I photographed this Pied-billed Grebe and Reflection at Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas.
The Pied-billed Grebe is a bird that stands out for its distinctive bill. It’s like a flat, wide-tipped wedge that makes a fascinating, asymmetrical reflection in the water. This bill serves multiple purposes – from diving for food to grooming.
But the bill isn’t the only adaptation that makes Pied-billed Grebes excellent swimmers and divers. Their legs are positioned at the back of their body, giving them the agility to move swiftly through the water. And when they dive, they tuck their head and neck back, creating a streamlined profile that makes them almost invisible to predators.
These adaptations, along with their ability to stay underwater for prolonged periods, make Pied-billed Grebes masterful swimmers and divers. They’re among the most skilled birds in the animal kingdom, thanks to their unique shape and adaptations that make them incredibly efficient in the water.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Technical:
- Location: Charleston City Lake (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: January 23, 2023 (10:10 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/2500
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: -1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 800 mm (Fixed)
I made a blog post with tips for photographing bird reflection: Bird Reflection Photography Tips