Clark’s Grebe checking out a pair of grebes behind it – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’m sharing a few spring Clark’s Grebe images today that I took up in the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during the first week of April. This first grebe turned to check out another pair of grebes swimming rapidly towards it. The grebe may have wanted to know how fast they were swimming and if they were a threat.
Adult Clark’s Grebe moving away from a pair of grebes – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After checking out the pair of grebes this grebe swam towards the southwest and away from the other grebes on this section of water.
Clark’s, Western and Pied-billed Grebes are common in the marshes of the refuge at this time of the year. I only hope that they will have sufficient water to nest again this year. For several years prior to last breeding season the water on the units the grebes prefer to nest in had been dropped to such low levels the grebes could not nest. Those years were sad because I missed seeing and hearing the grebes.
Pair of Clark’s Grebes in early spring – Nikon D500, f9, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This pair of Clark’s Grebes were the pair that swam up behind the first grebe. I can’t say for sure that they have bonded and that they have paired up but it certainly seemed like they had.
On a side note, I have decided that I shouldn’t have my posting streak interrupted on my blog just because my hosting provider messed me up. I definitely would have posted had I been able to get to the back end of my site. The incident was completely out of my control. My hosting company let me down.
So this will be my first post today and it will be dated April 14th. Another post for the 15th will follow soon thereafter and finally my regular daily post which will catch me back up.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great pics of a beautiful bird. But it’s the Grebe’s eyes…always the eyes…that amaze me. Thanks Mia.
I love watching them but I have to admit the calls of the babies gets jarring after about 30 minutes. The grebes and ducks were not close last time I went to the refuge and the water was very choppy with the wind.
Great light and focus, especially on the pair! Fun to see them all!
Very nice. These are fascinating birds. Pretty shots.