The bird has possibly been around since the 4th of November when an unusual looking grebe was seen in poor conditions out in the middle of the lake. Then on the 7th a grebe was photographed by Mansfield birder Martin Griffiths who was purplexed by it's identification, with suggestions ranging from Little to Red-necked Grebe. Fortunately Martin was intruiged enough to seek further assistance and the photographs he took landed this morning. Though far from conclusive they certainly hinted at something better than Little Grebe. The rest of course, is history...
As for whether it will stay, well that's anyone's guess but it currently looks pretty settled.
It's on the south-east side. Park at the visitor centre & then walk on the road clockwise around the lake, then go off right along the path to the hide & nature reserve section.
Apparently present since Thursday.
After a good spell in the 90s (one even coupled up with a Little Grebe in Cornwall and produced a few mutant young) they are now extremely rare - so expect a very big crowd. If accepted (it sounds stringy to me!), this will be the first UK bird for 8 years and the first twitchable one for 9 years.