Wednesday 10th December 2025: Red-necked Grebe at Southwick Canal

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 Whilst we were enjoying glorious sunshine and fantastic birds in Ecuador, news came through of a Red-necked Grebe in Southwick Harbour. Although somewhat less exotic than the species we were finding in Ecuador, this was nevertheless a 'good' bird for Sussex, with the inshore location offering the prospect of reasonable views.

Fortunately for us, the bird stayed long enough for us to dash out on our return to the UK. It was a slightly frustrating bird to watch, as Grebes so often are, diving as soon as you put your bins up, disappearing for some time, before emerging at a remote distance. Initially just a small dot between the ships near the end of the canal, it gradually moved closer, giving excellent scope views, although photos were a little more tricky!

It was also good to catch up with local birders who had come along for a look, making for an entertaining return to UK birding, and probably my last ‘tick’ for the year


Red-necked Grebe



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