This afternoon Sue and I observed that there was a hatchling at the
Red-necked Grebe nest in Bronte Harbour. The hatching was so recent that the
chick still appeared a bit wet from the egg and reddish skin was clearly
visible through the down which had not yet fluffed up. The two large pieces
of the hatched egg were still in the nest. The chick was unable to climb
onto the sitting adult's back. The chick was fed some very small feathers
but no successful food delivery was observed. As we watched, the chick
slipped off the tire and a tiny wing got caught on some fishing line that is
incorporated into the nest. Eventually the chick freed itself, fell into the
water, and proceeded to swim away from the nest whereupon a Ring-billed Gull
easily snatched the young bird for dinner. Through all of this the adults
appeared to be quite uninterested. The swimming bird took a piece of
eggshell from the nest and at it. Six or seven eggs remain in the nest.
The nest is quite an unattractive affair this year with large sticks
protruding and incorporating plastic bags. The grebes have neglected to pile
on weeds to make a ramp so that chicks will have a chance of getting back on
the tire from the water.
There had been another tire east of the active nest. Another pair had begun
a nest but territorial conflict prevented it from being used. The tire has
been moved to the west and out of sight of the nest. This tire was not
attended this afternoon but there was some nesting material on it.
Directions: Exit the QEW at Bronte Road (Oakville) and go to the lake then
turn left. The nest is close to shore just east of the Lighthouse
Restaurant. By public transport take bus 14 Lakeshore West from the Oakville
GO Station.
Gavin Edmondstone
Oakville, Ontario
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