Black-necked Grebe photographed at Vazon on 25/7/2013 Photo: © Anthony Loaring (visit site)

Although similar in appearance to the preceding species the Black-necked Grebe is considerably rarer in local waters. Generally it occurs as a scarce passage migrant on a less than annual basis. In the UK it is estimated that around 120 are present in winter. The distribution is more southerly and westerly than either the Red-necked or Slavonian Grebe and it is clearly less tolerant of cold conditions. The species appears to be less prone to hard weather movements than other grebe species. In Europe it is estimated that there are between 500 and 1,000 breeding pairs suggesting a potential European wintering population of only 2,000 birds.

Dobson fails to report it quoting Smith as saying "it is an occasional autumnal visitant to the islands remaining on till the winter, it is never very numerous." Locally, they frequent the same sheltered sites as the Slavonian Grebe with the North and West Coast Bays having the majority of records. Two birds have been seen together on only three occasions in the 1990's. Most records are of 'one day' birds with prolonged stays unusual. Records in October and November are rare with January being the peak arrival period. A single off Fort Le Crocq on the 5th April 1996 represents the latest spring record in recent years.