Clark's Grebe adult at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahClark’s Grebe adult at Bear River NWR – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

A few days ago I thought I heard grebes calling at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge when I was photographing Tundra Swans and just after that the staff at the refuge confirmed that the grebes are back! Pied-billed Grebes can be found at the refuge most of the year but the Western and Clark’s Grebes are migratory and I have been waiting for their return. They breed at the refuge and soon they should be rushing which is a fascinating courtship display.

Western Grebe adult at Bear River MBRWestern Grebe adult at Bear River NWR – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Western and Clark’s Grebes will soon number in the thousands at Bear River MBR along the auto tour route and on the Bear River itself. I can’t wait to see them rushing or chasing after each other!

Spring is springing up all over.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photo plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.

(These images were taken in 2009)