Clark’s Grebe adult at Bear River NWR – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
A few days ago I thought I heard grebes calling at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge when I was photographing Tundra Swans and just after that the staff at the refuge confirmed that the grebes are back! Pied-billed Grebes can be found at the refuge most of the year but the Western and Clark’s Grebes are migratory and I have been waiting for their return. They breed at the refuge and soon they should be rushing which is a fascinating courtship display.
Western Grebe adult at Bear River NWR – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Western and Clark’s Grebes will soon number in the thousands at Bear River MBR along the auto tour route and on the Bear River itself. I can’t wait to see them rushing or chasing after each other!
Spring is springing up all over.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photo plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
(These images were taken in 2009)
I can’t decide if grebes are doofy or elegant,,,guess they’re both…
Great photos Mia – love the reflected colours in the background – makes that red eye leap out. Also wonderful to see these two side by side – makes it so easy to spot the differences for identifcation – thanks so much!
Just glorious. Thank you. As always.
Maybe it just looked like I had changed the clocks last night. Oh well, I am up today, and it is SPRING. Even though there may be a month or so of snow, it feels like a spring day today. Your photos of the Grebes are a welcome sight. I love those courtship displays!
They are very attractive and your photos really show the gleam in those bright red eyes. Here in Wisconsin we have seen red throated loons which are a rare migratory bird. They have been holding in a harbor in Port Washington. Young birds and very attractive as well.
Wow! What beautiful birds. Looking forward to your new images of their courtship displays.