Tuesday, May 25, 2010

What happens when a Loon sees an Eagle......












Loons will give a yodel or tremolo call when they feel threatened. They will also rise up out of the water, possibly row across the water too while doing a penguin dance. If you see a Loon do this and there is no other danger around, then it means YOU are too close and need to back off. These particular photos I shot from a distance as an eagle flew overhead. Eagles are a big predator of Loon chicks.

P.S. Some fantastic news, the Loons are building a nest right at the end of my dock at the log cabin. It's on a grassy tuft that is about 5 feet away from shore. I never could have dreamed that something this spectacular would happen to me! (By the way, our log cabin is named "The Loons' Nest" - ironic, eh?

33 comments:

Rusty said...

Fantastic photographs! I heard loons many times in the Laurentians but I have yet to see one. Sadly I don't think there are any near my place now. Lots of ducks, gulls, and even a blue herron now and then. But I miss hearing the call of the loon.

Karen said...

Awesome pictures!! You are truly blessed to have loons nesting near you. I can't wait until I can go up to my family's little cottage and listen for the loons. Thanks for sharing :)

Samuel said...

Nice pictures!

Leedra said...

So glad the Loon Lady is back. Love these photos and the one below. Wish I could hear the loons calling.

Janice K said...

What awesome pictures....and to think you are going to have a "birds-eye view" of the new family. How neat!

Anonymous said...

Shelley, I've been sharing your amazing photos with John. We are thrilled for you.

Patsy said...

What a wonderful thing for you-- and us seeing your photo's.
Patsy

Soggibottom said...

You know Shelly, the only loons I have ever heard about were in Steven King books. Thank you... Now I know what they look like :-)
x x x We don't have any around the stream down here at Soggibottom...

Dar said...

The call of the loon is spectacular. We fished many lakes that the loons call home and have had many opportunities to see them up close. What a sight to see one swim just under the water, under your boat on a still night, to pop up its head at your stern and wait to be photographed. Their red eyes are captivating. So lucky are you to watch them nest and produce a family. I wouldn't want to leave the cabin during the events to come.
Blessya

Connie said...

What great photos, Shelley!! :D That is so exciting about the nest. I'm happy for you.

Ginnymo said...

Great shots! Loons are so pretty and how lucky that you have a nest so close this year!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Amazing shots.Now when those young have hatched you should be getting lots more good pictures.This must be like a dream come true.
Blessings,Rith

Elaine said...

Beautiful action shots! How wonderful to have the Loons nesting so close to you.

Sarah Knight said...

Best of luck to the loons then!

Wall-to-wall books said...

Great action shots!!!

Jayne said...

WOW, lucky you Shelley! Looking forward to progress photos on that nest. :c)

Montanagirl said...

Terrific shots of the Loon. How fun to have one nesting so close!

Anonymous said...

These are wonderful nature shots. The Photo Gods must be looking over your shoulder to have a nest so close by!

Rural Rambler said...

Very cool photos Shelley! Beautiful.

Heather said...

Shelley, that is SO AWESOME that you have loons setting up their nest right at the end of your dock. You must be in heaven!!!! I can't wait to hear/see the updates as things progress. Congratulations!

Richard said...

Great pictures Shelley.

Time to put up your Loon Cam.

Ms. ~K said...

Amazing shots!!!
The loons know how much you love them, so they are nesting close by, what a treat!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Shelly: Wonderful photos and wonderful news. You should be filling your camera with little loons real soon.

FAB said...

Fab pics Shelley and great news. You definitely won't need to change out of the PJ's to watch their progress..Have fun. FAB.

Dawn Fine said...

Awesome photos Shelley!

Wendy said...

Wow, awesome shots! I really like the second one. I'm looking forward to see more pictures of these, especially chicks :)

Peggy said...

Aww! Congrats on your namesake coming true! Can't wait!

Knatolee said...

Gorgeous loon shots... they are such amazing birds.

troutbirder said...

That is fantastic. I do love Loons too. Their cry takes me back to the years paddling and camping with my sons in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

eileeninmd said...

Cool shots of the Loon! They are cool birds. I have seen them but have never been heard them.

BirdingMaine said...

That's is really cool info that I didn't know. Excellent captures Shelley!

gigi said...

Shelly, I am in awe! Wonderful pictures!! Mildred sent me here to see these pictures thinking I would love them and I DO!
I'll be back!

Kathie Brown said...

Love that middle shot with the wings spread and the chest all puffed out!