pied-billed grebe

Part bird, part submarine, The Latin genus name for “grebe” means “feet at the buttocks”—an apt description for these birds, whose feet are indeed located near their rear ends

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps podiceps) Transitioning to breeding plumage.

This is the time of year for the grebe chicks to start showing up - this was the first one I've sighted this year...it was busy following its mother around begging for food.

This grebe is giving a demonstration in how to properly swallow a Crayfish. This is probably either the Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) or maybe the Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Both are invasive and introduced to California.

Tiny and adorable little diving birds with almost hair-like feathers

I just like the way it's looking skyward.

The adult was supervising and diving on it's own a little distance away from the juveniles.

I was watching some ducks when this beauty popped to the surface and shot me this look.

This cutie was shaking off the morning bath water.

I could watch these little divers all day long. I love to guess where they will come up next and with what prey item. This beauty was sailing along just before sunrise.

Gorgeous morning with the only sound being the calling of the Grebe. Nice views, followed by a point blank flyby from a male hen harrier. Life doesn't get any better

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps subsp. podiceps) Sexes similar. Eye spying with Sago Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata: Potamogetonaceae) over its bill and below in the water. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Chambers County, Texas, USA. Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes Vegetational Area...

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps subsp. podiceps) Sexes similar. Taking its crayfish and going under to stop prying eyes (mine). Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Chambers County, Texas, USA. Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes Vegetational Area. Shoveler Pond.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps subsp. podiceps) with a Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus: Centrarchidae). Old Travis B. Bryan Municipal Golf Course in Country Club Lake at ca. 91 m (300 ft) elevation. Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, USA.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps subsp. podiceps) Sexes similar. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Chambers County, Texas, USA. Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes Vegetational Area. Shoveler pond.

I honestly can't figure out what this Pied-billed Grebe is doing to make such a silly face. Is he puffing up his cheeks? Or do Pied-billeds really just look like this head on? Sorry about posting early. Was planning on getting them ready then waiting another hour, but I hit a wrong button...

More Sunday Silliness - Pied-billed Grebe doing some kind of dog shake, or maybe dancing to "Shake, Rattle and Roll"

I've seen Pied-billed Grebe described as the American equivalent to Little Grebe, but as you can see, Eared Grebes are even smaller.

Yesterday was quite hazy most of the day, and absolutely wind still. Some of the images I got along the salt ponds were almost magical. The birds seem to be floating on air, with only the ripples right around them showing that it's water.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps subsp. podiceps) Sexes similar, juvenile. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Chambers County, Texas, USA. Gulf prairies and marshes, Shoveler Pond, at ca. 2 m (6.6 ft) elevation.