Walking on Water
As part of a courtship display, Western Grebes run across the surface of the water alongside their prospective mates.
As part of a courtship display, Western Grebes run across the surface of the water alongside their prospective mates.
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Feb, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
Grebes gather on the waters of Clear Lake in Lake County, California in the late winter and early spring to find a mate. These two met in a slough at the northeast corner of the lake, and began their courtship rituals.Time
This was taken in the mid-afternoon. During a drive home from Sacramento, I stopped at my favorite wildlife-watching spot on the lake and had the fortune to see the grebes' rushing display within minutes of staking out a spot on the bank.Lighting
Only natural light is at work here. I only stop at the slough during the afternoons so that the light is at my back when I'm on the accessible shore.Equipment
This was taken with a Nikon D500 and a Sigma 300-800mm zoom, handheld.Inspiration
With their long, snake-like necks and red eyes, the Western and Clark's Grebes have an appearance that's almost alien. Combined with the grace of their synchronized movements and gravity-defying rushing in their courtship rituals, it makes for a truly unique spectacle. I've been captivated by the grebes' rushing displays ever since the first time I saw it in action, but I was never in the right place at the right time to get a photo like this until February.Editing
I made basic color balance and contrast curve adjustments and cropped the image for composition.In my camera bag
For bird photography, I usually just sling a Sigma 300-800mm zoom and a Nikon D500 over my shoulder on a strap and head out into the wilderness.Feedback
Grebes are very timid and will usually dive away if you try to approach them, so it's best to stake out a spot on the shore and wait for them to approach you. I recommend either using a blind or dressing in drab greens and earth tones, and sitting next to a tree or bush for partial cover.
