Great Crested Grebes - Les Pas de Deux

On Easter Saturday I popped over to Barnes (London Wetland Centre). Generally there wasn't much about..until....I went around to the Wildside and came across of pair of Great Crested Grebes. I stayed (with others) watching for some considerable time in which we were treated to two weed dances. Amazing to watch and I took so many pictures it's taken some while to go through them. But, for what it's worth, here a some of the better ones! And, very occasionally the sun peeped out which was great as I was getting very cold just standing and watching.

At one point, Gary very kindly lent me a sheet of plastic (aka a bin bag) to sit on - I'd left my tripod in the car!!!! Silly me.

When we first arrived there was a great deal of nest building going on by both the would be parents.

After a while they swam about and we thought that was it - a bit of head waggling and then they turned their backs on each other - swam away, dived and came up with some weed... and then they danced!!

After a while more head wagging..

and the routine was repeated..

Their plumage at this time of the year is really spectacular especially when they "fluff" out their head feathers..

During the time we were watching they had mated once... She had prostrated herself many times but the male was very slow in taking up the offer. We concluded that he may be a young Grebe.

After a while a further coupling took place and then they swam around separately.


By now time was getting on so I decided to call it a day. It was amazing just to be able to watch this fascinating courtship drama at relatively close quarters. Whether they'll be an outcome to this remains to be seen - we not sure that the male was very successful!

And today, just a quick walk around Bushy. The clouds were black so I didn't stay long!

At least this Mallard was happy :D

Just one of the, now sadly, remaining two of the four Egyptian Goslings. They're still the only young birds I've seen so far this year.

An unusual occurrence of a Rose-ringed Parakeet on the ground. They only come down to the ground to drink.

A pair of Mistle Thrushes landed in one of the nearby trees.

And on my way back, this area was a busy feeding station where someone had hung a fatball. I had some birdseed in my pocket so added this to the tree stump. And was glad I had as this Nuthatch seemed to appreciate the offerings!

And eventually off home - just hoping tomorrow will be a decent day weather wise - it's long over due!!

Happy Easter or Happy Holidays to you all - and hope