Birdwatch: Rain, water, wings – a winter’s gift at Cheddar reservoir
After weeks of heavy rain, Cheddar reservoir in Somerset is once again full—not only of water but also of birds. Thousands of coots, hundreds of gulls and ducks, and dozens of great crested grebes crowd the water’s surface, some already moulting into their striking breeding plumage, complete with crests.
These birds feed almost constantly, building up energy reserves in preparation for the breeding season. Among the many familiar species, there are some less common visitors: a flock of scaup, with males noticeably bulkier than nearby tufted ducks and pale grey backs that catch the light. Flocks of goosanders frequently dive for food, with the colorful males resembling cormorants in extravagant plumage.
As I walk around the reservoir’s perimeter, I am searching for a particularly special bird. The red-necked grebe, the rarest member of its family in Britain, can be easily overlooked as it superficially resembles a smaller, darker great crested grebe. I experience several false alarms, thinking I have spotted it multiple times, only for the bird to turn and reveal a bright white neck.
Just as I am about to leave, the red-necked grebe surfaces just offshore, displaying its dark face and neck and a yellow base to the bill, confirming its identity. Or does it? Later that day, a friend sends me photographs suggesting the bird might belong to the American race, which could eventually be classified as a separate species from its European counterpart.
Regardless, I am content to observe this attractive and unexpected visitor so close to home.
