Tuesday, July 5, 2011

What I do for Love

I love my Loons. Anytime I get to see them is a miraculous and heartwarming moment for me. On the lake adjacent to ours, their nesting is usually successful. I headed out early this morning on my kayak in search of the newly hatched baby. Hubby scanned the lake with his binoculars and they weren't near the boat launch - I was going to have to kayak across 300 acres to find them.

I should my mention my allergies were bad. I had put eyedrops in one of my eyes and for some reason the sun was scorching and blinding that eye. Still, I paddled on.

A boat cruised by (violating the no wake rule before 11:00 am) and sent my kayak rolling as I desperately hung on to my camera and silently cursed that boater. No loons yet.

I'm halfway across the lake and all of a sudden I feel nauseous. Now I'm blind,tired and sick! Still I paddled on. No sounds of the Loons yet.

I make it all the way to the end of the lake, constantly scanning the shore - no Loons and I feel like I have to throw up. Another cruising boat (VIOLATOR!) goes by and I am ready to shake my fist at the sky. I decide to paddle back, today was not my day.

Halfway back across the lake, I stop because I think I'm going to be sick. And then all of a sudden, this welcome sight pops 2 feet in front of my kayak.



It's the mama Loon. The lighting was not good for me to get this shot of her, but I was so happy to see her. The father and baby were no where in sight, but it didn't matter. This was good enough.



I sat still in my kayak and watched her as she peered into the water looking at fish. I was still blind and nauseous but was able to tough it out.


I started paddling the rest of the way back and she was headed off her own way. I was happy. (Sick, nauseous, tired and thinking of ways I could ticket those boaters...but still happy.)


I get back to shore where hubby is waiting for me. The first thing he says is "As soon as you left, the father and baby swam by." "Of course," I said, "of course."

23 comments:

Connie said...

Oh dear! What a day of rotten luck! I'm so glad you at least got to see the Mama loon. She is quite beautiful too! Great pictures, Shelley. :-)

Bob Scotney said...

That's a bird I would like to see while I am in Michigan - only 5 days left.
Beautiful pictures.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Despite not feeling well and having crazy boaters to bother you,these pictures are so gorgeous.

Montanagirl said...

Great story and terrific images of the Loon. Hope you felt better fast!

ChrisJ said...

Loons make me recall our days long ago on the Ontario, Canada Lake. (Kawartha). Beautiful.

holdingmoments said...

Shelley, these are lovely close up shots.
I'm sure the sicky feeling was soon forgotten, when you saw this beauty.

Anonymous said...

And did you ask hubby if he took a picture?? These are lovely, beautiful shots. Hope you feel better.

Janice K said...

I think you need to leave a camera with him--just in case.

In spite of your frustrations, your pictures are gorgeous. Such detail in their feathers..No wonder you love the so. Hope you have many more opportunities to see them this summer.

Dorothy said...

Sorry about all your troubles, but love the story and pictures! The Loon is quite lovely! I didn't realize they had that dark green neck ring!

Soggibottom said...

Maybe the other Loons were in the boats. BUT.... thanks Shelly for all that you managed to get some beautiful pics for us.....
Lots of boats and small craft often get tickets for speeding around our bay.... you speed you pay :-)x x x

Sarah Knight said...

Very cool : )

Elaine said...

What a day you had, but even though you missed the father and babies, mama popped up right in front of you as if to comfort you. Gorgeous shots!

troutbirder said...

Ouch! Of course it was inevitable. Anytime I see a picture of a loon, it puts me back in the Arrowhead country of northeastern Minnesota. Around the campfire at dusk listening to that most haunting of all calls in nature.....
Be well now Shelley

Brenda's Arizona said...

But what great photos you got, in spite of missing the easy ones. I never knew loons were so classy looking!

NCmountainwoman said...

So glad you made the most of an otherwise miserable trip. The Loon is gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Great pictures Shelley! Isn't it amazing how we'll put up with so much discomfort to see our favorite wildlife? Right now I'm starving, but am sitting with my camera on the tripod pointed at the hummingbird feeder, waiting...I got a couple pictures already, but you know how it is...I want THE one. And I know if I go inside for a snack, she'll show up right then. Just like your loons!

The Retired One said...

Oh Shelley, these are gorgeous! So sorry you weren't feeling well, but these are some of your BEST loon photos! xxoo

Wall-to-wall books said...

Wow, that was amazing that you stuck it out! Beautiful pictures!
Yes, I like nice quiet little lakes myself.

AKA itsJUSTme-Wendy

Savories of life said...

I love these birds too but have never seen one. Come on over !

The Doggie Chef said...

Such GORGEOUS photos! Thank you so much for your blog!!! I really enjoy it.

Banjo52 said...

Great detail in these shots. The loons should feel flattered.

Knatolee said...

You do take the most exquisite loon photos!!

Leedra said...

The 2nd photo is absolutely gorgeous!!

I still have plans to needle felt one of your loons someday. Just getting to it. :)