Low rider

This juvi common loon was doing submarine diving drills, slowly submerging beneath the water. Loons can adjust their buoyancy so they can ride very low in the water. You often see this behavior when the adults are feeding the chicks, or when they want to present as low as profile as possible because of threats.

The juvis seem to do it just for fun!

D300 500mm/f4 with 1.4 TC f/7.1 1/1600s ISO 640 Pedestal mounted in the "Looney Too" Small crop from bottom.


Post: Curves, selective sharpening.

Advice always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

Interesting behaviour Randy, but it makes sense. I like how you have captured him when he raised his beak above the water line. Good eye, and overall nice and sharp on the head.

Behaviour well caught, Randy. Do you know how they adjust their buoyancy? Darkening down the water and removing the pale streaks above the head may be worth a try.

Stuart and Tony, thanks for the comments.

Tony, in regard to how they control their buoyancy, there are several factors that are involved.

1) very heavy bird for its size, adults weigh between 8-10 pounds, which is about the same as our adult sandhill cranes! Their bones are mainly solid, so they are heavy and tend to ride low to begin with.
2) They can eliminate air trapped in their feathers so they dive easily. When they dive, you usually see a little patch of bubbles on the surface.

The weight is also why they have so a time taking off from the water. Their wing loading (weight per square inch of lifting surface in their wings) is the highest of any flying bird. They are so adapted to life in the water, that many other things have been compromised to allow them to be superb under water.

Cheers

Randy

Randy, interesting topic and also cool to note that loons and alligators have something in common.:)
Another sweet shot, so beautiful with that intent stare. I only wish for a bit more room on right.

Randy, To be able to get this close is great. Very interesting info and the pose is sweet. Water colors are lovely.