I stopped by the lake in the evening to see how things are starting to change. This time I noticed a Great Crested Grebe on the lake moving slowly across the water.

They’re not the easiest birds to photograph. As soon as they spot you, they usually swim away or dive, and even when they keep their distance, they often stay too far out to get a clean frame. Most of the time it ends with a few distant shots and not much more.

At this time of year, grebes become more active on the lake. They spend their time diving for small fish and insects, and if you’re lucky, you can spot their courtship behavior — pairs swimming close together, facing each other, sometimes lifting their heads and moving in a kind of synchronized “dance.” I’ve seen it here before, and it’s one of those moments worth waiting for.

This one gave me a short window. The light was already fading and the bird stayed far out, but for a moment it slowed down enough to get a simple, clean shot with a reflection. It’s a small thing, but it’s a good sign — the lake is slowly coming back to life.

---

Have you ever watched grebes or similar water birds up close? If not, it’s worth taking a moment by the water — and you can follow along here as the lake slowly comes back to life.