Common Loons are abundant across Canada and you’ve likely heard heard their lonesome call if you have been out near a lake near dawn or dusk. The Common Loon is the largest of the loons and their black and white pattern is familiar to nearly all Canadians.
The lake where I do the majority of my paddling hosts at least one family of Common Loons each summer. This year, the nesting pair chose a location much closer to human activity than in years past. I stumbled upon their nest by accident while shooting a colony of nesting arctic terns. (Watch for that story coming soon!) Nesting loons are very suceptible to human disturbance so I squeezed off a few shots of the nesting loon as I floated by.
Loons can also be curious. I’ve had numerous encounters with loons who approach my kayak by diving and popping up nearby. Some will follow along side the boat for a few moments and some will take one look at me and dive off! Some are camera shy and others seem unfazed by a giant lens pointed in their direction. It really goes to show how animals are individuals just like people.
I’ve been keeping my distance from the nest since I spotted it but i am still keeping my eyes open and camera handy for a chance to spot and photograph a loon with its younng. Hopefully I’ll have that opportunity before the fall migration gets into full swing.
That’s all for this week. Thanks for stopping by!