This Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) that I spotted on Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge has incredible red eyes with a golden ring around the pupil. The beautiful details in the natural world never cease to amaze me, which is why I tend to do most of my shooting with either a telephoto zoom lens or with a macro lens.
When I first spotted this bird, it was swimming in the same direction that I was walking as I followed a path parallel to the water. The grebe would swim a little and then look in my direction for a split second and dive. I would hurry along the path to try to find another opening in the vegetation to reacquire the grebe when it resurfaced. I kept thinking that the bird would swim out into the deeper water away from me, but instead it stayed a consistent distance from the shore and we played our little game for quite a while until the trail turned inland and I lost sight of the little grebe.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice capture of this elusive fellow. Their eyes can be rather freaky looking. The first time I saw one I thought it was bleeding.
Thanks. Initially when I was tracking the grebe,, its eyes were in the shadows, but when it turned its head, the eyes really sparkled. It took a lot of shots before I was able to get one that showed the eyes in the proper light.
Oh, yes, the waiting for just the right head angle. 🙂
Those eyes are a bit eerie! I was wondering if you have seen a Horned Grebe with the breeding plumage displayed? I understand that it is quite beautiful. A lovely photo that Benjamin will enjoy. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
I have yet to see one with breeding plumage, but sure hope to be able to do so. They look amazing in the photos that I have seen.
Benjamin’s response : “WOW, I love his red eyes!” We are going to explore for more Horned Grebe information. “Thank-you, Mr. Mike!”
As always, I appreciate your sharing Benjamin’s reactions. Horned Grebes have some really cool breeding plumage and I really hope I can find one and photograph it.