Where Are You!?!
This female eared grebe swam up to a 'love nest' in preparation for mating, but the male didn't show up. She turned, slipped on the wet slime at the edge a few times, then called out. Finally, the male arrived and the usual avian spring endeavors took place.
I could see three platforms of rotting vegetation in the cattails. They were used by a few pairs of grebes to mate, with one pair taking offense to any others trying to utilize the platform nearest theirs. They would chase them off. However, while the aggressive pair was otherwise 'engaged', a second pair would use the second platform for their own tryst. Once the first couple were finished mating, they would chase the others off again.
I assume these would become nests later. However, water levels rose and the existing platforms were underwater the last I checked.
Interesting info: This is the most common grebe in the world, apparently. Eared grebes are monogamous, and start bonding behaviours during the migration period.
Where Are You!?!
This female eared grebe swam up to a 'love nest' in preparation for mating, but the male didn't show up. She turned, slipped on the wet slime at the edge a few times, then called out. Finally, the male arrived and the usual avian spring endeavors took place.
I could see three platforms of rotting vegetation in the cattails. They were used by a few pairs of grebes to mate, with one pair taking offense to any others trying to utilize the platform nearest theirs. They would chase them off. However, while the aggressive pair was otherwise 'engaged', a second pair would use the second platform for their own tryst. Once the first couple were finished mating, they would chase the others off again.
I assume these would become nests later. However, water levels rose and the existing platforms were underwater the last I checked.
Interesting info: This is the most common grebe in the world, apparently. Eared grebes are monogamous, and start bonding behaviours during the migration period.