Head on Western Grebe – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 250, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My friends Amy and Bruce Barker saw a Western Grebe at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge a few days ago and that has gotten me excited, I always miss the grebes during the winter. It won’t be long and the grebes will be rushing, courting and beginning to build their nests. I’ve always thought that both Clark’s and Western Grebes are elegant looking birds with the black and white plumage and cherry red eyes.
I took this photo way back in 2010 at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge from the auto tour loop. The Western Grebe was close up and I felt I had to take a photo of it when it faced me head on. The black around those cherry red eyes sure made them stand out!
I can’t wait to see these grebes again and listen to them calling to each other and this year I also hope to photograph them while they are rushing or performing their “Weed Ceremony”, or both.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Imagine yourself 80 million years ago and a T-Rex is bearing down on you with those eyes sizing you up for dinner! Yikes!
Great pic. The grebe is such an interesting bird and your narrative brings it all to life. Thanks Mia.
Not a bird I would care to cross. Definitely a bird I would love to see. And proof positive that ‘red-eye’ in photography is not always a bad thing.
Man, he looks pissed! Such an amazing shot, Mia!
Those eyes do look alien, as sallie noted. Yes, great image we agree. And thanks for the Grebe facts too.
Now I KNOW birds are from Mars! Great photo.
That is one WILD looking bird!!! Great photo!!!
Oh, my, what a spectacular photo.
Nice photo, Mia
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