Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
The most abundant grebe in the world is the Eared Grebe, also known as the Black-necked Grebe in Europe. Besides residing in the western portion of North America, it can also be found in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. This colorful diver also holds other records which seem, at least in some ways, to be a contradiction of terms. To avoid danger, it almost always favors diving, rather than taking wing, even though it can easily rise from the water. And even though it prefers not to fly, it migrates up to 3,700 miles to winter in areas favored by few other species.
Hardly a model of moderation, this grebe my double its weight in preparation for its long-distance migration. To do so, it delays leaving staging grounds until it has completed a major transformation in December or January. During this time it gorges on brine shrimp and alkali flies, the flight muscles shrink and the digestive organs enlarge and large amounts of fat deposits are put on. Just prior to departure the process is reversed, the digestive organs shrink, the heart size increases as do the pectoral muscles. These changes are the most extreme of any known bird. Because of this delay, its fall migration begins the latest of any North American species. These extreme changes also render it flightless for nine or ten months of the year which is the longest period for any bird in the world capable of flight.
If your desire is to make the Guinness World Records, some might justify such extreme measures. But more than one professional athlete has lost his title due to use of illegal performance-enhancing substances. For humans, living a balanced life will bring the greatest lasting satisfaction. But centuries ago Augustine recognized this wisdom, and yet challenge of doing so. In his words, “Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.”