Yesterday evening Kent Davis and Mike Smith found an Eared Grebe in breeding
plumage?at Roanoke's sewage treatment plant. The bird was present this morning,
as well. It's been seen in the large middle sludge lagoon, on the east end near
the road that runs along the river. It hauls itself out of the water and rests
on the edge at times. This bird represents the first record of this species in
the Roanoke Valley.
If anyone wants to see this bird you should plan on being at the STP by at
least 3pm as they won't allow you to go out to the lagoons after 4, and you
have to leave by 4:30. Also you now have to fill out a form and be issued an ID
badge before you leave the office, which has to be returned to the office as
you leave.
Mike Purdy
Roanoke, VA.