I was very excited this past weekend to observe a "loon social gathering." A loon or a pair of loons will host a social gathering on their lake. If they have chicks, they will hide them or one mate will stay behind to take care of them while the other loon visitors are on their host lake. Loons are actually quite social when they do not have to defend their territory or protect their chicks.
They will swim in a circle - almost like a dance and take turns peering and diving into the water. I cannot find the words to describe how beautiful this was to observe but can tell you I felt like I was witnessing one of nature's miracles.+copyright.jpg)
Gatlinburg Sunrise
2 weeks ago
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15 comments:
Beautiful and poetic shots! #1 and 2 are outstanding!
Cheers, Klaus
Those are gorgeous photos Shelley! You are fortunate to have witnessed such an occasion. Thak you for sharing it with us.
And what a beautiful dance it was! These photos are so, so lovely. Thank you for sharing them.
Wonderful shot Shell. love the fog and mist..
Shellmo, how mysterious and lovely. I did not know all of that about loons. What a wonder!
I just love the pictures with the mist. . and on down love the baby loon. They are just beautiful! You are lucky to have witnessed this social event and get these pictures.
So very beautiful Shelley. :c)
Klaus - thank you! #1 was my fave too.
Lynne - Thanks so much - I wish you all could've been there!
Birdlady - One of my most favorite birding moments!
Stacy - thank you!!
Kathie - I've only discovered in the past 2 years how complex they really are.
Birdgirl - I'm going to have to get a recording of them next!
Jalynn - I do feel very lucky!
Jayne - glad you thought so!
Your loons in the fog are absolutely wonderful!
How interesting! I didn't know about the social behavior of loons. Your pictures are beautiful!
Shelley, the mist/moisture rising above the water makes it all look surreal. Beautiful shots - very romantic looking, too.
Gardener - thank you - Loons & fog just seem to go together!
Muse - I'm a little obsessed w/ Loons so have been doing tons of reading on them...
Mary - thank you for your kind comments - glad you liked the mist too!
I never heard of such a thing--had to be amazing to see! Th foggy lake made for a great shot!
Gorgeous.. the mist is so atmospheric. If you aren't selling your photos already, you should be. :)
Oh Shelley, how fortunate you are to be able to share your lake with the loons. The misty shots are just gorgeous!
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