Western Grebe

[jeeperman]

Today I was working near the shore and figured I had better stop in and see what was around. Been looking for a Snowy Owl. No luck.
I did however get the chance to shoot a Western Grebe. I rarely do being they stay in the middle when coming to the lakes around here. I however was on the Ocean today and the wind was blowing, in close was better for them.
Still....working with 400mm I have to get close. The first image is about a 50% crop. Ofcourse he waited until he was a ways further out to catch something to eat {second image....95% cropped away} Meh....still fun to share. Be sure to enlage and view in Lightbox....atleast the first one.
C&C always welcome

[RogerCook]

Nice shots their eyes are incredible, what's that he's eating?

[jeeperman]

Thanks Roger, I believe it is some sort of soft shelled shrimp or something of the sort. It's texture was nearly squid like from what I could see.

[Bobobird]

You nailed it Paul. Finally a grebe that actually looks like one instead of a black crow.

[jeeperman]

LOL! Thanks Bobo, I take it you do not like the Pied Billed Grebe? I have posted a few Pied Billed. They are not very colorful.

[Bobobird]

No I like those too but they really need good lighting to show off. Not a comment about your shots, it is just the way it is with the kind of lighting we have to work with.

[AndyB1975]

The first picture is brilliant Paul. Those red eyes are amazing. Not a bird we see in the UK.

[jprzybyla]

Hi Paul, as others have written...wonderful red eyes. Great captures, I have photographed the Pied-billed Grebe and as you responded to Bobo, they are kind of bland and brown compared to this one. Keep shooting my friend.

[jeeperman]

Thank you Bobo, Andy and Joe. I must make a correction with this one. He is actually a Horned Grebe in Non-breeding plumage. The western just happens to be the same color pattern but a little longer neck and shorter bill.