Chicks this age always give me hope for the future. I guess I needed some reassurance after worrying about the late breeding pair of Western Grebes I photographed a few days ago.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This is an older photo I’ve never posted before, probably because there’s no light in the eye of the chick on the adult’s back. In this species both parents back brood their youngsters but based mostly on bill shape I believe this is the smaller female.
On this day at Bear River MBR I was able to get many nice photos of both parents with these chicks. At times it almost seemed like they were parading their youngsters in front of me to show them off.
A short post today. A new version of Windows was set to automatically install when I booted up my computer this morning and I was worried about glitches that would interfere with working on my post so I kept it at a minimum. Thankfully it was a smooth transition.
Hopefully that’s a sign that my worrying about the late breeding grebes is also unnecessary. Worry is completely unproductive and often counterproductive but I can’t help myself.
Ron.
Wow, that’s a beautiful photo. The first thing that struck me was the color and texture of the water – it makes a great setting. And they just seem so happy and comfortable – definitely brightened my day a little. I’m hopeful we’ll see some pictures of the late-breeding pair with their chicks soon.
“I’m hopeful we’ll see some pictures of the late-breeding pair with their chicks soon.”
That would be great wouldn’t it. Thanks, Bill.
I thought of Emily Dickinson’s words “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.” when I saw your post.
I am a worrier. I cross my bridges before I am certain that there is a river. And if I knew where my worry button was I would remove it. Permanently. It does me NO favours.
And of course I love the feathered enchantment you gave us today – and almost every day.
EC, worry is a curse for those of us who can’t help overdoing it.
You are so very right.
My worry button (and the guilt one) would be removed forever if I could do it.
Glad the upload went smooth. It did not for me. I lost all my bookmarks in Chrome and my icons. My hubby’s account everything was okay. Got rid of it and will try again.
Jo, mine didn’t go quite as smooth as I thought it did but I’m hoping everything’s OK now.
Too cute! To me these babies swimming next to their parent always seem to portray smugness to me…and especially when they are on their backs…Loons also give me that feeling. Just so sure of themselves! Lovely photo!
Don’t know why but I couldn’t get my post to go through yesterday. Must be something on my end…
Kathy, I know that loons back brood too but our loons around here will never let me get anywhere near them.
Certainly no worries while gazing at this family portrait. The abundance of fuzziness, and the serene color, swirls, and reflections in the water make for a very peaceful scene. Nicely done.
Thank you, Lyle.
“Worry can be defined as a mild case of atheism.” unknown
Can’t help myself either Ron, work in progress.
Love the babies in the photo, so fluffy!
Thanks, Kathleen. I’m afraid it’ll always be ‘in progress’ for me.
Great image even without the ‘glint’ in the eye!
“Worry” is why I don’t watch much of TV news. But, I still worry just the same! Hope counteracts worry, truth counteracts lies, lets hope for a decent outcome in November!
“truth counteracts lies”
I used to believe that, Dick. I’m not so sure anymore.
Marty K’s plush toy description is perfect. Never thought of that, but it is what they look like. Been watching a Pied-billed mom with a family of five here and they are just too cute. Good luck Ron with the new version. Worry is as you say it is, but unfortunately I think we humans are stuck with it.
Everett, we have lots of Pied-billed Grebes around here and I often photograph the adults from very close up. But I’ve had very few opportunities with them when they have young chicks – they seem super shy at that time.
The grebes ARE cool and hope the late ones “make it”… 🙂 Every time windows upgrades something tends to get messed up. I currently have 2 messages about something roaming each morning that can’t open. Will have to figure out where it’s hiding on the computer and tell it to get lost….. 😉 Air gets pretty blue when I’m dealing with that crap……… 🙁
Judy, I hate those updates. Too often they mess something up and they always seem to happen at an inconvenient time.
Grebe chicks are too stinkin’ adorable! They look like little plush toys to me. I can’t help but smile when I see your photographs of grebe families — especially if a chick is hitching a ride on mom or dad. 😀
I agree, Marty. Their chicks are had to resist and back brooding just enhances that effect.