western grebe, red-throated loon on Claytor Lake

[Stan Bentley]

From the gazebo at Claytor Lake State Park this morning, Mary Ann and I scoped a western grebe. It was near the south shore and several yards behind a group of 22 horned grebes which made the comparison easy. This was about 10:00 am. Further downstream, but also near the south shore was a red-throated loon. Although the huge number of 98 common loons from Thursday was greatly reduced, there were still several scattered individuals. About 11:00 am, Mark Mullins joined us and a surf scoter was scoped. This bird was alone and cruising through the groups of horned grebes and scaup.

Stan Bentley

Pulaski, VA

[Don Mackler]

This might be a first documentation of this species (western grebe) in
western Virginia, unless there's been something since the Gold Book has
come out. Any photos coming soon??

[Stan Bentley]

No photos. Bird was well across the lake and seen with a scope. There was a
western grebe reported by Bill and Peggy Opengari last winter on Claytor
Lake. I don't know if it was recorded anywhere.
Srtan Bentley