Watching a Pied-billed Grebe race across the surface of the water before lifting into the air is something I never get tired of seeing. It happens quickly, and capturing that split second takes patience, good timing, and a little luck.
Pied-billed Grebe in Flight Across the Water
During several visits to Miner’s Cove at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I spent time watching a pair of Pied-billed Grebes. They had become comfortable with vehicles along the auto tour route, which allowed me to observe their natural behavior without disturbing them.
Unlike many ducks that can launch almost immediately, Pied-billed Grebes often need a running start. They paddle rapidly across the water while beating their wings before finally becoming airborne. Their short wings and streamlined bodies make for a fast, low flight that can be surprisingly difficult to follow with a camera.
Earlier in the week, I photographed one of these same birds in a Pied-billed Grebe Stretching Pose. Watching the same pair over multiple visits gave me a better chance to anticipate their behavior and eventually capture this takeoff.
Photographing a Grebe’s Fast Takeoff
I photographed this bird from inside my pickup, using the truck as a natural blind. A beanbag draped over the open window provided a steady platform for my camera and lens while I waited for the grebe to make its move.
The hardest part was anticipating the takeoff. Once the bird started running across the water, everything happened in just a few seconds. A fast shutter speed helped freeze the action while continuous shooting increased my chances of catching the perfect moment.
Camera Settings
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date: April 9, 2023
- Time: 9:38 a.m.
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter Speed: 1/3200 second
- ISO: 1600 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3
- Focal Length: 500mm
A Memorable Morning at Miner’s Cove
Moments like this remind me why I enjoy spending hours observing wildlife. Most of the time, nothing dramatic happens. Then, without warning, a bird bursts across the water and takes flight.
Capturing this Pied-billed Grebe in flight was the reward for several days of watching, waiting, and learning its behavior. Experiences like this continue to make every visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge worthwhile.