I photographed this Pied-billed Grebe just after it surfaced with a fish held firmly by the tail. Seeing a grebe with prey in its bill is always a reminder of how effective these birds are underwater. They do not just catch fish, they control them.
In this photo, the grebe is holding a shad by the tail, using its thick, powerful bill to keep the fish from slipping free while it swims. The grip is deliberate and secure, and it shows how well adapted this species is for hunting beneath the surface.
This is the same Pied-billed Grebe I photographed the day before, when I captured a reflection image of it on the water. It stayed in the area, working the same section of the lake.
Wildlife Notes
Pied-billed Grebes are commonly found on freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are compact birds with round heads, short necks, and stout bills that are darker near the base. Their brown plumage helps them blend into the water, especially in calm conditions like this morning.
They are also strong swimmers. Their dense feathers provide insulation, and their legs are set far back on their bodies, which makes them awkward on land but extremely efficient in the water. This allows them to dive quickly and move with purpose while hunting or avoiding threats.
They may not draw the same attention as larger or flashier waterbirds, but Pied-billed Grebes are always worth watching. Moments like this, when one surfaces with a fish still firmly in its grasp, are a good example of why.
Photography Notes
I photographed this grebe shortly after it surfaced, while it was still holding the fish. The light was steady, and the bird remained on the water long enough for a clean, unobstructed frame.
I used a long focal length to isolate the subject and maintain distance without disturbing the bird. The fast shutter speed helped freeze motion as the grebe moved across the surface.
Gear Used
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Technical Details
- Location: Charleston Lake, Arkansas
- Date and Time: January 23, 2023 at 8:53 a.m.
- Aperture: f/11
- Shutter Speed: 1/1600
- ISO: 3200
- Focal Length: 800mm