Hitchin’ A Ride With Mom Grebe

The waterfowl families are out and about, swimming in the ponds of Western Montana. And, occasionally, you'll find the younger birds out of the water, snuggling up with mom or dad. The Red-necked Grebe youngsters are known to do that and this grouping, with one chick "on-board," was seen at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge northeast of Stevensville.

The Red-necked Grebe is about the size of a crow and it is usually found north of Montana, but it's always nice to see a few visiting the Bitterroot Valley. And, when you can get a photo or two (see below), it's even better.