Bird ID -- is it native?

[wpahnelas]

<p>i photographed the bird below at my neighborhood pond. i've spent a significant amount of time researching what species it is, and my best guess is that it's a grebe. but what kind? a taiwanese website shows a specimen that closer than any other i've found -- but i'm in central virginia, USA. perhaps i wouldn't think it so odd if i'd even seen one before. it's habit reminds me of a diving duck, like hooded mergansers or ring-necks i've seen at this same location. but the physiology of this is totally unlike a duck, so what is it?</p><div></div>

[forrest_andrew]

<p>it's a pied-billed grebe. likely a juvenile that's not yet showing the characteristic black ring around the bill. and, yes, it's native.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grebe">Grebe</a> , I think, as Andrew says</p>

[kerry_grim]

<p>I agree with Andrew also.</p>

[Two23]

<p>Another vote for grebe. I see them all over in the Northern Plains.</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

[craig_meddaugh]

<p>100% pied-billed grebe. Should be fairly common in your neck of the woods, but only in the right habitat. They can be a bit reclusive and love to dive the instant you finally have them in focus. One of my favorite families. </p>

[wpahnelas]

<p>thanks to everyone for helping me ID this guy. it occurred to me it might be a juvenile, which explains the lack of distinguishing markings. it sure is an elusive little critter -- that diving-and-disappearing trick is really something. funny how you can go around for 50 years without knowing what's in your backyard.</p>

[paul_de_ley]

<p>They're actually quite funny compared to other grebes, sometimes when you approach these ones they don't dive by plunging head first into the water but rather sink straight down. Like a little submarine with head (periscope) disappearing last, leaving no splash or ripple to betray that they were ever there.</p>

[User_2000406]

<p>As the saying goes, "grebe is good."</p>