Clark’s Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

eBird describes the Clark’s Grebe like this:  Large, long-necked grebe with very long, thin, yellow-orange bill. Black cap ends just above red eye, so the eye looks isolated in the white face. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Breeds on marshy lakes, where it builds a floating nest of vegetation. Mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter, but also lakes. Very similar to Western Grebe, with extensive range overlap and often in mixed flocks. Typically outnumbered by Western where they occur together. Clark’s looks paler overall, especially on the sides and face. Also look at the bill: brighter orange-yellow on Clark’s, lacking a dark lower edge. Some birds appear intermediate and should be left unidentified.  All About Birds provides this additional descriptive information about the Clark’s Grebe:  One of North America’s two marvelously elegant, black-and-white grebes, Clark’s Grebe is a bird of Western lakes and coastlines. Its sinuous neck and angular head give it an almost snakelike air, and its elaborate “rushing ceremony”—a courtship display it shares with its close relative, the Western Grebe—can make it look as if ballet dancers have taken to the water. Search large, inland lakes in summer and ocean shores in winter to find this species, which can occur alongside the more numerous and extremely similar Western Grebe.

I watched my first Clark’s Grebe on the morning of May 20, 2021, during my brief visit to Balmorhea Lake in far West Texas.  This Grebe was one of the few birds I saw that were actually on the lake.  To see the blog of my trip that includes my visit to Balmorhea Lake, look here.