Pied-billed Grebe, 10/28/14

I had one single Pied-billed Grebe at Glenmere Lake last night, 10/28/14.
I had one single Pied-billed Grebe at Glenmere Lake last night, 10/28/14.

Yesterday during the day I received my eBird “Needs Alert” for Ulster County, NY. In it, many grebes had been reported – Pied-billed, Horned, and Red-necked Grebes had been seen in good numbers. Mark DeDea reported 12 Red-necked Grebes and 32! Horned Grebes at Ashokan Reservoir on Monday. With these reports in mind, I headed over to Glenmere Lake after work to see if I would have any luck. It was just this past Friday that I observed 9 Pied-billed Grebes there; I was hoping for some Red-necked and Horned. When I arrived, I was surprised to find a motor boat cruising the lake and several buoys floating at various locations. I eventually talked to one of the guys involved, and he told me that they were installing an aeration system in the lake; the goal is to eventually improve the health of the lake. Meanwhile, in the short term, there were hardly any birds on the lake. I saw several Double-crested Cormorants, a Great Blue Heron, and one single Pied-billed Grebe. Fortunately the grebe was close to the shore and I was able to get some photos before the motorboat came by, at which time the grebe made itself scarce.

It was late in the day and the clouds were passing by, so I shot this grebe in different light conditions. When the bird was closest, I unfortunately had the worst light of the evening. Here’s some more looks at the bird:

PBGR at Glenmere Lake, 10/28/14.
PBGR at Glenmere Lake, 10/28/14.
PBGR with prey.
PBGR with prey. I’m not sure what type of fish this is, but this grebe ate at least two of them while I was watching. Glenmere Lake, 10/28/14.
Pied
I know I say it about a lot of birds, but these Pied-billed Grebes are among my favorites. Glenmere Lake, 10/28/14.
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One more closer look with poor lighting. PBGR at Glenmere Lake, 10/28/14.

2 thoughts on “Pied-billed Grebe, 10/28/14”

  1. These shots are fantastic, Matt. I just love the one with the fish. I think the lighting in them is good.

    I’m feeling bird starved at the moment…I’m not seeing much except back yard goodies. I’m still waiting for my long tailed duck and Golden eagle.

    It seems to me that birds are kind of sparse, but this is the first year I’ve been trying to do any fall migration watching.

    Wilma

    1. From what I’m seeing and from talking to other folks, this fall seems to be a bit on the slow side. The good news is that you never know when the next big thing will happen (I stole that line from John, who told me that a couple years ago). I’m hoping for a Golden Eagle or a Northern Goshawk during my hawk watch this Saturday… who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky. Matt

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