Attitude - Common loon display
This fellow was imaged last month in northern Michigan. Because there were no chicks that hatched on this lake, the adults spent more time socializing with non resident loons. Groups of 7-8 were common, and on this morning there were 13 at one time, which is quite unusual in my experience. There is always a lot of cruising about, peering underwater, diving and popping up elsewhere, but almost all of the meetings end up with a wild rush of flapping, splashing and various types of displays, which in any other context would be signs of aggression/stress, but just seem to be part of their parties during these particular gatherings.
I normally shoot off a pedestal in my boat, but the action is so unpredictable and can come from any direction, so I went handheld for this outing.
D4, 500mm AFS f/4 1/1600s ISO 1250
Post: minor crop for alignment and comp. Selective sharpening. Softened the contrast in the bg a bit.
It is hard to get much detail in the feathers when they are so wet from all the splashing.
Advice and comments always appreciated.
Cheers
Randy
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