This image was taken this morning. The juvi was born on ~Jun 13th, and I have watched him grow and mature on an intermittent basis since then. Over the past four days he began to practice flying. The first visit, he would patter along the water for 20 or 30 yards, but not lift off, initially, but by the end of the session he was going several hundred yards, actually flying a few feet above the water, before splashing back down. These major efforts were followed by short naps and preening, and then off he would go again. He made four 'flights' during my three hour session with him.
Each visit saw him flying further, starting to turn at the end of the lake, and starting to do a lap or so of the lake , but still quite close to the surface.
Today he clearly was improving, and was reaching an altitude of 20-30 feet, but never left the confines of the lake. Because they can't land on solid ground, they have to be pretty confident of being able to reach another lake before leaving their natal lake. i suspect he will try to follow one of his parents when he feels confident enough.
D4 600VR f/4, 1/1250s, ISO 1000. Pedestal mounted in my little boat, the Loonie Too.
Post. leveled image, selective sharpening.
Advice and comments always appreciated.
Cheers
Randy







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