Visiting birders generally don’t pay much attention to the humble Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis). But the observant birder will notice that the subspecies found here – poggei – has a pale eye and has been mooted as a potential future ‘split’. Whatever its taxonomic status, the Little Grebe is a charismatic bird and, in the parks of Beijing, can be relatively confiding. Visiting birders who care about their lists will be wise to take note for ‘insurance’….!
Little Grebe (ssp poggei). A common resident and breeder in the capital. This individual is half of a breeding pair in the Olympic Forest Park.
Terry! Thanks for enlightening me. As you said i never cared about the Little grebe. LOL!
You are not alone, Dev..!
This particular LG is interesting to me as I was at the Forest Park last weekend. I was surprised not to see more birds on the water (in the areas without boats); however, I did eventually see one LG in the north side of the park. Glad to hear that they are breeding there.
The south-west part of the southern section of the OFP is much less disturbed and there are some secluded pools that are viewable from the walkway. This pair is nesting by the ‘underground corridor’.