[skywatcher]

I photographed two grebes with a group of surf scoters off Esquimalt Lagoon.

Are these Rednecked Grebes? Thanks.


https://picasaweb.google.com/1103624660 ... 5457744706

https://picasaweb.google.com/1103624660 ... 0773455410

[Jeremy Gatten]

They are actually Horned Grebes - note their red eyes as a simple way to distinguish them from Red-necked. Their size and body shape become the easiest features once you have a little more experience.

Another feature to note is the bill shape and colour - shortish and largely pale greyish on the birds you photographed versus longer and yellowish on Red-necked.

Cheers,
Jeremy Gatten
Saanichton, B.C.

[skywatcher]

Thank you for identifying and explaining how to differentiate horned from rednecked grebes.

Bill