I first saw a grebe while walking around a pond in Everglades National Park. The birdwatchers there are very friendly, because we all recognize one another.

A cheerful, plump, elderly woman approached us and said, "Did you see the grebe. He's the cutest little feller! Go back the way you came and turn left at the second alligator." (There were large alligators lying perpendicular to the pond's edge at intervals.)

We did, and we saw the grebe. It was indeed cute, but whether it was a feller or a gal, we shall never know.

Do not do what we did if you have children or a pet with you. Alligators and small animals do not mix.

The phrase "turn left at the second alligator" has now entered our family lexicon.