Western Grebes

Gallery: AvianPosted November 4, 2012883 views16 comments

I've only witnessed this "rushing" behavior of Western Grebes a few times so I was happy to finally get a few shots of it I like.

7D, 1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, shot from pickup window on 6/3/12, cropped to 91% of original image, sharpened birds and disturbed water, no additional processing or adjustments, natural light, not baited, set up or called in

Larger version provided

Comments/critique appreciated

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on November 4, 2012 at 6:37 PM

I love the position of the Grebes and the action of the water. Unusual and unique behavior.

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on November 4, 2012 at 7:34 PM

You certainly needed a fast SS to stop action this. Wonderful capture of a most unique behavior by these grebes. Nicely composed and your exposure was right on.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on November 4, 2012 at 9:07 PM

The splashing water really shows the action. I like the poses of the birds, and hope to someday go far enough west to see this in person.

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on November 5, 2012 at 2:05 AM

Excellent behavioral capture, Ron. I've only seen the pale imitation of Red-necked. I'd love to see this behavior myself some day. Congratulations.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on November 5, 2012 at 6:49 AM

The large image is great Ron. Love the action and the bit of vege in the water really adds IMO.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on November 5, 2012 at 9:51 AM

Such a dynamic and illustrative example of this unique Grebe behavior Ron. Congrats

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on November 5, 2012 at 12:04 PM

Wonderful action and good timing to get this. I have seen this behavior on documentaries and it is very entertaining to watch. I like that both birds and the water and in focus. Nice job in getting this difficult shot, way to go Ron.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on November 5, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Great action shot Ron,

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Verdon on November 5, 2012 at 3:12 PM

excellent capture, beautiful behavior of love....... three thumbs up!!!!

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Schiebelbein on November 5, 2012 at 11:52 PM

Nice action shot with an equally nice setting.

Registered on November 8, 2008, 55 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 6, 2012 at 12:45 AM

Great behavior captured here Ron. The fast shutter speed was really created a nice effect in the water the grebes kicked up. You had just enough dof to capture both birds in excellent focus. Luckily your angle is nice and low. Well done Ron.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on November 6, 2012 at 3:51 PM

Great behavior action you captured, I think I have photographed every courtship behavior performed between western and clark's grebes except this one. Perhaps this spring.

Excellent work Ron

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on November 7, 2012 at 5:04 PM

Very cool Ron, love all that rushing water. Something I'd love to witness and photograph but haven't yet.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on November 8, 2012 at 5:45 AM

Great action and to get them both in focus - well done

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on November 11, 2012 at 12:36 PM

Amazing capture Ron.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 12, 2012 at 8:29 AM

Great capture of this behavior. I have only seen this once, at Watertown, SD, and the grebes were too far away and the light too low for a decent chance at a good photo.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments