DOCSLIB.ORG

Watchable Wildlife White

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Watchable Wildlife White Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Western Grebe The osprey diet consists almost entirely of fish, but they will Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) (Aechmophorus occidentalis) occasionally eat frogs, snakes, ducks, crows, and small mammals. Osprey can penetrate only about 3 feet (1 m) below Skunks are characterized by their The golden eagle inhabits open the water surface. Therefore, they generally catch only surface black and white fur. They have country from barren areas to open The western grebe is approximately 22-29 fish or those that frequent shallow flats and shorelines. Osprey small heads and eyes, pointed coniferous forests. They are primarily inches (55-73 cm) long, the longest of the are opportunists. If fish are abundant, accessible, and the right snouts, and short legs. Skunks are in hilly and mountainous regions, but grebes. The crown and back of neck are size they seldom go unconsumed. Osprey in western North slow-moving nocturnal animals, also in rugged deserts, on the plains, black, the back is brownish-gray, the America often eat suckers, carp, bullhead(Ictalurus spp.) , and poor climbers, and excellent and in tundra. The golden eagle underparts are white, the inner web of perch(Perca flavescens) when nesting near warm shallow diggers. prefers cliffs and large trees with large wing quills is white. The neck is long and lakes or reservoirs, and eat trout when nesting near deeper, horizontal branches for roosting and slender. The female is slightly smaller than colder waters. The specific species are characterized by their markings. perching. the male. The bill is long, greenish-yellow There are four species in North America. There is the striped with a dark ridge down the center. skunk(Mephitis mephitis) marked by two wide white stripes Nesting habitat -The golden eagle The toes are lobed with flattened claws on its back that meet at its head. There is also the spotted nests on cliff ledges, preferably adapted for strong swimming and diving. Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus) skunk(M. macroucra) , hooded skunk (Spilogale putorius) , overlooking grasslands; 10 to 100 feet There is a negligible tail. and hog nosed skunk (Conepatus mesoleucus). (3-30 m) above ground in dead or live The gray squirrel thrives trees; in artifical structures; or on the The western grebe is a water nesting bird, living in rushy lakes in both urban and rural ground. Pairs may use the same nest year after year. and sloughs. During the winter, bays and oceans are inhabited. settings. Mast-bearing In the wild, skunks live in semi-open country, bushlands, and In the Coast Ranges of California, the golden eagle nests hardwood trees are the in locations with a water supply within two miles. In urban almost exclusively in trees. This species is found primarily from southeastern Alaska most important element areas they live beneath buildings, decks, dumps, and eastward through south-central British Columbia, south to of squirrel habitat. Mast is woodpiles. The golden eagle generally forages in open habitats where southern California. This species winters along the Pacific any hard fruit such as Human Interaction Issues: rabbits and small rodents are available. During the nesting coast from southern British Columbia, Utah, Colorado, New acorns, beechnuts, and ý Skunks get into the garbage season the golden eagle usually forages within 4.4 miles (7 Mexico, and western and southern Texas south to southern hickory nuts. Other ý They carry several diseases including: km) of the nest. Trees, live or dead, are often used for perches Baja California, northern Guerrero, Puebla, and San Luis important tree and shrub Folease if they are near open areas where prey can be easily seen. Potosi. species provide flowers, buds, fruit, cones and samaras (fruit Rabies of the maple tree) in season. Squirrel populations fluctuate Tuberculosis Golden eagles are most efficient predators in open areas The western grebe is carnivorous, eating mostly insects and with changing yields of mast. When mast is not available, Canine and feline distemper where winds and thermal updrafts aid flying. They are less fish along with some mollusks and crustaceans. They spear other fruits and berries, flower parts, buds, bark, roots, efficient where shrub and/or tree cover increases. Abundant fish with their dagger-shaped bills. mushrooms, and animal matter comprise the diet. Variety in shrub cover provides hiding and escape cover for prey. tree species is essential for habitat stability. Den trees are Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Physical obstructions close to the ground make hunting essential to squirrels for winter shelter, escape cover, and difficult. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) rearing of young. Of all the furbearers in California, the raccoon is Natural den activities begin to appear in 40-50 year old trees. probably the best known. The Osprey occupy a wide range of Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Although leaf nests are also used, the survival rate of young is blackmasked face and ringed habitats near water; primarily lakes, 40% lower in leaf nests compared to cavities. Frequently tail have been popularized in rivers, and coastal waters with squirrels will claim 2 or 3 dens at the same time. Moderate to children's books and animated Found in North America at large, adequate supplies of fish. Their nests dense ground cover near den trees is preferred for cover and cartoons until even the youngest Canada geese are the most are generally built within 6-7 miles concealment. On the average, about half of the den cavities recognizes it. widely distributed of the wild (9.6-11.2 km) of large lakes or rivers identifiable from the ground are suitable for raising young. geese. While they are mainly with slow-moving water. Flattened Optimal habitat has 2 to 3 suitable cavities per acre. A huskily built animal, the average raccoon weighs from 10-16 spring and autumn migrants that portions of partially broken off snags, pounds. The color of its coarse, shaggy fur is generally gray travel in V-shaped flocks, often trees, rocks, dirt pinnacles, cacti, and While gray squirrels frequently use open water when with a light shading of brown on the flanks. The black guard with a fair amount of honking, numerous man-made structures such available, daily needs can be satisfied from other sources hairs give it a blackish appearance on its back and the back of they winter southward to as utility poles and duck blinds are such as dew and succulent plant material. Lack of surface its head. Its tail is round and heavily furred; and it is pale northern Mexico and are used for nests. The nests consist of a water is not a limiting factor in squirrel habitat. The home brown with black rings. common year-round on Lake large interwoven pile of sticks lined range of the gray squirrels varies from 1.5 to 8 acres and is Berryessa. with some soft material such as cedar bark or moss. The area usually smaller where populations are high. Its feet are bare on their bottoms and the long, slender around the nest is generally open, giving the birds clear access “fingers” on its front feet are used with great dexterity in With one brood a season, most when landing. Ponderosa pine in the western United States, Populations develop social hierarchies or "pecking orders" searching for, and grasping small objects. Its hind feet have a nest in northern parts of the U.S. tupelo(Nyssa sylvatica) in the eastern United States, and influenced by age and sex of the animals. Dominant animals large surface that allows the racoon to balance easily on its Their nests, usually on the mangroves(Rhizophora spp.) in the subtropics are all favored usually have larger home ranges. hind feet while using both “hands” for feeling, or catching or ground at the water's edge, are constructed of twigs, grasses, as nest trees for this reason. holding food. A peculiar characteristic is the raccoon's habit of reeds, and much down. An average of 4-8 white eggs hatch in PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE SQUIRRELS as they washing its food, if water is available. 28 days, and the young become fledglings in two to three Osprey typically nest at the extreme tip of a tree or snag with become habituated, or become used to human food and then weeks. Like other geese, Canada geese spend more time on little or no overhead cover. They prefer tall snags that provide lose their ability to forage on their own. This causes a pest The raccoon is a nocturnal animal, seldom moving around in land than ducks do. They are strict vegetarians that feed in the good visibility and security. Osprey also prefer to nest over problem in park areas. daylight. Tracks in the mud and in the dust of dry trails reveal water or on the ground on grasses, sedges, and roots of water for protection against climbing predators. Islands free of that it is quite common in areas where it is seldom seen. aquatic plants. They also favor grain left in farm fields. mammalian predators allow safe nesting in low trees and even on the ground. Swamps also provide safe nesting. The raccoon is normally associated near water, but in late summer and fall it may wander far in search of seasonal foods. It is a meat eater, yet has the most varied diet of any of the furbearers. Black-tailed Deer The best stalking cover for mountain lions is thick enough to (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) remain hidden, and sparse enough for them to see their prey. RECLAMATION Mountain lions commonly use terrain such as steep canyons, The black-tailed deer is found only rock outcroppings, boulders, or vegetation such as dense Managing Water in the West along the coastal mountain region brush to remain hidden while stalking.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Aberrant Plumages in Grebes Podicipedidae
    André Konter Aberrant plumages in grebes Podicipedidae An analysis of albinism, leucism, brown and other aberrations in all grebe species worldwide Aberrant plumages in grebes Podicipedidae in grebes plumages Aberrant Ferrantia André Konter Travaux scientifiques du Musée national d'histoire naturelle Luxembourg www.mnhn.lu 72 2015 Ferrantia 72 2015 2015 72 Ferrantia est une revue publiée à intervalles non réguliers par le Musée national d’histoire naturelle à Luxembourg. Elle fait suite, avec la même tomaison, aux TRAVAUX SCIENTIFIQUES DU MUSÉE NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DE LUXEMBOURG parus entre 1981 et 1999. Comité de rédaction: Eric Buttini Guy Colling Edmée Engel Thierry Helminger Mise en page: Romain Bei Design: Thierry Helminger Prix du volume: 15 € Rédaction: Échange: Musée national d’histoire naturelle Exchange MNHN Rédaction Ferrantia c/o Musée national d’histoire naturelle 25, rue Münster 25, rue Münster L-2160 Luxembourg L-2160 Luxembourg Tél +352 46 22 33 - 1 Tél +352 46 22 33 - 1 Fax +352 46 38 48 Fax +352 46 38 48 Internet: http://www.mnhn.lu/ferrantia/ Internet: http://www.mnhn.lu/ferrantia/exchange email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Page de couverture: 1. Great Crested Grebe, Lake IJssel, Netherlands, April 2002 (PCRcr200303303), photo A. Konter. 2. Red-necked Grebe, Tunkwa Lake, British Columbia, Canada, 2006 (PGRho200501022), photo K. T. Karlson. 3. Great Crested Grebe, Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, Netherlands, August 2006 (PCRcr200602012), photo C. van Rijswik. Citation: André Konter 2015. - Aberrant plumages in grebes Podicipedidae - An analysis of albinism, leucism, brown and other aberrations in all grebe species worldwide. Ferrantia 72, Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg, 206 p.
    [Show full text]
  • Common Birds of the Estero Bay Area
    Common Birds of the Estero Bay Area Jeremy Beaulieu Lisa Andreano Michael Walgren Introduction The following is a guide to the common birds of the Estero Bay Area. Brief descriptions are provided as well as active months and status listings. Photos are primarily courtesy of Greg Smith. Species are arranged by family according to the Sibley Guide to Birds (2000). Gaviidae Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Occurrence: Common Active Months: November-April Federal Status: None State/Audubon Status: None Description: A small loon seldom seen far from salt water. In the non-breeding season they have a grey face and red throat. They have a long slender dark bill and white speckling on their dark back. Information: These birds are winter residents to the Central Coast. Wintering Red- throated Loons can gather in large numbers in Morro Bay if food is abundant. They are common on salt water of all depths but frequently forage in shallow bays and estuaries rather than far out at sea. Because their legs are located so far back, loons have difficulty walking on land and are rarely found far from water. Most loons must paddle furiously across the surface of the water before becoming airborne, but these small loons can practically spring directly into the air from land, a useful ability on its artic tundra breeding grounds. Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica Occurrence: Common Active Months: November-April Federal Status: None State/Audubon Status: None Description: The Pacific Loon has a shorter neck than the Red-throated Loon. The bill is very straight and the head is very smoothly rounded.
    [Show full text]
  • P0066-P0067.Pdf
    66 Vol. 65 FROM FIELD AND STUDY The Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis clarkii as a Nesting Bird of the Mexican Plateau. ---The Western Grebe (AeclEmopkorus occident&s) is to date not recognized as a nesting bird of Mkko, according to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list (5th ed., 1957), or the Distribu- tional Check-list of the Birds of MBxico (Friedmann, Griscom, and Moore, Pac. Coast Avif. No. 29, 1950). Actually, as early as 1903 E. W. Nelson had collected Western Grebes at OcotlLn, Jalisco, and listed them in his field notes under a heading which stated that “all but one or two of the following were breeding birds but not all had begun to breed at the time of our visit [June 23-30, 19031.” Study of the specimens taken by Nelson and Goldman, two others in the United States National Museum, two I collected on Lake Chapala near Ocotl&n on May 11, 1958 (reported in Palmer, Hand- book of North American Birds, vol. 1, 1962:95) and several birds taken in February and May of 1962 proved the resident population of Western Grebes of the central portion of the Mexican Plateau to be one of small, pale individuals, racially distinct from the breeding populations of the United States and Canada. This discovery brought up the need to re-evaluate the name Podiceps clavkii Lawrence (in Baird, Cassin and Lawrence, Rept. Expl. Surv. R.R. Pac., 9, 1858:895), long considered a,synonym of his simultaneously named P. E.4echmophorusloccidentalis. Unfortunately I did not become aware of this problem in time to make certain comparisons personally, and I wish to express my gratitude to Mrs.
    [Show full text]
  • Critter Class Grebe
    Critter Class Grebe Animal Diversity Web - Pied bill grebe September 21, 2011 Here is a link to the bird we will discuss tonight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1XAFo_uVgk MVK: We will discuss the Glebe but we can have fun too! LOL MVK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdxxZgxWPt8 Comment: Oh my, how beautiful that was. Comment: Beautiful birds, they can even walk on water!! Comment: So cool how they walk on water! Comment: What an interesting bird and dance! Comment: Hi MVK...Neat bird...quite the courtship. MVK: There are 22 species of the grebe - so not all are the beautiful black and white ones in the videos. They are the Clark's grebe. MVK: The BBC does some beautiful animal documentaries - they also do the Lily and Hope Black Bear series. Comment: Where are they found (besides Oregon!)? MVK: Well it isn't letting me save the range map. Critter Class – Grebe 1 9/21/2011 MVK: A grebe ( /ˈɡriːb/) is a member of the Podicipediformes order, a widely distributed order of freshwater diving birds, some of which visit the sea when migrating and in winter. This order contains only a single family, the Podicipedidae, containing 22 species in 6 extant genera. Per Wikipedia MVK: Becky - there are many different types of grebes. The pied bill grebe is found pretty much in all the US Comment: Beautiful and graceful birds! I've never senn one before. Anxious to learn! MVK: Grebes are small to medium-large in size, have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers.
    [Show full text]
  • Aechmophorus Occidentalis) Implanted with Intracoelomic Satellite Transmitters
    Post-release Survival and Movement of Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) Implanted with Intracoelomic Satellite Transmitters KYRA L. MILLS1,*, JOSEPH K. GAYDOS2, CHRISTINE V. FIORELLO1, EMILY R. WHITMER1, SUSAN DE LA CRUZ3, DANIEL M. MULCAHY4, L. IGNACIO VILCHIS5 AND MICHAEL H. ZICCARDI1 1Oiled Wildlife Care Network, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, 1089 Veterinary Drive VM3B, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA 2SeaDoc Society, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis – Orcas Island Office, 942 Deer Harbor Road, Eastsound, Washington, 98245, USA 3U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 505 Azuar Drive, Vallejo, California, 94592, USA 4U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508, USA 5Division of Applied Animal Ecology, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego, California, 92027, USA *Corresponding author; E-mail: [email protected] Abstract.—The main goal of this study was to gain knowledge on post-release survival and movement of Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) using a modified technique for implanting satellite transmitters. This technique had improved post-surgical survival in an earlier study. Nine Western Grebes, implanted with intracoelomic (within the body cavity) satellite transmitters with percutaneous antennae, were released close to their capture site in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Eight survived at least 25 days (average number of transmittal days was 140.8), while two had transmitters that provided data for greater than 1 year (436 and 454 days). The average cumulative distance recorded for all Western Grebes (n = 9) was 829 km with two round-trip movements documented.
    [Show full text]
  • Western Grebe Aechmophorus Occidentalis in the Middle of The
    Grebes — Family Podicipedidae 103 Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis In the middle of the 20th century, the Western Grebe was just a winter visitor to San Diego County, com- mon on salt water along the coast. It continues as one of the most abundant winter visitors on San Diego Bay and the ocean near shore. Since the 1950s it has taken on an additional role as a locally common breeding species, colonizing an increasing number of lakes and lagoons with fringing marshes. The Western Grebe is an outstanding example of a bird that has taken advantage of the need for San Diego County’s human population to import and manage vast quantities of fresh water. Photo by Anthony Mercieca Breeding distribution: As of 2001, the Western Grebe was up to six nesting sites in San Diego County. At ing a fledgling, 30 July 2001 (P. A. Ginsburg). At Buena O’Neill Lake, Camp Pendleton (E6), the birds were sum- Vista Lagoon (H5/H6) the grebes have nested since at mering by 1997 and first confirmed breeding in 1999. least 1997 (K. Messer), both east and west of Interstate The numbers there are still small, maximum 12, includ- 5. Numbers in spring and summer are sometimes large, 104 Grebes — Family Podicipedidae Nesting: For its nest, the Western Grebe makes a pile of cattail leaves and other aquatic vegetation, normally in the water if not actually floating. Some nests are visible from lakeshores, but most of our confirmations of Western Grebe breeding were of chicks, often riding on their par- ents’ backs. Shortly after hatching, Western Grebe chicks leave the nest and climb onto the adults’ backs.
    [Show full text]
  • Humpled Thesis.Pdf
    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many individuals and groups collaborated with me on this endeavor and contributed in an infinite number of ways to the research presented herein. Their efforts were crucial and are greatly appreciated, and they are acknowledged in detail at the end of each thesis chapter. A number of these individuals will be co-authors on the manuscripts that will be published from this work. The genetic components of this thesis required significant effort go into acquiring samples, either by catching live birds, collecting samples from carcasses, or through collaborations with other researchers and organizations; this involved the efforts of many individuals to whom I am grateful. A different set of individuals – made up of friends and family as well as colleagues at PRBO Conservation Science – deserve special acknowledgement for the support they gave me during this period. I additionally thank many of them for the helpful and interesting discussions we have had about grebes over the years. I shall never forget the picture, as I stood in water more than waist deep, of one of these beautiful ‘swan grebes’ sailing out from a dense wall of cat-tails, causing scarcely a ripple as it glided along, the body submerged, the long white neck sharply outlined against the green background, the glossy crown, the fiery red eyes, and the javelin-like beak. Who could help admiring such a picture of aquatic grace, such specialized mastery of its native element? ... The western grebe is certainly a water nymph of the first class, built for speed and action, the most highly specialized of all our diving birds.
    [Show full text]
  • Western Grebe Aechmophorus Occidentalis
    Wyoming Species Account Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis REGULATORY STATUS USFWS: Migratory Bird USFS R2: No special status USFS R4: No special status Wyoming BLM: No special status State of Wyoming: Protected Bird CONSERVATION RANKS USFWS: No special status WGFD: NSSU (U), Tier II WYNDD: G5, S3S4 Wyoming Contribution: LOW IUCN: Least Concern PIF Continental Concern Score: Not ranked STATUS AND RANK COMMENTS The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database has assigned Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) a state conservation rank ranging from S3 (Vulnerable) to S4 (Apparently Secure) because of uncertainty about historic and recent population trends for this species in Wyoming. NATURAL HISTORY Taxonomy: Two subspecies of Western Grebe are recognized based on size and wing length 1. A. o. occidentalis is larger (male wing chord > 192 mm, female > 178 mm); it occurs in the northern range from southwestern Canada south through the western United States to northern Baja, California, and winters mainly from Puget Sound to west-central Mexico and in the desert southwest 2. A. o. ephemeralis is smaller (male wing chord < 193 mm, female < 178 mm); it occurs in the southern range in Mexico from Chihuahua south to the Valley of Mexico 2. A. o. occidentalis occurs in Wyoming 3. Clark’s Grebe (A. clarkii) was believed to be a color morph of Western Grebe until it was recognized as a separate species in 1985 4. Description: Identification of Western Grebe is possible in the field. It is a relatively large, slender waterbird (length 55–75 cm, wingspan 21 cm, weight 800–1,800 g) 5. Adults have a black crown; a long, sharply pointed bill; a long neck that is black on the upperparts and white on the underparts; a narrow, sooty-black body; and red eyes 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation of Aechmophorus Grebe Colonies at Thermalito Afterbay Oroville, California 2010 to 2020 Education & Outreach Final Report
    Conservation of Aechmophorus Grebe Colonies at Thermalito Afterbay Oroville, California 2010 to 2020 Education & Outreach Final Report Pair of Western Grebes performing the weed presentation. Photo by John Seid Altacal Audubon Society PO Box 3671 Chico, CA 95927 635 Flume Street Chico, CA 95927 May 15, 2020 Altacal Audubon Society FINAL Grebe Report -- Education & Outreach -- April 2020 Table of Contents Page Overview 1 Thermalito Afterbay History and Background 2 Aerial Map of Thermalito Afterbay Boat Launch and Grebe Colony Locations 3 General Education & Outreach 4 Share the Lake Sign Design 5 2010, 2011, 2012 6 2013 & Great Grebe Race 8 2014 & Grebe Banner 9 2015 10 2016 & Fishing Line Receptacles at Cal Park 11 2017 13 2018 15 2019 & 2020 17 Acknowledgements 18 Appendix A – Organizations & Community Events Served Appendix B – Educators & Surveyors Altacal Audubon Society FINAL Grebe Report -- Education & Outreach -- April 2020 Overview Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) has been studying the Grebe population at the Thermalito Afterbay (TAB), Oroville, CA under a Grebe Grant administered by Audubon California for the Luckenbach Trustee Council, the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The scope of work is divided into outreach/education and surveying/monitoring. This is the final report for the years of education and outreach conducted by AAS between 2010 and 2020. Plumas Audubon Society participated in this study on Lake Almanor, Eagle Lake, Antelope Lake, and Lake Davis. Redbud Audubon Society, conducted surveys, monitoring and education programs on Clearlake. Altacal Audubon Society’s Grebe Team initiated this ten-year study of Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark’s Grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii) by acquainting ourselves with the grebe colony on Thermalito Afterbay.
    [Show full text]
  • Western and Clark's Grebe Conservation and Management At
    Western & Clark’s Grebe Conservation and Management at Clear Lake, California Annual Report for Year One 31 January 2006 Presented to the American Trader Trustee Council and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Compiled by Sharon M. Gericke UC Davis Under supervision of Daniel W. Anderson UC Davis and Paul Kelly California Department of Fish and Game Office of Spill Prevention and Response ANNUAL YEAR ONE REPORT TO THE AMERICAN TRADER TRUSTEE COUNCIL Below is a brief summary of the general goals of the proposed project. The following annual report includes a summary of work completed and plans for the second year of the contract agreement based on the initial outlined objectives. Objectives The following objectives have been developed for management efforts to be carried out at Clear Lake nesting Aechmophorus grebe colonies using Ivey (2004) as an outline. These objectives are designed with the goals of enhanced productivity and reduced human disturbance in mind. (1) Initiate management recommendations with concentration on the following activities: i. initiate agency coordination activities, ii. develop and distribute informational brochures, iii. develop and initiate interpretive programs for public awareness, iv. design and post interpretive signs and v. install buoys at nesting locations. (2) Monitor grebe behavior and disturbances to nesting colonies. Surveys of time allocation, behavior, and disturbance events will be conducted at each chosen colony site to assess time allocation budgets and the effects of disturbance events. Additionally, nest and brood surveys will also be conducted to assess nest success and productivity. (3) Evaluate effectiveness of management recommendations applied to breeding Aechmophorus grebes at selected nesting sites.
    [Show full text]
  • Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus Clarkii Long Considered a Color Morph Of
    Grebes — Family Podicipedidae 105 Clark’s Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Long considered a color morph of the Western Grebe rather than a distinct species, Clark’s Grebe is only barely over the threshold of being a species. In San Diego County hybridization is frequent. In biology, so far as is known, the differences between the two grebes are trivial. The two occur in the same habitats, breed in mixed colonies, and flock together in winter. As a breeding bird in San Diego County, the Western tends to be somewhat more numerous than Clark’s, but the difference is not great. As a winter visitor, however, the Western far outnumbers Clark’s. Photo by Anthony Mercieca Breeding distribution: The distribution of Clark’s Grebe is closely similar to that of the Western. At O’Neill Lake Western, counts in summer ranging up to seven on 4 (E6), Clark’s occurs in numbers similar to those of the July 2000 (P. A. Ginsburg). A pair nested there apparently 106 Grebes — Family Podicipedidae chick was at the east end of Batiquitos Lagoon (J7; M. Baumgartel). In 1998, up to eight adults were at the east end of Loveland Reservoir (Q17) 29 April, but on 22 June, when one was on a completed nest with no eggs, it appeared to be the only bird left (P. Famolaro). We noted just a few Clark’s Grebes summering at lakes where they did not breed. The only records of more than single birds were of two on Lake Murray (Q11) 16 July 1999 (N. Osborn) and three on Lake Wohlford (H12) 14 July 1999 (D.
    [Show full text]
  • Western Grebe Aechmophorus Occidentalis
    Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Folk Name: Acitli (Spanish) Status: Winter Visitor Abundance: Accidental Habitat: Lakes The Western Grebe is a rarity anywhere in the Carolinas— especially inland. In 1985, taxonomists split it from the Clark’s Grebe, a similar-looking grebe also from the western United States, but one that, to date, has never been officially counted in the Carolinas. The two can be very hard to differentiate. The Western Grebe was first officially added to the North Carolina state bird list in 1994, and there are currently fewer than 20 published reports for the entire state. There are fewer than six reports of Western Grebe in South Carolina. The Western Grebe is our largest grebe and, at 25 15th record for the state of North Carolina and the 4th inches, is almost twice the size of the Horned Grebe, record of a Western Grebe inland in the state. A review which is regularly found on our large lakes in winter. of photographs, video recordings, and additional written There are two records of Western Grebe visiting the details indicated this grebe had a greenish-yellow bill and Central Carolinas. Judy Walker, Steve Tracy, and Pam not the orange-yellow bill indicative of the closely related Whistler were thrilled to discover one near the Lake Clark’s Grebe. Norman dam while conducting the Southern Lake Almost a decade after this bird was found, a second Norman Christmas Bird Count on December 17, 2006. Western Grebe showed up just 5 miles away from the They immediately reported their find to other birders location of the first bird.
    [Show full text]