More from the Western Grebe photoshoot

Here are a few more shots from the grebe bonanza on March 16th at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto.

I must say, it was a nice change to spend some time focused solely on photography, as opposed to birding while taking the occasional oppurtunistic photo. It had been a while since I had done that despite that being a New Years Resolution of mine. By watching the Red-necked and Western Grebe interact for over an hour, I learned a lot more about each species than I normally would as a birder.

Western Grebe - Toronto, Ontario

This is another example of the "cormorant wing stretch" that this bird seemed to enjoy doing every 10 minutes or so. I am not sure if it was actually trying to dry the wings somewhat, or if it was some sort of display.

Western Grebe - Toronto, Ontario

Another example of the "bellyflop display". About half a second after assuming this pose, it was then bellyflop in a not so graceful manner!

Western Grebe - Toronto, Ontario

Every now and then a Red-necked Grebe would tell it off.

Western and Red-necked Grebes - Toronto, Ontario

And to close, a basic "field guide style" shot.

Western Grebe - Toronto, Ontario

It certainly wasn't an "ideal" photoshoot - I wish I was lower to the water (my lens was about 30 inches above the surface), there could have been fewer ripples, and the birds could have been just a touch closer. But all told, I was pretty happy to get a series of a Western Grebe, especially since it is a rarity in Ontario.