Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Hardesty Building, Pima County

These two Horned Grebes were discovered by Brian Gibbons on 07 December 2011 and photographed by Andrew Core on 08 December 2011.

Rare migrant and winter visitor.

The contrast between dark cap and white cheeks is well-defined on the first bird. This bird also shows the peak of the crest at the back of the head and a white tip to the bill, which can also be good field marks for separating Horned from Eared Grebe. The second bird is evidently an immature bird - the plumage is drabber, and hints of facial stripes are still visible - but the head shape is the same.

08 December 2011, photos by Andrew Core