These Clark's Grebes were doing what's called "The Weed Dance", where as part of their courtship they show they can be good nest makers. This was my first time seeing the whole ritual so really interesting to me!
My first, also, Bob. So, thanks and well captured. The left bird is a Western Grebe. So it appears hybridization is going to happen with the Clark's.
Rex
surgemaster wrote:
My first, also, Bob. So, thanks and well captured. The left bird is a Western Grebe. So it appears hybridization is going to happen with the Clark's.
Rex
Thanks for the comments and the ID, I missed that!
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lighthound wrote:
Fantastic behavioral set Bob. It almost looked like they were going to do the chest bump in the 2nd shot.
Good eye Rex! That is a very subtle difference between them and took me a second or two to see it.
morris wrote:
Excellent images Bob. I like the third in the background looking jealous
Morris
Thanks, fun comment!
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bobbytan wrote:
Terrific set! I guess they are starting to build their nests. Can't wait to see the Grebes with their chicks riding on their backs! YGMV!
Thanks for the vote and comments!
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bibek wrote:
Nice set Bob. Have seen this behavior, but out of the range of my lenses in our local lakes.
Thanks Bibek, this was a first for me let alone close in!
Wonderfull behavioral images, Bob! So, those are 2 competing males then while the third grebe in the background in the first 2 images is the female that the 2 are pursuing then?
Thank you BB
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kdacharya wrote:
last one's my pick, Bob
Thanks KD
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Fred Amico wrote:
These are great, Bob! With all the time I've spent watching grebes, have never seen this particular behavior. Glad you were able to witness it.
Thanks, me too!
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AGeoJO wrote:
Wonderfull behavioral images, Bob! So, those are 2 competing males then while the third grebe in the background in the first 2 images is the female that the 2 are pursuing then?
Joshua
Thank you Joshua! AFAIK that was a male and female not two males, the third may be another male or the offspring of one of them as he seems smaller.
