Horned Grebe, Monroe Harbor 4/5/13

Within the last week or so, the Horned Grebes hanging around Monroe Harbor just north of the Chicago Yacht Club have undergone their transformation into breeding plumage.

Horned Grebe, Monroe Harbor 3/26/13

Only a glimmer of color was beginning to show on March 26.

Pair of Horned Grebes, 3/28/13

And two days later I took the picture above. Then on Friday, two males were diving and swimming around in the water by the boat docks. They must recognize me by now because they were easier to photograph. Indeed one kept fishing in my direction.

In the picture below, he almost appears to be smiling.

With the next shutter click, he was diving after whatever it was he was smiling about.

I hope he got whatever it was he was after.

Also on Friday, yacht club workers were starting to line up buoys to put in the water. With the increase in human activity, I suspect it was my last chance to see the grebes this season. Good luck fishing and breeding, my litttle grebe friends!