Blue Wall Weekly: December 16, 2019

JOCASSEE WINTER BIRDS - THE HORNED GREBE. (Podiceps auritus) It’s not just about the loons this time of year, you know, although they are the star of the show. Though not related, horned grebes share much of the same behaviors with loons. Baby horned grebes ride on their parents’ backs, just like loons. They both feed on fish and crustaceans, but since the grebes are much smaller, they also feed on aquatic insects. Unofficially, horned grebes are the world’s cutest water birds. If a bird can be precious, well, this is the one, the one you want to catch and take home with you. They are oh so shy, but if you know just the right spots around the lake, you can kind of sneak up on them before they flush, thereby catching a good look at the water dance, their delightful means of getting out of your way. It’s quite a thrill, as is their call, which sounds like they are just cracking up in laughter! ~B  

Give it a listen here: