25–70 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/640 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000–1/3200 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/6.3–f/8
Aperture
21,976
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/640 s
Shutter (action)1/2000–1/3200 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionGet low to the water for an eye-level perspective; expose for bright plumage to avoid clipped whites.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens300–500 mmFull-frame equivalent
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 Western Grebe#
The western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) is a species in the grebe family of water birds. Folk names include "dabchick", "swan grebe" and "swan-necked grebe".
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 April and May, 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 Western Grebe?
At about 48 cm long, a western 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 Western Grebe?
1/640 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Western Grebe?
Observations in North America peak in April and May. 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