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....

First glimpse of my Loon chick

(Click on photo to enlarge)

It's been a great week at the cabin and I am looking forward to getting back on Sunday and catching up with all of my birdy blogger friends!

I was excited to find my Loon chick a couple days ago. He did have a sibling that hatched but sadly did not make it - I believe a predator must've gotten it. (I've seen a bald eagle in the vicinity.)

This baby is doing very well for 3 weeks old. He's already able to do shallow dives in the water. I'm praying the boaters and jet skiers heed the posted signs and are careful to watch out for him as he still can't dive deep enough to avoid them. I will have more photos upon my return. Hope all of you have had a great week!

Following mom

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
-Henry Ward Beecher

Loon chick learning to fish

It's time for the Loon mom to observe her loon chick's fishing skills.




















If you look to the far right of this photo, you can see the loon chick with his head underwater. He was mimicking his mother and I believe looking for fish.

Follow the leader

It's so endearing to watch these Loon chicks follow their parents so closely.

Follow the leader!

Looks like someone has a leg cramp!

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!