Clark’s Grebe pair with crossed bills – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I spent time relaxing in the marshes of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge plus I came home with a nice series of spring Clark’s Grebe photos. When I found this presumed mated pair of Clark’s Grebes close to the auto tour loop I had nice light on them as they crossed their bills in front of me. I have long dreamed of taking a photo of a pair of grebes with crossed bills so having it come to fruition yesterday morning was a real treat.
Clark’s Grebe pair in spring – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These Clark’s Grebes stayed near each other for a few moments after they crossed bills. They were close enough for me to obtain frame filling images of them while enjoying their striking cherry red eyes and black and white plumage.
Close up Clark’s Grebe – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the two grebes moved apart from each other I focused on this single adult grebe because it was closer to me. The wind had picked up which caused a single feather on the grebe’s back to flutter around.
I wish I knew what this grebe was thinking as it looked directly at me.
Springtime Clark’s Grebe – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As the wing howled through my lens hood I kept my focus on this Clark’s Grebe as it swan around in a loopy circle. I could have watched this bird all day.
Serious looking Clark’s Grebe – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When this Clark’s Grebe finally moved on I was able to take a series of Western Grebe images from the same exact spot on the auto tour loop which I will share here on another day.
It was a thrill to see and photograph these grebes while savoring the sounds, sights, and solitude of the marsh yesterday morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific primary photo!
I can never get over how vivid and beautiful the Grebes eyes are. Your shots are always rich in detail, but these pics really capture the movement of the water as well. What a gorgeous bird! Thanks Mia.
Oh. How very, very beautiful. Thank you.
Beautiful photos. I agree with watching them all day, even when they are tucked into a resting mode, I call it tugboat pose.
much appreciated!
~ armchair wetland birder
Great shots, Mia. I spent yesterday morning at Bear River also. Just missed a grouse, but the sandhills were cooperative.
Oh how wonderful!
They are lovely!
Absolutely awesome, Mia
That was a great moment! Beautiful birds, thanks for the photos!
I have never See me these before and how wonderful to be able to see them up close in your photo! Just Beautiful!
So glad your dream of crossed bills finally came true! An exquisite photo.
Great photos, as usual😀
Beautiful shot of the Clark’s Grebe pair with crossed bills! This is definitely wall hanger quality.