Thursday, October 16, 2014

Grebes!


This past August, my husband and I traveled to Utah for business (him) and pleasure (me - birding!). Of the 33 life birds I tallied in the state, two of them were grebes. Along the auto tour loop at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, I was delighted to observe both Western and Clark's Grebes. Both of these birds were much larger than the Horned, Eared and Pied-billed Grebes I have seen in Chicago over the years. Below I feature several of the grebes I have had the pleasure of viewing since I started birding.


Floating lazily in Montrose Harbor ~ Horned Grebe


In full breeding plumage, a Horned Grebe shows off its magnificent "horns"


A Horned Grebe dons its more subtle winter plumage


One of twenty Western Grebes seen along the auto tour loop at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge


Two juvenile Western Grebes enjoy the sunny day at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge


In breeding plumage, an Eared Grebe displays its golden ear tufts


An Eared Grebe in non-breeding plumage swims in the harbor


A successful dive ~ Eared Grebe


Spending a spring day at North Pond in Chicago ~ Pied-billed Grebe


A good view of it's two-toned bill ~ Pied-billed Grebe


A Clark's Grebe forages in cool waters


A group of Clark's Grebes delight in the pleasant day


A sweet sight ~ Juvenile Clark's Grebe 



Posted by Julie Gidwitz 



7 comments:

  1. Julie, these are terrific shots of the grebes. Each species is so different from the other. The pied bill is my favorite, so small and cute!

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  2. Magnificent series, Julie. Each being unique, while sharing some similarities.

    Bravo, mon amie!

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  3. Hi Julie, What a wonderful post, as always. The Grebe photos are just excellent. In the fourth photo from top … perfect composition with the reflection. In the top two photos … the breeding plumage is so different … what great captures to illustrate that. The second photo of the Pied-billed looks like the bird is posing for your camera! Thank you for sharing your photography and for your kind comments on my blog. Your comments are always some of the best … sure appreciate them. Very best regards from Seattle! John

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  4. Wow the full breeding plumage of the Grebe is spectacular!!

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  5. Grebes are amazing birds! Now come on down to Arizona for the Least:) I would really love to see a Horned Grebe in breeding plumage.

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  6. Julie, I so love grebes and was pleased to complete my North American set when I finally saw the Least Grebe in Arizona. I think Clark's is one of my favorites, as is the Pied-billed, but I do not think I have ever had the privilege of seeing any chicks! Wonderful post and photography, as always!

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