I always admire the variety of kinds of shots you capture and especially the way you show of the beautiful habitat we have up here. You are right it was a tough year for the chicks and nests this year across the board. I ended up finally getting a pair whose second nesting attempt hatched in late July that brought their two chicks to successful fledging in mid-October, after the leaves had fallen. Did make for some shots nice foliage and super foggy mornings with the older chicks. As for your internal debate over the two foggy shots, I think I lean towards the chick in the middle. The trees in that one make a nice “u” shape with the loons at the base of it drawing the viewer into the emotion of it all. But the riding one is very nice two, especially the visual balance with the bigger spruce on the right. And the shots of the resident pair of loons flying together are unique! That time of year, I have seen rogue loons fly in or one of the two parents fly off for a spell but never seen that tandem like flight. Have a great new year and it brought a smile to remember there are places you can wear shorts and t shirt outside as it has been several nights in a row below zero here!
Excellent images! We get loons here in Indiana. They are not very approachable even from a camouflaged kayak. One year I was able to follow around a male that had been banded. I was able to capture an image of the number on the band. The Loon Preservation Society researched the registration and said it was banded in Wisconsin.
Great stuff Ray. And nice timing cause one of my projects this year is getting out to shoot the loons. They are so numerous here I kinda of take them for granted. As far as predation on chicks some are likely taken by bald eagle and osprey but the majority here are taken by large pike and muskie.
Thanks for watching and that's great you are planning on getting more time with the Loons this year. Yes I know eagles are an issue in New Hampshire as well as the fish and I'm sure plenty of other predators!
I’m loving all the BTS videos. For the family scene, they were both adorable but I liked the chick in the water best. Really nicely framed and showing off the strong family bond. I think I heard you say on a podcast that you aren’t doing the loon workshops anymore. What was behind that decision? Just time for something different?
Thanks for watching and the feedback Jacques. There are a bunch of things that went into not doing Loon workshops this year, first the place I used to stay is no longer available, and it also became challenging with the locals in the area, it's tough to describe in a comment only.
Amazing captures. Love them all. I like the one with mom , dad and the baby in between!.
Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed that one as well! It's one of my favorites
Thank you, Ray !!
I always admire the variety of kinds of shots you capture and especially the way you show of the beautiful habitat we have up here. You are right it was a tough year for the chicks and nests this year across the board. I ended up finally getting a pair whose second nesting attempt hatched in late July that brought their two chicks to successful fledging in mid-October, after the leaves had fallen. Did make for some shots nice foliage and super foggy mornings with the older chicks. As for your internal debate over the two foggy shots, I think I lean towards the chick in the middle. The trees in that one make a nice “u” shape with the loons at the base of it drawing the viewer into the emotion of it all. But the riding one is very nice two, especially the visual balance with the bigger spruce on the right. And the shots of the resident pair of loons flying together are unique! That time of year, I have seen rogue loons fly in or one of the two parents fly off for a spell but never seen that tandem like flight. Have a great new year and it brought a smile to remember there are places you can wear shorts and t shirt outside as it has been several nights in a row below zero here!
Excellent images! We get loons here in Indiana. They are not very approachable even from a camouflaged kayak. One year I was able to follow around a male that had been banded. I was able to capture an image of the number on the band. The Loon Preservation Society researched the registration and said it was banded in Wisconsin.
Thanks so much. That's great you got some time with one and were able to track the band!
Great stuff Ray. And nice timing cause one of my projects this year is getting out to shoot the loons. They are so numerous here I kinda of take them for granted. As far as predation on chicks some are likely taken by bald eagle and osprey but the majority here are taken by large pike and muskie.
Thanks for watching and that's great you are planning on getting more time with the Loons this year. Yes I know eagles are an issue in New Hampshire as well as the fish and I'm sure plenty of other predators!
Fantastic images!
Thanks!
I’m loving all the BTS videos. For the family scene, they were both adorable but I liked the chick in the water best. Really nicely framed and showing off the strong family bond.
I think I heard you say on a podcast that you aren’t doing the loon workshops anymore. What was behind that decision? Just time for something different?
Thanks for watching and the feedback Jacques. There are a bunch of things that went into not doing Loon workshops this year, first the place I used to stay is no longer available, and it also became challenging with the locals in the area, it's tough to describe in a comment only.