Pied-billed Grebes are highly deserving of the “klepto” part of the term kleptoparasitism, especially among their own species. They’re an aggressive and threatening bird, chasing and attacking members of their own species and other birds too.
They’re more social during winter than they are during breeding season and I often see them on ponds in feeding flocks of a dozen birds or more. They seem to get along just fine together until one of them catches a fish and then tranquility can instantly transform into chaos as one or more birds attempt to steal the fish from the rightful owner.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
About a year ago that’s exactly what happened when this grebe caught a weather loach (an invasive fish common at Farmington). As soon as it surfaced with the fish other grebes gave chase and I was lucky enough to catch the bird as it skittered across the surface in an attempt to escape with its prize. At this point they usually dive with the fish and attempt to swallow it underwater, which is exactly what happened here. If the fish isn’t too wide-bodied they can usually get the fish down underwater (loaches have long, eel-shaped bodies) but if it’s a young carp they often have to struggle to swallow it which means it must be done on the surface and there’s a lot of excitement as other grebes try to pilfer the fish.
Another interesting thing about this image is that you can see how far back on the body grebe legs are attached, which makes the reason for their awkwardness on land obvious. It’s rare to see them out of the water (though I have done so several times).
This isn’t a great image technically (I had to add canvas for composition) but I thought the behavior was interesting and I do like the action.
Ron
There’s never a dull moment when Pied-billed Grebe are around! Terrific action shot, Ron!
I like the action, and I like the expression on the bird’s face. It looks like there is a huge crowd chasing him.
Susan, I took this photo just over a year ago and can’t remember how many other grebes were chasing this bird but there was at least one.
Love this Ron. Right down to the reflection!
Thanks very much, Jean.
What an action shot! Love the “carving through the water” effect and how the crisp curl of the wake wave implies great speed….
Their speed when “running” on the water is very impressive, Patty. And frustrating when you’re trying to photograph them doing it.
Love this photo. The reflection and the water action. Now, getting then water to appeared stopped like that, is that due to the fast shutter speed? I assume there was enough light. Was this shot around noon? I have a similar photo of an Australian pelican i would love to send you for your thoughts.
I like the reflection too, April. Yes,1/2500 sec SS almost “froze” the water, but not quite.
I like that action in this picture. 😀
Thanks, Arwen.
Sensational shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Saw and photographed these at the Farmington Bay waterfowl refuge. Have never seen them in Colorado. This is a new species for my photographs. Good behavior capture. Rich
I’m surprised you haven’t seen them in Colorado, Richard – in the right habitat they’re common throughout the US. But I guess birds don’t often look at range maps to see where they’re supposed to hang out…