Red-necked Grebes at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto

Red-necked Grebe at Colonel Sam Smith Park on the Toronto waterfront on 21 March 2012. I counted over 500 Red-necked Grebes on Lake Ontario and in the marina.

 

The grebes are calling loudly and engaging in elaborate mating displays as they pair off prior to continuing their migration to their main breeding grounds from northwest Ontario and across the prairies to northwest Canada and the USA. A few will remain to attempt breeding on artificial platforms placed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

 

A beautiful sight, the Red-necked Grebes make a trip to the park worthwhile.