“Rushing” is the main courtship display of Western Grebes. I’d seen photos capturing this fascinating ceremony but didn't know until last year that these amazing ceremonies happen every Spring not far from where I live. Arriving when the park opened in the morning, I sat low by the lake bank, anxiously waiting for that moment. Knowing that wildlife photography needs not only patience & perseverance but also luck, I prayed for a lucky day. And…. it was. Not long after I arrived, the rushing started, almost right in front of me. Both birds rose up in the water onto their feet, side by side, and simultaneously “rush” long distances across the surface, wings held up and back, necks curved, pattering with their powerful feet in what looks like a perfect bird ballet. I’ve never seen grebes rushing that close to the bank since then.

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