Each spring Horned Grebes pass through my area during their spring migration after spending the winter along the coast.
I have observed flocks of as many as twenty but so far this year four is the largest group I have encountered. In all of my past encounters the grebes were quite wary, diving below the waters surface before I was within good photographic range.
My encounter with the grebes Saturday was quite different. Sighting the birds when they were only tiny specks on the water I was surprised when they continued fishing as I brought the boat to within 20 feet or so. Showing no alarm the grebes would dive out of sight only to resurface in a minute still near the boat. As the encounter occurred near noon the light was not the best but the close-up encounter still resulted in my best ever Horned Grebe photographs.
THese are amazing pictures.I guess it helps to be on the water with them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
Hi Coy,
ReplyDeleteThese are superb pictures, you're right! They use to be quite shy over here too, but when they start to breed then you can get closer to them (without frightening them of course). I guess they will soon arrive over here too :-)
It looks like you are having a great spring for birds. Every time I go out to photograph birds I find that I am enjoying it more and more. It could never replace big game photography but it shore fills the gap.
ReplyDeleteGood photos even in harsh light.
These are beautiful, Coy and your photos are stunning. I wish we had some water close to where we live. The most water we have is in my water dishes outside.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this day. It was your future yesterday.
Good day to you Coy...
ReplyDeleteWhat beauties these are... I have never seen or heard of these before.. it is post and pictures such as these that make my blogging experience all the more worth while.
We get Great Crested Grebes not far frm where I live.. if I get the chance I'll try to get a shot or two of them.
Great header with the in flight Loon..
Wow, terrific shots of the Grebes. We get Eared Grebes here, but I've never seen a Horned Grebe. Your Header photo is stunning.
ReplyDeleteLike the way you captured these Coy.
ReplyDeleteI only see these (Slavonian) in their drab winter plumage so it's nice to see yours in their fabulous breeding colours.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! one of my favourite grebes...they're such odd, but lovely, looking ducks
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat unusual looking birds! I love learning about critters while reading your blog, Coy!
ReplyDelete