Hello All,
Although generic only by moniker, the Common Loon is one of the most visually stunning and hauntingly sounding water bird to inhabit North American lakes and rivers. Easily recognizable with their ‘tuxedo’ plumage, these large birds are a definite delight to watch and photograph.
I was fortunate this past week to locate my first nest, with a female sitting atop a single egg. It was hidden amongst the reeds and cattails, less than a foot from the waters edge. It was a rare and wonderful find and I will be checking back this week to see if her little one has hatched.
Yours In The Outdoors,
Justin
(click on images to view full size)
Beautiful photographs of what is probably my favorite bird of all time. I hope this pair’s nesting is successful. Looking forward to seeing the new arrival’s debut images. Justin, if you want a fascinating read and further insight into these incredible creatures, check out Walter Piper’s article, “Marking Loons, Making Progress” from American Scientist:
(link) http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/feature/2011/3/marking-loons-making-progress
I based last year’s Wolfe Lake Association article on this long-term study.
Margie
Such a striking bird!
HI DUSTIN !! You are at it again…& what a find.WOW !! Like many others the loon is one of my favourites…I love to hear the loon call across the quiet lake waters..Maybe if the little one hatches you could get a shot of the little one on the loons back?? w e are going to B.C. for a few weeks..will check on you when I get back…Have a ” great outdoor ” summer. Blessings ! George
What gorgeous photos of that beautiful bird! Have a great time checking in on them.
Beautiful! I ran across a juvenile common loon in south central Kansas US last week – they’re usually out of this area by the first part of May. Lovely photos, I hope to see some of the hatch :)
Stunning photos and video! Thanks. You say that the video is of the female and chick. Are you certain it is the female? Without marked adults, you could only determine the sex of the parent by size and/or behavior. (That is, only males emit the territorial yodel.) I ask because loons are very egalitarian — male and female sharing equally in incubation of eggs and protection and feeding of chicks. (You probably know this….just checking!)