One year ago today I found and pointed out a nesting Western Grebe with two eggs at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and I realized yesterday that I had never shared photos of it. I must have been very busy last year to have not posted any images of the nesting grebe.
Nesting Western Grebe checking on its eggs – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I first spotted the adult grebe it was swimming near its nest. I could tell by the grebe’s behavior that it appeared to want to climb into the nest so I kept my focus entirely on the bird. All grebes have a difficult time moving on land because their legs are located so far back on their bodies. As this Western Grebe moved onto the floating nest water droplets flew out from its head and body.
Nesting Western Grebe turning its eggs – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The adult grebe gently turned the two eggs that were in the nest. These grebes must have to be very careful when turning their eggs with their long, sharp bills.
Nesting Western Grebe settling down on its eggs – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After the grebe finished turning the eggs it seemed to check them out thoroughly as it squatted above them. Then the adult grebe settled in on them slowly to incubate the eggs.
Western Grebe incubating its eggs – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I recall that I was thoroughly delighted to have found and photographed this nesting Western Grebe. It did seem late in the season for the grebe to still be on eggs while other grebes on the refuge were raising active, hungry chicks but this grebe may have had a nesting failure earlier in the season.
I haven’t photographed any grebe chicks so far this nesting season. That is something I need to fix.
On to some great news!
Yesterday afternoon rain from a monsoonal flow moved into northern Utah. By about 7:30 pm I saw that all evacuees of the #ParleysCanyonFire could go home. The rain truly helped out with the Parleys Canyon Fire along with the hard work of firefighters on the ground and the air.
Radar at 3:23 am on August 18 2021
It is supposed to rain off and on until about 6 pm tomorrow and that should help put out any lingering hot spots. Last night the fire was listed as 40% contained and I think that by the end of today it will be listed as 100%.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
This is a gorgeous and fascinating post. I am thrilled for you on the fire containment front too.
I hope the eggs hatched and they made it away before too late in the fall.
Yes, I hope the fire is out, once I get my tire repaired this morning I thought I might take a drive to some of my release areas.
Enjoy the rain and the Grebes!
Such a joyful post!