Loons
The loons depicted in these images have become treasured friends over the past 10 years. Each has a distinct personality with traits that has made my time getting to know them and to photograph them a real joy. I hope you likewise enjoy the images I've been able to capture.
Green Serene
This 11 week old immature common loon floats on an inland lake in the Northwoods in the early morning. The water appears green because of the reflection coming off of the leaves of trees along the shoreline. This loon was a joy to spend the mornings with as it was extremely friendly and curious.
Shake It Off
Captured in mid-motion, this adult common loon is shaking off after preening itself. It is a practice they do multiple times a day.
And He's Off
This male loon is taking off to fly, running across the water to gain enough speed to lift its heavy body. Notice how the legs are set farther back on the body, which is why it is so difficult for loons to walk on land.
Breakfast In Bed
This 4 day old loon chick is riding on mom's back while dad is bringing it tiny minnows and seaweed small enough for this little one to consume. This will continue for several hours each morning and then again throughout the day. Between feedings will be naps, learning to swim, and observing its parents behaviors. A chick will learn almost everything it needs to learn to survive on its own in 11 weeks before the parents head south for the winter. About a month or so later, after it too has learned to fly, usually on its own, the immature loon will also fly south.
Flight
An adult common loon running across the water in the early morning hours. This loon is on a chain of lakes with loons on each of the lakes. All of the males and non-parenting females will meet-up each morning for about a half hour, seemingly to check up on each other and the days news.
Longneck
A common loon enjoying the early morning.
Majestic
A loon fans out its wings before sunrise on a humid summer morning.
One At A Time
At 3-4 weeks old, these loon chicks are always hungry and mostly still dependent on their parents for their food.
Piggyback
This chick is only 4 days old as it floats on moms back. It's such a beautiful sight to see these tiny babies being protected and cared for by its doting parents.
Rider
This tiny chick is only a day old and in need of some rest. They are so precious and fragile at this point in their lives.
Sun's Up
Moments after sunrise a mother and chick cross the lake as the early morning fog is burned off.
Call Of The Wild
An 8 week old loon chick is testing its voice in the morning light.
Family Train
A family of loons make a train through the water, the chick is 5 days old.
Got An Itch
An adult common loon reaching to scratch an itch.
Layin' Low
An eight week old loon is practicing its hiding technique by lowered its body and head flat across the water surface. This maneuver is used when eagles and other threatening creatures approach.
Leaving For The Winter
This adult loon is showing its winter colors already in September before flying south for the winter.
Hiding
This several day old loon chick is tucked safely under mothers wings.