Newly hatched Common Loon on possibly its first ride!

[Michael Thompson]

Yay! Common Loon chicks are hatching up here in central Minnesota! This one was riding on the rear under the wing, and briefly popped its head up when the parent started calling. Canon- 7D ll, 100-400 ll, 1.4x lll f8, 560 mm 1/1000, 800 iso, handheld from the boat.

[Alex Becker]

What a treat to see and well captured. I like the crop and the reeds are nice as is the two toned BG. Love how you can see both eyes well. Exposure looks good to me, although maybe a bit hot where the neck meets the water and some of the spots on the back to my eyes. TFS

[Mike Hitchen]

What a lovely shot, Michael. The baby's head really makes it,. of course and the background has enough detail without it being distracting. And the low angle makes it an excellent capture.

[Bill Dix]

What a tiny passenger. I'm sure it is a thrill to see them back. Nicely composed, good open beak on the parent, attractive environment, well exposed.

[John Mack]

Like the low angle, the little head sticking up makes this one.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Beautiful image such a peaceful scene, well done.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love it! Perfect amount of habitat, and of course the little fella is just too cute. The adult's open bill adds even more interest.

[Isaac Grant]

Just about perfect for me. Agree with all that has been said. The angle, light, pose and that little passenger are just great. I'm dying to photograph these guys. Was supposed to go this year but where my friends boat is for some reason the loons are not there this year.

[Michael Thompson]

awesome comments!! thanks guys!

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent frame Michael, it has many appealing elements including the shooting angle, view of the chick and the elements of the BG

TFS

[Randy Stout]

Michael:

Congrats on a fine image. The northern Michigan loons are on the nest, but no hatching yet!

I agree that having the background gives some depth and extra interest to the image.

And of course, the peekaboo chick is the icing on the cake!

Cheers

Randy

[Juan Tolentino]

Great image Michael. Love the low angle, habitat and the little guy. TFS