Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 48 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 122 mm | 183 mm | 81 mm | 61 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 244 mm | 365 mm | 163 mm | 122 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 366 mm | 548 mm | 244 mm | 183 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 488 mm | 730 mm | 325 mm | 244 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 732 mm | 1,095 mm | 488 mm | 366 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,220 mm | 1,826 mm | 813 mm | 610 mm |
About the Horned Grebe#
The horned grebe or Slavonian grebe (Podiceps auritus) is a relatively small waterbird in the family Podicipedidae. There are two known subspecies; (P. a. auritus), which breeds in Eurasia, and (P. a. cornutus), which breeds in North America. In Eurasia, the subspecies is distributed over most of northern Europe and Asia, breeding from Greenland to western China.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Courtship dances (spring) are best shot at water level from a floating or shoreline hide.
- Get low to the water for an eye-level perspective; expose for bright plumage to avoid clipped whites.
- Sightings peak in March and April, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Grebes#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Horned Grebe?
At about 48 cm long, a horned grebe fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 244 mm, or at 20 m with 488 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Horned Grebe?
1/640 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Horned Grebe?
Observations in North America peak in March and April. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources