Lots of birds, like the Dunlin’s I posted on the previous entry, change plumage dramatically from Winter to Spring, but, perhaps because I see the changes appear up-close-and-personal, none intrigue me more than those of the Horned Grebe. Here’s a shot of Horned Grebe in winter plumage and another Horned Grebe that has nearly completed the change to its bright Spring garb.
Although the change takes place in a relatively short time, it’s slow enough that you can photograph its evolution. When I first saw this grebe in the Port Orchard Marina I actually thought it was in breeding colors.
Back at Port Orchard nearly a week later, this bird looked like it was in full breeding plumage
until I was greeted by this one just as I was leaving the marina.
I knew that this must truly what Horned Grebes look like in full breeding colors because when I returned the next week there wasn’t a Horned Grebe in sight, and, traditionally, they all leave when they all have breeding plumage.