Posted by Jeff Nadler on June 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
This might look like a cool action shot but this adult loon behavior was photographed Sunday when a fisherman not even that close, paddled near the other adult with a pair of newborn chicks.
I have dozens of loon images and live within 1.5 hours from dozens of loony lakes, but have few images of loon with chicks. Much desired is the classic chick riding on back shot. Unfortunately, the loons on my nearby wilderness lakes seem far less habituated to humans vs. the many gorgeous images I see posted of loon chicks. I do not wish to harass the loons and jeopardize the chicks being left alone-vulnerable to predators, so I just don't try to take images. It is not worth risking harm to the juveniles or tension to the adults. But I am eager for good photos. Perhaps I need to visit those lakes that I really don't like - those with shoreline development and intense motorboat traffic where loons are used to human activity? Suggestions welcome. (Adirondacks, vermont, etc)
Hi Jeff! Wow, the whites in this shot are wonderful as are the blues against it and the crispness of the water. I wish the wings weren't cut off though. (I have my share of those though!)
I respect your feelings of not wanting to disturb the loons with chicks and send you a pat on the back. I think if you were to go to the habituated waters and go VERY early in the morning (when not too many others will be out), I think you'd raise your chances of some good shots. But you better hurry though as the chicks won't be riding on the backs much longer. Good luck!!
Discussion
1 repliesI have dozens of loon images and live within 1.5 hours from dozens of loony lakes, but have few images of loon with chicks. Much desired is the classic chick riding on back shot. Unfortunately, the loons on my nearby wilderness lakes seem far less habituated to humans vs. the many gorgeous images I see posted of loon chicks. I do not wish to harass the loons and jeopardize the chicks being left alone-vulnerable to predators, so I just don't try to take images. It is not worth risking harm to the juveniles or tension to the adults. But I am eager for good photos. Perhaps I need to visit those lakes that I really don't like - those with shoreline development and intense motorboat traffic where loons are used to human activity? Suggestions welcome. (Adirondacks, vermont, etc)
I respect your feelings of not wanting to disturb the loons with chicks and send you a pat on the back. I think if you were to go to the habituated waters and go VERY early in the morning (when not too many others will be out), I think you'd raise your chances of some good shots. But you better hurry though as the chicks won't be riding on the backs much longer. Good luck!!