A glossy black waterbird with a fan of bright golden feathers behind its vivid red eye drifts across the lake. This is the Black-necked Grebe, one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds.
Last year, RSPB St Aidan’s nature reserve, near Leeds, celebrated a record year for this little bird. There were an incredible 18 pairs nesting at the former open-cast coalmine, which has been transformed into a watery haven for wildlife. The birds also fledged 12 chicks, the joint second highest on the reserve. They breed here from May to July, and will start moving on during August. Many will spend the winter off the UK coast or on large lakes and reservoirs.
Thanks to the support of RSPB members, the St Aidan’s team has created the perfect mix of sheltered spots, shallow water and dense reeds that the birds need. Visitors to the reserve play a part too, by sticking to the paths to avoid disturbing the grebes.
Visit an RSPB nature reserve
RSPB nature reserves have something on offer for everyone. Covering the length and breadth of the country, the RSPB’s nature reserves are a great place to visit all year round and make some memories.
The best places to see Black-necked Grebes are RSPB St. Aidan’s and RSPB Fairburn Ings.
St Aidan’s nature reserve. Photo: Alan Coe (rspb-images.com)
