We returned to the lake near our home for an evening kayak. I did not intend to photograph the loons (I did so last Saturday), but took my camera just in case. Almost in spite of myself, I was drifting near the threesome. The parent was very alert and wary, I stopped, drifted and was about to paddle away, concerned that my presence was upsetting to her. Somehow the camera was out when she began to call with that eerie loon call. A second loon returned the call, and with what seemed to be urgency, they called back and forth ...
But I was not the cause of their concern. The alarm calls were prompted by this large bird circling over the lake ...
It perched atop a white pine near the lake's edge until my drifting kayak came too close for its comfort. Then it flew across the lake, perched, and finally headed east toward the Connecticut River. Each time the Bald Eagle was on the wing, the loons called urgently and loudly, their calls echoing from the surrounding hills.
Sleep will come with the call of the loon still echoing through the mind. Good birding!
You really outdid yourself w/ these photos! Gorgeous one of the Loon and baby! My loons also go crazy over the Eagle too. Tomorrow morning I'm hopping on my kayak on the neighboring lake in hopes that the 2 loon babies are thriving. (the loons abandoned the nest on my lake this year due to human disturbance, it was very disappointing.) Your photos are inspiring! Love the loon!!
ReplyDeleteLook at that little, tiny baby! No wonder the Loons were so upset! Hopefully the baby will thrive to adulthood. So many predators out there working against them.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Eagle!
That had to be a very intense and exciting experience for you! And you got one of the best eagle shots I have ever seen.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Wilma
...Oh my gosh, Chris. These are fantastic photos. What an experience--a loon family and an eagle!
ReplyDeleteWow that's a splendid post Chris. I still have to get pictures of the loons this year as I state in my recent post, but I'm more jealous about your bald eagle shot! But you're right, the call of the loon is unique and beautiful!
ReplyDelete