On my most recent trip to Bear River MBR, I stopped my Jeep on the west side of the auto tour loop to take a few images of a pair of Clark’s Grebes. This pair of grebes already appeared to be bonding.
Pair of Clark’s Grebes on the last day of winter – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Although this photo isn’t my best of this species, sometimes it isn’t about the photos; it’s about soaking in all of the beauty, the sounds, and nature. For me, my trip to the refuge was all of that and more.
My trip to the refuge was about sunshine after days of gray. It was about hearing the sounds of the birds, and it was about that peaceful feeling I get at the refuge—no news and no negativity, just nature. It was exactly what I needed.
This pair of Clark’s Grebes were calling and bobbing their heads and necks in unison when I drove up on them, and they paid no attention to me. It even looked like the grebes might rush. I hoped that they would dance across the water and perform their courtship display.
Another vehicle came up behind me, and the grebes dove under the water.
It won’t be long before the Clark’s and Western Grebe mating season is in full swing at the refuge, though. Soon after that, their tiny chicks will hatch and ride on the backs of their parents.
I just hope there aren’t any issues with water levels being dropped this year, like there have been at the refuge in the past. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
I am so happy to see the Grebes courting. Is their plumage different as in the male egrets we would often see in Florida?
Patty, like the egrets we saw in Florida, these grebes do have breeding and nonbreeding plumage, it just isn’t a dramatic of a change as in some egrets, like the Great Egret.
Love you!
Nice post, Mia!
You highlight an important fieldmark for Clark’s grebes: the call has one syllable, as the name “Clark’s” has one syllable. While Western has two syllables, as does the word Western.
We all need places (and scenes) like that.
Yes to all mentioned!