Western Grebe
Aechmophorous occidentalis
This Western Grebe was observed from Eastshore Park in Berkeley, CA on October 26, 2013. The Western Grebes have their eyes surrounded by dark feathers, whereas the very similar looking Clarke's Grebes have their eyes surrounded by white feathers. Both species are in these waters most of the year. See the Clark's Grebe page to read more about when similar birds are considered distinct species rather than subspecies.