Went to the concert at Timnath Reservoir along County Road 13 last night. Performing artists were by the Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, meadowlarks, at least two grackles, and croaking frogs. I pleased to see for the first time a special performance put on by several Western Grebes.
I witnessed several pairs of grebes rise in the water and scurry across as in the image above. Excuse the poor image as they were beyond the reach of my lens. This dance was a new experience for me. As it is a mating time I guessed it to be some courtship and had to look it up when I got home. This courtship happens entirely in the water and is known as “rushing,” where two birds turn to one side, lunge forward in synchrony, their bodies completely out of the water, and race across the water side by side with their necks curved gracefully forward. It was awesome and a great way to finish my day.
4 Comments
e.Brooks
It looked like a perfect evening for a concert, Monte. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Monte Stevens
I need evenings like that in more life. Keeps me sane!
Tom Dills
My very favorite kind of performance, Monte. And you didn’t even have to stand in line for tickets!
Monte Stevens
The only obstacle was a few cars with parents picking up their kids from soccer practice field about a mile north of me. And, that only lasted a few minutes. It’s also interesting to watch people as they look off in the general directions to see what you looking at. Another example of how we sometimes look but do not see.