Fall in the Salish Sea means lots of wildlife coming in to escape winter. Many come from the far north, but also from the east where freshwater lakes and rivers freeze early. The Salish Sea might be cold, but compared with Alberta or eastern Washington, this place is balmy. Red-necked grebes are coming in now, one of several grebes with a somewhat similar appearance. Colors are dulled down for winter, but this place we call home is critical to them. Look at the bird’s profile. Body low in the water, long heavy bill that trends downward, thick neck, large feet for swift swimming to catch fish. These birds are divers, and by fall, plenty of forage fish are here to carry them over until they return to their summer homes.

 

In spring, these birds fly east and north to find lakes with emergent vegetation to help anchor their floating nests. Grebes have highly-complex courtship displays and are very territorial against other birds. They defend their home turf with dive-bomb attacks and they work as a couple to ensure their family is safe. Shortly after hatching the young can swim by themselves, but many spend time riding on the parent’s backs – even while diving for food. Kids grown and fall sets in quickly as these birds once-again head to salt water for the winter. Before they get here, first they stop midway to molt. This process happens every fall when the grebes find a safe haven where they loose feathers and grew fresh ones for the winter. Look for these interesting birds throughout the Salish Sea from October through March.

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