Least Grebe

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

The Least Grebe is not the most colorful or dynamic bird but I liked the way the mirror image of this one reflected off the calm water. Unless you are in south Texas (this one was photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park), you rarely see these but are more likely to see a Pied-billed Grebe. I've watched grebes during slow days in the duck blind and they are constantly diving in a search for a small fish or invertebrate.  The most distinguishing feature on the Least Grebe is its yellow eyes.  It's evident in this picture but seeing one in person gives a real sense of how those yellow eyes seem to glow against the gray body.  They are skittish but I've never seen one actually fly.  They just dive when scared and resurface somewhere else; simple entertainment for a duck hunter guessing where it will popup.  I have also never seen one out of the water. In clear water, you get a good view of how far back their legs are on their body as they swim around.  I think if they tried to stand up on land with their legs being so far back they would probably fall forward and get their bill stuck in the mud.