The Great Crested Grebe is a water bird that lives near large stretches of water, including flooded gravel pits like Longham Lakes on the outskirts of Bournemouth. It dives under the water to catch small fish, insects, and frogs. They are known for the striking courtship ‘dance’ between the male and female birds.
We have a specimen of a Great Crested Grebe with its colourful summer plumage on display in the Museum. These bright feathers are replaced after breeding and the birds are not so easy to see.
