The Grebes
Observing and photographing the courtship behaviours of Western and Clark's Grebes with the "Grebe Whisperer" and your expert Grebe Guide, Krisztina
It all started about 10 years ago at Lake Hodges CA where I saw my first Grebes walk on water. I was so fascinated with their behaviour that I decided to learn more about these amazing birds. I spent years watching, listening, studying them and researching. There are multiple steps to this amazing courtship, which are explained in this article I wrote for NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association).
Many of my clients have called me "the Grebe Whisperer", The "Grebe lady", The Grebe Guide - and yes, I can tell when and where they will be rushing.
Winter months I spend my time in San Diego guiding birders, nature lovers, fellow photographers to capture this amazing behaviour. The past 7 years I lead Grebe Workshops for the San Diego Bird Festival as their expert. I teach about the Grebes and act as Keynote speaker at various Bird Festivals, present at Camera clubs and other organizations, including the San Diego Natural History Museum. Film projects include PBS and BBC.
Filming the Grebes with the BBC Natural History Unit - I truly enjoyed working on this project in January 2023 with the BBC - "The Secret lives of Animals" - episode #8 starts out with the Grebes and at the end make sure you watch the behind the scenes section :-).
TOUR OPTIONS - Photographing / Viewing the Rushing Grebes, Chicks and more
BOAT TOURS: Come and head out on the lake with me as your guide in a comfortable, low to the water boat. Using a silent motor, I will be able to get you closer to the wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior (ethical wildlife photography is always my number one priority).
FROM SHORE: We can also do this from the shore, if boats are not your thing.
When to photograph the Grebes? The best time to see the Grebe's courtship displays are Winter/Spring (December through late March).
Contact me please to book a one-on-one guided tour (boat or shore, any time of the year).
Small group tours also available, half day, full day or multiple days. And if you would like to see other species, we can combine this with my San Diego Tours.
Super thrilled to receive first place in category: Photography: serious subject at the San Diego Press Club's Excellence in Journalism Awards for my Grebe photos accompanying the article "The Grebes of Lake Hodges and their complicated quest to nest".
I was honored to be able to contribute my Grebe expertise and photos to the article and a huge thanks to the talented LaTeresa Pearson for her brilliant writing. Oh and we also took first place in the Wildlife/Nature category. A great win for the Grebes, the San Diego Audubon Society, and my Grebe conservation project at Lake Hodges, CA.
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