|
"Loon Pair" Common Loon - Turtle Flambeau Flowage, WI No other wildlife species conveys the feel of the North Woods more than the Common Loon. Their calls are heard on many lakes during the warmer months of the year when they nest and raise their young. Those who have experienced their splendor will always keep a piece of the north within them. Although recovery efforts to protect this endangered species are increasing the population, great care must be taken when photographing them. I spent more hours researching, preparing, and finding the best location for this assignment than I spent shooting it. This time paid off. Through the help of the DNR and a local guide I was able to find and locate three nesting pairs of loons on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in northern Wisconsin. I set up my camp on a small island in the flowage within a ten minute paddle of each nest site. The next two weeks were filled with wonder. Within a few days the loons had become comfortable with my presence. I limited my visits to ten to fifteen minutes a visit so as to not overly intrude and allow the adults to tend the eggs and protect the nest site from predators. Far too quickly, my two weeks of shooting neared an end. On the last morning as I approached the first nest I became concerned. The loons seemed extremely concerned by my presence and soon became alarmed. I quickly backed away to a safe distance and looking through by binoculars discovered the reason. Sitting atop the nest were two newly born loon chicks. That morning I discovered each of the three nests had hatched overnight. I spent my last hours with the pair that had been the most comfortable with me. Although my photography was limited so I did not endanger the new family I was able to watch as one chick left the nest for the first time, swam to its parent and climbed on its back. It was quite a sight
|
Go Back To Birds Gallery | Order a Print | Go to Main Gallery
|
Photograph Sizes Available ( Dimension listed refer to the actual size of print and Matte. Framed sizes vary due to differences in frame width )
|
Matte & Frame Options Standard Matte & Frame: A double Crescent #3297 Arctic White and Silver with black edge or completely black wood frame. Limited Edition Photographs can be ordered matted or matted & framed. Custom frames are available. Click on Order a Print to get pricing info, get information on custom mattes and frames, or order a print. |