Western grebes overwinter here on Southern Vancouver Island in the protected coastal bays. Three pairs were seen in Pedder bay throughout January and February of 2006. They feed on fish at night following trails of bioluminescence as the fish swim through the water. ( see reference below)
It may surprize some to know that this is one of the few prairie pond birds which do not migrate South during the winter, but instead migrate West over the Rocks mountains to the Coastal Bays of Vancouver Island.
The Western Grebe is classified by the Alberta Government as a Species at Risk.
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- This Western Grebe was found floating at the docks at Race Rocks, Feb 2006
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- Cause of death unknown. This is a good example of energy input for the Race Rocks energy flow diagram.
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- The sharply pointed bill makes a good adaptation to its ecological niche food requirements. It can spear food underwater.
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- The paddle-shaped feet provide great propulsion for underwater swimming while in pursuit of small fish.
Research on Foraging indicating a night-feeding pattern is presented in the research of James Clowater, See this link to his thesis.
CLASSIFICATION:
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Sub-Phylum Vertebrata
Class Aves
Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae
Genus Aechmophorus
Species occidentalis
Common Name: Western Grebe
 Return to the Race Rocks Taxonomyand Image File |
 The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. G. FLetcher |