Jim, least plumage-wise). Red-necked is a substantially larger bird, thicker-necked, and has a proportionately much larger, heavier bill. Patty, Thanks for the corrections on the Eared Grebe. My pics are quite a bit darker than the real bird in good light. These were taken under dark skies and light rain...less than optimal. And yes, the bird still does not fit clearly in all respects under any of the current field guide descriptions or pics... -- Greg Miller Hollywood, MD