..and just like that, it’s Fall, but the Loons are still here! Part 1 Loons and Swans.
Maybe not in date, but the hummingbirds are gone:( It signals the oncoming changes to our wildlife, the light, temperatures and leaves. It always seems too soon, for me anyway. Where did the rest of August go? Chasing Loons and swans and hummingbirds:)
We had a windless calm morning and the Loon family was out in the bay fishing. I had to paddle out, quietly. This guy came up right beside the canoe, almost too close to shoot. I think they know a threat when they see one, he eyed me up, and had his flap… friend, not foe he said and went about his business. They don’t call or fret. I’m pretty calm. I’ve seen them have a fit when paddleboarders go by, one had a dog on the board so yeah, they were not happy. They are not quite as protective as earlier this Summer when a heron flying over would elicit a warning call, just stupid cottagers and cityots getting too close, need that cell phone shot, “Look, me with a Loon!” No, you’re the loser asshat! Don’t get me started;)
It’s constant fishing to feed junior right now, one fish after another, after another. When they can find him, he’s off, diving, exploring, blowing bubbles, doing what youngsters do!
Little fish, lot’s and lots of little fish, first Ma brings one, then Pa, and then more fish. The far shallow end here must provide a great hunting ground for them.
The story writes itself! Ha!
As I floated around in the canoe, paddling every now and then to align myself with the light and back off when they came in closely Ma caught a BIG fish! Junior was impressed! Right down the hatch in a single gulp!
It’s always a treat to spend time with these spectacular birds. Ma and Pa are taking off occasionally now, leaving junior alone for a bit. I hear him call nervously, then he/she goes back to fishing!
The swan cygnet is getting big as well! I’m still not sure how it’s going to take off on the smaller swamp area but I am sure it will figure it out. No wing flapping yet!
The mother and father have become a bit less protective, still very very aware of sights and sounds from all directions but the little one is going off on it’s own a bit to feed…it’s nonstop eating right now!
They have taken to sitting on a small island just a stones throw from the road. I walked up to check the mail and and they just stared at me for an instance, then resumed, one looking left, one looking right until a woman stopped to check her mail and came over to take a few shots as well and they stared at her. Vigilant, but no longer crazed swan parents…unless you want to date their daughter I was thinking! hahahaha!
These guys give me a chuckle every time I see them! I’ll leave you with one more Loon sequence…stay tuned tomorrow for the last of the hummingbirds and all those LBB’s passing through (Little Brown birds!) Playing catch-up as always:) Saludos amigos!
