturday) at high tide. Although it was difficult to get a long look at it, the colour and neck markings seemed to be characteristic. Please address any queries to Lyz

Derek and Lyz

[simoncurson]

Hi Lyz,
Well done. Slavonian Grebes do winter in small numbers along the south coast, so there is no reason why it shouldn't have been one.
Slavs and Black-necked Grebe can appear very similar in winter. Best difference is that Slavs have a neat black cap  that is sharply demarkated from the white cheeks and a flattish crown shape. Black-necked Grebes have a black cap that gradually grades to white on the cheeks making it look like it has dusky cheeks and it has a  peaked or rounded crown shape.
For photo of Black-necked Grebe see http://www.birdingintaiwan.com/gallery/New%20Folder/Black-necked%20Grebe.JPG
For photo of Slavonian Grebe see http://www.realbirder.com/Birds%20in%20Britain/Slavonian%20Grebe.jpg

Let us know (from the photos) whether you still feel it was Slavonian.

Simon Curson