The World's Scariest Grebe!

Why is the Pied-Billed Grebe the world's scariest?  Because it gives everyone the Pee-Bee-Gee-Bee's!!! While I hate explaining jokes, the bird code of the Pied-Billed Grebe is PBGB which sounds like Hee-Bee-Gee-Bee...  I know, I know, I am shaking my own head.

This weekend, I was lucky enough to find a Juvenile Pied-Billed Grebe this weekend.  This can be a tricky and special bird to find in CT.  It has been listed as a threatened nesting bird and endangered bird in Connecticut.  Seeing one is a great day on any birding walk.  They prefer freshwater ponds and like to quickly dive out of the way when they sense danger.  This makes them hard birds to see and really appreciate.  I guess you could almost say that it is a ghoulish Grebe appearing and disappearing!  I know it is a bit of a stretch, but take a moment the next time to you and enjoy the PBGB wherever you see it!

A Juvenile PBGB in Mondo Pond in Milford

Another view of the PBGB

A Far off PBGB...

2013 Year List: 264 (Migration is beginning to wane)

More info on the Pied-Billed Grebe - Link

Birding by Car

Ebird has my favorite descriptions of how I bird.   If I go for a walk to get to a birding site, I opt for Traveling.  If I get to a specific site, and spend time waiting around for birds to show, then I opt for Stationary.  Then there's the option for when I am doing something else and I see and id a bird and I can't help report it then and there.  Incidental birding.  I've been known to be an Incidental birder, but who among us hasn't?  Who hasn't been tempted by the odd movement in a tree behind the person you are talking to?  Or the odd non-plane flight while driving? To be fair, to be a birder, can and often heightens the senses, while lowering the sensibilities and social graces that make one good conversation.

I had such an incident Monday night.  I was driving home from work and by a lake when a movement in the lake caught my eye.  I saw a two-toned short bill and slight head and a solitary bird.  A Pied-Billed Grebe.  Not my first Pied-Billed Grebe in the State or ever, but a good bird to get nonetheless and good addition to my Year list.  I often can't help but look around while I am doing other things.  I guess my saving grace is that while I look at birds, my dog enjoys lounging in the shade and my wife will always stop to look at plants, trees, and fungi.  Here's to many planned outings and the not planned ones as well!

Pied-Billed Grebe by Davefoc

2013 Year List: 114 (86 to go!)

Pied Billed Grebe