November brings the first freeze at Bear River triggering the waterfowl birds to leave it. I was heartbroken when I saw this immature lonely Eared Grebe struggling to swallow fish that was too big for him.
Eared Grebes most of the year are not flying but each fall they make a powerful overnight nonstop flight of hundreds of miles. To make this nonstop flight the Eared Grebes have to eat a lot to store the fat.
Watching this Grebe struggling to swallow fish I was wondering if he is still flightless?
Fish is still in the Grebe's mouth, looks like it stuck there.
It wasn't successful fishing. Grebe lost his fish.
My guess is that probably not enough of fat was stored that Grebe could make the big overnight flight.
The Eared Grebes only have enough fuel for one attempt, and on one of evenings in October hundreds of them take off together for their overnight nonstop flight over the desert to the Pacific Ocean.
Why this little Grebe was left behind? What happened? My only hope is that soon the Grebe will store enough of fat and make his overnight nonstop flight.
Generally, life is good!
Preciosas fotografías y excelente historia de esa ave. Cada día aprendemos una cosa nueva con tus fotografías, Kaya.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo y cuidate.
He will catch another fish, but he can't eat them all. :)
ReplyDeletea somewhat adventurous teenager who feels things differently from the mass of its peers ...
ReplyDeleteEsperemos que recobre la fuerza y emprenda camino en busca de los suyos. Buenas fotos y muy oportuna captándole con el pescado en el pico.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Hello Kaya,
ReplyDeleteA very great moment you have caught in these pictures.
Fantastic to see this hungry bird with his fish. Wonderful.
Greetings, Marco
ahh hope he can take flight soon - nice photos!
ReplyDelete