Breeding male and female eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) look similar. Mostly black, these aquatic diving birds have crested head feathers, chestnut flanks and golden feathers fanning out behind their bright red eyes. Eared grebes breed in shallow lakes and ponds, … Continue reading
Horned grebes ( Podiceps auritus) closely resemble eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) – another “pair” of look-alike birds that are so difficult to identify. Recently I observed a solitary horned grebe on the Tule River (Shasta County CA). Since the breeding plumage … Continue reading
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A white feather was floating on the surface of Eagle Lake (Lassen County CA) – most likely a pelican feather. I watched the feather as it bobbed about, trying to estimate where it might come ashore. The feather also caught … Continue reading
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Examples abound of cooperative feeding in animals – a pack of wolves that work together to chase down a deer, birds that distract the parents while their comrades raid a nest – the list goes on. Recently I watched eared … Continue reading
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During these snowy and cold days of late January I anxiously await the spring bird migrations and the emergence of the first wildflowers. Soon!! Many birds display seasonal changes in fat deposits and body physiology as they prepare to migrate. However, … Continue reading
The Nature Niche 