I’ll preface this post with an apology for the cutesy title. I usually avoid them at all costs but in this case I just couldn’t help myself… (I’m making the assumption that the adult bird here is the male because of its straight bill but it’s a subtle distinction and I could be wrong).
For the last few days we’ve been having a great time with Clark’s and Western Grebes and their chicks. Both sexes of both species brood their chicks on their backs (back brooding) from almost the moment they hatch until they are quite large. I’ve seen up to three chicks of about this size on the back of a single adult, although by the time they get this size the other parent often shares the burden.
1/1600, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
When I first saw this image of a Clark’s Grebe and its chick on my screen I assumed it was simply another case of the youngster having just jumped onto the back of the adult (as evidenced by the position of the feet and the direction of the water splash). But now I’m quite convinced that the adult was actually allowing the youngster to act as an outboard motor of sorts as the chick seems to be providing the propulsion as the parent relaxes. If so, and I think it is, in all the time I’ve spent watching these birds this is the first time I’ve noticed such interesting behavior.
I offer this image as further evidence of my theory (and for no other reason as it’s not a very good shot). It was taken seven clicks before the previous image and you can see that the chick was already on the adults back and in paddling mode.
Behaviors such as this fascinate (and amuse) me. It almost reminds me of a human parent letting their young child sit on their lap and “drive” the family car for the first time. There’s always something new to learn when you spend time with birds and pay attention.
Ron
Great observation, Ron! This is really amazing. Nature is wonderful. Good idea to share the load for the parent!
I just came back from a loons trip but didn’t see this behavior. The chick did get big quick and the mom was half sinking sometimes.
Hey Tin, Thanks for visiting here. I envy you your loon trip – I’ve never even been reasonably close to one. But their eerie calls on a remote and beautiful lake in NW British Columbia a few years ago are an auditory memory that will always be with me.
Having grown up on a farm, I often thought a kid’s sole purpose was to help grow the workforce- kudos to the adult here for doing just that! Your “behavior shots” are always so interesting, despite any perceived (absolutely none on my part) artistic shortcomings. Some of my photo friends attach a cutesy themed title to every single pic they post, to the point that it becomes forced and tiresome. But sometimes relating an animal behavior to a seemingly non-related human one can be a great way to get a person to engage with a photo and ultimately crack a smile! 🙂
Thank you as always Mike. Your point about titles was very well said.
I don’t mind cutesy titles. As you know, I tend to use them. I love these photos, Ron. They are very entertaining and educational, too.
Thanks Bob. I’ve thought for a long time that title types are simply a matter of preference and style. Generally they don’t work for me on my own work but on your blog, to go along with your great sense of humor, I think they work just fine.
Love it. Perhaps the parent was having ‘a lazy day’. Great first shot. Thank you.
Thanks Elephant’s Child. Parents do need some time off occasionally.
Humans do not have a monopoly on fun!
Great capture of amusing behavior!
Thank you Tana. I hope the Teasdale fire situation is improving.