Friday, September 5, 2008

Juvenile Loons on the loose!


Here they are - the loon chicks I've been watching grow all summer. Somehow they both managed to survive the eagles, turtles, high-speed boats (those people need to be careful around the loons - but that's another story) and discarded fishing line that I picked up numerous times in the lake. I feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief. They are well fed and taken care of by their parents and will soon be ready to migrate.

11 comments:

The Birdlady said...

Yay! You're going to miss them - and I'll miss your wonderful photos of them.

kjpweb said...

You did a good job, too! :)
As pseudo mom, watching over them and documenting their growth!
Cheers, Klaus

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, it's good to see the little ones grow up. I know you will miss them, and so will we.

Knatolee said...

This is an amazing shot. My few photos of loons are pathetic. I'm glad your little ones survived. It drives me nuts when boaters don't watch out for them, but don't get me started on that.

Shelley said...

Birdlady - my winter will be lonely without them!

KJ - Does that mean I lose the "loony" title - ha,ha!

NC - Till next year...sigh!

Knatolee - you would've laughed seeing how many boaters I shouted at (they probably all think I'm nuts!)

Leedra said...

Are you only at the lake during the summer? Or will they leave for the winter? Just wondering why you won't be seeing them anymore.

Ecobirder said...

More great loon pics. Loons are very cool. They are our state bird here in Minnesota but unfortunately I did not get any loon pics at all this year. So it is a good thing that I have a place to come to for a good loon fix.

jalynn01 said...

What a good 'watcher' you were and thanks at least in part to you they are healthy and ready to fly! Great Job! I look forward to more photos next year.

Shelley said...

Hi Leedra - they migrate for the winter but we still got to our cabin up north at least 3 weekends per month.

Eco - thinking about investing in a digiscope to get better pictures of them - still learning...

Birdgirl - aww - thank you!

Jalynn - the loon pair has been successful for the past 8 years so here is to next year and them having their 9th set of chicks!

Rambling Woods said...

Oh my gosh..that is how I feel about the mallard and wood duck ducklings on our pond. I can breath now, even though most get taken. But these loons are amazing..

Shelley said...

Rambling woods - it's amazing how much you can get emotionally invested in these creatures! I wish your ducks the best as well!