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Both the RED-NECKED GREBE and the PACIFIC LOON at
Pineview Reservoir, Weber County, remained in The Narrows area just east of
the dam during several hours of observation early this
afternoon.
Glenn Barlow and I were enjoying good views of the
Pacific Loon when the Red-necked Grebe swam into the same vicinity. The
grebe was a juvenile as evidenced by two black stripes through its white
cheek. The bird appears very similar to the juvenile Red-necked
Grebe depicted in big Sibley, p. 26, although the cheek of today's grebe
was whiter than shown in the field guide. In addition, the bill was fairly
bright yellow with the upper mandible showing mottled black on the dorsal
side. The crown appeared mostly rounded and sometimes showed a slight
point toward the back. The sides of the neck were a washed-out rusty
color. The rust extended in faint patches around the back of the neck
where the color alternated with dusky gray. The body was the same
dusky gray.
The Pacific Loon may have been a juvenile as
well. The nape was very pale and the "chin strap" was not very
prominent. In addition, the loon was close enough (150-200 feet) at times
for me to see the dark back feathers edged in paler gray. The effect was
that the feathers looked scalloped. Several Common Loons were available
for comparison. The difference in the sizes and shapes of the bills of
both species of loons was quite apparent.
We initially saw both the grebe and the Pacific
Loon at the Pineview Lookout (marked with a brown camera sign) pullout at mile
14.9 of SR-39. During the next 2 hours or so, the Pacific Loon swam as far
west as the dam and the Red-necked Grebe swam nearly as far. That distance
is approximately a mile. The stretch of highway overlooking The Narrows
offers many pullouts for good viewing.
Merrill Webb and Lu Giddings were able to join the
party. Both birds cooperated by swimming within a couple hundred feet of
each other for the new observers. How nice for everyone!
Also in the area were four species of
gulls--California, Ring-billed, BONAPARTE'S, and Merrill spotted a HERRING
GULL.
Thanks to Pomera for posting the first notice of
the sighting.
If you travel to Pineview via I-84 and SR-167,
Trapper's Loop, turn left (west) at the intersection with SR-39 and watch the
mile markers count down. The Narrows area begins at around mile 15.
>From points north of Ogden, take I-15 to exit 347, 12th St and SR-39. Turn
east and drive through Ogden Canyon to the reservoir.
Kris
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