Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

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.

29 comments:

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

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

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  4. 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. Love these birds, great captures of them!

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

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

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  10. Great series of pictures to show the difference in the plumage

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  11. I adore grebes always sop alert looking

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  12. Grebes are gorgeous birds! A great series!

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

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

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

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

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

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  19. 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. 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. 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. Oh! It has always been a favorite bird :)

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

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  24. Interesting and such a cool looking hair do.

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

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

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

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  29. 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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