| Western Grebe is the common large grebe in Monterey County (MTY). It is found widely on both freshwater lakes inland and on saltwater inshore, especially in sheltered bays and estuaries. In years when water levels are right, hundreds nest at Lake San Antonio. Even more arrive in winter along the coast, starting in October and remaining into March. |  |
| Western Grebes are large gray and white grebes with long dagger-like bills. They have bright red eyes. Bill color ranges from very dull gray-green in winter (below left) to a much brighter yellow-green as spring approaches (below right). Note also differences in head pattern between the two grebes; the righthand bird is showing whitish spots in the lores and might be a candidate for Clark's Grebe but in the field was thought to have a greenish-yellow tone to the bill in comparison to adjacent orange-billed Clark's Grebes. | ||
 Separating
Western and Clark's Grebes is not always easy. They usually occur together
in the same flocks, and Clark's is generally identified by its orange-yellow
bill, but the fact that the eye is in the white part of the face, by paler
flanks, and by a narrower black stripe connecting the crown with the back.
But Clark's Grebes in fall and winter (in basic or juvenal plumages) can
be problematic since dark often appears around the eye and bill colors
less in intensity. There is still much to be worked out between the two
sibling species when in that ambiguous plumage. It is possible that the
grebe above right, and labeled "Western" here, is actually a Clark's Grebe.
For more information see Ratti (1979), Nuechterlein (1981), Storer &
Nuechterlein (1992), and Eckert (1995).
All photos © D. Roberson. Top 6 Mar 2004 Elkhorn Slough; above left Mar 1986 Moss Landing; above right 6 Mar 2004 Elkhorn Slough; left (both species) 5 Apr 1991 Moss Landing harbor; below 14 Nov 2004 Monterey Harbor. |
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One problem in studying Aechmophorus grebes is that they seem to spend an inordinate amount of time asleep (left), making it difficult to study bill color or facial patterns. The red eye is often obvious, however. |
Where to find a Western Grebe in MTY: This large grebe is common
and widespread in migration and winter, and some will remain through the
summer. When nesting, hundreds of pairs can be seen around the north end
of Lake San Antonio. Favored winter locales are:
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MONTEREY GREBES Portal |
GREBE IN SEQUENCE Clark's Grebe |
Part 1: Waterfowl through GrebesReaders may use this material for their own private enjoyment, study, or research but none of the photos or text herein may be used commercially nor may they be reposted on other web sites without written permission. All material is copyrighted. The posting of photos and text on this private web site is not a submission to review organizations.
Part 2: Albatrosses through Frigatebirds
Part 3: Herons through Cranes
Part 4: Plovers through Sandpipers
Part 5: Jaegers through Alcids
Part 6: Doves through Woodpeckers
Part 7: Flycatchers through Larks
Part 8: Swallows through Pipits
Part 9: Waxwings through Warblers
Part 10: Tanagers through Sparrows
Part 11: Grosbeaks through Finches
or just the plain Checklist (no annotations)
