Common Loon Piggyback Ride

[Art Peslak]

Nettie Lake, MI
Nikon D3, 600mm f/4, 1/800 at f/8, ISO 400

[Doug Brown]

I've got to see these loons in person! Really like the eye contact in the front and the back. Nice soft light and excellent sharpness. Like the low angle. About the only thing you could ask for is that baby #2 was also making eye contact. Thanks for posting!

[Krijn Trimbos]

I echo Dougs comments and would like to add that a bit more headturn of the parent would have been the icing on the cake here. Maybe you already did, but try to make a high pitched sound if you ever get in a similar situation to get the adults attention. Love this shot.....

[Mike Lentz]

I like this image, Art. In fact I have one almost identical! :)
I was wondering how your visit was to Michigan in search of Loons. I had heard that the DNR Law Enforcement and Wildlife Divisions have designed a special loon information buoy that reads "Do not enter- Loon Nesting Area." I'm really just curious as to how protective the state is with these birds.

[Wally Nussbaumer]

Great image Art. Lighting was on your side for this one! Good eye detail, almost missed the second baby because it blends in so well. Perhaps a bit tight on the right as I find it difficult to determin where the loon ends and the water reflection begins.

[Art Peslak]

I like this image, Art. In fact I have one almost identical! :)
I was wondering how your visit was to Michigan in search of Loons. I had heard that the DNR Law Enforcement and Wildlife Divisions have designed a special loon information buoy that reads "Do not enter- Loon Nesting Area." I'm really just curious as to how protective the state is with these birds.

Mike I went on Chas' workshop. Apparently, someone had complained the year before that the workshop was disturbing the loons so Chas took the DNR guy out on the boat. The guy realized that Chas and the lodge owner knew more about loons than they did and that the workshop was not stressing the loons at all. It was really amazing. The adults were so acclimated to the boat that they would leave the chicks next to the boat to go look for fish. They were so close that by the last shooting session I shot only with my 24-70 zoom lens.

[Fabs Forns]

Lovely classical pose, very nice, Art, glad you had a good time!

[Mike Lentz]

Thats great to hear, Art! It is amazing how close most of them let you get! I'm glad you had a successful trip!:)

[Grady Weed]

Nothing like getting a momma and chick catching a ride. Light is key in this kind of water. Looks like you made out. A nice classic image. A little head turn on mom would have been nice but it is what you got. So frame it.