Friday, 4 December 2015

Great Crested Grebe

On my recent visit to Elton reservoir I couldn't help but notice the large number of Great Crested Grebes. Usually a quite colourful bird, their winter plumage is a little more on the drab side. It doesn't take away from the elegance of the bird for me, but there is quite a difference between the seasons.
From juvenile to winter and summer plumage, they could be three different birds.

This was the Elton bird a few weeks ago in winter plumage.


One in summer breeding plumage.

A juvenile with it's stripy head.

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29 comments:

  1. This N That4 December 2015 at 17:43

    That is a huge difference..I can only think of one local bird that changes drastically seasonally..The yellow finch...Have a good weekend..

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  2. eileeninmd5 December 2015 at 14:14

    Awesome shot of the Grebe, I love the cute juvenile. Happy weekend!

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  3. eileeninmd5 December 2015 at 15:23

    PS Adam, thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

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  4. Inspired By June5 December 2015 at 15:55

    The blend in so well with their winter plumage. Neat to see the different plumage on the juvenile, etc. Great captures!

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  5. Jane5 December 2015 at 17:38

    Love these birds, great captures of them!

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  6. Jo5 December 2015 at 19:27

    Oh, these are different looking birds in different guises! I miss seeing "our" Little Grebe family which we followed for three years in Tanzania. Have a great weekend. Jo

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  7. Stacy5 December 2015 at 21:37

    I think both the winter and summer plumage is beautiful. The first photo is fantastic.

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  8. genie6 December 2015 at 00:44

    This series shows a non-birder like me a lot. It is fascinating to see the changes due to age and season. Beautiful captures.

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  9. ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®©6 December 2015 at 14:59

    Great Crested Grebes are beautiful in both summer and winter clothing.
    ~

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  10. Findlay Wilde6 December 2015 at 18:47

    Great series of pictures to show the difference in the plumage

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  11. sandyland6 December 2015 at 19:45

    I adore grebes always sop alert looking

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  12. Liz7 December 2015 at 23:58

    Grebes are gorgeous birds! A great series!

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  13. Charlotte8 December 2015 at 10:10

    Haha I love the stripey headed baby one :p what an interesting bird! #AnimalTales

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  14. Rhonda Albom8 December 2015 at 11:26

    Little colors in those birds, they almost look like black and white photos.

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  15. NCSue8 December 2015 at 12:58

    Such pretty shots - I don't know that I've ever seen a grebe.
    Thank you for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/12/smithsonian-art-museum-west.html

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  16. likeschocolate8 December 2015 at 20:59

    Love it's crown!
    http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2015/12/holiday-corner-view.html

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  17. Anonymous9 December 2015 at 08:04

    Grebes are so pretty but I've never seen a great crested one before. Love his hairdo!

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  18. chickenruby9 December 2015 at 08:45

    it is a huge difference between the 3 photo's, thanks for sharing

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  19. Margaret Birding For Pleasure9 December 2015 at 08:49

    I love grebes and like in the springto watch themdisplaying. these are good shot. Adam, I am just off to MAlawi now and the news is good. Allhtough everyone (car crash) has whiplash and DAniel left side of his face looks like he has one 10 ounds with M Ali, they are OK. The Cure Hospital are leaning us a car to make out planned trip to Zambia so that is wonderful news. I know I will NOT have internet there but while away I will read posts (when I can and internet permits) but am NOT commenting. I have schedduled all my posts in. Have a lovely Christmas.

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  20. Phil Slade9 December 2015 at 17:14

    You made some very valid points about the Great Crests' changing plumage Adam. I'll bet they present a problem for inexperienced birders so your comparison photos present a valuable lesson.

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  21. Phil Slade9 December 2015 at 17:14

    You made some very valid points about the Great Crests' changing plumage Adam. I'll bet they present a problem for inexperienced birders so your comparison photos present a valuable lesson.

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  22. Villrose9 December 2015 at 17:24

    Oh! It has always been a favorite bird :)

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  23. NatureFootstep9 December 2015 at 21:59

    I have hardly even seen them this year. :( I like the winter plumage. It looks elegant. :)

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  24. CountryMouse10 December 2015 at 10:53

    Interesting and such a cool looking hair do.

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  25. betty-NZ10 December 2015 at 22:42

    Each stage of this wonderful bid is unique and has its own beauty, just like people :)

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  26. Anne (cornucopia)11 December 2015 at 02:09

    Great looking bird! (I think I've only seen a Grebe once or twice where I am.)

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  27. Rambling Woods11 December 2015 at 04:12

    I enjoy grebes but I don't see them often, only once here I think and it was a quick stop.. Beautiful birds...Michelle

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  28. Unknown13 December 2015 at 06:44

    Wonderful birds! I love the young birds with their stripes.

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  29. A Green and Rosie Life14 December 2015 at 06:23

    You've reminded me how long it is since I have seen a Great Crested Grebe. I feel a lakeside walk is in order to try and rectify that. #AnimalTales

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I enjoy reading your comments as much as I enjoy taking the pictures. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post.