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Clarks Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) "Passing off food"

As I am privy to seeing these and the Western Grebs often I am becoming so taken by their intricate, involved and fascinating ritualized courtship display. There is a lot of synchronized head bobbing and weaving in unison and then this offering of food being passed to one another (referred to as: (Passing off") to gain affection of the other to begin a bid to mate. Lastly, and in culmination to the aforementioned comes a square off looking directly into each other eyes with beaks flat on the water in a face off, this is the final act before the "Rush" where they run on top of the water in a display like no other. This frame as the rush frame had eluded me for some time.

 

I am so honored to witness and capture this amazing ritual nature has bestowed upon this wonderful species of bird.

 

Thanks for stopping by and if you leave a comment that is always appreciated.

 

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Uploaded on March 12, 2016
Taken on March 10, 2016