23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
A Ride of Trust

In this intimate moment of avian parenting, a Little Grebe gently ferries its tiny chicks across the water on its back — a behaviour both practical and profoundly tender. The chicks, nestled safely within their floating cradle, peer out with innocent curiosity, locking eyes with the observer as if discovering the world beyond the water. This remarkable behaviour showcases the instinctive bond between parent and young, where protection, warmth, and mobility come together in a seamless act of care.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Mangalajodi, Odisha, India
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Santosh Kumar Mahalik