Eared Grebes - North Dakota - June 2017
/One of the highlights of my recent birding trip to North Dakota was the opportunity to observe and photograph Eared Grebes. Although they are the most abundant grebe in the world, their range does not include the southeastern part of the U.S., my usual birding area. I have seen Eared Grebes in Arizona but always at a distance.
Larger versions of the photos can be viewed by clicking on the image.
Eared Grebe, Horsehead Lake WMA, North Dakota
Eared Grebes, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota
Eared Grebe, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota
"The Latin genus name for “grebe” means “feet at the buttocks”—an apt descriptor for these birds, whose feet are indeed located near their rear ends. This body plan, a common feature of many diving birds, helps grebes propel themselves through water." From All About Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pied-billed_Grebe/lifehistory
"The speed with which grebes can submerge has earned them such names as water-witch and helldiver, while the position of the feet near the tail is responsible for the early English name arsefoot, from which the family name was derived." From Encyclopaedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/animal/grebe
Eared Grebe, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota
Instead of webbed feet, Eared Grebes have lobed toes. The feet are large, with broad lobes on the toes and small webs connecting the toes.
Eared Grebe, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota
Both sexes work together to construct sodden platforms and nests of vegetation heaped into a floating mound and attached to aquatic vegetation. Part of such a nest is seen in front of the bird.
Eared Grebe, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota
The pair of Grebes that constructed this nest spent a lot of time defending the region.
Eared Grebe, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota
"Don't even think about coming close to my nest."
Eared Grebe, Lostwood NWR, North Dakota