Monday 24th November 2025: Slavonian Grebe at Widewater Lagoon

 I set out for a walk to Brooklands Park yesterday afternoon, on a dry but rather gloomy day. The long-staying female Goosander was still present, and a single Brent Goose was also noteworthy, neither being common species at this particular location. As always, there were decent numbers of Little Grebe bobbing on the surface, making frequent dives. 

As I watched, I realised one of these diving birds was not a Little Grebe, looking rather more black and white, and a little bigger. The light was dreadful, and the bird was on the far side of the lagoon, so I rang Jo P and asked if I could pop round for a look from her garden. Luckily she agreed, and from here we could see the bird much more clearly, and I was able to confirm it was a Slavonian Grebe.

Although not uncommon in Sussex, most birds are seen offshore, and records show this is the first confirmed sighting on the lagoon since 1954! 

Fortunately the bird hung around, so the following morning we both headed over once more, Tim armed with his camera. In much better light, we had fantastic views, with the bird coming incredibly close as it approached the causeway where we were standing. 

Slavonian Grebe

It proved a popular bird, and we bumped into many other Sdos members and local birders who had come for a look or to take photos. For some it was their first sighting of this species. I was rather pleased to have found it, and share the news so others could also enjoy this rather lovely bird.