CLOSED: What kind of water bird is this? SW Florida

This kind of little duck shows up in a fresh water lake near my house in Bradenton, FL, around Dec. - Feb. each year. It is a diver - does lots of diving. Can anyone identify it? Thanks.

This message was edited Feb 5, 2015 6:52 PM

This message was edited Feb 5, 2015 6:55 PM

This message was edited Feb 5, 2015 7:30 PM

Looks a lot like th Pie-billed Grebes in Colorado - they never outgow that duckling look. Do they get to Florida?

It looks so cute it's almost like a cartoon character. Yes, I bet that's what it is, judging from some research into it I just did, thanks to your input.

There's only one in the pond here and it hangs out with the mallard ducks - sort of on their periphery, but it tends to follow them around.

Thanks.

This message was edited Feb 5, 2015 10:22 PM

This message was edited Feb 5, 2015 10:40 PM

Yep, a Pied-billed Grebe, winter plumage.

Resin

Thanks for all the input in solving this question.