Western Grebe chick begging to be fed – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1000, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday I posted a video that had the sound of a Western Grebe chick begging for food from its parent but the chick couldn’t be seen because of some rushes. I was back at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday morning and there were grebes in the same location as there were on the day that I took the video but this time I could see the chick clearly. I was able to take several images of this hungry Western Grebe chick begging to be fed and laughed out loud when I saw this funny face through my view finder. If birds had tonsils, I could see them with the bill open this wide.
Not only are the Western Grebe chicks loud and persistent when they beg for food they can almost look scary too.
Fluffy Western Grebe chick at Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
To be fair though, most of the time they don’t look scary, they look fluffy. I don’t know how old this chick is but it has developed the red eyes of the adults even while it sports its juvenal plumage.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
I forget – can Grebes walk on land? I ask b’cuz they seem similar to loons as “low riders.”
Jeeeez! That first shot must be the parent’s nightmare!!! The incessant demand for food must get on the parents’s nerves…if they have any…they’s sute get on mine!!!
An emphatic YES from me.
Beautiful photos, Mia.
Love these. I also saw the other pics you took of the “back-brooding” Grebes. I had no idea there was such a thing! Thanks so much for your photos. I’m learning a lot!
I want my food & I want it now!!! So cute!