I've resurrected the Lockdown 'On this day' series for the rest of November starting with this transatlantic mega...
On this day in 2010, it was another mega in the shape of Pied-billed Grebe at Hollingworth Lake North of Manchester...
Whilst it was likely to be a 'stayer', I was not going to take the chance of the Hollingworth Pied-billed Grebe doing a flyer. My only opportunity over the next week or so was to be this afternoon (on one of the stormiest days of the year!) So, with a lunchtime finish to work, I headed North amid blue skies and storm clouds.... Hollingworth lake is at a reasonable height and it was even windier there! Nevertheless the Grebe was settled in the South-East corner and once I'd walked there from the visitor car park (it was now 2.30) there was not a breath of wind - completely sheltered by a hill and trees!! I joined the small gallery...
The Grebe was quite mobile and spent quite a bit of time sitting in a patch of water vegetation on the far bank....
The obligatory record shot followed as it had a bit of a preen for me (another lifer too, I feel a Tunnocks teacake coming on!!)
I'd have settled for that but it then moved out into open water....
In fact TOO close!! It started fishing under the bank and out of view. It retreated occasionally and was in full view, just a matter of avoiding reeds in the way!!
Unbelievably, the rain held off and the Grebe was still sat there on the far bank at dusk - dozing after consuming a rather large Perch......
