THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
BLACK-NECKED GREBE – Podiceps nigricollis
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Black-necked Grebe is known in North America as Eared Grebe and one of its folk names is in fact Eared Diver. It breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe, Asia and Africa. In the cooler temperate regions of the Old World they also winter further south, with many European birds moving to the Mediterranean area. The first reference to the modern name Black-necked Grebe was in 1912 when it replaced the term 'Eared Grebe'. Some historical names for Black-necked Grebe include; Black Grebe and Rolling Pin. Black-necked is a direct translation of the scientific name 'nigricollis'.
There have been three Black-necked Grebes reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1996: (1)
On October 24th a single bird was seen drifting up the R. Severn off New Passage and towards Aust Warth on the tide. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.
1997: (1)
One, a moulting adult was seen on August 31st at Oldbury Power Station on Lagoon III.
1999: (1)
One was reported from Oldbury Power Station on April 4th.