Mackenzie Marsh in Aurora...

 

Photos by BarrytheBirder

Pied-billed Grebe

(Podilymbus podiceps)

The Pied-billed Grebe (pictured above and below) is the most common grebe in eastern North America, so spotting one in nearby Aurora is to be expected.  When alarmed, it sinks below the surface of the water, surfacing again much further away or out of sight amongst reeds.   The behaviour has earned it the nickname "Hell-diver", plus "Dabchick" and "Water Witch.

Nearby to the Grebe, was a Midland Painted Turtle (above) and green Heron (left).   A few days earlier in the Mackenzie Marsh, and pictured in this space were a pair of Great Egrets, a first in the Aurora area for some people.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder