I came across an immature Clark’s Grebe on Monday at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I took photos of the grebe because I could see something on its fluffy neck.
Begging immature Clark’s Grebe in autumn – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In this image I can barely make out the mystery “loop” below the begging immature Clark’s Grebe but that loop was what caught my eye. I was concerned that something was wrong with the young grebe.
Immature Clark’s Grebe with something on its neck – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The mystery loop is far more evident in this photo of the young Clark’s Grebe. In fact it almost looks as if I could have attached a leash or a string to that loop to tow the grebe along on the water.
In case anyone is wondering how I know that this is an immature Clark’s Grebe and not a Western there are two things I used to identify that this young bird is a Clark’s. First when the young grebe was begging to be fed it was chasing after an adult Clark’s Grebe and not a Western Grebe. Second, the bright yellow bill is typical for a Clark’s Grebe. Western Grebes have more olive toned bills.
Young Clark’s Grebe with something on its neck – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In this image the mystery loop is seen on the side of the young Clark’s Grebe’s neck. I can also see that in all of the images that there isn’t anything going around the neck of the grebe so that lessened my concerns about the grebe being strangled by whatever the loop was.
Young Clark’s Grebe in autumn at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My final thoughts on the mystery loop seen on the neck of this young Clark’s Grebe is that the loop might be twisted juvenal feathers that the grebe is molting that are still attached somehow to the grebe’s neck.
I just never know what I will find or see when I am in the field.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Clark’s Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Definitely a mystery – and I hope that Kenneith is wrong. How far could it have travelled?
Nice photos to demonstrate the mystery “loop.” I would be afraid that it may be fishing line and that a hook is impaled on its head.
Ken, at this area of the refuge I never see anyone fishing but your point is well made.