We went for a boat ride and I took my camera, hoping to capture the loon family that surely had a baby by now. My husband took us all around the lake and finally into the back bay where we’d most likely find the pair.
I spotted them right away and he turned and slowed the boat, switching off the motor so we could coast closer without making noise. As I watched and snapped away, I considered our good fortune to not have startled the birds. They barely moved as we drifted closer, save for their effortless circling in the water and the rotation of their majestic heads.
At this time of year, it is difficult to determine which of these loons is the male and which is the female, but each will care for the young loon and carry the baby on his or her back until it learns to swim. The massive size of the adult repels the Northern Pike that wouldn’t hesitate to swallow a baby in one fell swoosh.
Although the loons allowed us to drift closer, their eyes were watchful, and our silence allowed us to hear their tell-tale call, but in a gentler tone than we usually hear across the lake. They were talking to each other. We watched their mouths open and their necks move slightly, but the sound they generated came almost effortlessly. And an even softer sound reached our ears as well — that of the baby. It was learning to make the call too.
I’m awed by the tranquility shown by these birds — a peaceful family gliding through the water together. I feel so completely opposite of that most of the time, with busy schedules and not-always-even temperaments. But on this evening, we all floated together next to this family, just as quietly. And we were there because my usually-hurried husband stopped so I could take photographs. Small gifts.
Happy Father’s Day!
Each weekend I share moments that help me journey toward occasional “presence” — explained in A New Earth
Tags: loon, Wisconsin
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12:23 am
Oh, they are so beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the loon babies before. So sweet & peaceful. Thanks for posting.
12:16 am
I’m so pleased you got the pictures (although at first I thought you were calling someone a Wisconsin Loon on father’s day.. giggle)
My late mom told me about giving birth to her 2nd child on a cabin by a lake. In the early hours of the morning a loon was calling — and the sound echoed across the water. Her mom thought it was her crying out from the pains of childbirth.
6:22 am
HAHAHAHAHAhahahHOHOHOHOHOhohaho hahahahaha (that was “Loon Speak” for “Don’t you wish you were as gorgeous as us”). Nice job with the ol’ camera kiddo! How many Loon babies were there in all? Luv, M.D.
5:15 pm
I love it - they are so pretty! I liked Pamela’s share too. *giggle, snort*
Hugs,
Holly
6:44 am
Absolutely beautiful photos. Amazing how they let you get that close to them and their baby!
7:19 am
I did use a 70-300 mm telephoto, so they appear closer than they really were, but still - they did allow us so close!
9:15 am
That is so cool! I love how the baby is riding on the adult’s back!
11:11 am
Did I find another Wisconsin blogger? Or are you just visiting? Either way love the loons. I have yet to see any this year. I heard one last week but that was it. How precious that baby is!
12:05 pm
Loons *are* beautiful but a real pain to fishermen!!!
Can’t believe there are actually WISCONSIN bloggers out there - thought they were all from Nashville. :O)
9:05 pm
wow, they’re BEAUTIFUL!
9:08 am
They are lovely. I can’t believe how close you got!!!
9:48 am
I’ve never seen a loon up close (that I know of). WOW are they gorgeous. I love how the little bird fits snuggly on their backside.
1:18 pm
what beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing them!