Clark's Grebes: Courtship Rituals

The courtship of Clark's Grebes is truly incredible. 

During one of the rituals, a male grebe pulls a weed out of the swamp and offers it to the female, trying to impress her and demonstrate his abilities as an excellent provider and devoted parent.

Another remarkable display is the synchronized "rushing" dance. During this ritual, grebes suddenly rise onto their feet and sprint across the water's surface, their bodies held upright and necks stretched forward.

Generally, life is good.

Courtship Feeding

 

Courtship feeding is a unique behavior among Clark's and Western Grebes. During courtship, the male Grebe catches a fish and offers it to the female.  

By sharing food, the male demonstrates his ability to provide for the female and their offspring.

The female Grebe stays close to the male while waiting for fish.

The male offering fish to the female shows what an excellent provider he will be for her and their babies.

The female accepts the fish. 

Generally, life is good.

Clark's Grebes in Courtship

Grebes exhibit spectacular courtship behavior.  They run side by side on the water, do weed dances,  preen themselves together and show affection of each other as in these series of photographs.

Generally, life is good.

Clark's Grebes

June, 2018. 

A young brave grebe eventually got closer to the shore and then a couple showed up.

I was hoping that some of these grebes would perform a show for me running across the water as part of their courtship ritual, but none of them did.  Their courtship ritual will continue through July. I still have a chance to capture it.

I also hope that I would be able to capture adult grebes with chicks riding on their backs but it will happen only at the end of July.

April, 2018

My first encounter with Clark's Grebes.