Psilos Bird Photography

We are family

Teenage Grebes
 
Mid October and a pair of Great crested grebes on Moses gate park, Bolton still have young chicks in their care. Whether their first brood failed or they are just late nesters I do not k now but all other juveniles I know left their parents care a couple of months ago. The adults have three chicks altogether which are about six weeks old and they are continually hungry and very noisy.
 
 
 
 
Great crested grebes are usually very wary birds and for much of the time these birds stay in the middle of the lake. Then one day when someone came to feed the ducks one of the adults swam over.
 
 

I was amazed that he just came on coming so close and was thrilled when the chicks followed him. My theory is that the bread attracts fish which the grebes then catch. Seeing them so close really gave me an opportunity to study their wonderful markings.
 
 
 
 
Being a parent is tiring work and a stretch is often necessary to keep from seizing up!
 
 
The Great crested grebe is easily my favourite waterbird. I think their beauty is second to none and their chicks are amazingly striking. I will certainly be following their progress from now on.