Loons in sunset light (10 pics)

Between getting the dock in and the water pump fixed and the boat in and all the other stuff opening the lake cabin near Bemidji this weekend, there was a little time to get out late in the evening and find loons lit by the setting sun.

On an interesting note, the subtle greens are clear on the heads of these birds in almost all of the images. I believe that's a digital thing. Two years ago I shot a Canon Digital Rebel (300D) right next to the Elan IIe film camera. Film was Velvia 50 and Kodachrome 64. I shot with the digital, then put it down, put its lens on the Elan and fired off several rolls of both films. None of the film slides showed green in the head, while it was there in all the digital captures.

Enjoy the loons. I sure did.

Nabbing a crayfish

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A super series here Steve. The second one is very unique and might just be my favourite for that reason and the preening one is awsome but they are all excellent. Nice work.

Wonderful series Steve. You've got the exposure perfect on these birds.

Beautiful bird. I lived in Ontario for a few years and had the opportunity to see a Loon. That is something everyone should experience.

Great shots, the last one is my favorite.

Have not seen your posts lately, wonderful series of Loon shots. I have a friend in Cloquet, Min, who lives on a lake, going to have to shoot some loons of my own.

Excellent shots Steve, I hope to get some loon shots this summer.

Dan

Beautiful series, I learned a lot about loons.

Stunning series i can`t pick a favourite as they are all excellent, well captured.

Thanks everybody. Haven't been posting much because I've been so busy getting the photo business situated. All work and no play, you know.

Very rewarding to be out on the water in the company of loons. They actually are pretty easy to approach somewhat closely, if they're in open water and you are quiet. I don't approach them when they have small young with them or when they're on the nest, however. I shot these birds out of my fishing boat, moving close with the electric trolling motor, and they were quite content with me about 20 feet away. Loons on northern Minnesota lakes outside the Boundary Waters Wildnerness are very used to boat traffic — waterskiers, jet-skis, anglers.

When I'm doing that I let the loons set the mood. If they move off, I leave them alone or back further away until they seem comfortable. This pair seemed to enjoy company.

What a story to go with these series of images. In the life of a Loon.

Beautiful capture of the second image.

Fantastic series. I am looking forward to seeing the loons on Sebago lake this year.

It's all been said already but I'll say it again, fantastic series of an amazing bird.

Wow...outstanding series. These are all excellent shots. If I ever manage to get a series like this one of the Loons I will be in seventh heaven. Perfect. Hope you will post more shots later. Very well done indeed.

I agree very nice series here. I like the one with the large fish just because it is amazing to be to see the size fish they can eat...

WOW! That's a beautiful series of loons. Exposure is perfect, shots are razor sharp, nothing to say but congrats!