|
English
and Scientific names: |
Western Grebe, Aechmophorus
occidentalis
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
One |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Rapides |
|
Specific
Locality: |
Main Dam at Kincaid Lake |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
November 9, 2006 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
Between 8:30 and 9:15 AM CST |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Jay V. Huner Boyce, Louisiana |
|
Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
|
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
John Pitre |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Partly Cloudy, Sun rising from the East. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
Eagle Optics Scope and Zeiss 10 x 40 Binoculars |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
Closest 50 yards |
|
Duration
of observation: |
In view during entire presence in area. |
|
Habitat:
|
Water Storage Reservoir at Main Dam |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
Bird swimming between rafts of Lesser Scaup and Ruddy Ducks and dam. Bird occasionally fed making 15-20 second dives. |
|
Description: |
The bird appeared in non-breeding plumage. The diagnostic black cap extended below the eye. |
|
Voice: |
Silent |
|
Similar species: |
Clark's Grebe - never reported in Louisiana but were it a Clark's Grebe, the black cap would not have extended below the eye. |
|
Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
None. John Pitre who found the bird on November 8, 2006 has submitted a long form with images. |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
I have seen several dozen Western Grebes and a few Clark's Grebes earlier this year in Colorado, Oregon and California. |
|
Identification
aids: |
after observation: Stokes Handbook of Eastern Birds and Sibley's Guide to Bird
Identification. |
|
This
description is written from: |
Notes taken approximately 15 minutes after last viewing bird. |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes. |
|
Reporter:
|
Jay V. Huner
|
|
Date
and time: |
November 10, 2006 approximately 9:25 AM. |