Slavonian Grebe

Slavonian Grebes are usually seen off shore from the Pagham and Church Norton Spits where they spend several months each winter. They are difficult to see  and are usually  just a spec on the sea without binoculars or a telescope. Occasionally they venture into the harbour and very occasionally I have seen them on the Lagoon. Yesterday and today has been one of those 'very occasionally' days...so feast your eyes while you may!
This bird tends to keep up the western end but drifts from one side of the Lagoon to the other but, with patience and a little bit of fieldwork it comes up to the inlet adjacent to the old car park and affords excellent views...that is where I concealed myself this morning behind a prickly gorse bush and secured a few images. The light was not perfect but good enough!

Initially a fair way out

...jump diving for fish

...and quickly out of sight

leaving just a splash!

...coming closer

..until even the droplets of water on its back can be seen

...catching fish

This final image shows a pair in summer plumage I photographed at one the few breeding sites in Scotland (Loch Ruthven) a few years ago...superb birds!