February and March see pairs of Great Crested Grebes join together to perform an elegant courtship ritual… it’s not to be missed.
During spring these birds are easily recognised as they have their distinctive striking summer plumage (these showy headresses actually led to their near extinction in the nineteenth century when their feathers became a fashion accessory). Fortunately nowadays the Great Crested Grebes are a familiar sight.
The ‘dance’ begins with the birds facing each other and shaking their heads. This synchronised ritual can then develop into the full blown famous ‘penguin dance’ and ‘weed ceremony’. Here the birds collect weeds and then rush towards each other paddling on their feet to present the weeds as presents. It has become known as a penguin dance as the grebes resemble penguins when they present the weeds to each other in an upright position on the water. The dance is also often referred to as water ballet.
Head to your local wetland area early on a calm sunny morning for your best chance to witness this remarkable sight.
These photos and clips were filmed at Draycote Water in Warwickshire at dusk. Other areas nearby to look out for them might be Brandon Marsh, Coombe Abbey, Newbold Quarry or on the local canal. The grebes have a very long breeding season so if you miss the ritual in Spring you may well be able to catch it later on in the year.
