Sideburns of Gold

Gallery: AvianPosted April 8, 201379 views5 comments

This Eared Grebe was shot at Kearny Lake in AZ and it was interesting seeing one rocking the gold breeding sideburns this far south. It was kind enough to glance back at me right when it paddled through a darker reflection. 1/1600, f/7.1 ISO 640 500mm+1.4, D7000, slight crop. Tried turning off the VR while handholding at moderately high SS and got some okay results.

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on April 8, 2013 at 4:41 PM

I agree - we don't see this species in this plumage very often in central AZ. What date did you find it there? I didn't make my usual winter visit to Kearny Lake this season and was wondering if it was too late for a visit.

I like the look of the water and the way the light shows the sideburns.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by John Sherman on April 8, 2013 at 5:28 PM

Rich,

This was shot this morning. This guy's been here for the last week (I wasn't here before that) and I think I spotted a second Eared Grebe this morning. Had three snowy egrets drop by yesterday - must have got suckered in by the fishing limit signs only to find O2 levels so low fish can't live in this lake. They're gone now and other than the grebes and some mutant mallards (50% larger than other mallards - some sort of mallard/goose? mix a breeder released here) there just a few coots, ruddy ducks, a couple ring-necked ducks and the usual grackles, blackbirds, quail and woodpeckers. Kinda slim pickings, but I'll be here for the week if you want to shoot together. It would be good to meet you. If you want to get in touch outside the forum you can contact me through vermphoto.com. How is Gilbert now?

Thanks for commenting.
Verm

Registered on March 10, 2013, 31 Posts, 142 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on April 8, 2013 at 8:40 PM

Hi John:

A nice image of this guy. I like the look of the water. The image looks like it needs a CCW rotation.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 9, 2013 at 4:47 PM

Really nice light and I love the water. The eye and dab of gold really rock this. Agree needs some CCW rotation.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by John Sherman on April 9, 2013 at 11:01 PM

Thanks for catching the CCW - will fix.

Verm

Registered on March 10, 2013, 31 Posts, 142 Comments