Podiceps nigricollis, Grebe egg

Description:

One of four black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis californicus) eggs collected from Devil's Lake in Ramsey Co., North Dakota (see CBE1569-CBE1572). Originally collected by Gerald Abbott, they represent various stages of incubation "averaging from 1/5 to 3/4." Additionally, Abbott noted of the nest, "mass of decayed vegetation floating among wild rice in border of lake" and described the group of birds as "1000 western and 500 eared grebe in colony." Later acquired by Alexander Sprunt.

Original set mark: 1/5; Abbott collection Synonym: Podiceps caspicus californicus