Season with the Loons S3 E2 I captured a moment few humans have seen! But it almost didn't happen...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- I am back for a third year with loons! In this episode we find out that there is a problem at my loon pond this year. As a result, I am scrambling to find a way to complete my project, which leads to me witnessing something almost no one has even seen!
To catch up view season one here • A Season with the Loon... and season 2 • A Second Season with t...
To view a photo gallery from this project on my website www.jwelchphot...
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*Important: Notes on ethically observing and photographing loons*
Drone shot notes: I shot the drone footage in April well before any loon nesting in an area it was legal to do so. Further I did not launch the drone until the loons where nowhere close and there were no people on the pond at all at that time either. If loons are around, or nesting, I would urge you not to fly a drone and certainly never intentionally near them.
I photographed this season using either a 600mm or 800mm equivalent focal length and abided by ethical guidelines. You should not simply paddle right up to loons. Not all loons will be tolerant of humans and learn to read their behavioral signals. The loons in my films are tolerant. Please educate yourself on loon behavior and the ethics of observing loons before attempting to observe them in the wild. Some guidelines can be found here. In summary, loons have various state and federal protections, and harassing them can be a criminal offense, carrying fines and even jail time. You will be watched on lakes by other boaters and homeowners on developed lakes. While loons are on the nest, they are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance, including kayakers and photographers. I personally chose not to even photograph them at this time, and if you must, keep your visit very brief and from a far distance. Once the chicks have hatched, loon’s tolerance for human presence will vary from individual to individual. Do disrupt their ability to hunt and feed the chicks. General guidelines for how far to stay from them is 100 feet to 100 yards. However, it is allowable for loons to swim up to you on their own (though you must be mindful that you are not drifting into them), which is what happened in some of the close-up footage and photos as two of my loon pairs were very tolerant.
A quick clarification on the thing "few humans have seen/ I have never seen before" (spoiler alert)↓↓↓↓
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Once loon chicks leave the nest, they do not go back in. So being able to see them leave the nest is quite rare since you have to be there at that exact moment. That is why I was so lucky to witness this in person! I don't think I made it clear how rare it was in the video itself, sorry! It was very windy and the footage was shaky, but I was happy to capture that moment on camera.
So HAPPY you had a great season!
PRECIOUS little Chicks ❤
Glad to see at least a few pairs were successful this year for you. Eagerly awaiting the next episode to see how they fared! The pair I followed this summer had two chicks and at least one made it to full adult size, which I saw the last time I was there, in late summer.
Hey Harris, glad you got to follow a pair this year. Maybe the other chick flew off? Thanks for watching and the support!
Just stumbled across this channel; brings back great memories of Wisconsin's Northwoods. Would be awesome to see a technical video about how you manage such photography from a kayak!
Thanks for checking out it out and for the suggestion. You know that is definitely the most frequently asked question I get so I seriously might make that video in the upcoming year. I am putting out the final video for the 2024 loon season this friday and indirectly it shows a little more behind the scenes type footage, but not a direct explanation of how to shoot from a kayak
It's sad to see egss lost to critters. It was nice the pair recognized you. I am so glad you found a pair with a chick. It's so nice that another pair has found success! 😊
Thanks for checking it out! Yes, I am happy I finally found some chicks and I feel bad for the pairs that failed. But that is the way things go out there in nature, definitely setbacks.
Fantastic footage!!!
Thanks Bill, I am working on the stabilization on the water.
Hello, a beautiful story and like the way you that are so involved in this project.I quess that the loons were used to your appereance and so you could make these wonderful images.
Greetings Gijs 😊😊
Thank you Gijs! I appreciate it. Yes these particular loons are quite tolerant. I always give them space but inevitably they just come near me, fishing and feeding their young. Hope you are well!
@@johnwelchphotography Hello John,that is exactly the way i am approaching birds.Give them space and let them get used to me.After some time they know that they don't have to fear me and let me come closer.The feeding time is the most exciting moment when you see them hunt and feeding their chicks. I wish you all the best in life....😊😊
A similar situation happened at the MAINE CAMP, this year.
Not with nests, but just not that many.
I Couldn't go this season...🙁
Sorry you couldn't make it out to them and that it was slow in your usual spot. It seemed like there were a lot more nest failures than usual across the region just based on talking to some people. But I had some interesting stuff happen as the season progressed. Thanks for your support again!
Too bad that the music on the intro is over the loon warbling... Always so nice, brings my childhood memories back, to hear loon calls...
Thanks for that input. You probably bring up a sentiment shared by others who would prefer the loon calls without music. Something to consider for next for me for sure. Thanks!
Camp is going to be closed next week.
YAY!
GOOD TO SEE YOU!