THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
SLAVONIAN GREBE – Podiceps auritus
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Podiceps is from the Latin 'podicis' referring to the rump and 'pedis' for foot, and a reference to the placement of the legs on its body; 'auritus' is Latin meaning eared. The name Slavonian Grebe first appeared in 1802 with a reference to it being found in the 'Sclavonia' region of northern Russia; the modern spelling was adopted by the BOU in 1883. Some historical names for Slavonian Grebe include Devil Diver, Hell Diver, Pink-eyed Diver and Water Witch.
There have been four Slavonian Grebe reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1989: (1)
An adult in winter plumage was identified on April 27th off New Passage. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire
1996: (1)
An adult in winter plumage was noted on August 10th off Severn Beach.
1998: (1)
One was reported from Oldbury Power Station on Lagoon III on December 4th.
2000: (1)
An adult in summer plumage was identified on April 7th off Severn Beach.