Re: Just love Humbugs.

Today I decided to go to photograph one of my favourite birds.  I knew they had young, so was hoping to get a few pictures, I was not disappointed. 

The Great Crested Grebe. I presume female. She only has one chick.

Then  I was treated to this little episode

.

The other adult appears, with food for the youngster.

He offers it to his chick.

After dropping the fish, we have another try to feed the chick, but something is not quite right, yes you have guessed it.  The fish is far to big for the chick.

Waste not want not.  Dad eats the fish.

Brilliant set of photos Snowman, looks like he's enjoying the fish in the last one lol.

Thanks doggie.  I hung around for another 1/2 hour hoping the chick would get fed again, but it started to rain.  Still, I got some fantastic shots besides these.  I will have to return on a more pleasant day.   There are one pair nest building, another 2 pair's sitting on eggs, all very approachable and not to far from the lens either.

We just need some decent weather for getting out and about.

I thought today was going to be decent, but things turned around lunchtime.  But this place is 15 mins away by car so think I will get another opportunity thankfully. I'm hoping to get some good shots of courtship displaying, so hopefully soon.  This is the best I managed today.

Not seen the courtship display yet, lovely and sunny this morning here i got some gardening done with the intention of going out this afternoon but it's raining now lol.

Well same here in Lanc's as well.  Which is unusual.

Snowman, I just loved your series of photos!  I bet dad loved having that bigger fish all to himself!!

I have a very soft spot for grebes since watching two pairs on my local lake.  It's a long story starting with a coot eating a grebe egg off the nest and the grebe eventually laying more eggs.  I waited and waited for them to hatch - three of the five chicks survived and quite a few weeks later are growing up rapidly and thriving.  I have made a whole scrap book of the process and keep adding more as the chicks get older.  The beauty of such a small lake is knowing that you are seeing the same birds each time!

I never actually got to see the courtship display though so will look forward to any photos you get!  It sounds as though you will be visiting a time or two more!

Oh Snowman, that is a wonderful set of photos. How lucky were you to see that. Just brilliant the way little humbug is hiding on mum's back.  So beautiful.

Fantastic series Snowman.

Grebe are a big favourite of mine.  I will be paying another visit of course.  Christine that sounds wonderful, following the birds through incubation and rearing of young.  Maybe you should start looking around March next year.  If you have only one pair then you would have to visit on a regular basis though.  Thanks Sparrow, Doggie and countrygirl, glad you enjoyed the photo's.   I'm only a novice photographer.   I'm so addicted.  glad they made one or two smile.  

By the way if anyone is interested the venue is Carr Mill Dam, St Helens, Merseyside.  Worth a visit.  You dont even need binoculars.  They come right upto the dam wall.

Thanks again.

Snowman, your photos are wonderful ! How lovely to see that happen, thanks for posting, it's a brilliant set of photos and commentry.

I'm praying tomorrow is a good day weather wise.  Only spent an hour last  time in my lunch break.  Thanks Birdie

Hi Snowman, that is some fantastic shots you have there,really like to see the little ones head poking out looking for food on picture 4 ,well done thanks for posting them for us all to view

regards Mick