Subject: Des Moines Marina Occasional Report
Date: Dec 21 22:11:40 1996
From: Maureen Ellis - me2 at u.washington.edu



Not a bad winter so far as Washington-Puget Sound winters go. Today,
whilst doing some early scouting for our December 29 CBC, I spotted an
eared grebe between rows F and G in the covered moorage area. This bird
was still mostly in summer plumage with golden sweeping eyebrows and all
black head/upper neck. A tardy-plumed eared grebe has been a winter
visitor for the past several years; perhaps it is the same bird returning
annually. I'm going to do a literature search for any information about
eared grebes' plumage cycles. If I find anything, will report here.
Anyone out there who can provide commentary about grebe seasonal plumages?
There are lots of horned grebes around, all in winter dress, with which to
compare the solitary eared grebe.

A rhino auklet was foraging just off the boardwalk near the salmon pen;
alcids don't seem very common in the marina area, but this one was a
conspicuous surprise. The red-necked grebes have increased greatly in the
past couple of weeks.......they were scarce last winter.

I'll get a more systematic count of the marina, Salt Water Park, and the
Highline area on count day.

More later,
Maureen E. Ellis, PhD me2 at u.washington....Univ of WA....DesMoines WA