I just got back from Mill Creek Lake in Amherst Co. where in failing light I
observed what indeed appeared to be an Eared Grebe in transitional plumage.
Although the light was dim and the bird was a considerable distance away, I was
able to see the thin dark neck, thinnish bill, and dark face with some tufts or
"ears" on the sides of the face. The bird appeared smaller and more compact
than nearby horned grebes and road higher in the water with the tail held up.
There were also 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Horned Grebe, 5 Pied-billed Grebe,
6 Bufflehead, and 2 Ruddies on the lake.
To reach this lake from US 29 bypass in Amherst, take the US 60 West exit and
go west on US 60 to the traffic circle. From the traffic circle, take US 60
for about 5.5 mile to RT 678 and turn right on 678. Contineu for 2 miles and
turn right on Rt 610. Continue for about a half mile and look for a brown sign
for Mill Creek Lake on your right. Turn left here and proceed to the lake
parking lot. The Eared Grebe was directly across from the parking lot (as you
look northeast).
Good Birding,
Mike Boatwright--
Amherst, VA
-------------- Original message from John H Dalmas <jtdalmas@xxxxxxxx>:
--------------
Mark Johnson, who called while on his way out of town, asked me to report
his sighting of an Eared Grebe on Mill Creek Lake in Amherst County. He
saw the bird today (Friday, March 11 around 4:15 pm). The Eared Grebe is
coming into breeding plumage. Also, at the lake were a Red-breasted
Merganser and a Horned Grebe.
Thelma Dalmas
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