The name 'Dabchick' is synonymous with the Little Grebe (Tachybabtus ruficollis), often described as a shy, small, rounded or dumpy grebe which has a fluffy or 'powder-puff' rear end.
During a visit to the London Wetland Centre at Barnes on Monday we saw several at long distance, constantly diving and often moving further away but eventually located one individual from one of the hides who stayed afloat long enough for a few images.
I had to use the digital zoom capabilities of the PowerShot SX50 HS but by using the hide window ledge as a steady I'm fairly pleased with the cropped results.
Eventually the bill will darken; the cheeks and foreneck will attain its adult chestnut hue plus the prominent and distinctive pale yellow fleshy gape (see image below taken later in Sept 2010 and in the blog header). FAB.
Linking to WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY.
they're sooo cute
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed viewing these shots.
ReplyDeleteadorable.
ReplyDeleteSuper images Frank, a lovely little bird, they're not usually so cooperative!...[;o)
ReplyDeleteje hebt hem behoorlijk in de kijkert.
ReplyDeleteNice shots Frank. It's not easy getting these birds so sharp.
ReplyDeleteI like the "powder-puff" rear description! Great photos - the reflections are perfect too!
ReplyDeleteThe Dabchick looks as though it's smiling! Lovely photos of this sweet bird Frank!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! The fluffy rear is very cute. :-)
ReplyDeleteNice shots! Looks similar to some of our grebes. I like the fluffy bum!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely captures, and such a beautiful location.
ReplyDeleteAwww, how sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteLove grebes! You are right to be pleased with the results of the zoom!
ReplyDeleteLovely birds to see Frank... fantastic images.
ReplyDeleteSuch cute little birds!
ReplyDeletesweet!
ReplyDeleteI like the beautiful work you have exposed in your blog.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and greetings.
darling!
ReplyDeleteLove this little guy. Looks alot like our pied billed grebe. You captured it nicely
ReplyDeleteLove all Grebes.....and you've got great photos of this little one;)
ReplyDeleteGreat looking little bird - I always feel a bit old fashioned calling them Dabchicks - but thats what they were called when I first saw them!
ReplyDeleteI used to see the male eiders in full splendour when I lived in the NE, but it would have been nice to see them again! I'll just have to come back!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
ReplyDeleteNice shots!, beautiful little bird :-)
Many thanks for all your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteCheers ... FAB.