These cute ducks with a punk hairdo and feet adorned with bizarre webbing resembling an airplane flap are quite the sight to behold. With these remarkable legs, a grebe catches its prey at great speed and can travel long distances. Unlike other waterfowl, each of the grebe’s feathers is attached to their skin at a right angle with a curl to the tip. This allows for adjusting the own buoyancy on water and gives the ability to dive quickly and quietly. Some species of grebes are long-distance migrants.
In Wales, they gather at Traeth Lafan, the area is covered with tidal sands and mudflats, to spend cold winter months. It is one of the biggest great crested grebe populations in Britain. Typically they build their floating nests fixed to water vegetation.
Practical info
Provide information about Traeth Lafan's location in Wales and what it is?
Traeth Lafan, located on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales, is an area covered by tidal sands and mudflats. It is known for being one of the best places to spot the Great Crested Grebe during the winter months. There are nearby parking facilities available for visitors. Show more
When is the ideal time to go to Traeth Lafan to observe the Great Crested Grebe, and why?
The optimal time to go to Traeth Lafan to spot the Great Crested Grebe is between December and February, during the winter months when they arrive in large quantities. They are generally more active and visible during the early morning hours. Taking an early trip to Traeth Lafan is highly recommended to enhance the chances of seeing them in action. Show more
What is the feeding behavior of the Great Crested Grebe, and what are some of its preferred foods?
Great Crested Grebes are skilled divers and swimmers and catch their prey underwater, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. While they primarily target fish, the specific type of prey they consume varies by the season. Throughout the year, they collaborate with their partners to fish together in a unique activity called weed-dance, where they swim around one another in a coordinated manner to gather seaweed. Show more
What are the distinctive features of Great Crested Grebe feathers that allow them to swim and dive effectively?
The specialized features of Great Crested Grebe feathers include waterproof outer feathers that prevent skin exposure to water and dense, soft underplumage that traps air to provide thermal insulation. These feathers' transformative nature lets the birds change their buoyancy effortlessly, which allows for rapid, quiet diving and enables effective movement underwater. Show more
Provide information about Great Crested Grebes' migration patterns and where they move to during the year?
Great Crested Grebes undertake long-distance migrations, particularly during the winter months, and some species are migratory. European grebes, which inhabit Wales, move to slightly warmer regions such as the Mediterranean, Black Sea, or Atlantic coast to obtain better living conditions. They usually come back to Welsh waters to breed during the spring and summer season, between March and June. Show more
