The last time I observed this species in my area during spring migration was in early May 2011. This pair in adult breeding plumage showed up briefly this morning in a small pond near home. Note the size of the lobed foot on the bird in the center photo. Those "swim fins" allow them to dive underwater quickly and for long distances while feeding.

Jonathan

Cool photos Jonathan.

Another of the before mentioned "helldiver" species ?

I have yet to see their Pied-billed cousin this year.

Jonathan

J saw a a Pied Bill yesterday on a half melted pond swimming alone...Also saw a pair of Canadian geese setting up nest and setting on the edge of a cut grain field covered with snow and NO WATER ! A first type sighting for me.

Cool photos, scuba fins on those birds lol

RF, I found this goose sitting on a good sized nest at that pond yesterday. If she gets off today, I'll be able to get an early egg count.

Jonathan

Nice captures, Jonathan.

Thank you for the share

Ya you can't get close to nest without being spotted, tried to crawl up on nest with my camera 30years ago, they spotted me before I got within 70 yds

Those are quite the "flippers" on that bird- you're right! Nice work Jonathan!

The female was brooding and rolling her eggs when I drove by this afternoon. When I decided to walk around the trees to get closer, the honking and hissing started from both when the male arrived in defensive attack mode. Got away just in time before being attacked.

The egg count was five, with three recent additions by their color.

No sign of the Grebes all day.

Jonathan

We saw a transient loon at Three Forks ponds yesterday. For some reason they don't nest here except a few in the far NW of MT.

Great pics Jonathan .

KC, Saw only one transient Common Loon this year over the big lake March 31st.

Besides the geese on the pond today, there were only 3 other ducks - a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and a lone drake Long-tailed Duck.

Jonathan

Great pictures. I think the goose is wanting you to pet her or she is laughing and you cause you won't get closer.

Long tail looks cool, I've seen ones similar to it

Tommie, That may look like a laugh, but is a scream with a tongue lashing! Here is a better look from a hen nesting when I got too close to her nest 7 years ago - 26 April 2011. I learned my lesson. The male nabbed the calf of my left leg with a vise grip and wouldn't let go. Had to grab him by the neck in a serious choke hold before he let go. That was a memorable encounter. A video of that caper would have been a treasure.

Jonathan