“Gray-necked” Grebe at Col. Sam Smith: Nov. 25, 2022

When we saw this bird this morning and I identified it as a Red-necked Grebe, someone commented “Looks like a Gray-necked Grebe to me.”

Red-necked Grebe

There is no red showing on the neck or anywhere else. From September to March, these birds do have a gray neck.

Red-necked Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Red-necked Grebe

From March on until August, during their breeding season, Red-necked Grebes DO have a red neck:

Red-necked Grebe
Red-necked Grebes
Red-necked Grebe
Red-necked Grebe

Other birds:

Buffleheads
American Robin with rose hip
Buffleheads and Long-tailed Ducks
Mallard (female)
Hooded Merganser (female)
Mallard (male)
American Wigeon (male)
Mallard (male)
American Wigeon (male)
American Robin
Ring-billed Gulls
Mourning Dove
Red-breasted Merganser (female)
American Pipit
American Black Ducks
American Robin with rose hip

Some botany:

Thornless Honey Locust pods
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Queen Anne’s-lace (Daucus carota)
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Today’s group:

NATURE POETRY

Who said November’s face was grim? 
Who said her voice was harsh and sad?
I heard her sing in wood paths dim,
I met her on the shore, so glad,
So smiling, I could kiss her feet!
There never was a month so sweet.   – Lucy Larcom (1824-93)

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on ““Gray-necked” Grebe at Col. Sam Smith: Nov. 25, 2022

  1. Caryl Hathaway

    Hello Miles and thanks again for a great series of nature walks…I believe we all learned so much from you.

    Enjoyed viewing all your incredible photographs especially the robin catching the Rose Hip!

    Best regards,

    Reply

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