Dan and Chris,

If this odd bird was being seen with a Horned Grebe, it would be obvious if
this was a Western type. Remember, Western types are almost a foot larger
than Horned Grebes. These birds are larger than Red-necked Grebes. It's
striking when a Red-necked and Horned are seen together how much larger the
Red-necked appears. Although structurally different, Western type grebes are
the same size as Red-throated Loons.

As Bob pointed out in his post, posturing and lighting can have the effect
of altering your impression of some of these birds. I don't think that if
the odd grebe had been a Western type, there'd be any question in your mind
about what you had seen since you had the identified Horned Grebe to
directly compare it with.

Hope this helps you work the problem.

Ed Boyd
Westminster, MD

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan haas" <>
To: <>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 9:04 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Odd Grebe Off Greenbury Point


> Chris Murray found it two days ago.  We went back to have a look this
> afternoon.  We quickly refound it, hugging the opposite shoreline
> peninsula nearest to the Bay Bridge.  It went down and around the
> point and looked to be headed in the direction of Sandy Point.
>
> Anyway, the bird looked bigger than the Horned Grebe it floated around
> with while we were scoping.  It dove slower and less upside-down
> u-shaped dive (like a dolphin) that is typical of a Horned.  It had a
> longer, thinner neck which it held at an angle more upright that the
> Horned Grebes.  We both couldn't get enough on the bird to call it a
> WESTERN GREBE, but if anyone is birding in Anne Arundel tomorrow, it
> might be worth taking a trip to Greenbury Point.  In my opinion, it is
> a 'uniquely-special' looking Horned Grebe, but I'd love to be proven
> wrong.
>
> Best viewing is in the afternoon, since you'd be looking East.
>
> Good Birding,
>
> Dan Haas
> West Annapolis, MD
>