Eared Grebe

My wife and I had the unique opportunity yesterday to help some eared grebes. During a storm the birds mistook the pavement for water and tried to stop for a rest, resulting in many of them dying from impact, some injured badly and others just stuck on land with no water nearby for to get airborne.

Full story here.

We saw many dead birds, one that was badly injured and a few that were just land locked but in good condition. Some volunteers with DWR assistance and guidance were there collecting bodies and capturing land locked birds. We were able to try our hand at capturing some birds as well. I took this picture before capturing two birds, and my wife caught one as well. The captured birds will be taken to water where they will be able to take flight.

It was heartbreaking to see but it felt good to help the little cuties.

Great photo, but a sad story. The same thing happened here last fall with mostly buffleheads, of all things.
Al

That looks like a Horned Grebe not an Eared Grebe. Nice you could help.

Sad story but wonderful shot, that red eye is striking.

Thanks everyone for looking and the kind comments.

Talaska wrote in post #15837384
That looks like a Horned Grebe not an Eared Grebe. Nice you could help.

I just consulted my Sibley; it is an Eared Grebe. The Eared Grebe's black neck vs the Horned Grebe's rufous neck is the big distinction. Thanks for looking and commenting anyways.

Beautiful image Tom, and I'm certainly glad someone was able to come along and help the stranded ones.
For a question on the lighter side....were they difficult to catch and did anyone get video of the roundup?

CamFan01 wrote in post #15839557
Beautiful image Tom, and I'm certainly glad someone was able to come along and help the stranded ones.
For a question on the lighter side....were they difficult to catch and did anyone get video of the roundup?

They weren't overly difficult to catch. They did try to run and they were flapping their wings like crazy trying to fly. I used a small, light blanket to toss over them. Once covered they immediately calmed down and I just picked them up.

I was thinking earlier what a shame that neither of us thought to bust out the phone and do some video.

Thanks for looking Steve and thank you for the kind words.

I stand corrected, thanks for pointing that out. At first glance it looked like a Horned Grebe, it is sometimes hard to tell as they change into their breeding plumage, and looking at the bird book I see they both are very similar in breeding plumage.

very nice Tom