On a recent trip to Sawyer County in Northern Wisconsin, I had the opportunity to watch and enjoy Common Loons with a chick, Great Blue Herons, American Bald Eagles and more. Images were taken June 22-26, 2014.
Common Loon adult stretching with chick watching.
Common Loon
Binomial name: Gavia immer
Category: Loons
Description: Black head with black and white checkered body in summer for breeding season; brown and white body in the winter. Blackish-blue bill that is held horizontally and black feet.
Size: 24″-40″ long, 4′ – 5′ wingspan
Weight: 4 lbs. – 8 lbs.
Habitat: Large lakes and shorelines
Diet: Fish (perch, trout, sunfish, bass)
Nesting: Usually nests on small islands or other locations safe from land-based predators. The nest may be made out of thin sticks, dried grasses, or a depression in mud or sand. Typically 1 to 3 eggs will be laid at one time and will be incubated by both parents. The parents aggressively protect their nests and share the responsibility of feeding the young. Baby loons may be seen riding on the back of either parent in the water.
Notes: The Common Loon has legs positioned in the rear of its body. This makes for excellent diving and graceful swimming; however, it also makes for awkward landings and clumsy walking. In fact, Loons require a “runway” spanning 30 yards or 1/4 mile for take-off and landing AND it can only be done in water. Loons have actually been stranded in small ponds, icy lakes, or even a parking lot without a suitable runway and must be rescued.
Common Loon with chick.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon stretching.
Common Loon chick.
Common Loon chick calling.
Common Loon with chick.
Common Loon at takeoff.
Common Loon
Common Loon feeding chick.
Common Loon chick with food.
Common Loon chick.
Great Blue Heron fishing.
Great Blue Heron fishing.
Great Blue Heron fishing.
Great Blue Heron fishing.
Great Blue Heron fishing.
Great Blue Heron coming in for a landing.
Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.
Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.
Great Blue Heron fishing on shore.
American Woodcock, was doing a strut at this time shifting it’s weight from foot to foot.
American Bald Eagle adult perched in a tree.
A Chestnut-sided Warbler bringing a variety of food items to a nest for the chicks.
Love the Loon pictures. We don’t get a chance to see them too often so viewing your pics is the next best thing to seeing them in person. Thanks for sharing. Annie M
These are simply awesome, Jim! I LOVE the loon shot with the shadow of the wing on his body! All are amazing! Hey, did I tell you about Doug Tallamy’s project in looking for photos of birds with insects/arthropods? Talk to me.