I rolled down my window (when is the last time you actually rolled down your window? Funny how we still say that, when we are just pushing a button.) to ask the cluster of birders who appeared next to my car what they were seeing. One women gestured toward the end of the boat ramp. “We’re here for the Eared Grebe.” Oh, right, the Eared Grebe. I had read on the local ListServ that one had been reported. I had come to Round Valley Reservoir for the white-winged gulls and the Lesser Black-back Gull. I had totally forgotten about the Grebe.
The Grebe was diving and popping up close to the ice near the dam, so I walked out on top of the dam to be a better view. It was pretty far out but as we stood there it started to come closer; swimming in a meandering fashion creating a zig-zag wake in the water.
As it approached, a discussion broke out about the differences between Horned and Eared Grebes. This Grebe has a dark face, white ear patch and a small up-tilted bill. Classic. The one thing that really amused me was the fluffy white pillow butt. What is up with that?
Why are we so excited about an Eared Grebe? It is a western bird that supposedly winters only as far east as Texas and Louisiana. Yet here it is hanging around in NJ. I love winter birding for this reason. You just never know.
Stumble It!
Behind the Bins 
Odd! lol @ pillow butt 😉 Looks kinda like a fuzzy chick – keeps them warm maybe?
This has been a particularly good year for winter birding!
Great shot of the pillow butt Bev! I agree, winter birding rocks! Not only do we get to see vagrants and birds that shouldn’t even be here (wherever your “here” is), but we don’t have to contend with all those pesky leaves on the deciduous trees 😉
Love the pillow butt!!
While I do enjoy winter birding, I can’t wait for spring birding to begin. I will miss the bare trees though which makes spotting birds so much easier
Pillow Butt huh? That’s an interesting name.
Great photo!