While I was out enjoying some sunshine yesterday morning, I photographed an adult Pied-billed Grebe from a distance and up close at one of my local ponds.

The sun felt marvelous, the air was clear, birds were singing, and it almost felt like spring to me.

Urban Pied-billed Grebe from a distance, Salt Lake County, UtahUrban Pied-billed Grebe from a distance – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I am noticing signs of spring’s impending arrival.

Just a few weeks ago, all of the Pied-billed Grebes I was seeing were in nonbreeding plumage. Yesterday, I saw that several of these grebes have transitioned into breeding plumage or are in the process of doing so.

With Pied-billed Grebes, the difference between nonbreeding and breeding plumage isn’t a dramatic change.  The changes I look for are in the bills and throats of this grebe species.

In nonbreeding plumage, or Definitive Basic Plumage, the throats of this waterbird species are whitish-gray, and their bills are pale brownish-buff, with a possible faint outline of black markings.

Winter Pied-billed Grebe up close, Salt Lake County, UtahWinter Pied-billed Grebe up close – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

In breeding plumage, or Definitive Alternate Plumage, Pied-billed Grebes have a prominent dark band on an white to ivory colored bill and their throats have black feathers.

Yesterday, from a distance and up close, the dark band on the bill of the Pied-billed Grebe was obvious, and so was the grebe’s dark throat. The grebe’s bill and eye ring will be a lighter color than what is seen in these photos soon.

I enjoyed being able to photograph this grebe yesterday morning. Being outdoors with the birds felt marvelous. I desperately needed the nature break.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Pied-billed Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.