There's always something endearing about waterfowl chicks, with their downy plumage and oversized feet, and these grebes are no exception, scooting around after their mother like aquatic zebras. They have been lucky that the weather has been mild, and the lake unfrozen so the fishing is easy. A few winters ago they would have struggled; thinking of 2010 and 2011 where the lake was frozen for weeks on end.
Soon, the grown up grebes will begin courting, with their elegant dancing and weed giving ceremonies. I hope to record that for you this year!
Si
All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 04.02.16
Fancy being alive at this time, I love it Simon.
ReplyDeleteGrebes are such fantastic birds!
ReplyDeleteThere's three different sorts at the moment - juveniles, winter plumage, and breeding plumage. Some have sported breeding colours all winter!
ReplyDeleteThey do look very cute. Hope the winter treats them well!
ReplyDeleteLovely little humbugs, as you say it is a good thing that this has been such a mild winter!
ReplyDeleteI agree, young grebes are very cute, specially the young little grebes! I hope to catch the great crested grebes dancing this year, not sure when they'll start near us this year, given the weird winter we're having...
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, David is right, they do have heads like humbugs! Rather fishier though!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice bird, all the water birds will be glad it's been a milder winter...
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Lovely photos.. they are rather cute :o) x
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