I had wanted to see the Western Grebe that was recently reported on Milwaukee’s Lakefront but was tied up until today. I went down to the lakefront early this morning and found the Western Grebe northeast of the Art Museum. The normal range for this bird is the dakotas and west which makes well out its of its range and a great visitor. It never came close to the shore but stayed a distance to give nice views with binoculars. The grebe really did no diving for food the first hour, but then that changed for the next couple hours as it did some diving. With pedestrians walking the walk along the shore for the time I was there I think that kept it from coming in close, my opinion. A few fishing boats that came into the harbor moved it around the area too, sometimes moving it pretty far out. The bird seemed nervous at times, who knows why. Not a life bird for me as I got the one at Bradford Beach back on 11/2010. Thanks to Lorri for finding this cool bird, and sharing it. A sunny sky to start the day but it then soon clouded over with stiff winds and cold temps from the north. Images were taken on October 21, 2016.
Western Grebe
Binomial name: Aechmophorus occidentalis
Category: Grebes
Size: 25” long, 24” wing span
Weight: 3.3 lb
Back view
Preening
The stretch!
Brings up a fish and goes back under water with it?
A beautiful series. Jim.
Wow. Great shots, Jim. Even with the distance, your pics turned out beautiful!!!! Thanks for sharing.
So many gorgeous photos! Thank you for sharing them and inspiring me to try and get out some place different to look for birds.