Pied-billed Grebe Swallowing Fish

Pied-billed Grebe Swallowing Fish at Wildlife Refuge

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During a recent visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the opportunity to photograph a Pied-billed Grebe in the midst of an extraordinary feeding moment. Known for its ability to swallow fish whole, this bird made for a captivating subject in the soft early morning light.

Pied-billed Grebe with a fish in its beak at the water’s surface at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, preparing to swallow it whole.
A Pied-billed Grebe surfaces with its catch at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, moments before swallowing the fish whole.

Bird Photography Gear and Setup at Miner’s Cove

I set up at Miner’s Cove, a popular area within the refuge that frequently offers excellent views of waterfowl and other wildlife. Using my Fujifilm X-T3 camera paired with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens, connected via a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter, I stabilized my gear on a bean bag resting on the open window of my truck—a simple yet effective setup for wildlife photography.

It was then that I noticed a Pied-billed Grebe surfacing with a fish nearly the size of its own head. At first, I doubted whether the bird could manage such a large meal. However, these grebes are skilled divers and efficient hunters, and within moments, it had swallowed the fish whole.

Pied-billed Grebe Feeding Behavior and Fish-Swallowing Techniques

Pied-billed Grebes are widely distributed across the Americas and are easily recognized by their stout bodies and distinctive bills. As diving birds, they hunt underwater, often reappearing far from where they initially dove. Observing this grebe dive, capture, and consume a large fish was a powerful reminder of how well-adapted they are to life in the water.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tips from Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Moments like these are what make wildlife photography so fulfilling. They unfold in an instant and can be gone just as quickly. Having your gear ready and being patient in the right location—such as Miner’s Cove—can result in unforgettable experiences.

If you’re planning a trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, keep an eye out for these impressive birds. Their unique behavior and adaptability make them a rewarding subject for both observation and photography.

Camera Settings

  • AV Mode
  • Aperture: f5.6
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/640 sec.
  • Focal Length: 400 mm