It is a remarkable transformation: a Horned Grebe goes from its plain non-breeding plumage of the wintertime to its spectacular breeding plumage of the summertime.
The Horned Grebe is common around Kootenay Lake throughout the winter, so it is often seen in its non-breeding plumage. This first image was taken a couple of years ago. Note the red eye and the white spot on the tip of its bill.
The Horned Grebe migrates northward in the summer so that its breeding plumage is only occasionally seen around here. Yet, early this morning, two of them swam by. The red eye and white spot remain, but otherwise….
While the designation, horned, seems odd during the winter, this summer view from behind makes it understandable.