Clark’s Grebe And Chick, Both Posing For The Photographer

It was my intention to take a day off from Feathered Photography today so I slept in. But while I was on my second cup of coffee I almost literally stumbled across this photo that was unusual enough in a positive way to deserve to be posted, albeit late.

 

1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

When I’m photographing back-brooding grebes it’s highly unusual for me to get eye contact from both the adult and the chick(s), with both birds in good light. So this photo, taken last month at Bear River MBR, jumped out at me this morning while I was searching my files for something else.

There are other things I like about it too, including the way it almost looks like the two feathers on either side of the chick’s neck are holding ‘his’ head in position – in effect, making him pose for the photographer.

I actually got three shots almost exactly like this one so I’m surprised I hadn’t posted one of them before. A little serendipity on Saturday morning.

Ron

 

21 Comments

  1. Deedee (Edith) OBrien

    This photo certainly makes me smile. Thanks.

  2. Everett F Sanborn

    Serendipity is always good Ron. Beautiful photo. The colors really blend together well, and they are handsome birds. All your photos of them carry the chicks are really cute.

  3. Love the grebes!! Amazing that they are both looking in the same direction. I will take serendipity any day. Your find is our treat. (PS – so happy that you got to sleep in.

  4. Adorable family.

  5. Michael McNamara

    Definitely a keeper Ron.

  6. Yay for serendipity! Fabulous image of the parent and their little side-kick (back-kick?). Everything is right with this shot, Ron. Those little “grebelets” are too stinkin’ cute! 😍

  7. It’s good to see that not everything is disappearing. Really sweet!

  8. I really like how the two heads come into alignment as well. There is definitely a story in this one.

  9. It all comes together for a wonderful, serene, picture…….. 🙂 Like how the mother’s back feathers come up over the chick…….

    Some of the Monsoon moisture has arrived – YES to cooler temps for the week! 🙂

    • Glad you finally got some of our monsoon, Judy – happy to share. I was beginning to think you’d have to somehow resurrect that shade tree you cut down…

  10. I love their reflections and the bow- and stern-waves showing their motion through the water. An award-worthy photo!

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