Chris Davidson Photography
WestGrebesRush-8359-j
Western Grebe Pair (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
California
Western Grebes partake in some of the most interesting and complex courtship displays in the birding world.
There are two main displays, which are commonly referred to as ceremonies because each involves a specific set of behaviors. The two most obvious are the Weed Ceremony and the Rushing Ceremony, but there are also less pronounced behaviors that often go unnoticed.
In this image the pair is running along the top of the water in the "Rushing Ceremony". I'm not sure if it's known to help pair bonding or if it's simply a challenge of some sort. Since two males may sometimes preform this ritual, it may be a way of attracting the female Grebes attention.
WestGrebesRush-8359-j
Western Grebe Pair (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
California
Western Grebes partake in some of the most interesting and complex courtship displays in the birding world.
There are two main displays, which are commonly referred to as ceremonies because each involves a specific set of behaviors. The two most obvious are the Weed Ceremony and the Rushing Ceremony, but there are also less pronounced behaviors that often go unnoticed.
In this image the pair is running along the top of the water in the "Rushing Ceremony". I'm not sure if it's known to help pair bonding or if it's simply a challenge of some sort. Since two males may sometimes preform this ritual, it may be a way of attracting the female Grebes attention.