[BirderBert]

The Horned Grebe in non-breeding plumage is a familiar sight along our coast but can we ever expect to see it in breeding plumage BEFORE it leaves for the breeding grounds?

Horned Grebe 7s by BirderBert, on Flickr

[birdergirl]

Hi Bert,

No to see them in their FULL beautiful breeding plumage (displaying those horns) you need to travel to their breeding grounds in the interior.

Cheers,
Mel

[northvanrob]

We do on the coast get to watch the Horned Grebe transform into breeding plumage before they migrate to breeding lakes in the interior!

Horned Grebe Breeding Plumage with Bristle Worm by northvanbirderguy, on Flickr

[birdergirl]

Nice to see that Horned Grebe in pre-alternate plumage Rob. You are right we get to see them transition down here before turning into full breeding plumage in the interior.

Bert, click the link below to see what a true breeding plumaged Horned Grebe will look like in the interior. Unfortunately we don't get to see that on the coast.

http://cdn2.arkive.org/media/CE/CE24FF4 ... lumage.jpg

Cheers,
Mel

[BirderBert]

Thanks guys! I was hoping to see one without traveling so far!