Middle Concho Park, here in San Angelo, Texas, has the Middle Concho River, then there are little lagoons, or sloughs that branch off a bit. It is in one of these sloughs that we spotted this lone Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). It is a winter adult and was oblivious of me in our car, only about 50 feet away. By the way, these are the best close-ups of a grebe that I have ever had. Usually, I have had to contend with distances of several hundred yards, and have never been able to get shots like these.
Pied-billed Grebe - Image 8092
Pied-billed Grebe - Image 8091
Pied-billed Grebe - Image 8093
Pied-billed Grebe - Image 8089
To shoot these images, I used my Canon EOS 7D and Canon 500mm f4 lens with a 1.4 tele-converter attached. I hand-held it, resting it on a Puffin’ Pad window rest, from our car. Exposure was Aperture Priority, 1/2500 sec. @ f6.3 with ISO400, minus 1/3 EV adjustment.
I have never seen a dry grebe anywhere. They are always on the water, diving every few minutes, to come up several yards away in a different spot. Theyre never above the water long enough to dry off. At least, that has been my experience.
Click on any image for an enlargement. Enjoy. 🙂
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
One of my favorite Grebes. Thanks for sharing
So lovely one… I can see the drops too… You are amazing, well captured. Thank you dear Bob, Blessing and happiness, with my love, nia
Thank you very much, Nia.
Good going Bob…super shots!!!
Thanks, Dave.
Fantastic photos of these, Grebes, Bob. As someone who lives in a very dry town, always love seeing water along with the birds. 🙂 And, I’d love to own that long lens. Great shots, Bob. Thanks as always for sharing!
Thanks so much, Katie. We have just enough water to keep some of the water birds happy. (and a photographer). 🙂
Thanks again for the kind words, and you can make me an offer that I can’t refuse on the lens. Kidding!!
Of course kidding. No one would ever part with a lens like that. 🙂 Besides, I’m Nikon. 🙂 Nothing against Canon. Nothing at all. When you take such great shots, one can’t argue with the equipment used. 🙂
Actually, Canon has “up-graded” their 500mm lens. The new one is a bit lighter, but heavier on the price. I paid, 7,000, the new one is 10,000. Lens quality is the same so I will just keep my “cheapie”. 🙂
I didn’t know you were Nikon, but I won’t hold it against you. 🙂
Afte all, the choice of the pros are either Nikon or Canon most of the time, so we’re both doing OK.
Really cute pics 🙂
Thanks, A.M.
Congrats on the photos – really nice images!!
Thank you very much, Shelly.
I clicked on every image to enjoy them larger. Just awesome, Bob. I’ve never managed to get close enough to a grebe to tell if they are wet or dry, but I do love how the water is gleaning on and dripping off of this one. Fantastic detail.
Cindy, so great to hear from you again. I’ve missed you. I hope everything is okay with you. Thanks so much for the kind words. 🙂
Great shots..I do believe you are right..your never see a dry Grebe..Have a great day..
Thanks, Syl.
That’s a good observation Bob! Some birds are to water like pigs are to mud 🙂 Great shots by the way!
Thanks, H. J.