Although the sun is shining the high winds have meant that many of the local avian species are staying under cover so I have dipped into the recent archives for this weeks submission for World Bird Wednesday and Watery Wednesday.
A recent encounter with our smallest member of the 'Podicipedidae' family ... the Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as 'Dabchick'. This species is normally very shy and traditionally keeps to the reeds and sedges that surround its watery home but on this occasion it showed the inquisitive side of its nature.
During the winter the Dabchick wears a coat of dirty brown-buff and grey but as the breeding season approaches the adult colours change dramatically ... the cheeks and fore neck adopt the rich rufous hues plus that prominent pale yellow gape.
Just a brief encounter ... after a splash and a shake it was time to depart.
Eventually its whole coat will become much, much darker but one thing it does retain is that distinctive 'powder-puff' behind. FAB.
Wonderful series on the Little Grebe Frank! Here's hoping the winds die down and the birding is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteVery nice shots of this colorful little bird, FAB!!
ReplyDeletei love grebes. we've had a couple of pied-billed grebes winter with us here - they also keep that sweet little cottony behind! :)
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful photos and bird! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a splendid archive! It is still a mystery how these fluff balls make it in competitive nature!
ReplyDeleteLovely images Frank,fantastic Header.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Great shots Frank, especially as this species are never easy to get near to.
ReplyDeleteQuite the change in appearance, Frank. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteLittle Grebes are one of my favourite little birds to watch.
ReplyDeleteI have a video clip somewhere on my blog showing the confused juveniles when the parents disapear on a dive.
So comical to see.
Beautiful color on the Little Grebe and how nice that it came close enough for such great photos.
ReplyDeleteExcellent set of pictures of this little grebe Frank.. Definitively one of this that I would love to have... Well done...
ReplyDeleteHe's a beauty Frank. Such beautiful blue water too. Carol
ReplyDeleteLove his coloring and thanks for the info on him. He's adorable. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteYour Grebe is really cute. Wonderful photos. Everytime I see a Grebe they are way off in the distance.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bird, great shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Frank! He's a really cute little duck!
ReplyDeleteLovely images of this precious little bird! Fantastic!
ReplyDeletehe's so fluffy and cute :)
ReplyDelete...aaahh! He's such a cutie. I love all the shots. I need to get hip with World Bird Wednesday and see what it's all about. I've totally missed out on that one! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice when the shy ones come out to give us a look.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful set of images. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI love how you captured the wing action.
ReplyDeleteMy Watery Photo link:
Beach Party...you're invited
How cute! I wish I could get more shots like these. My limited zoom means I have to wait for them to come closer and they're not always very willing (smile.)
ReplyDeleteI know that had to be thrilling to get a good look and some great shots of the little shy grebe!!
ReplyDeleteFluffy little grebe-and you got quite close-Very nice shots!
ReplyDeleteThis grebe is a lot like our eared grebe. The white patch on the face is absent on ours. Great captures.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone. Thank you for all your kind comments about the Dabchick who is not always so cooperative. FAB.
ReplyDeletegreat shots of a bird I still have to come much closer too. I have only seen it from afar. And not well. Glad to see yours
ReplyDeleteHi NatureFootstep. Delighted to give you a closer view than you normally get.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bird! Wonderful shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat. Yeah, a small bundle of colour.
ReplyDelete