Dance
The lake ice gave way, and the silence of winter shifted to the pulse of spring.
It was the time when the great crested grebes returned home.
The reeds along the shore bent in the wind, and birdsong filled the air.
As the first ray of sunlight touched the lake’s surface, the grebes began their dance.
They glided across the water, watching one another, their necks arched gracefully.
The ritual swept them away, and for a moment, they forgot the world around them.
I’ve always been fascinated by the energetic territorial battles and beautiful courtship dances of great crested grebes, says Mia Surakka. How ancient are these instinctive movements, repeated each spring as people watch and wonder about their meaning. Before nest building begins, the birds exchange subtle gestures to strengthen their bond and confirm their choice of mate. As they rise above the water, these elegant dancers present aquatic plants to one another, as if to say: ‘This is what we will use to build our home.’”
Once the pair bond is sealed with gifts and gestures, the couple begins to defend the chosen nesting site together. Other males may still try to court the female, leading to fierce and dramatic fights. The defending male drives off the rivals, battling with sharp beaks, aiming to push the challenger underwater. The strongest wins and earns the right to stay.
For several years, I’ve photographed the grebes’ spring courtship rituals from my floating hide, Surakka explains. My aim has been to capture not only the connection between the birds but also the magical light of cold spring mornings and nature’s slow awakening. This work has meant dozens of early wake-ups in the middle of the night—and enduring freezing temperatures when the lake water hovers near zero.
Would you like to witness the dance from the heart of the lake? Step into nature – quietly, respectfully, and up close. Bookings & more info: mia@raventree.fi.
Read more about Mia Surakka.
Read more about hide photography.
