Western Grebe - Aechmophorus occidentalis
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The Western Grebe breeds in western North America from the Great Plains to the west coast and mostly winters in California and parts of Mexico. The Western Grebe is very similar to the Clark's Grebe and you can frequently spot them together. The Western Grebe's bill is more greenish yellow (Clark's is orangish-yellow). Both are black and white birds with the crown of the head being black. The black on the Western Grebe usually extends to below the eye.
I have seen their mating display in Richmond and Berkeley, CA. They paddle so furiously that they are moving across the water in an upright position almost like they are running across the water.
Western Grebe's are mainly fish eaters, but will eat small aquatic animals.
I believe this is a courting behavior
04/19/2011 - Shimada Friendship Park, Richmond, CA
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I believe this is a courting behavior
04/19/2011 - Shimada Friendship Park, Richmond, CA
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05/19/2007 - Moss Beach, CA
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06/27/2007 - Cesar Chavez Park; Berkeley, CA
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Mating behavior - They are upright in the water
04/14/2008 - Cesar Chavez Park; Berkeley, CA
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Problem with right wing
04/25/2008 - Cesar Chavez Park; Berkeley, CA
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Stretching may be a 'comfort behaviour' performed after preening
12/13/2012 - Martin Luther King Jr Regional Park; Oakland, CA
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01/11/2007 - Martin Luther King Jr Regional Park; Oakland, CA
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11/06/2007 - Emeryville Waterfront Park, CA
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It had an injured leg
11/08/2007 - Bodega Bay, CA
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