Pied-billed Grebe Wing Lift – Nikon D200, f8, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
This Pied-billed Grebe; photographed at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area in northern Utah, is a tease. Really, it is.
Look at those raised wings, how long they look compared to the stout body of the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), how strong they appear. How those wings make me wonder what this grebe would look like in flight.
Why is this bird a tease?
Because Pied-billed Grebes only ever fly at night. I’ll probably never see one in flight during migration. Or photograph as it wings it way south.
I’ll just have to imagine what Pied-billed Grebes look like in flight.
Life is good.
Mia
Update: I have gotten to see Pied-billed Grebes in flight
Click here to see more of my Pied-billed Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Excellent shot..I learned something new about the grebe..I had no clue about their migration and flight only at night..nature is amazing.
Thanks Syl, I am always learning something new about nature.
Oh nuts. Now I feel like the Grebe is teasing me too. Thanks for pointing out how pointless the pursuit of seeing Grebes in flight is Mia : /
P.S Awesome photo!
Tis my pleasure Laurence, evne though it might be a pointless pursuot I think we’ll still keep hoping to see a grebe in flight! Thank you.
You made me realize that I have never seen a Pied-billed in flight either. I had never much thought about. Great photo, by the way.
I thank you for your comment Bob!
I think it’s amazing the oddities of nature. Perhaps some day you’ll be out late and see him take flight. You never know. Carol
I’ll keep my toes crossed that I see a Grebe fly carol but not my fingers because I need them to photograph birds! Thanks for your comment.
This pose is a tease. My observed least Grebe also started doing this, but of course, it’s a lot smaller than the Pied-billed. It started trying to flap its wings, but then I heard the flying occurs at night. It’s been weeks since I’ve seen it by itself, so maybe it’s about time it joins another Least Grebe.
Thanks Maria!
Lovely shot! I’m still waiting to see one fly…
Thanks Scott, I think we’ll be waiting a long, long time to see these Grebes fly!