Documentation of
Red-necked Grebe
2007-138
Observer Information
Reporter:
Bill Maynard
1390 Farnham Pt. # 205,
COLORADO SPRINGS,
CO 80904-5215
E-mail:
bmaynard99@gmail.com
Other Observers:
Brandon Percival later in the PM at slightly different location; I found this bird swimming with Eared Grebes by Pueblo Reservoir dam on 1 Jan '07
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Red-necked Grebe
First Date/Time:
1/9/2007
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
10 minutes
County:
Pueblo
Specific Location:
Lake Pueblo State Park, off Hobbie Cat Road
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
sheltered cove of large reservoir
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Leica 77mm scope with 32x ww lens, digiscoped with Leica D-lux 2 camera at 2x optical zoom
Distance:
less than 80 meters
Light:
Sun high over right shoulder
Description of the Bird
This is to document a Red-necked Grebe that appears to be wintering in Colorado.
Large grebe, smaller than Aechmophorus grebes but significantly larger than the three small CO grebes.
Head distinctive with STOUT yellowish bill, which bird held at a downward angle, dark cap, large whitish gray cheek patch, thick curved brownish neck that had some rufous tones in it (although the photo does not show such) flanks, brownish and back dark brown.
Behaviors: Swimming in a cove with Clark's Grebe.
Call: none heard
Plumage: winter adult
Similar Species Discussion
Clark's and Western Grebes
Both have long thin bills, the former a smart yellow orange, the later a dullish green-yellow.
Both have longer and thinner necks than this bird.
Both have white necks that contrast sharply with the hind neck unlike the dull shorter thick neck of this bird with much less contrast between the red brown of the neck sides and the dull brown of the hindneck. This bird was noticeably shorter in length than the two Aechmophorus grebes and squatter in appears due to the shorter neck of this bird. The bird was seen within 3 feet of a Clark's Grebe for excellent comparisons.
Previous Experience
I have seen mostly breeding adults in Alaska, but saw one Red-necked Grebe at the same location, PUeblo Res, in December of 2006, and it could in fact be the same bird.
Materials Available
Photographer: bill maynard
Photos |
631_vnir1.jpg
Date Documentation Submitted
1/9/2007 6:32:00 PM
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