The Little Grebe is one of my favourite birds. It is found across the UK, but is generally absent from upland areas. It breeds on lakes, gravel pits and slow moving rivers although in winter it can often be found on sheltered coasts and estuaries.
The rich combination of red and dark brown with the prominant white spot at the base of the bill, its breeding plumage, is lost in winter as it reverts to a grey- buff plumage.
Current estimates put the breeding population at between 4000 and 8000 pairs with a wintering population of around 17000 birds in the UK.
Pete's Favourite Things 