Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: Western Grebe

  1. #1
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Lakeville, MN
    Posts
    1,381
    Threads
    150
    Thank You Posts

    Default Western Grebe

    I've spent the last few springs hanging with these majestic birds and find that their behavior towards one another is as impressive as I have come across. I was in the water here about a foot above the water when this guy decided to take off on his "rushing display". Here is an image from late in the day.



    Nikon D300 ~ Nikkor 300mm F/2.8
    ISO 800 ~ F/5.6 ~ 1/1250 sec

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    SW Michigan
    Posts
    14,112
    Threads
    820
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Mike:

    An amazing display. Nice angle. Some loss of detail in some areas of whites.
    From a comp. standpoint, wish there was a bit more room above.
    Viewing this makes my neck hurt:D

    Was he displaying towards you or another bird?

    Hope to see more!

    Randy

  3. #3
    BPN Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Northern Rockies
    Posts
    1,273
    Threads
    106
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Although I think Randy makes some good points, this is a great image. I'll bet the water was cold.
    Andrew

  4. #4
    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Ottawa, Canada
    Posts
    26,266
    Threads
    3,976
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I also wish for more room above and more details in some of the whites, but man-o-man what a nice capture! Being at the right place at the right time is always a good bonus but you knew how to react and time everything to your advantage for a great behaviour image. Great low angle!

  5. #5
    Robert O'Toole
    Guest

    Default

    Wow great action of one of fav birds! Awesome!

    The light , sharpness, and angle are right on.

    Framing looks okay to me, whites are a little bright (an easy fix).

    Robert

  6. #6
    BPN Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas.
    Posts
    6,260
    Threads
    426
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Mike, this one's a winner. awesome action and at perfect shooting angle. loved it a lot.

  7. #7
    BPN Member Steve Maxson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Bemidji, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,801
    Threads
    818
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    An awesome shot, Mike! I too would like a little more room at the top, but it's a minor point. Beautiful light, good sharpness, and all the flying water drops really add to the sense of motion.

  8. #8
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Belmont, CA
    Posts
    80
    Threads
    24
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Very nice, Mike. I'm jealous. It is a dream of mine to capture a western grebe in this display. A question about your positioning - were you standing in the water (in waders, I presume) with your tripod in the water, or were you using some kind of floating platform?

  9. #9
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Lakeville, MN
    Posts
    1,381
    Threads
    150
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hank Christensen View Post
    Very nice, Mike. I'm jealous. It is a dream of mine to capture a western grebe in this display. A question about your positioning - were you standing in the water (in waders, I presume) with your tripod in the water, or were you using some kind of floating platform?
    I understand your desire to get this species! To answer the questions, I was in chest waders with a floating platform. I did end up having some water get in the waders and soaked my shirt down through my shorts. But I bring a change of cloths along, so it all worked out.

    I also wish for more room above and more details in some of the whites, but man-o-man what a nice capture! Being at the right place at the right time is always a good bonus but you knew how to react and time everything to your advantage for a great behaviour image. Great low angle!
    I like your choice of words, Daniel. It was definitely a moment I was waiting and prepared for. :)

    Was he displaying towards you or another bird?
    Hi Randy, he was definitely not displaying for me... I don't have enough feathers to entice him I'm certain. :D They do it for each other only.

    Thanks for the kind words. I think the beak being aimed a bit verticle throws off the fact that the rest of the Grebes body is going straight to the left and makes some want more canvas based on the beak. I was torn and still am a bit in regards to adding canvas.

  10. #10
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    SW Michigan
    Posts
    14,112
    Threads
    820
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Mike:

    I am used to loons that do the 'penguin dance' as a sign of extreme agitation. I try very hard to never be the cause of that dance, but have seen it a number of times directed at intruders on their turf.

    Fine capture.

    Randy

  11. #11
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Bangalore, Karnataka
    Posts
    3,800
    Threads
    236
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I still dream of a image very similar to this Bhai...

  12. #12
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Lakeville, MN
    Posts
    1,381
    Threads
    150
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Stout View Post
    Mike:

    I am used to loons that do the 'penguin dance' as a sign of extreme agitation. I try very hard to never be the cause of that dance, but have seen it a number of times directed at intruders on their turf.

    Fine capture.

    Randy
    Yes, me too as I've spent hundreds of hours with Loons. and have seen them do the Penguin dance They are completely different in their behavior, As a matter of fact I've never seen a Western Grebe act anything like a Loon when it comes to being aggitated. Consider yourself educated without now without spending anytime in the water with them. (Westerns) While Loons are generally really easy going with Humans around (atleast in Minnesota) the Western Grebes are even more easy going. If they don't want you around they will simply swim away, which some do.... but overall I noticed that they are a curious species and came in to check me out from inside my focal range on some occasions.

    P.S. Google: Western Grebe and "Rushing" for more information.

  13. #13
    Ofer Levy
    Guest

    Default

    What a great behaviour and action shot!! Fantastic pose!!

  14. #14
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Lakeville, MN
    Posts
    1,381
    Threads
    150
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ofer Levy View Post
    What a great behaviour and action shot!! Fantastic pose!!
    Thanks bud, I appreciate the kind words.:)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics