Update on Clark's and Western grebes on U. K. Lake. Putnam's Point area.

[Howard West]

The grebe numbers seem to have gone down a lot, in the last week to 10 days. At the peak there were over 300 in this area, and now maybe 100?

Also, these birds don't seem to be very active, with very few rushes, or other activities we like to see. 

These are my thoughts, and most people I have talked to recently feel the same way. Yesterday I drove to the Howards Bay area, and saw very few grebes there.

I'm afraid anyone who has to drive very far will be disappointed with what they see here now.

We're hoping a lot of birds that have left this area have gone to a nesting area, but don't know.   

When there is more activity, or when they show up with babies someone will post here.

Enclosed photo shot on May 24, and is one of very few "in range" rushes I have seen for 5-6 days.

Howard West

Klamath Falls

[rrip...@charter.net]

While on walks along Wingwatchers Trail, adjacent to Lake Ewauna, numbers there have gone up. I think from the boat launch to the trestle bridge there could be close to 300.

Many are doing breeding displays such as Weed Dance, Barging, and Rushing.

Kevin Spencer

Klamath Falls

Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone

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[Howard West]

Thanks Kevin.

I haven't spent any time around L. Ewauna for months. While I have seen some there, I have never seen any breeding antics. Have you seen this many grebes there in past years? 

Questions have been asked about nesting in Lake Ewauna before, and I think the answer was that no nesting occurs! Pretty sure I heard no one has seen any babies there!

The grebes in Putnam's Point area don't seem to be hurting for food. Too many are just lounging offshore, and not a lot of fishing going on. I saw a grebe surface this morning with a very large fish.

He paraded it around for 2 minutes or so, no doubt trying to attract a mate, and had NO TAKERS. Any hungry grebe would have jumped on the chance to eat that fish. The grebes have adequate food in that area.

Also puzzling, if there seems to be many more grebes in Lake Ewauna now, as opposed to earlier, how would they get there? I doubt they would attempt to walk around the Link river dam!

And, I understand they do not fly this time of year?

I'm still hoping many grebes are now nesting in U.K. Lake and will be returning with babies on board.

Howard West

Klamath Falls