Resting Western Grebe with reflections of fall colors – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I went to Farmington Bay WMA yesterday morning where one of the birds I photographed was this resting Western Grebe with reflections of fall colors. There were three Western Grebes in the area and while I hoped that they would become active and hunt for prey that was not to be. They rested, preened, and did little else.
After days spent at home because of clouds, wind, rain, and low light it felt wonderful to be back out in the field with birds under clear blue skies and sunshine. The grebes were the first birds I photographed after a week spent stuck inside.
It was a quiet, peaceful, and slow paced morning spent with the birds at the WMA.
The ten day forecast isn’t looking great for bird photography so I am looking forward to switching over to checking out my local ponds when sucker holes open up in the sky when the mornings aren’t clear of clouds. I don’t mind doing that at all though because I can be down at the ponds in less than five minutes and back home in the same amount of time. In addition to the shortened travel time I can look forward to seeing more ducks arriving from their breeding grounds showing up at the ponds and perhaps a Snow Goose or two. I’d also like to check out the trail along the river for sparrows and other songbirds on the days when I won’t be traveling far out into the field to find birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a beautiful and intriguing shot. Love the eye contact. Thanks Mia.
Quiet, peaceful and with the birds sounds like a most excellent day to me – and your photo is confirmation.
Your usual excellent work, Mia. That grebe trio might be the same ones I saw at Farmington Bay last week at the end of the road next to the big parking lot. They just hung out and never flew.
Very nice colors and light. I love that pond.