Black-necked Grebe photographed in the Netherlands
Waterbirds · Netherlands

Black-necked Grebe

Geoorde fuut · Podiceps nigricollis
Small, elegant and impossible to overlook.

The Black-necked Grebe is a small but striking bird, especially in its breeding plumage. Its dark head and neck, deep red eyes and delicate golden plumes behind the eyes give it an unmistakable appearance. Despite its small size, it has a remarkable presence on the water and is always a pleasure to photograph.

Selected work

Featured photographs

Black-necked Grebe photographed by Dragos Varnav
Black-necked Grebe photographed by Dragos Varnav
Black-necked Grebe photographed by Dragos Varnav
Field notes

My encounters

Some of my most memorable encounters with Black-necked Grebes have been around Onnen and the nearby pumping station, but I see them especially often in De Onlanden. During the breeding season, I enjoy watching the pairs carefully tending to their nests among the vegetation, surrounded by water.

What I find particularly rewarding is seeing the adults caring for their young. These quiet family moments make me slow down and simply observe, waiting for an opportunity to capture the behaviour without disturbing them.