For the first time in Pennsylvania history (unsurprisingly, considering that there are only two records for Western Grebe, including this one), a total of five grebe species were all present on the same body of water at the same time. And, this had been going on for several days before I finally had a chance to witness it for myself.

 

The grebes proved to be remarkably cooperative, especially the Eared which at one point approached the shore to within 20 feet or so to pose for pictures. The Western was just as bold, and passed close by observers several times while I was there. Interestingly, these sets of photos are among the best I have made of either species anywhere, even as they were both well out of range in Lebanon County! Rare birds often prove harder to document.

 

Also from the Department of Curious Stuff, the only other confirmed Western Grebe for Pennsylvania -- a single bird in Cumberland County in February 2009 -- also appeared in the company of a Red-necked Grebe. One photo below depicts the two species together.