While at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I parked my pickup at Miner’s Cove and started photographing the Pied-billed Grebe, a small waterbird species known for its distinctive bill. These birds are excellent divers and swimmers, and I had been observing a pair of them for the past few weeks at this location.
Sitting inside my pickup served as an excellent blind, allowing me to get up close and personal with the birds without disturbing them. During this particular outing, my goal was to capture an image of one of the birds stretching or running on the water’s surface. To my delight, I was able to get a shot of one of the Pied-billed Grebes stretching, although it didn’t stretch its wings as I had hoped.
As you can see in the photo, the bird appears to be wingless, but rest assured that this is not the case. The Pied-billed Grebe does have wings, but they are relatively small in proportion to its body size, and are often not visible when the bird is in the water or swimming.
The Pied-billed Grebe is an intriguing species, known for its unique characteristics and behaviors. These birds are typically found in wetlands and marshes, where they hunt for small fish, crustaceans, and insects. They are excellent divers, able to stay underwater for up to 30 seconds at a time, and can even swim underwater to escape danger.
In summary, while photographing the Pied-billed Grebe at Miner’s Cove, I was able to capture a rare moment of the bird stretching out of the water. Even though the bird did not stretch its wings, it was still an exciting and memorable experience, showcasing the fascinating behavior of this incredible species.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
I was photographing the Pied-billed Grebe from inside my pickup. I had a beanbag draped over the open window to support my camera and lens.
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: March 20, 2023 (09:38 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/2500
- ISO: 1250 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm
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.