Our bird last week was a Clark's Grebe, one of 2 species named in honor of Lt. William Clark of the Corps of Discovery. In breeding plumage the key thing to look for with the Clark's is where the black is on the head. If the black extends below the eye it is a Western, above the eye for the Clark's. In winter, however, you might have to look a lot closer as they are similar. Bill color - bright yellow on the Clark's and dull yellow on the Western - may be more diagnostic. It's about 15 (-9C) here this morning and I kind of wish I was hanging out with this week's bird - some place warmer!
Good luck and great birding!




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