06-06-2011, 04:16 AM
Checking the internet on the Western Grebe shows that it is a Species of Concern on the state levels. The only state I could find that has any credence is Washington as they have done tracking studies. It seems none of the other states have done any real tracking of the birds. Conservation wise, it is listed as Least Concern. So you have conflicting arguments.
I used the wrong term for the 500 meter buffer. It is not the LAW but is what they want to protect the historic nesting colonies.
As far as the Grebe using the smartweed for nesting, I do have pictures that show this to be true. I came upon a nest and the female Grebe. She moved off the nest and tried to lure me away from the nest. I took pictures and then immediately left and she moved back on the nest. I'm not saying that they use the smartweed exclusively as I'm sure they use anything that they can find to support their nests. According to most literature, they have floating nests which move with the waves so wind or boat wakes from a distance would not destroy them.
These pictures were taken in 2007 at Lowell.
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I used the wrong term for the 500 meter buffer. It is not the LAW but is what they want to protect the historic nesting colonies.
As far as the Grebe using the smartweed for nesting, I do have pictures that show this to be true. I came upon a nest and the female Grebe. She moved off the nest and tried to lure me away from the nest. I took pictures and then immediately left and she moved back on the nest. I'm not saying that they use the smartweed exclusively as I'm sure they use anything that they can find to support their nests. According to most literature, they have floating nests which move with the waves so wind or boat wakes from a distance would not destroy them.
These pictures were taken in 2007 at Lowell.
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