Mom and her Chicks

Gallery: AvianPosted June 23, 20171,768 views11 comments

I had been watching this nesting pair of Common Loons for almost two weeks and on my most recent visit the chicks had just hatched. Shortly after I put in the kayak I was able to locate Mom as I paddled towards the nesting site and soon after was able to see the chicks as well. I followed her and the chicks at a respectable distance-not wanting to disturb them in any way. From my visit last week when Mom was still incubating I would guess these chicks would be about 5-6 days old. I was on the birds for about an hour when Mom started calling. The call was returned several times and Dad arrived on scene a few minutes later. Then both adults began to forage and then feed the chicks, completely at ease with my presence.

I spent about three hours watching the adults swim with the chicks, diving, foraging, and then feeding. Needless to say it was quite a thrill, certainly one of the better days I've spent with a camera.

D500
500mm f/4
1/800s @ f/8
ISO 2000
0 EV
HH from my kayak

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Shirley Freeman on June 23, 2017 at 6:26 PM

Lovely image of mother and babies, Chuck. I love the low point of view, and that the mother's eye is between the 2 babies. Nice. I am sure it was a fun time for you.

Registered on May 27, 2017, 77 Posts, 844 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on June 23, 2017 at 10:11 PM

A charming image. Something I'd love to see in person and get a chance to photograph.

How do you handle your camera and lens in the kayak? How much of a risk do you consider this to be?

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on June 23, 2017 at 10:20 PM

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the nice feedback. I have a fishing kayak that has a fairly wide beam, as kayaks go, and is very stable. I'm able to place my camera bag between my legs and I can hold the rig securely. I've had this kayak for about six years, and as long as I keep myself in relatively calm water I find the risk minimal.

Best,

Chuck

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 23, 2017 at 11:21 PM

Excellent image, Chuck. Good natural history, excellent technically, and the epitome of "cute".

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on June 24, 2017 at 6:32 AM

Hi Chuck,

Nice look back and the two chicks are the icing. Overall it does appear on the larger version to have a Blue cast, I might warm the Temp up. A tad more exp too I feel would only boost the image. Lovely PoV.

TFS
Steve

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Lane on June 24, 2017 at 8:29 AM

I really like the "lineup" composition and low level.

Another question on shooting from a kayak, do you have a specific bag/container you keep your equipment in?

Registered on August 13, 2009, 15 Posts, 51 Comments

Comment posted by John Robinson on June 24, 2017 at 8:46 AM

Good one Charles. The large one is much better to look at.Maybe toning down the white water ripples might help but no big deal. I love back views with a head turn thrown in !
John

Registered on March 2, 2008, 535 Posts, 2453 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on June 24, 2017 at 12:22 PM

Sharon,

I have several bags that I have used when on the kayak depending on the lens I take. If I use my 300mm f/2.8 I'll put it in a waterproof LowePro bag. These bags are both waterproof and buoyant and can be carried as a backpack. With my longer glass I'll use just a large marine dry bag that I can slip the rig in and fold the ends over and snap shut. Those bags are waterproof but won't float. Both work well when paddling to your target area and back to the launch, however when you're shooting the rig is out and exposed, so your balance within the boat and presence of mind are the most important tools in keeping you from any mishaps. There is always the possibility of trouble, but with time and practice you get quite comfortable with taking your gear on the water-you just have to be aware.

Hope that answers your question.

Best,

Chuck

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on June 24, 2017 at 1:08 PM

I've always found this to be a fascinating behavior. You caught it well in challenging light conditions. Good job on getting the red eye. Taking photos from a kayak is not easy primarily because one has a tendency to scare the subject if you get too close. I've been a sea kayaker for about 30 years with almost all of my experience on saltwater.

I have a pelican case with formfitting foam that I glued to the bottom of the case. This goes on the front deck of my kayak and the camera goes in the case. The pelican case is quite waterproof and really easy to access. I have also used the Lowe waterproof backpack with the waterproof zipper but I have found that to be much more difficult to use on the kayak. It's fine for storing gear but not so good for access during the daytime. For landscape photography, I have a Nikon 1AW1 which is waterproof.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on June 24, 2017 at 1:52 PM

It's nice being able to have this low vantage point. Lovely composition. I like that all three are looking in the same direction and the two chicks frame the mother's red eye.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on June 26, 2017 at 2:44 AM

A superb behavior shot, Charles! Exceptional detail in the large version. The kayak gives you a very nice low angle for these shots and is much more accepted than a person on shore or wading. A great opportunity and you certainly made the best of it! devil

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments