Yesterday morning, a bathing Western Grebe gave me the giggles. Amidst global turmoil and my own personal struggles this year, I needed those laughs.
Western Grebe – Open wide! – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two things about this grebe caught my eye. The first was how dark its plumage was compared to the other nearby grebes. The second was that the grebe kept opening its bill.
I believe this bird is a hatch year Western Grebe. The grebe may have recently molted into this plumage, which may be why it appeared to be so dark.
Western Grebe with its bill wide open – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The wide-open bill caught my eye, and I focused on the grebe, thinking it might throw up a pellet of undigested food. I wanted to catch the pellet being regurgitated.
Bathing Western Grebe – Score! – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Instead, the grebe took a long, vigorous bath. I started giggling as soon as I saw this bathing pose through my viewfinder. My mind immediately thought of someone on the sidelines of a sports game raising their arms as a score is made, and I couldn’t stop laughing.
Bathing and splashing Western Grebe – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The grebe’s bathing poses just seemed to get funnier to me. I struggled to keep my camera focused on the bird. A few times, I lost focus, and the resulting images weren’t nearly as sharp as I wanted them to be.
Bathing Western Grebe splashing water – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But I am only human, and, more importantly, a human who loves to laugh, so I forgave myself for messing up a few photos and kept taking pictures of this bathing grebe.
I wondered why the grebe was giving me the side-eye in this frame. I’ll never know, but I wondered just the same.
Western Grebe flinging water while bathing – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Water droplets were flying all over, and my laughter rang out over the marsh. I simply couldn’t help myself.
Note: Bathing is serious business for birds; they need to keep their feathers clean and in good condition. This grebe will be migrating soon, and she or he needs their feathers in tip-top shape.
Bathing Western Grebe at Farmington Bay WMA – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As serious as bathing might be for this grebe, every splash, movement, and funny pose made me laugh even more.
Bathing Western Grebe and water droplets – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Western Grebe was in the middle of bathing while I was in the midst of a laughing fit. I was thoroughly enjoying what I was seeing, photographing, and feeling.
Western Grebe and flying water droplets – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took one hundred fifty four images of this bathing Western Grebe, and I am thrilled that I happened to be in the right place at the precise moment that I needed to be to witness this activity. Once again, Mother Nature provided me with joy, laughter, and a boost of energy. I really love what I do, and I am tickled that I get to share it with all of you.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a great series of shots! I love the bathing sequence…reminds me of that old Bobby Darin song, ” Splish Splash…I was takin’ a bath…” Wonderful…simply wonderful. Thanks Mia.
These are wonderful Mia! What a delightful morning for you.
What an enchanting series. I am smiling so widely my face hurts. Thank you.
Now I have the giggles too! 😂 Definitely the international signal for “touchdown” and the 6 point happy dance afterwards. I sure needed to laugh after the past couple of weeks. Thank you! ❤️
Thank you for sharing this awesome and entertaining series! As always, your narrative brings it all to life for us!
This is a fantastic set, I believe the first two grebe shots could be arranged into a timeless meme if done just right. Bravo
LOL!