Nesting Western Grebes

When I first moved to San Diego I was surprised to find Western Grebe chicks in December. Evidently winter nesting is not too unheard of here. However, a recent visit to Lake Hodges this spring revealed much nesting activity at what I consider a more appropriate time of year.

Lake Hodges, April 26, 2017.

Western Grebe with chicks.

In 45 years of birding I had actually never seen the well-known phenomenon of grebe chicks riding upon their parent's backs!

Western Grebes on nests.

Clark's Grebe.