Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. Believed to be a 1st winter bird although aging is difficult. My first sighting of this species. A very confiding bird, staying close to the edge of the reservoir where you could watch it dive in and through the clear waters before popping to the surface like a cork! Lighting conditions were pretty tricky - mostly very badly backlit (hence ISO800 & +1 ev).

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 30/10/2012. (ISO1000 +2/3 EV)

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 28/10/2012. (ISO1000 +2/3 EV).

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 30/10/2012. Feeding well! Bit of a big crop but I thought it worth it.

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. Highlighting the beak shape and markings (conclusively ruling out Black-necked Grebe, which would be the other contender locally). Of note, the pale tip. Also of note, the pale patch of feathers between the eye and beak laterally and nice white cheeks.

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. The white of the cheeks extends round towards the back of the head and up into a notch at the top. Viewed in "original" size, you can see curve of the gape as it extends from the base of the bill up to the eye - on a Black-necked Grebe, this feature is straight rather than curved.

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. The back of the head plumage.

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. I just liked the reflections and ripples in the water....

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. Another shot where the water's ripples/reflections were interesting.

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Wilstone Reservoir, Nr Tring, Hertfordshire, 27/10/2012. Liked the texture created by the water's ripples here...