Adult Eared Grebe on the Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
About this time last year I took this photo of an adult Eared Grebe floating past me on the Bear River from the road that goes to the auto tour route. On several of my spring trips up the Bear River MBR last year I found and pointed out several Eared Grebes on the river and out in the marshes of the refuge. Some of the grebes were in full breeding plumage and some weren’t quite there yet.
Although Eared Grebes breed in northern Utah I have never been fortunate enough to see them here with chicks. I would love to see and photograph their young. I’d also like to observe their courtship displays and see them on their floating nests.
With their dark plumage, red eyes, and orange-yellow ear tufts Eared Grebes stand out well in open water. In thick marsh vegetation they can be harder to find.
I hope to see and photograph more Eared Grebes this spring. I might even get lucky and find them with chicks. I definitely would love that.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Eared Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Oh those electric eyes! Stunning intimate portrait.
Beautiful shot!
What an absolute beauty. I hope you see more of them too. For you – and for your readers.
What an absolute beauty. I hope you see more of them too – for you, and for your readers.
They are one of my favorite birds, especially when in breeding plumage. I have not seen as many at the refuge as last year. We have also not had as many stranded on parking lots requiring rescue. Keeping my fingers crossed the latter stays that way.
Just gorgeous!