Spring Clark’s Grebe close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On my trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge last week I was delighted to see and hear both Clark’s and Western Grebe species from the auto tour loop. None of the grebes were close enough to the road to take high quality images of the birds yet I loved knowing that these grebes have returned to the marshes and wetlands of the refuge.
Clark’s Grebe slowly swimming past me – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I am concerned about the grebes having enough water to nest this season. When I drove past the Bear River last week which should be running high and fast from snow melt at the time of the year it was running slow. If the refuge staff drop water levels in any of the units for any reason these birds use when they are nesting the grebes will be forced to move on to more suitable nesting grounds. Recently that is precisely what happened several years in a row.
Spring adult Western Grebe after diving for prey – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These grebes build floating nests on the water which protects their eggs from predation. When the water levels drop nest failure occurs. Right now there is ample water on the units closest to the auto tour route that the grebes have nested on in the past. I hope it stays that way this year for these grebes.
Adult Western Grebe shaking off after a dive – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My Clark’s Grebe photos were taken last spring and the Western Grebe images were taken in the spring of 2018. It was wonderful to be able to photograph the grebes. I had missed them and had also missed seeing them with chicks. I have my fingers crossed that they will be able to nest this year.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
The Grebe’s incredible eye’s always get my attention. Great group of shots. Thanks Mia.
I really, really hope that these beauties can nest successfully this year. And will add ‘close to you’ to my wish list.
My concern is the dams above BRMBR on the Bear River are also at the lowest levels in decades and they are holding back water to fill the dams leaving even less to flow to the GSL.