When it comes to diet Western Grebes are fish specialists but they’re opportunistic enough to take a variety of prey, including crustaceans.
1/800, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
In May of last year I photographed this grebe at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge as it swallowed a crayfish. Due to all of its spiny appendages the grebe had some difficulty getting it down but eventually it was successful. I’ve seen and photographed Western Grebes swallowing fish many times over the years but this was the first and only time I’ve observed one with a crayfish.
Interestingly, Western Grebes (and their very close relatives Clark’s Grebes) are the only grebe species with the structural anatomy in the neck to allow a spear-thrusting action for taking prey as in herons and anhingas but that behavior has not been recorded in these grebes, presumably because it takes place underwater.
Yet another example of avian research waiting to be done…
Ron
Very nice shot Ron! Like you, I have seen them swallowing fish, but nothing as exotic as this. Very cool.
Am I back???? I’d just given up….felt really sad…..
Welcome back, Patty. We’ve all missed you and I know the frustrations you’ve been through. I’ll send you some recent links…
Wonderful shot.
Glad you like it, Dave. Thank you.
Another gift, courtesy of your open eye and inquiring mind. Megathanks.
Thanks very much, EC.
Superb photograph! I’ve solved the digestion problem of shellfish by applying sufficient hot sauce. I’ll keep an eye out for water birds doing something similar. Just doing my part toward that avian research thing.
But seriously, Ron, you just keep uncovering more and more interesting bird (and overall wildlife) facts which stimulates us all to try and be more observant. Thank you!
Louisiana hot sauce and shellfish – now you’ve got my mouth watering, Wally. And thank you for the kind words.
Hi! Great photo! must have been really hungery to eat that crawfish? Love the bird and great colors! Have a nice day shooting!
Thanks, Hummingbird Lover. Don’t think we’ll be going shooting today though – looks like very little light out there.
I wish I were a grad student so I could conduct such fascinating research! Thanks for the great shot, and I’m glad I don’t have to eat crayfish whole…
“I wish I were a grad student so I could conduct such fascinating research”
Go for it, Alison! 🙂
Congratulations on getting such an unusual shot!
Thanks, Susan. It was fun to see and photograph.
Wonderful shot Ron!
I know birds have tough digestive juices almost as good as snakes. Interesting to know besides their structural anatomy in the neck the Western Grebe also has digestive acid and juices that can deal with the shell of the crayfish!
Thank you, Dick.
Actually, though pellet-casting in Western Grebes isn’t common when they eat fish, when they consume crayfish and other arthropods with chitinous exoskeletons their “shells” cannot be digested and are regurgitated as pellets. I’ve yet to see a grebe cast a pellet though.
Thanks, I meant that their digestive system produces strong juices to actually dissolve enough to get inside the shell. Your note a while back about a grebe (not sure which one) casting a pellet was the first I had heard of it. Should have known that! It really is a great shot.
You really should put together a book, a coffee table book, the wealth of information you have and the fantastic images should be out there for everyone to see! I am continually impressed by your images, especially ones that show behavior and or food procurement.
I appreciate your confidence in the behavioral value of my images, Dick but I just don’t think a book is going to happen. I barely keep up with the (self-imposed) pressure of doing my daily blog so I don’t think I’ll be voluntarily adding to that pressure anytime soon.
Ron, I hugely support Dick’s suggestion. Frankly speaking, I thought you have few books under your name. Please give it a thought, it is needed. A book with the beautiful photos by you and your experience about their behavior.
And about this Grebe, this is a wonderful photo, lovely light and clarity and a perfect moment.
I may mull it over, Rima but don’t hold your breath. I’m afraid that my writing/authorship skills are taxed to the limit by my blog. I sure appreciate the suggestion though.
Wow! What a sensational shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks very much, Charlotte.