Don't upset the Loon!

Loon week continues on my blog! Here's the father Loon giving a warning to some fishermen that were too close to their family. Loons need their privacy and space and can become very sensitive to disturbance. When upset - they will give their tremolo call (that Loon laugh - hence the phrase crazy like a Loon) and they will stand up out of the water and flap their wings to make themselves appear bigger. I am happy to report the fishermen moved on and the father settled down. It is best to keep zoom camera lens distance around the families.

Feeding the Loon Chicks

I got such a thrill watching the Loon parents hunt for fish for their babies. The Loon father was an exceptionally good fisherman and was handing fish after fish to his two chicks.

I think Daddy has a fish for you.

Watch how carefully he hands the fish to his chick.

Thank you Daddy!

Proud Loon Parents

Loons are such good parents. These two stayed close to their babies, feeding them and keeping an eye out for predators. Within 48 hours of hatching, these loon chicks leave the nest and are swimming in the water. The chicks are vulnerable until about 13 weeks of age - and then they can swim and dive better to elude danger.

Common Loon Taking Off

I am going to forewarn you, I took about 200 Loon photos this past week. (These were the pair of Loons and their babies that I'm watching over as a Loon Ranger.) I spent several hours Thursday morning following them at a distance and snapping as many photos as possible. This and probably next week will be LOON WEEK for my blog. I can't wait to show you the babies. Here's a photo of the male Loon taking off from Big Bradford Lake in Gaylord. They run across the water to pick up speed and then they are able to take off and fly. It was amazing to witness!

Lesser Scaup in the pond?

My guess is that this is the Lesser Scaup. What do you think?? I observed them at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Of course they kept swimming at the far end of the pond not allowing the paparazzi (me) to take as many great photos as I would've liked.

Juvenile Trumpeter Swan

I heard this trumpeter swan before I saw him at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. I followed his honking (well actually it's not honking but not sure how to describe his sound) to this little pond on the refuge. He was so loud...not sure if he was honking for his parents...but he was by himself. I hope not for long!

Geese Synchronicity

Greg and I were driving by Lake Michigan when I noticed these Geese. It looked like they were swimming together in an intricate pattern - complete synchronicity.