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Great Crested Grebe


Orient XI

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A pair of Great Crested Grebes, Podiceps cristatus, have started to incubate their three eggs upon a customary ramshackle nest, poorly anchored on the edge of the current, and composed of rotting vegetation. The heat of the decomposing nest assists the incubation of the eggs. The insects attracted by the decomposition are a sore trial to the birds and the cause of much agitated preening.

The nest is often passed by families of greylag geese, Anser anser, with their goslings now fully feathered and two-thirds adult size. Geese nest early so the goslings can enjoy the fresh spring vegetation. The grebes, on the other hand, nest in July so that their chicks can feast on the fish that have hatched this year and have by now reached edible size.

Photographs taken using a closed monopod, M9 + Visoflex III, and either a 400mm f /5 Telyt (Type 2) or a 560mm f/6.8 Telyt (the trombone/rpg launcher). Standard exposure 1/180s @ f/8 and ISO 160.

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Very nice! I once tried to take pictures of some Grebes on the ponds on Hampstead Heath, but it was a total failure. I admire your skill in being able to do it successfully.

 

V interesting to learn that Grebes nest so late in the year. I've watched a pair building a nest over the last few days. Wondered that they had no young already. Good to know the reason.

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Not much skill involved – just the luck to have a nest in range! The incubating bird is obliged to pose there and remains relatively still. At other times of the year just pointing a camera at them from the bank causes them to dive instantly and surface a long distance away some 30 seconds later. This behaviour may arise from them being hunted to near extinction at the end of the XIXth century for their highly coloured cheek feathers which were in great demand by milliners.

Thanks to you all for your kind comments.

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