Slavonian Grebe photographed at La Capelle Island [CA7] on 6/4/2011 Photo: © Vic Froome (visit site)

This is the most maritime of the grebes and is a regular visitor to the sheltered bays around the island. Guernsey is towards the southern edge of the species' winter distribution as it rarely extends as far south as the Bay of Biscay. Around 400 are present in the UK with between five and ten wintering in local waters.

Usually present from mid-November to mid-April, wintering birds can be found at most west and north coast sites. Belle Greve bay on the East coast is often a refuge area during periods of prolonged south westerly winds. The majority of records relate to birds present for extended periods and often more than one bird is reported at any particular site.

Cold weather movements can and do occur although identifying the occurrence is difficult. A regular gathering occurs towards the end of March particularly in the Rocquaine and L'Eree Bay area. Up to eight birds have been found often in full breeding plumage. Whether this is an aggregation of 'local' birds or northward moving migrants is unclear.