Litte Grebe brooding newly-hatched young on nest along Wendover Grand Union Canal

These birds are incredible swimmers and along the canal they have become accustomed to human presence so are generally quite relaxed with close observation from the bank. It always amazes me how fast they can move through the clear water in search of small fish. They are also diminutive birds that are sometimes mistaken for the young of other species....their often 'fluffy' appearance adds to their confusion. Their alternative name of 'Dabchick' hints at this.