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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Stephen Moss

Birdwatch: little grebes reach for their muted winter wardrobe

A little grebe with breeding plumage carries a chick on its back.
A little grebe with breeding plumage and a young passenger. Photograph: David Howarth/GuardianWitness

From the depths of the reedbed comes a sound like a whinnying horse. This is no aquatic equestrian, however, but our smallest waterbird: the aptly named little grebe.

Their small size and habit of skulking around the edge of ponds and lakes means these birds are easy to miss. That’s especially true here on the Avalon Marshes, home to a host of large, showy waterbirds including a trio of egrets. Yet the little grebe is one of those common species that deserves a closer look.

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