Cromford Canal hosts a well established population of Little Grebes that successfully raise young each year. Along the stretch of the canal nearest cromford there are several floating nests with clutches of eggs being incubated by these tiny birds.

This female busied herself incubating, feeding and gathering more nesting material while I watched. Her mate would occasionally visit her with tidbits so she could stay on the single egg balanceing on the nest. As a dog passed by, the grebe displayed a fascinating behaviour by hurriedly placing more material over the egg to hide it. This was new to me and showed just how precious the young are to a brooding female.

Although the canal is inhabited by a pike, the greatest danger to the chicks and eggs are dog being allowed to swim in the water. This highlights the importance of sticking to the guidelines of toepaths and bridleways - especially at this time of year.

Here is a small selection of the female in question - let me know what you think!