I observed a number of Western Grebes (maybe 20-30) feeding off West Point
(Discovery Park, Seattle) in January. It was mid-afternoon, around high
tide, and wind S, 15-20 mph. They were diving at the edge of choppy (for the
Sound) water that extended south from West Point. At the same time, there was a raft of
several hundred in more sheltered water off North Beach, maybe a half mile
away. This larger group was just hanging out doing nothing much, as
Captain Selfors described.

Dave Brodeur

> But the thought entered my mind that I
>never see the Western Grebes eating. I have around 300
>hundred of these WG that hang out infront of my home all
>winter. They are normally in a fairly tight group. I see
>maneuvering back and forth in their flock but never diving
>or feeding. I've been watching them from my front yard which
>is about 110 feet above sea level and these birds just kind
> of float back and forth with the tide or move a little North
> or South
>depending on the wind. What's the deal??? Possibility #1: A
>few slip out of the group and go feeding and I don't notice
>them coming and going???? Possibility #2 They have been
>living off body fat all winter????? Possibility#3 They feed
>at night when small bait fish come closer to the surface??
>Possibilty #4 { Your correct answer. } Can anyone shed some
>light as to what time of the day the WG like to feed? All the
>other sea birds, ducks, gulls, what ever, seem to be feeding
>or searching for food most of the time.
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David Brodeur phone:206-743-8446
Eldec Corp. fax: 206-743-8450
email: dbrodeur at eldec.com or D1brodeur at aol.com