Small, brown swimmer

[IanP]

I'm sure I've posted this already, but can't find it - must have hit the wrong button.

Anyway, whilst at Chatsworth on Saturday, I saw this small bird on the other side of a pond. It was diving regularly and appeared to be about half the size of the nearby Mallards. I can't find anything like it in my sources, unless it's a Little Grebe. I hesitate to suggest that because I couldn't see the white patch near the beak and the location was rather confined.



And another thing! On the same pond was a pair of Canada Geese, both engaged in some washing/preening. One was doing the normal stuff, head dipping, wing flapping, etc., but the other was engaged in something quite bizarre. It was submerging fully, head first, then surfacing belly up and rolling over. It did this several times. I've never seen anything like it before.

[Ferret]

It’s a Dabchick Tachybaptus ruficollis also called Little Grebe

Ferret

[IanP]

Yes, thanks. I could see that even as I was preparing the post, but thought it worthwhile getting confirmation, as well as exploring the behaviour of the Canada Goose. I believe that my daughter's partner may have some video of this extraordinary performance, if it matters.

[IanP]

Hi again, I'm disappointed that nobody's made a comment on the second photo in this post. Any ideas?

[Tringa]

Not seen that behaviour in Canada geese, but I realised I had seen mallards doing it, though I did not realise at the time.

It was only after I looked through some photos that I spotted this. I don't know if there is any significance in the behaviour, other than having a really good wash.

Apologies for the photo, it is heavily cropped and taken on a dull day last December.

Dave

[IanP]

Hi, thanks for that. It looks to be the same "technique". Very funny to watch.