[birdky] possible Red-necked Grebe, Minor Clark FH

Hey,

  Quick stop by the fish hatchery (Rowan County) today revealed very little in 
the way of birds (it was my first time there, so may have just not found the 
right areas...), but one thing of interest was possible red-necked grebes.  The 
birds were located in one of the long ponds located to the right of the gravel 
road area, where the 'no vehicles allowed' signs were.  Potentially two 
rednecks were mixed in with a few pieds, though less than optimal viewing 
conditions kept me from being sure of the ID.  The birds had mostly white neck 
and check patches, with mixed ruddy colors closer to the body.  A white rump 
patch was very noticeable, and the few times i got a decent look at the bill, 
it appeared to be mostly yellow with some blacker areas.  I'm not an expert on 
these birds at all, but I've seen tons of pieds in my life, and these were 
noticeably larger with longer necks.  Also, they did not appear as slender as 
horned grebes, and the bill was noticeably larger.  The grebes were very 
active, spending most of their time under water.  They appeared to be in a 
transitory stage between summer and winter plumage with some ruddy coloration 
left, and not as clean of white necks as a winter bird would have.

   If any one happens to be in the area soon and can help confirm this ID, I 
would be grateful!  It would be a good bird for the state list too I'm sure.


    Thanks,
         Troy Evans
         Richmond, KY

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