Can anyone tell me what time of year GCG nest, today i have seen a young grebe about 2 weeks old swimming in a local pond, last year i took some video of a young grebe about 6 weeks old at the end of april at another local pool. Is this normal ?
Are you sure they are great crested grebe chicks and not little grebes? Great crested grebe chicks can be identified by black and white striping on their head and neck. I would have thought it would be unusual for grebes to be nesting at this time of year. Did you see a parent bird with the chicks?
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hi,
if you've got some pics why not post them on the IDENTIFY THIS forum and we'll have a look- see:)
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
I did not get any pics from today but i will post a video or a link to a video that i took on the 29 march 2009 at a local lake, This chick looks to me to be about 6 to 8 weeks old, it would be about 25 days incubation time, so i would say the egg was laid maybe first or second week in January, what does everyone think.?
I will try and get some fotos from the sighting today and will post them asap.
Here's an older juvenile GCG
and an adult little grebe
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hi Peckis
MarJus: Love your pictures
I was going to say that Great Crested Grebes chicks are unmistakable as they are striped looking like humbugs
So they are easy to ID from their colouration
Of course there is a difference in sizes too.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi peckis,
Great Crested Grebes normally nest between February - June and only have one brood of 3-4 eggs.
As far as normal goes, a lot of birds are triggered by the weather and as we know in this country our weather is very unpredictable.
Last year whilst doing a winter survey in February, I saw a Moorhen with three chicks.
They normally start April - August. So if you take into account the number of days to drop the eggs (which could be upto ten) and the number of days to incubate them ( 19 - 22 days) and the fledgling's at ( 42 - 49 days ).
I asked myself when did they pair up and when was the nest built, it must have been the middle to back end of December.
So to answer your question, it isn't normal! but possible!
I Hope this helps
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hi Buzzard
Interesting to read about Grebes, and thank you for your informative answer
I have seen GC Grebes chicks when they are really young riding around on their parents back at Rutland Water
They are really very endearing when they are small. {small}
Here is a short video i shot at the end of April 2009. The chick looks to be about 6 to 8 weeks old.
http://www.vimeo.com/8826590
Hi Peckis,
your video clearly show Great Crested Grebe and chick. Thankyou for uploading it.
Lovely to see your video Peckis. I have followed this thread with interest. So glad Buzzard confirmed your own thoughts