I went looking for chicks yesterday but could not find any. There were 4 adults swimming in a group but no evidence of nesting. Perhaps these 4 were mateless males just hanging around till fall. Shot from my kayak.
D300s with 300 f/4 and 14 tc. ISO 320 1/1250 at f/6.3, uniwb. I added a bit of canvas on top. Thought about doing the same on the left but decided I liked it the way it was.
Good exposure and colours. Nice details. Perfect HA although I wish the eye was better lit, and comp-wise I'd prefer the loon lower in the frane. Did this guy have a permanent unusual lump on its forehead?
I agree with the above Allan. What is that bump on the head?? I love the bright green band and the slight head color variations. Sharp and clean. Love the loons. We had no babies here either.
In regards to the 'bump". In general males have a slightly more noticeable forehead, slightly more square than the females, and they all can change how their feathers lie on the head, so I think thats probably all it is. I have to say, the forehead thing isn't very reliable about determining males from females, but I have seen it mentioned a number of places by researchers, so I give it a bit of credence.
I suppose it could be a new 'punk' look that is popular in that area
I like your comp as posted because I like the reflection too. It's got a neat pattern to it. My only thought would be to maybe brighten up the face area a little especially the eye.
I should make myself a little more clear. I do like the reflection as posted Allan. I just agreed with he good points Daniel made. Thanks for the "Loon" body parts lesson there Randy. I have never noticed that before.