Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis
Synopsis:
Fairly widespread breeder, mainly in eastern Oregon, in large lakes
with marshy edges. Most notable are the records
from the high Cascades (Davis Lake), Lane County (Fern Ridge Reservoir),
and Jackson, Umatilla, Wallowa, Baker, and Malheur
County.
Habitat Associations:
strongest
Lake/Pond Shoreline & Islands (347500 acres)
strong
Edges of Freshwater Marsh (14217 acres)
lesser
Seasonally Wet Playa (19618 acres)
Relative Detectability:
Fairly easy to confirm nesting by observing fledged
young accompanying their parents. Colonies build
floating nests in beds of sedges and rushes.
Challenge:
Confirm nesting in northern Cascades, and in Jackson, Umatilla,
Wallowa, and Baker Counties.