A pair of great crested grebes and their chicks were recently photographed on the Dawen River in Tai'an by Sun Yuqing, a member of the Taishan Bird Lovers Association. The adult female is a rare albino.

The great crested grebes are 45 to 50 centimeters long and have webbed feet, long necks, and sharp beaks. They are usually found in areas with reeds and aquatic plants.

The great crested grebes are terrestrial wild animals protected by the State. They are also renowned for "dancing on the water", especially during the breeding season.

Taishan has in recent years been bolstering efforts to improve its ecological environment, and this has resulted in a large number of birds, including rare species, flocking to the district to breed.

A pair of great crested grebes and their three chicks are photographed on the Dawen River in Tai'an. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]