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Horned Grebe

[img]http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/pwmk_photos/HornedGrebe-3-24Jan10.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/pwmk_photos/HornedGrebe-2-24Jan10.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/pwmk_photos/HornedGrebe-1-24Jan10.jpg[/img]

Tsim Bei Tsui
24th Jan, 2010.

A probable Horned Grebe founded by Richard Lewthwaite. Some record shots to share, it was about 200 meters away.

Thx for the call!

PWMK

Another record shot of the 2 black necked (?) grebes at TBT today. At a distance the apparent structural differences in the bills of these 2 birds suggested that the right hand bird might be Slavonian. However, on closer inspection, the base of the bill of this bird either has a growth, or something wrapped around it, resulting in apparent deformity. The steep forehead, and the pattern of black on the cheeks of this bird, are more suggestive of black necked. Finally, these two birds were engaging in short courtship displays.

Agree with Martin that both appear to be Black-necked based on rounded head shape, lack of clear-cut demarcation between black on crown etc and white sides of head, and dark smudgy patches extending down onto sides of head from crown below level of eye. The unusual feature is the very heavy bill on one of the birds, which certainly doesnt fit typical Black-necked but also isnt the right shape for Slavonian either [should be more dagger-like without such a thick base]. Looks like an aberant bill possibly with a growth as suggested by Martin.

Still a very good record. Black-necked Grebe is a very rare bird in HK and two together is a treat.

Mike Chalmers

In yesterday's gloom a good "find" and useful photos to discuss the ID !  Well done.

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