Horned Grebe

The horned grebe is another migrant species that passes through my area.

Horned grebes spend much of their time feeding near the shoreline however I am most successful photographing them from the boat.

Horned grebe's dive frequently while actively feeding.  Diving is also a preferred tactic to evade danger.  Underwater, the grebe's can travel considerable distances swiftly.

While they are strong fliers it they patter across the surface upon takeoff building momentum much like an airplane gains speed on a runway.