I had watched a pair of Pied-billed Grebes at Miner’s Cove for several weeks. One morning, I finally photographed a Pied-billed Grebe stretching above the water.
Pied-billed Grebe Stretching Behavior
The grebe lifted its body and stretched, but it kept its wings tucked away. That posture made the bird appear almost wingless in the photograph.
Pied-billed Grebes do have wings, although they look small compared with the body. The folded wings can stay hidden while the bird swims.
These compact waterbirds spend much of their time in wetlands and marshes. They swim well and often dive below the surface while searching for food. Their diet includes small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
The stretching pose lasted long enough for me to capture one clear frame. It was not the wing stretch I had hoped to photograph. Still, the unusual posture made the moment worthwhile.
I have also photographed another unusual grebe behavior in Pied-billed Grebe Foot-shipping at Sequoyah Refuge.
Photographing the Grebe from My Pickup
I photographed the grebe at Miner’s Cove in Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The encounter took place on March 20, 2023, at 9:38 A.M.
My pickup served as a blind and allowed me to remain inside. I rested the camera and lens on a beanbag draped over the open window. This gave me steady support while I watched the pair.
I hoped to photograph a grebe stretching or running across the surface. The bird never opened its wings during this stretch. Even so, I was ready when it rose above the water.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Focal length: 500 mm
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/2500 second
- ISO: 1250, Auto
- Support: Beanbag draped over the open pickup window
A Memorable Stretch at Miner’s Cove
This brief stretch gave me a different view of a familiar bird. The tucked wings created a different pose from the wing stretch I had hoped to capture.
Moments like this reward the time I spend watching wildlife from my pickup. The grebe did not give me the exact pose I wanted, but it gave me a memorable photograph.
I love the pose you captured of the Pied-billed Grebe and your photo. They are such cute birds and make the most interesting calls.
Thank you for your kind words about my photo of the Pied-billed Grebe! I agree with you that these birds are absolutely adorable, and their unique calls are just as interesting as their appearance. It’s always a pleasure to capture their beauty through photography and share it with others who appreciate them as much as we do.