One of the most beautiful things to view in the morning is the Loon swimming in the lake mist. On this day I set out in my kayak to check on my Loon baby. I was unsuccessful the last few times (paddling all over a 240 acre lake does get tiring!) but at last my luck turned.
Looks like he has a foot cramp! I kept my distance as I didn't want to upset him or his nearby parents - so these photos will not be my best.
You can tell the juvenile apart from his parents by not only his size, but his feathers. They have more of a fish scaley look - not quite the nice and precise black and white patterns the mature adult has.
I'm so glad he made it through the summer. His parents will be migrating soon and the juvenile will probably linger a little longer before heading out. I'm already counting the days till next years babies!
I'll be back blogging regularly now. Hope you're still with me! (I've been adjusting to returning to school and having homework once again!)
Gatlinburg Sunrise
2 weeks ago
43 comments:
I'm glad he made it through the summer! That first shot of the leg cramp...funny! I feel that way sometimes, too :-)
Great shots.These birds are amazing.Hope this one returns next year for you.
Blessings,Ruth
Such pretty photos Shelley. That must be thrilling to have followed the baby all summer.
Great pictures Shelley. Wish I could get that close. Maybe he's practicing his dancing...you know "Put the right foot in, pull the right foot out and shake it all about".
When I first glanced at the top photo, I thought the loon had an arrow sticking out of its back. A raised foot is much better! :-)
Hi Shelley, I surely do miss you when you aren't blogging. BUT--school is important and I understand.
The 'baby' loon is gorgeous. Do the parents really leave this one behind? He's on his own now????? That seems kinda sad to me.
Hugs,
Betsy
Patience paid off. Beautiful pictures Shelley.
Very nice photos! I'm glad the baby made it through the summer. I really love the first shot--too funny!
Awww.... how sweet that you found him Shelley!
ahhhhhh.....yeah!! Another Loon joins the ranks. Lovely photos of him too. What are you studying in school?
I don't believe I've ever seen a loons foot. This is a really neat series of photos.
hi Shelley,
I'm glad he made it through the summer, and I'm glad you're back with beautiful pictures of him... Of course we are still around, waiting for your return :-)
For the moment, just have a nice week end...
Great photograph. I had no idea the juvenile would not migrate with the parents. Interesting.
What a beautiful webbed foot he has. Looks a little like a paddle. Have a great weekend.
Oh Shelley, I'm so glad to see he made it through the summer. He's so beautiful! Glad you were finally able to see him and share him with us. Take care!
I still remember the first time I heard a loon call, on a lake in N MN.
Your photos remind me of that evening. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome baby loon photos! You really were able to capture him up close and personal!
Glad you found your baby on your lake. Good exercise! Great photos!
Looks like we are all here for you.
Patsy
Oh how nice to see the baby loon you have tried to follow all summer..loved the "cheese cake" leggie pic. I'm thrilled you found him and got such great shots ..before he starts to migrate. You must have some great arm muscles by now paddling as much as you did!!
Good luck with your school
Excellent pictures, Loons are such lovely birds.
Sunny :)
Great shots. Love that foot stretched out. What a beauty!!!
How great to see the baby all grown up. Love the way the tree reflections colored the water in that last picture.
Wonderful photos. I wish we had loons in our lagoon! They must be smarter than the ducks and geese we get!
Great photos Shelly!! That foot does look funny. I hope it's okay...I hope you see him again next summer. But I guess they are hard to tell apart.
Yes we are very proud of our state bird. They are far more handsome than their name implies. :)
Hi Shelley. Lovely Loon series. I also hope you get to see them again next year. I expect they will return !
Shelley, your photos are just terrific as always. I love the first one where he's stretching. Nice, nice work.
Hi Shelley. Great to see the youngster surviving all the hazards of growing up. Good luck with your studies. FAB
Shelly: I love that show off shot with the foot in the air. That is really special.
Love the first shot Shelley. Glad he made it, YES!
Wonderful post, Shelley! The foot cramp picture made me laugh! :D
I so envy you being able to paddle out on the lake and see the loons. I always wanted to live by or have a cabin near the water...but it never happened. I just love your pictures and baby loon doing the stretch is cute!
What a sweet baby!! These are great Shelley!
I don't know much about loons. Will the young one migrate with other young loons? How will it know where to go?
Hey! I really liked your photos of the Loon...especially the one with his foot in the air...great capture!
Ah, the majestic loon, graceful symbol of the north...caught having a "bad leg moment"!! Funny!!
Excellent photos! The first shot is cute with the leg sticking out like that.
What a fabulous capture of your loon baby enjoying the lake with you! Love the "foot cramp" photo. What a stretch :-)
Hee hee hee, I love that little foot!
Oh such gorgeous photos. And to think they will be leaving soon. I've hardly been here to enjoy all the photos of them this summer.
but then I can always look back through your archives.
I watched "Notebook" this past weekend and heard the loons and thought of you. Hope all is going well for you.
Great pictures, you're so lucky to be able to see baby loons grow. I've only seen a loon once and unfortunately it was very far :( But I could hear it quite clearly, hehe :)
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