Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) and their Young

Earlier this year was my first encounter with Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) at Mono Lake in the Californian Eastern Sierras.  They were just arriving and the guide books said that there would be so many that you could walk on them to the other side of the lake!

Adult Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) Mono Lake, CA

However, when visiting Saskatoon Lake Provincial Park in Alberta it was great to see many adults with their young.  The young were of mixed ages: some were still riding on the parents backs; some were being shown how to feed themselves and the occasional few were diving for themselves.  However, the primary activity on the lake was feeding the young.

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) feeding its young

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) feeding its young

Having fed the young the adult usually brings the beak into the body and arches the neck.  Here both the adult and young are doing the ritual.

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) feeding its young

Here is an image of a parent “washing” the catch before passing it directly to the beak of the young.

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) showing their young how to clean their catch

This little Grebe was learning how to dive, but bringing up its own camouflage.

Young Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) learning to dive

This little diver had the misfortune to surface by the wrong adult and was consequently chased off!

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) chasing off the interloper

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) chasing off the interloper

Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis) chasing off the interloper

Adult Eared Grebe (Pociceps nigricollis)

It is always wonderful and fulfilling to see Mother Nature at Work.

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Gear: Nikon D4s, Nikkor 600.0mm F/4 VRII, Nikkor TC-17 EII, RRS TVC-34L Tripod and Full Gimbal Head, Lexar Digital Film

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018 at 10:49 pm. It is filed under Birds, Color Images, Grebes, Wildlife and tagged with #Eared Grebe, #wildlifephotography, AB, Alberta, Canada, Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) feeding its young, Lexar Digital Film, Nikkor 600mm f/4 VRII, Nikkor TC-17 EII, Nikon, Nikon D4S, Richard King Photography, RRS Full Gimbal Head, RRS TVC-34L Tripod, Saskatoon Lake Provincial Park, www.fulltimervingwiththekings.com, www.mothernatureimages.com, www.richardkingphoto.com. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.