Great Crested Grebes Fighting at Haverton Pools

At about 12:35 on May 19th 2016, a fight was observed from Haverton Viewpoint between two adult great crested grebes (GCG) on Haverton Pools. There were three adult GCG visible close to the far bank at about 12:30. One individual was alone, roughly north from the viewpoint near the cut through the reeds. The other two were together further west about halfway between the cut and the western end of the pool. This pair were later seen to have four chicks, which were noted on the water before scrambling onto the back of one of the adults, and were not involved in the fight. At about 12:35, the single GCG was approached by another from the east. They moved towards each other with necks outstretched and heads close to the water. As they reached each other they lifted their heads high and battled neck to neck. After a short time, they grasped bills and wrestled until one succeeded in twisting the other so that its head was underwater and its neck and body turned to one side. The two then circled together, the victor thrusting the head of the vanquished under the water while the latter splashed with its legs trying to lift its head back up again. As the fight progressed, the attempts to escape became less frequent and less strenuous. The victor eventually changed its grip so that it was holding the vanquished by the neck. The head and bill of the latter was visible again as the pair slowly made their way into the cut and were lost to sight when they went into the reeds to the east at about12:50. About five minutes later, a single adult GCG was seen on the water slowly moving towards the watchpoint. Similar behaviour has been reported, for example Donald Gunn, British Birds volume XXII number 2, July 1928 pp22-29, also citing EL Turner, Broadland Birds, 1924.