Pied-billed Grebe

Gallery: AvianPosted December 15, 2011110 views10 comments

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: December 6, 2011 4:39 pm
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/250th @ f/8, -1/3 ev compensation
Raw, PSCS3 on Mac G4, 80% of frame

I suspect this may be too cluttered for the tastes of some viewers but I am very happy for the habitat and overall look it gives this image. I have plenty of shots of this species showing nothing but water, but only a couple with decent habitat.

This grebe was discovered at the end of the day from a floating walkway in a part of the Water Ranch I rarely visit. I took a lot of shots in between the pedestrian traffic that made for an unstable shooting platform.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. If possible please view the large version before commenting.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on December 15, 2011 at 9:55 PM

Richard, I enjoy images which depict behavior or habitat. Excellent techs and I like the angles of the reeds front and back framing the Grebe along with its head turn. Very enjoyable image.

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on December 15, 2011 at 11:17 PM

I always enjoy and appreciate the image quality of your shots and this appears to be a difficult shot. It would of been nice to have a full reflection however I do like the glow from the water, the afternoon light and the good detail around the head area. Nice job in getting this shot on a floating walkway, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on December 15, 2011 at 11:58 PM

Yes, the larger version shows the bird is so clear and so sharp, with great detail, and it's especially great that it's 80% of FF.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on December 16, 2011 at 12:34 AM

Richard, this is a real nice shot of a Pied-billed. I have only one shot of this species and was not real successful at getting close. I had to predict where he might be coming back up. He kept diving each time he saw me (like most Grebes seem to do when they see me). I also like the included habitat. It shows how stealth these little ones can be.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 16, 2011 at 7:23 AM

Delightful - nicely-framed by the reeds, a great pose, a bit of reflection and your usual fine detail - what's not to appreciate?
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 16, 2011 at 7:40 AM

I like this very much. All aspects of IQ are top notch and the reflection of that eye is to die for, the way it seems to be peering at us from under the reed.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on December 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM

great light, Rich, and a nice over the shoulder look from the grebe. I like the setting here, especially the colors, and the way the bird is nestled into the reeds.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on December 16, 2011 at 12:53 PM

I like this for the same reasons that you do Richard. We have quite a few pied-billed grebes up here in the northwest and as you mention the majority of the images are of the little diver in open water. I love the larger photo with the habitat reeds and you have masterfully captured the unique characteristics of this grebe. Really well done!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on December 19, 2011 at 7:01 PM

Nice one, Rich. I like the reeds. This is where they live after all.... Actually, I might like even a little more reeds to show off how well this bird stays blends in... if you know what I mean.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on December 19, 2011 at 9:05 PM

Excellent image in his habitat, like the reflection of the eye. The colors and the light are very pleasing.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments