Great Crested Grebe

A great crested grebe glides elegantly along the Thames, its wings—made of soft socks—rustling like delicate plumage. Known for its elaborate mating dance, this waterbird displays striking head feathers that fan out like a crown. Once nearly driven to extinction for their plumes, grebes are now a symbol of resilience. As it dives smoothly beneath the river's surface, it reminds onlookers of nature’s enduring beauty, even among cityscapes.