Thursday, February 26, 2009

Return of the Loons



I would start worrying if the loon is having trouble, because the loon is eating the same fish that people are eating. It's a good early warning signal.” - Dave Evers

The one thing I am looking forward to most this spring is the return of my loons. I don't think there is a more beautiful sound than the wild call of the loon across the lake on a misty morning. I will be looking out for them this summer. Last year I picked up numerous discarded fishing lines that could've strangled them and their loon chicks. I had to paddle my kayak over to these people on a boat that were getting to close to the loons and frightening them and their babies. (In case you aren't aware - if a Loon comes up out of the water with its wings or gives its tremolo call - you are too close.) I am hoping more people appreciate the loons and their fragile state. They are an excellent indicator of the health of our lakes and their beauty is to be enjoyed.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the interesting info and such a lovely photo. Hope you have a great weekend.

Unknown said...

Interesting. Sounds like the loon "looms" large in many ways.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Shelley, Hope you are at the log cabin now relaxing and enjoying yourself.

I know how much you are yearning for spring --and hearing and seeing the loons. I hope you will take a video for us so that we'll enjoy HEARING them in addition to seeing them.
Hugs,
Betsy

Dawn Marie said...

oh how i know how you feel about the coming of spring. since I dont live near water, i look for the robins.

lets both hope within a few weeks we get our wishes!

Cedar ... said...

Many of the more remote lakes and ponds here in the Adirondacks enjoy loon populations. Unfortunately, as you said, some of the human population are careless and do the loons harm. I've camped where we heard loons calling all night and during the day as well. Not the tremelo, but their second call. Loved it!

Unknown said...

Very pretty bird. Didn't know anything about them, thanks!! Sounds like you do "Loon Patrol", good job.

Busy Bee Suz said...

beautiful picture and even more beautiful is you are helping to protect them. Good girl...you must have been a girl scout!!!

Tina said...

I also love those loons and have many a great memory as a teenager of enjoying their calls, watching their babies and just enjoying how gorgeous they are...we spent every summer in Canada and would wake up to their calls echoing across the lake.

Beautiful pic and good info!

A Bit of Colour said...

My first visit to your site and you have some beautiful pictures. I really love your banner & the eagle. That is cool!

Willard said...

A super photograph of the loon. We also have them here, but I have no good photographs of them.

I hope you have good luck looking for elk on your next outing.

I enjoy all the material you have posted since my last visit. The scenery is beautiful and the butterfly on the flower is exquisite.

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

Beautiful loon! We sometimes hear loons here on Cape Cod, but the sound of the gulls generally drowns out the beautiful loon calls! I used to vacation in Maine on a lake, and woke up to the sound of loons each morning... so lovely!

Ashley said...

How majestic!

Stacey Olson said...

Shell. I grew up in Northern Montana, and always loved the sound of thee loons. don't hear them were we live now.. and i miss the lovely mornfull call... thanks for sharing

Vickie said...

I'm glad the loons have you looking out for them. I can see why you are watching for their return. I would love to see and hear them in breeding season. Hope you enjoy your visit to the cabin.

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Anonymous said...

They're so exquisite! They have such a look! I'm glad they have you there to look out for them! Were the people nice about it? Did they back-off? I hope so! Good Job!

Shelley said...

Hi Mildred - thank you! We had a great weekend!

Robert - I think so!

Betsy - I'm usually patient w/ the seasons but for some reason - I'm ready for the snow to go away!

Dawnie - Yes- I'll give spring 2 weeks to get here or else! LOL!

Cedar - I've always wanted to visit the adirondacks just to see their massive loon population - I can picture it in my dreams...

Darla - I'm ready for loon patrol (and probably garbage patrol too!)

Busy Bee - I dropped out after Brownies - but now trying to make up for it! LOL!

Tina - loved hearing about your memories of them...

Upon a hill - thank you and so glad you stopped by!

Willard - you are so kind - thank you! No luck w/ the elk this weekend. I may have to wait till spring - I think they're too deep in the woods for me.

Whispering Poppies - how great to have heard the loons in the morning! I can't think of a better way to wake up!

Ashley - thank you!

Stacey - glad you like their calls as much as I do. I didn't realize they were in Montana too.

vickie - hoping to have lots of loon baby photos this spring! wish me luck!

Hi Tricia - those people did back off but I can tell they were a little perturbed at me.

Leedra said...

Such a beautiful reminder of spring will get here, on it's own time schedule.

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Kathy Feightner said...

What beautiful pictures. You sure are talented. I bet you could do good a selling them.