Red-necked Grebe by Graeham Mounteney

A summer-plumaged adult Red-necked Grebe is one of the most beautiful of Europe's five breeding species and a rare fixture in Britain, meaning a vocal bird at Burton Riggs NR near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, from 8th became one of the most popular avian fixtures of March. Attracting birders and photographers alike from across the country, recent weeks have seen the BirdGuides galleries adorned with over 40 images of this stunning bird.

It would take something special, therefore, to stand out from the pack, yet Graeham has captured an evocative image. An excellent low angle to the water coupled with a calm green water surface generates a diffuse background, contrasting nicely with the rich reds, greys and yellows of the grebe's plumage. The bird's reflection adds to the pastel effect of the diffuse water, with the image well exposed and full of colour. The picture is wonderfully sharp and the grebe's open bill mid-call adds an additional, pleasing element to the photograph.

Congratulations to Graeham on an engaging image!

Other notable images

Little Gull, Cheddar Reservoir, Somerset (Gary Thoburn).

Puffin, Gibraltar, Gibraltar (Robert Perez).

Great Bustard, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire (Chris Teague).

Hen Harrier, Catcott Lows NR, Somerset (Gary Thoburn).

Common Pochard, Ham Wall RSPB, Somerset (Carl Bovis).

Razorbill, Fowlsheugh RSPB, Aberdeenshire (John Anderson).

Dipper, Brockmill, Lancashire (Gordon Speirs).

Great Crested Grebe, Furzton Lake, Buckinghamshire (Nigel Kiteley).

Short-toed Snake Eagle and Peregrine Falcon, Gibraltar, Gibraltar (Joe Downing).