Palouse River Canyon, Washington
We set out early this morning to explore the Palouse River and it was not long before we encountered various species of wildlife, including western grebes like the one pictured above. Many people are familiar with the western grebe because of this species spectacular courtship displays that frequently appear on televised nature programs. The amorous couple will rise up side-by-side with their entire bodies erect above the water and skim over the surface, bills pointed upwards, propelled only by the rapid movements of their feet. This “rushing” can be seen at noisy breeding sites in marshy areas of the western states and Canada between March and late April. Western grebes are also notable for their long slender neck that gives them the nickname “swan grebe.” The grebe family, which includes 6 species in North America, is unusual in several ways. They have no known relatives in the avian world, although it used to be thought that they were related to loons. Grebe parents have the endearing habit of carrying their young on their back, but they also dive when alarmed, much to the dismay of the young! In addition to eating small fish, mollusks, salamanders, grasshoppers and the larvae of insects, the grebes may also be unique among birds in that they ingest their own feathers. They’re not the only ones who like their plumage, however. Grebes were once widely hunted for their thick, lustrous feathers used in the making of women’s hats. The practice was discontinued in the early part of the 20th century when grebes were protected by law. Thanks to the conservation efforts of President Teddy Roosevelt and other early environmentalists, we were able to enjoy watching grebes on the Palouse today. Buffleheads, hawks, coots, sparrows, kestrels and wrens were among the other winged wonders that we had the pleasure of sharing a few hours with this fine October day. With care and attention, we can ensure the survival of these and other species for the enjoyment of generations to come.
We set out early this morning to explore the Palouse River and it was not long before we encountered various species of wildlife, including western grebes like the one pictured above. Many people are familiar with the western grebe because of this species spectacular courtship displays that frequently appear on televised nature programs. The amorous couple will rise up side-by-side with their entire bodies erect above the water and skim over the surface, bills pointed upwards, propelled only by the rapid movements of their feet. This “rushing” can be seen at noisy breeding sites in marshy areas of the western states and Canada between March and late April. Western grebes are also notable for their long slender neck that gives them the nickname “swan grebe.” The grebe family, which includes 6 species in North America, is unusual in several ways. They have no known relatives in the avian world, although it used to be thought that they were related to loons. Grebe parents have the endearing habit of carrying their young on their back, but they also dive when alarmed, much to the dismay of the young! In addition to eating small fish, mollusks, salamanders, grasshoppers and the larvae of insects, the grebes may also be unique among birds in that they ingest their own feathers. They’re not the only ones who like their plumage, however. Grebes were once widely hunted for their thick, lustrous feathers used in the making of women’s hats. The practice was discontinued in the early part of the 20th century when grebes were protected by law. Thanks to the conservation efforts of President Teddy Roosevelt and other early environmentalists, we were able to enjoy watching grebes on the Palouse today. Buffleheads, hawks, coots, sparrows, kestrels and wrens were among the other winged wonders that we had the pleasure of sharing a few hours with this fine October day. With care and attention, we can ensure the survival of these and other species for the enjoyment of generations to come.
