I again implore readers to send me their good wildlife photos, as the tank is dropping. (I still have a reserve). Today we’re featuring some of our favorite birds–GREBES! The photographer is John Riegsecker, and his notes and IDs for these lovely photos are indented:
Keeping with your recent posts about grebes, here are some more. The Horned Grebe and Pied-billed Grebe photos were taken in Western Washington, the Clark’s and Western Grebe photos were taken at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah, a place I urge everyone to visit if they have the chance.
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) in non-breeding plumage:
Horned Grebe in breeding plumage [JAC: This is a striking difference!]
Juvenile Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) swallowing a fish:
Pied-billed Grebe have the ability to squeeze the air out of theirfeathers and slowly sink out of sight, which is what this one is doing.
Clark’s Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii). The sensor on my camera is not dirty: those specks are flies. In the spring there are huge clouds of midges that make it almost impossible to take a breath without inhaling some. [JAC: note the chicks riding on its back!]
A Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)feeding a Clark’s Grebe chick. This Western Grebe (I think it is a male) was hanging around a family of Clark’s Grebe. The male Clark’s would chase it off, but at one point as it came towards the family, this Clark’s Grebe chick swam out to take the fish. I also have photos of the Western Grebe offering a feather to the chicks.
Some very fine Photos. The Grebes in the Midwest just don’t present such great photos.
I’m liking these grebes that have been coming through
Lovely photos and stories. Much appreciated.
Thanks for taking a look
Very tight shots full of evidence of interesting behavior. My favorite kind of shots. Takes a lot of patience.
What camera equipment did you use? Were you in a kayak or blind?
My favorite kinds of photos too. Various cameras and lenses, but currently I am using a Nikon D500 & 200-500mm lens. You are correct, patience is the key. I will often wait for an hour for something to happen. If you are quiet, the birds will often forget you are there. Also, the Horned Grebe shots were taken in a Marina, so they were accustomed to people. The Grebe shots at Bear River were made from my car. The birds become accustomed to cars, and as long as you stay in the car they are not spooked.
Thanks.
Yes, it takes lots of patience to get shots of this quality. Much admiration, John.
Thank you.
Grebes’ red eyes freak me out.
Wonderful pics! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Heather.
What a great series and nice to see behaviour shots. Thanks
What a fantastic collection of one of my favorite species of water fowl.
Thank you Mark.
The little grebe is also known as a dabchick. A delightful word because it has “abc” in sequence.
They are also called hell-divers, which I always thought was more applicable to the Horned Grebes with their red eyes.
Lovely photos. Thanks!
Take in more of John’s wonderful photographs at http://skygardener.zenfolio.com/
“This Western Grebe (I think it is a male) was hanging around a family of Clark’s Grebe.”
interesting slightly bemused and wondering why… nice neighbour?
Thanks for the post.