Friday, July 24, 2009

Loon Family

I have to forewarn you - these are not my best Loon photos. But getting the best shots was not my purpose on this day. I just wanted to experience seeing the Loon family without disturbing them. Loons are highly sensitive during nesting season and with newly hatched Loon chicks. I shot these from a distance in my Kayak with my 300mm lens and severely cropped these photos. When the loon chick is older and more independent, I hope to get better and slightly closer shots.



The parents swim tightly together keeping the baby between them.







The parents keep a constant look out for danger to their loon chick. Predators include Eagles, turtles and even a large Pike fish.









The loon chick is brownish in color right now and very fuzzy. The parents will be teaching him how to do deeper dives and how to fish for himself. For now, mom and dad takes turns feeding him small fish.








The whole world awaits you little one....

32 comments:

Peggy said...

Love these shots even more since you put their safety first!

Richard said...

Great pictures. A couple are worth framing for the wall.

Anonymous said...

I know that you anticipated this moment for a long time and I am thrilled that you shared the baby loon photos with us.

Anonymous said...

Shellmo, they are still very nice photos.

Montanagirl said...

Great photos! That chick is so cute. Hope he makes it.

Jann said...

Yes, yes, it's more important to enjoy the experience than to get great photos, something we camera crazies can loose sight of! ;o) I love seeing the loon photos, can't wait to see them some day for myself. So many birds, so little time...

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

No need to apologize for these pictures.They are great.It is so neat to see this family unit.
Blessings,Ruth

Kim said...

LOVE the pictures Shelly! They are heart warming. The baby loons are so cute!

Heather said...

They are so beautiful. Wish we would have had more time when we stopped by so that we could have paddled over to view them in person!

Wall-to-wall books said...

Oh my gosh, they are little guys aren't they?

Adrienne Zwart said...

I thought these were very nice! Can't wait to see more of them as the chick grows. Have a great weekend, Shelley.

Ms. ~K said...

What a treat to see...thanks for sharing!
Kit

jalynn01 said...

I love seeing the loons with the baby! Can't wait for more shots. Nice!

Dorothy said...

Good shots! Even from a distance and cropped!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

You did a great job, Shell. I love seeing the baby loon... You'll have to name her/him....

I know how excited you must have been to get those photos.
Love,
Betsy

Ginnymo said...

I think your photos are fantastic Shelly!! So awesome to see the little Loon again. I sure hope you will always see it and get to watch it grow up. Thanks for always leaving a comment on my blog!!

The Retired One said...

I don't see anything wrong or unclear about those photos..they are magnificent.
Great job...and it gives me chills to see them...they are awesome birds.

Elaine said...

These are great shots! It's so nice to see mom and dad taking such care of their baby.

holdingmoments said...

I enjoyed those very much Shelley.
A bird I've never seen before, and that baby one looks so small in the last picture.

Patsy said...

You always do a great job showing us the loons. Thanks
patsy

Janice K said...

Shelley...What a thrill to see "up close" through the eye of your camera this little family. It is neat to see how caring and protective they are of their baby.

Thanks for sharing.

Tim Rucci said...

You have documented this very well and I can understand you not wanting to disturb the birds. Hopefully they will let you get a little closer as the chick continues to grow. I can imagine how excited you must be watching the little guy grow up.

Cindy said...

Beautiful Loons. The baby Loon is adorable. I can't wait to see more of them and I agree with everyone else the photos are great. ~Cindy

Kelly said...

...these are beautiful photos! The second and last photos are my favorites. The mama and papa look so protective, and the baby so tiny!! Glad you were able to see them from your kayak.

Mary said...

He is truly adorable and I'm glad you got some pics. It is always hard to decide how much our presence will bother birds. I never peek in nests even though I'm usually dying to.

Connie said...

Such a nice post, Shelley! I really liked this. That little loon is quite the sight. :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Shelley: Those are truly beautifyl captures of a wonderful bird.

Wendy said...

AWWW what a cute baby!! I've never even seen a loon, let alone a chick! Beautiful photos!

Leedra said...

I know you were beside yourself you were so excited. Will be watching for more as the little one matures.

Leedra’s Photos For Fun

Rural Rambler said...

I missed these photos of the Loon Family. Country Husband and I have been out of town. Great photos and we are pulling for this little feathery baby! This is a treat seeing the baby grow and mature in your blog.

Kathie Brown said...

Oh Shelly, so cute! I'm loony for loons! I only saw one pair far out on a lake in Maine. It was windy, rainy and cold. I coudn't even get a good shot! I hope your baby fares well!

Lanny said...

I love your loons' attire!