I’ve never seen a Pied-billed Grebe display like this, and have never been aware of any nesting in the bird places we visit.
A nearby potential mate was less than impressed.
Per All About Birds, they make open bowl nests on a platform of floating vegetation and can have from two to ten chicks.
And those chicks will ride on a parent’s back for the first week after hatching. That would be something cool to see!
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 26, 2026
Yes, this dead tree is still standing, well more like listing.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 21, 2025
This Pied-billed Grebe was bobbing along in a pond corner. A light breeze was making the water ripple and dried reeds on the bank made contorted reflections.
He was pretty close to the road as we drove by. He surprised me by not diving as often happens as soon as you get one in focus.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 25, 2025
When this Great Blue Heron took off from the pond corner I was hoping he would provide me a reflection opportunity in front of a gorgeous cypress tree. Alas, that was not the path he took.
Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025
When we topped the hill heading towards the dike these ducks looked like a fallen branch or maybe a sunbathing Alligator like we’ve seen before.
One of the adults was watchful in the direction they were sort of heading.
I suspect the youngsters cannot yet fly. As we approached they finally moved off the road and down a small bank towards water. One of the adults did a fly-hop part way, but the juveniles didn’t even try.
They jumped into the pond and swam to a hummock where they huddled up for safety. There are several Eagles in the area that I expect this crew has seen up close.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 23, 2025
Wading birds often follow each other, presuming that the leader has spotted some food.
A Snowy Egret that landing in the grass near the bank of the pond attracted a Great Egret.
That was then followed by another Snowy Egret…
…photo bombing the Great Egret. Or maybe vice-versa.
I didn’t see any of them get anything to eat.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 19, 2025
The repairs to the dike between the boat pond and the Ashley River at Magnolia Plantation have been completed. The water level is back up and some wading birds have started to feed at the edges. I was busy watching a Snowy Egret when this Great Blue Heron landed near me.
Pretty soon he dropped down into the pond.
His one attempt at catching some lunch yielded nothing.
He didn’t stay long…maybe the grass was greener on the other bank.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 19, 2025
Once the Pied-bill Grebe was on his own with the crayfish he did a slow paddle…
… with his lunch just dangling.
Then he dunked it…
…maybe rinsing it
then it was down the hatch!
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
This Pied-bill Grebe seemed keenly aware of the two Coots when he surfaced with a large crayfish.
He kept circling away from them…
…and finally turned up the pedal power and swooshed away from them.
He bobbed back to the surface, continuing to swim while he hung on tight to his lunch.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
A Common Gallinule stood on a lump of vegetation, creating a near perfect reflection.
Until a Little Blue Heron flew in and the Gallinule moved on.
The Little Blue was in hot pursuit…
…of a dragonfly.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
