Memories From When I Found My Horned Grebe Lifer

Autumn Horned Grebe at Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Six years ago today I found my lifer Horned Grebe on a frosty November morning in the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I had gotten up long before dawn to make the hour long trip up to the refuge in the dark. The radio was playing, I had hot coffee in my travel mug, and I had high hopes for the birds I might see out in the wetlands that morning. On my drive around the refuge auto tour loop I listened to the calls of Tundra Swans in the distance which made the trip up to the refuge worth it even if I hadn’t photographed a single bird. I love the calls of those swans.

Bird activity was slow but I took my time, drove slowly and immersed myself in the peace, tranquility, and expansive views of the marsh, sky, and distant mountains. On the last leg of the auto tour route I spotted a single, small, black and white grebe floating on the water. My first thought was that it was an Eared Grebe because they are found this late in the year.

Horned Grebe in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When I stopped my Jeep and focused on the bird through my viewfinder I realized that the grebe was a Horned Grebe which are less common here in northern Utah than Eared Grebes are. I was able to take just a few images of my lifer Horned Grebe before it swam out of my sight.

I could have driven right past this grebe thinking it was “just” an Eared Grebe in nonbreeding plumage but I don’t do that. It was a bird. I had to stop and check it out and because I did I was able to photograph a lifer bird for me.

I have no idea why it has taken me six years to write this except that life was kind of hectic for me back then. I came across these images in my archives yesterday and decided that it was time to highlight this Horned Grebe.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see my Horned Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.