Young grebe chicks are nearly always entertaining, for the viewer and for themselves.
1/400, f/29, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found this Clark’s Grebe plus chick ‘surfing’ in the fast-flowing water just downstream from a bridge at Bear River MBR, which explains the turbulence in the water. The photo is unique in my portfolio because of the large bubble between the adult and the youngster. Because of the turbulence there were quite a few bubbles on the water, some of them quite large, so neither bird paid this one any attention. It sure caught my eye though, just because it’s different.
Yes, this is another photo I took before I noticed that my Canon R5 had gone wonky on me and set the aperture wherever it liked.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Grebe legs are attached to their body at the rear so they sometimes serve as a riding platform for young chicks. The Western Grebe chick on the left apparently liked it back there because it stayed there for a very long time. I had a devil of a time getting light in the eye of both youngsters but when the one on the left looked forward at its sibling, it happened. It’s subtle but it’s there.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I took many photos of this Clark’s Grebe family group and I was chuckling the entire time. Initially the adult female on the right was swimming far out of frame to the left as she tried to catch up with her mate. Eventually she did and then she passed him, which is when this photo was taken.
The chicks were watching each other during the entire process, as if they were cheering on their respective “taxis” in a race, so for a long time I could only see the back of the head of the youngster on the right. When this photo was taken I could finally see that chick’s eye. I didn’t get light in its eye but in this instance I think that’s less important than catching them staring each other down, which I really like.
I could photograph grebe chicks all day long and be loving every minute of it.
Ron
So. Much. Fun. 🥳 I can definitely “hear” those chicks: “Faster, Mom, Faster!” “Dad, hurry up!” Is the winning chick sticking out his tongue at his sibling? 😂
“Is the winning chick sticking out his tongue at his sibling?”
It’s easy to imagine, isn’t it, Marty.
When we raced as a child the loser always had to pay a forfeit (often household chores). I can help wondering…
This is a delightful start to my morning. Thank you.
Thanks, EC.
Great photos, Ron. Thanks for brightening up my Monday morning.
Thank you, Bill.
Too precious. Can’t get much cuter than these. Great shots.
I have to admit that I missed the bubble and had to go back and look again after reading your description. That was really special. Something that for sure would not often happen.
“Something that for sure would not often happen.”
It’s the first time I’ve seen it, at least that large and in that position. Thanks, Everett.
A big smile to start the day!
And such excellent examples of field marks for Western/Clark’s and male/female. Thanks!
Thanks fo mentioning the field marks, Carolyn.
Wonderful images, yes they are so entertaining and endearing at the same level. I still have many photos I have not processed. I’ll get back to the post processing and hopefully the refuge before they grow up!
Thanks, April. I hope you make it in time!
What fabulous photos! You captured wonderful expressions on the babies faces.
Thank You,
Kaye
Thanks, Kaye.
All I can say, Ron, is thank you for capturing moments like these and sharing them with us. Well done!
Much appreciated, Karen.
Really cool pictures! Thanks
Thanks, John.
So fun. I can almost hear the lead chick saying ‘Naj, nah, na, na, na, nahhh”
Kent, that’s pretty much what I thought I was hearing. 🙂
Wonderful! I’ve never had a close look at Grebes and their chicks. Really an interesting (and charming) behavior.
Thanks very much, Kathryn.
Me three ( like you and Michael )–I just love shot #3– I can just hear those
chicks calling , “My Mom swims better than your mom !” Please keep those
photos coming—-THEY ARE WONDERFUL !
“My Mom swims better than your mom”
Except that the adult in the back is the dad… 🙂
Thanks, Kris. At some point I may post more photos like these but I think I’ve been overdoing them lately so I may wait a while.
TOO much fun! 🙂 I’m sure seeing them in motion is even more fun……
It is, Judy. Thanks.
Your back-brooding Grebes are always among my favorites, Ron. Thanks for sharing!
Good to know, Diane. Thanks.
“I could photograph grebe chicks all day long and be loving every minute of it.”
And I can see why. Delightful. That last one is my favorite of these.
“That last one is my favorite of these.”
Me too, Michael. Which is why I posted it last.
Sensational series!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks, Charlotte.