Utah Birds
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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 yellow headed blackbird overseeing its territory in the Bear River migratory refuge in Utah. The seed stalk provides a regal perch for this elegant bird.
American White Pelican and Reflection
I came across this juvenile American white pelican early one morning in a ditch close to the Great Salt Lake. I liked the diffused light and the dark background which set off the pelican and its reflection.
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.
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.
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.
