Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2006 08:36:20 -0800
Reply-To: Eric Beohm <eric.beohm343@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: Eric Beohm <eric.beohm343@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Western Grebe
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The Western Grebe was out a ways and towards the middle of the lake as viewed from the dam at Lake Walter F. George. If was mainly in GA waters but did swim into AL waters at times. If the bird tucks its head in, it can be quite difficult to see even through a scope.
We had almost perfect viewing conditions. If windy, scanning from the dam can be a miserable experience and not very fruitful. It might be best to scan from the AL side if the sun is going down so that the light is not against you.
Thanks to Darlene Moore for her help and those who also came shortly after to see the bird and thanks to Tracy for posting the info for me.
If you look for the Western Grebe, note that I have also recently had Pacific Loon, Ross's Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Scoter, and Long-tailed Duck at this location. Also, I’ve had Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Geese, Red-throated Loons, Red-necked Grebe, and other things somewhat near this location recently. The Pacific Loon was a couple weeks ago but remained at least a few days for other observers to see it. These birds may still be present here. (Michael and I found a Red-necked Grebe at Lake WFG earlier this year.) I didn't spend much time looking at the other birds yesterday, since I was concentrating on the grebe, so some of the aforementioned birds may be continuing.
There are basically two reports/records for Western Grebe in Georgia. The first was in 1979 when one was found at Peachtree City Lake in Fayette County by Richard Beohm, Rose Beohm, Michael Beohm, and myself. We saw the bird at very close range through binoculars, took clear detailed notes of it, and were able to separate it from Clarke's. The second record was 1997 St. Simons Island where a bird was found injured and died.
I attempted photos of the Western Grebe and the Red-necked Grebe and will put them on my website when I get a chance.
http://eaglecreek4.tripod.com/georgiabirdingandnature/
Good Birding!
Eric Beohm
Griffin, GA
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