As much as I hate to admit it, I need help with this bird! I think it is a basic-plumaged Red-necked Grebe. But there are a lot of things that don't quite fit:

Why is it in basic plumage this time of year? Do they not attain adult plumage until 2nd yr? I considered this year's juvenile, esp as it looks a bit downy & has that stubby bill, but there is no trace of the juvenile face pattern. It also seems awfully early in the season for that.

The bill is quite blunt & pinkish rather than yellow.

There is little or no trace of the chinstrap or cheek patch.

The bird was, to my eye, much bigger than a Horned or Eared Grebe but smaller than a Western. It was alone. Habitat was a set of lakes/ponds in a suburban area.

I have several other pics I could post; let me know if you want to see any of them. The lower breast was white, fading to light gray on the neck. The undertail coverts were white, tail feathers spiky. The legs and feet were medium gray. When slightly raised, the wings showed black primaries & white secondaries(?).