Kootenay Lake has Horned Grebes, but the area is just south of the breeding region, so the bird almost always appears in its non-breeding plumage. It is correspondingly rare to see one in its breeding plumage and yesterday was the first time I have seen one on the West Arm of the lake.
The Horned Grebe in its breeding plumage is a striking bird. During breeding, light horn-like tufts appear on each side of the head, hence the name. Photo by Cynthia Fraser.
But as this older picture demonstrates, the Horned Grebe in its non-breeding plumage is barely recognizable as the same bird. Maybe the red eye gives it away.
It is unclear whether this Horned Grebe will breed here, or head somewhat north to do so.
Your post and pictures made me homesick for our former home of Yellowknife where we lived for 35 years, in close proximity to horned grebes who were very common breeders. We spotted a handful in bright breeding plumage in the Creston Wildlife Sanctuary in mid-May, likely headed for the northern waterscape that supports them.
Great photos and commentary, as always.