Utah Birds
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Western grebe shaking off water
A western grebe shakes off water as part of its morning routine. Grebes are diving birds and spend much of their time underwater looking for fish or crustaceans. Their feathers are waterproof and keeping them in good health is critical to their survival. Here the grebe's feathers had got wet as it preened and the shake was part of its effort to remove the water.
An western grebe chases after rivals in the course of courting. This was part of a larger group that had gathered in the morning to feed and socialize. Grebes tend to move away from humans and I was lucky to find a group that were comfortable around me.
A trio of American white pelicans arrive at their feeding area These large birds nest inland but close to water bodies. They fish in small to moderately sized groups, often diving in unison. Here, I saw them arrive in small numbers to feed on carp trapped by a small check dam. I was captivated by the lighting, synchronous head angles and colors.
An American white pelican in the process of digesting a carp. I observed the pelican holding on to the fish for well over an hour, during which it was continuously tilting its head and agitating its pouch. I like the dramatic pose enhanced by morning light.
American white pelican closeup
A closeup of pelican storing fish in its pouch. I was lucky that these majestic birds allowed me within a few feet of them as they were feeding, giving me several interesting photo ops.
Cliff swallows gather on rushes to feed on the seed in late summer. The flock of swallows number in the hundreds containing both mature and juveniles hatched earlier in the year. They are busy consuming the seeds in the heads of the stalks in preparation for their fall migration.
The last pelican in an earlier group approaches the feeding area as the next group gathers in the background. Pelicans come to feed in multiple smaller groups rather than one big group. The solitary pelican in the foreground has the appearance of a general surveying his troupes before battle.
