Identification of a bird

[jimmyg34]

I was down by a local pond in Sussex and saw a bird i did not recognise.
At first glance it looked like a female duck, with it's brown feathers but one that had perhaps been beaten up on.
However, on a second look i noticed that it was not interested in the bread my children were throwing to the other ducks and it was not mixing with the other ducks.
It's webbed feet were larger and off white in colour.
It's neck was thinner and doubled back more 'S' shaped.
It's bill was longer and thinner.
I can only best describe it as being a cross between a female duck and a comorant.
It went for a swim in the water and was definately a loner.
I have tried various books and websites to try and find a match for this description but as yet I have had no luck.
Can anyone help?

[webbo3]

how about this.

http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/bea n-goose.asp

or this.

http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/tea l.asp

http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/wat er-rail.asp

or you can look here.

http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/

Dave.

[vicalncraig]

Little grebe?