A lot of folks don’t pay much attention to Pied-billed Grebes – they’re “common”, their plain brown colors don’t create much excitement and their secretive tendencies often make them difficult to approach. But I love watching and photographing these small grebes because their pugnacious behaviors produce some fascinating interactions. They just may be the most aggressive bird species I’ve ever photographed.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Larger species, gulls and mergansers especially, regularly attempt to steal their prey (kleptoparasitism) as do other Pied-billed Grebes. In fact, this species will attempt to snatch prey away from their own mates or parents. As a result they’re extremely nervous with prey in the beak (often a fish) before they can swallow it. When pursued they sometimes dive with the fish in order to evade the potential thief but usually they “run” along the surface of the water.
This evasive behavior is very difficult to photograph because it’s extremely fast and you never know when it’s going to happen or what direction they will run. But this time I was able to keep the bird in the frame and in focus as another grebe chased this one in an attempt to steal the fish. Some of the highlights on the side of the fish are blown but I still liked the action.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
This is a posture I’ve seen multiple times in Pied-billed Grebes but I’m unsure of its meaning. Based on the context of what’s going on in the vicinity with other grebes I suspect it to be an aggressive display – perhaps an attempt to make itself look bigger than it really is but that’s only a guess and I’ve been unable to find a definitive answer through research. This is not wing-flapping, the wings are held in this position for several seconds.
I think it makes for an interesting photo, especially with the reflection included.
Ron
great reflection especially in calm water with great light.Fascinating birds that i hope to see soon.
Great photos Ron. I wonder if that seemingly inadequate beak might have some small ‘teeth’ to grasp the prey, similar to the Mergansers.
Your second photo proves that even ‘plain’ birds can be beautiful, the same as with supposedly plain moths. I like both photos, but especially the second, because it really captures the face of the bird.
Good point, Susan. I also think that sometimes we (me included) give the plainer females of many species short shrift.
Fantastic shot! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Fantastic images Ron. Love the one with the fish. One would think it was too big for him to swallow.
It’s amazing how big the fish can be that they’re able to get down, Dick. I’ve actually seen them swallow larger ones than this. One time a grebe worked on a fish for what I’d estimate was almost three minutes before it was successful (part of that time was used in evading potential thieving grebes).
I love Pied-billed Grebes! As “plain” as they are, I find their proportions so pleasing. Thank you for these wonderful photographs!
I think you’re absolutely right about their “proportions”, Sharon. I’d never thought of that before…