Red-necked Grebe at Siblyback Reservoir, Cornwall

A Red-necked Grebe has been present since Saturday 23rd March at the unlikely inland location of Siblyback Reservoir.  I saw it well today with Nigel Climpson and Sid Cole.  It seemed to be feeding on a wide circuit mainly from the dam end and the shallower water just to the south of the dam.  Twice it came to within 25 metres of us as it continued on its steady circuit.  Red-necked Grebes are chiefly found in the sheltered, coastal bays between the Helford River and St Austell Bay.  Inland records are unusual, but very welcome of course as this is the first opportunity I have had to see one at close quarters.  Considering the very dull plumage, presumably this is a non breeding adult.

On returning to the car, I also found a male Ring Ouzel (image below).

Male Ring Ouzel found on the west side of the dam on the sloping fields (with sheep grazing in).