Stretching Western Grebe – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This Western Grebe might be the last one I photograph this year because it appears that most of them have migrated for the winter. There was only one Western Grebe on the pond and I took a nice series of images of this particular bird. I loved this photo of the grebe stretching.
And nah, contrary to other people’s click bait headlines, a bird won’t break their neck by stretching like this.
I’m sure people have seen me get very excited when I write here about my FOY (first of year) or FOS (first of season) birds. I jump up and down when I see my FOY/FOS Tundra Swan or Swainson’s Hawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird, or Sandhill Crane.
My joy flows over into my images and my posts here on my blog.
It is different though when I think quietly to myself… “Will this be the last Western Grebe I photograph this year?” or “Will I get the opportunity to see just one more before they are gone for the winter?”.
Those thoughts make me reflect back on the birds I photographed during the spring and summer and they make me ask myself questions.
“Did I get all the images of them I could have?” or “Should I have been more patient and sat with pairs of the grebes longer and gotten the rushing grebe images I have dreamed of?”.
Then I slowly start to dream about the next year. Looking forward to the future while enjoying every minute of the present.
Just something I think about.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Well, that’s a nice parting shot!
I had a post once called The Penultimate Waxwing … because every time I thought I was photographing my last for the spring, another flock would appear. So, in other words, I relate! I love these grebes and your photos of them. They’re starting to appear here in California. Do they come here from your direction, Mia?
Possibly, but the birds and Nature call the shots.
Great image though – if it is the last of the season, he/she is leaving the audience smiling (and wanting more).
Checked again, the exact words were “….possibly my last West….” OK! so I’, harping in it. But it scared me!!!
You sure scared me!!! On my IN BOX, it had your name and “This may be my last……” Then nothing else! …and with my current state of mind, I automatically assumed the worst…and all it turned out to be was a great shot of a goofy Grebe with its head on uoside down!!!!
I felt the same way when I saw the title!
Beautiful photo Mia. Definitely showing off for you.