"When
the Cold Winds Blow"
Western Grebe
October is here. Hopefully the cold winds of winter will blow and bring
new visitors (birds) into our desert country. Southern Utah hardly
seems like a desert with our lakes and reservoirs, our golf courses
everywhere, our ponds and green grasses. We’ve had fifty years of
change in southern Utah..... from a desert to a delight. One of the
recipients of this plentiful food and water supply is the Western
Grebe, who will soon fly in on those winter gales. The man-made
habitats we have created, sets a bountiful table for this fish-eating
bird. Once things cool down..... visit one of our new water features.
Take a pair of binoculars and your day will be delightful watching the
winter water fowl.
A great place to view the Western Grebe is Quail Lake. Take the paved road at the north end of the arm of the lake and drive south. If lucky, the Grebes will be close to shore in that area. Or, with a good spotting scope, you will be able to see the ones far out in the lake. A Western Grebe could stop at any pond or lake in southern Utah. We have seen them in many wet areas.
The Western Grebe is numerous throughout North America, but can easily fall victim to oil spills, insecticides, and loss of habitat. I love to watch the Western Grebes float upright with heads raised high. During Spring rituals, if I am really lucky.... I could see both male and female churn vigorously across the surface of the water, with bellies raised out of the water, and then maybe an affectionate touch of the bills with the male’s gift of vegetation. Western Grebes are highly gregarious in all seasons, wintering in large flocks and nesting in colonies. Hopefully we will be able to find this amazing bird for many years to come. However, at the turn of the 20th Century, tens of thousands of Western Grebes were killed for their feathers. Today, the best way to shoot Grebes is with a camera.
Note: A look-alike Clark’s Grebe has black above the eye and the Western Grebe has black under the eye. Today’s illustration is by Marilyn Davis. If you would like to know more about the Western Grebe call 435 673-0996.