Kinky Courtship: the Mating Rituals of the Western Grebes

On June 25, 2023, after a fun weekend of golf at the Running Y Resort, John and I stopped at Putnam’s Point in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to do some birding. We had no idea what we were about to witness: Western Grebes in a courtship display! It was exciting and really fascinating to watch. I am grateful I had the opportunity to photograph this special display.

Western Grebes in “Ratchet Pointing”

This pair of Western Grebes is at the start of Ratchet Pointing. It often happens before a “rush” where they will point their bills toward each other and raise the crests of their heads. They often make a harsh ratchet-like call which can be preceded or followed by them dipping their bills in the water and shaking them. This behavior usually happens right before “the dance”.

Western Grebes (headshake after dipping their bill in the water)

“Rushing” (when the birds rush across the water surface by rapidly churning their feet at 20 beats a second!) is one of the most spectacular displays that birds do to attract mates.

Western Grebes “Rushing”

Western Grebes “Rushing”