[Birdnet] Red-necked Grebe

[Kristin Purdy]

Thanks very much to Bob Huntington for reporting this morning's RED-NECKED GREBE at Willard Bay in Box Elder County. I visited the bird this evening and found it swimming close to the rocks at the base of the north dike. 

The best way to see the bird (if it remains along the dike) is to walk out on the north dike which begins west of the maintenance buildings near the park entrance. Once you leave the I-15 exit ramps at exit 357 and turn west, instead of turning south into the park, bear right (don't turn right) onto the narrow dirt road with a self-serve box for your day entrance fee. You can also use your annual park pass for this area. Follow the road around west of the maintenance buildings and park at the red gate. Walk west on the dike and keep an eye on the water's edge. 

I first saw the bird about 400 yards west of the parking lot gate at the second gate where the power equipment is fenced and warns of danger. During the next 45 minutes or so, the bird swam 200-300 yards west, then east, then west again along the base of the dike and never more than 20 feet from the rocks. The bird is not wary and was sometimes only 20 feet or so away from fisherwomen sitting on the rocks. 

I started scoping from the west campsites in Willow Creek Campground and would not have been able to see the bird from there based on its location this evening. 

I also scanned the canal north of the dike for the Red-throated Loon reported Wednesday by Wasatch Audubon. I did not see the bird. My consolation prize was a GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE flying west over the canal and landing where the canal empties into the lake. 

Be prepared to consort with swarms of midges while you're birding on the dike.  

Kris
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: HUSBOB1 at comcast.net 
  To: Birdnet at utahbirds.org 
  Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2006 4:45 PM
  Subject: [Birdnet] Red-necked Grebe


  This morning while birding with a group of birders from the G. S. L. Bird Festeval at Willard Bay we saw a Red-neck grebe. It was swimming in the north east corner of the lake west of the camp ground. It is an adult male in full breeding colors. Beutiful bird.   Bob Huntington


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