The Pied-billed Grebe has made its Spring appearance on Carillon Stonegate Pond.
This waterbird is small - pigeon-sized. It is brownish in color and has a blocky head. And a short, stubby tail. Its short, thick bill has a black, vertical stripe.
If you catch a glimpse, you will see it on the water - and suddenly disappear. It is one of the several "submersibles" that are found on Carillon Stonegate Pond. It will dive rapidly under water and resurface some twenty (20) seconds or more later. They feed on small fish. In one of the photos below, this Pied-billed Grebe was caught swallowing a small bluegill whole - it did eventually work its way down its throat.
Pied-billed Grebes are not very sociable Like the Maytag repairman, this bird will generally be found alone on our ponds. During Spring, you may find two as they pair up to mate.
So sit back this Spring and Summer and watch this "Hell Diver" on our ponds.
And take a hike and see what you can find - and identify!