Saturday, 9 April 2016

Grebe on the Nest

I first noticed the pair of grebes building their nest a week or two ago, the male fiddling about with some long twigs, which he promptly dropped when he saw me observing him. I was surprised it was so close in to the bank of the Blue Lake in such a public spot, rather than in a quieter area around the other side of the lake.

Yesterday, when I was out running, I noticed that the female - I presume - was sitting on but I didn't have my camera. Today, I made a special visit to the nest to photograph her.

She is unflustered, but watchful of the observer although I can't imagine I'm the only person to have papped her in the last day or two as there is no cover for her at all. The island nature of the nest is plainly apparent, but I worry about the vulnerability of its position. It's easily in stone throwing range for any passing "badmen", when it should be a positive opportunity to teach people to respect and enjoy nature, rather than destroy it.

I have no idea when the chicks might hatch, but I hope she produces a good clutch.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 09.04.16








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16 comments:

  1. Merlin529 April 2016 at 15:11

    excellent photographs well captured. number five is particularly good.

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  2. Midmarsh John9 April 2016 at 23:02

    Love the punk 'hair' style.

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  3. Fiona9 April 2016 at 23:28

    Very nice photos!I find it very amusing :)

    trulyfionaa.blogspot.com

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  4. Lucy @ A Natural Interlude10 April 2016 at 01:36

    How fantastic to have such a close view of the nesting pair, Si. Great to see your photos! Crossing my fingers the pair stay safe and have the chance to delight the masses with their antics and humbug babies.

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  5. Crafty Green Poet10 April 2016 at 05:15

    Lovely photos and so amazing to have such close views! Hope they raise lots of chicks

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  6. Lowcarb team member10 April 2016 at 06:09

    Oh Simon - what lovely photo's and so close up. She looks great sitting there doesn't she.
    As others have said, I too love her hair, and punk describes it well ...

    Enjoy your Sunday

    All the best Jan

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  7. Simon Douglas Thompson10 April 2016 at 06:57

    You are so kind, but they still aren't sharp enough for my taste. Think I'm at limitation of camera and my unsteady hands!

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  8. Pam10 April 2016 at 09:12

    Enjoy your photography Si! I would be well chuffed with your images! G C Grebes are soooo elegant looking!

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  9. Simon Douglas Thompson10 April 2016 at 11:52

    Thanks Pam, I don't think my body can handle 36x shooting!

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  10. Millymollymandy11 April 2016 at 01:04

    How cool is that! I've seen their mating dances (love that) but never seen one nesting. Will be interesting to see what happens. Would love to see some chick photos!

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  11. Bob Bushell11 April 2016 at 01:30

    Beautiful sighting.

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  12. The Weaver of Grass11 April 2016 at 07:02

    I suppose she knows you are no threat from your place on the bank Si.

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  13. Simon Douglas Thompson11 April 2016 at 07:03

    thank you! I should imagine when the chicks fledge she'll move them out into the middle to avoid any nasties. Wonder if I can get a shot of them in the nest?

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  14. Sara - Villa Emilia11 April 2016 at 08:50

    I too think your photos are great!
    (Does your camera have a stabilizer on it?)
    Hoping all the best for the bird family.

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  15. The Weaver of Grass11 April 2016 at 11:14

    Pheasant chicks look just like hen chicks but are speckled brown.

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  16. Ragged Robin12 April 2016 at 03:30

    Great to see such close-up photos of the Great Crested Grebes. Hope you can get some pictures of the chicks.

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