Redneck Grebe Patiently sits on Nest
Last year we noticed our first Rednecked Grebe chicks around July 1, that means we might see babies soon. With the nest located next to our dock, we should have ringside seats.
Well, it rained hard all day long Monday June 23 so we didn’t get outdoors, but the partly sunny skies on Tuesday June 24 drew us outside. While sitting in the sun on the dock we noticed the father Grebe being extremely attentive to the nest and suddenly realized that two chicks were cozily tucked under the mother’s wings. It is hard to see in this photo but the head of one chick is on the mom’s back to the right of her head and the second chick is further to the right just above one of the lily leaves. The father swam to and fro feeding the tiny brood. When we last counted she was sitting on five eggs, so more chicks may hatch soon! Tomorrow I’m going to use my kayak and get closer for better photos.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist
