Prior to 1918 there were only seven or eight records of this small grebe but during that year three pairs nested at Tring Reservoirs, the first confirmed breeding in England. Proven or probable breeding also occured on several occasions until 1928, and birds summered for the two following years. There were 15 further records from 1958 to 1980 mainly during spring and autumn passage periods.
In 1991 two birds seen on 12 May were displaying but had gone by the following day. With sporadic breeding occuring in the region, further breeding attempts may be possible although the increased disturbance at the reservoirs in recent years would tend to count against this, since Black-necked Grebes prefer undisturbed conditions for successful breeding.
Since 2000, Black-necked Grebes have been recorded every year, usually during the Autumn migration period, but they were usually in single numbers and stayed for a few days only. In 2004, a party of 4 also turned up in March, but they too moved on quite quickly.
During March 2008 two Black-necked Grebes in full breeding plumage arrived at Wilstone. The pair remained for a week and could be seen displaying at times, but alas did not stay to breed. Spring records are now becoming regular at Tring and hopefully, it will not be to long before a pair remains to breed once more
(Updated 01/09)