Pied-billed Grebe with a large fish – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Pied-billed Grebes are interesting to observe and photograph because of their behaviors, especially when they interact with each other. Their interactions become a touch more heated when there is food involved. They are saucy little grebes.
Two days ago I was photographing American Coots, ducks and Pied-billed Grebes at Farmington Bay WMA, the grebes were busy catching fish while the coots seemed a bit more focused on underwater vegetation. When a few of the grebes caught sight of this Pied-billed Grebe with a large fish they started to chase it over the water. Water was flying everywhere! I was able to create a series of images of this grebe being chased that I like because of the action and how the large fish is dangling from the bill of the grebe.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Pied-billed Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Ha! Now I see how they can slowly submerge themselves under the surface of the water.
I hope the hunter finally got to enjoy its meal. Its very big meal.
Wow, that is a big fish for a Pied-billed Grebe! Great capture!
Beautiful photo, Mia.
It seems amazing that these birds don’t choke on some of the fish they catch! Life sure is a constant challenge for them….first they have to find food, then capture it, and then defend it and, finally, actually get to eat it….
As usual – a great photo.