Wetland birds

The graceful great crested grebe is a familiar sight on our lakes and reservoirs, and is well-known for its elaborate courtship dance, during which it rises vertically out of the water and shakes its head. Also look out for humbug-striped chicks riding on their mothers back.

The shy and retiring bittern is a master of blending in and can be very difficult to spot in its reedbed home. It does sound like a booming foghorn, however, when it calls, so can often be heard if not seen.

Living up to its name, the shoveler has a large and distinctive shovel-like bill which it uses to feed at the surface of the water.

The little egret is a small, white heron that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Once a very rare visitor from the Mediterranean, little egrets are now a common sight around the coasts of southern England and Wales, but can also be seen in Surrey.