March 16, 2021
Courtship is a complex yet inevitable phenomenon in nature. While some animals are more extravagant than others in their efforts to impress potential mates, all use unique tactics to attract partners. Western and Clark’s Grebes are known as “Dancing Grebes” for their ballet-like mating rituals. Pairs join in synchronized head movements before skipping along the water in a Rushing Ceremony, as if they’re dancing across a stage.
The Western Grebes photographed above took turns bowing their heads against their backs for periods of several minutes in a synchronous courtship display. The moment one completed a bow and re-extended its neck, the other would descend into a bow and continue the pattern.
Some pairs then swiftly popped out of the water and ran side by side in a Rushing Ceremony, concluded by both birds diving into the water headfirst.
Western and Clark’s Grebes look almost identical to the naked eye, but a few key differences help differentiate the two species. Since they both occur in western North America and their ranges overlap almost entirely, telling them apart can be a useful (and fun) skill. Mind you, hybrids between these birds do exist, complicating things a bit.
The Western Grebe’s black crown extends below its eyes (photographed above). Further, note its yellow-green bill.
The black crown on the Clark’s Grebe, on the other hand, does not extend below its eyes (see photo above). Instead, the feathers surrounding its eyes are white and its bill is significantly more orange than the Western Grebe’s.
Lake Hodges is a reliable location to observe “Dancing Grebes” in San Diego, but their mating behavior can also be seen throughout much of western North America. My GPS didn’t recognize an address for Lake Hodges, so I got a bit lost trying to locate the entrance. As much as getting lost is sometimes the best part of a journey, I’ll post directions below for reference. Happy birding!
Directions: From Interstate 15, exit Via Rancho Parkway and turn left on E. Via Rancho Parkway, turn left on Lake Drive, and continue to entrance.
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Gone Birdin' 