Some Rarities at Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant
Published: October 17, 2023
Tags: Rarities, Eared Grebe, eagr, Red-throated Loon, rtlo, Marsh Wren, mawr, Cedar Waxwing, cedw, batavia, batavia wastewater treatment plant, bwwtp
An Eared Grebe is an almost expected annual rarity at the Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant. This western bird tends to drop into the impoundments at the plant in fall and/or spring delighting all the listers in the region by giving them their annual tick! When I heard that a Red-throated Loon had joined an Eared Grebe, however, that was enticement for me to make the hour drive to see this beautiful bird.
I found both birds to be mostly in winter (basic) plumage, especially the grebe, but the loon still showed some red on its throat. Unfortunately, the loon was particularly obstinate, not wanting to grace me with nice photos but the Eared Grebe was a little more generous.
A young Cedar Waxwing was a nice sight as I watched it hawking insects along the fence. And on my way out, I saw a Marsh Wren in the cattails. That bird must be reluctant to begin its southward migratory journey; I was surprised to see one still around.