Blast off - common loon on take off

[Randy Stout]

This common loon was imaged in Northern Michigan last summer. Because they have a very high wing loading, they struggle to take off gracefully. Lots of running, splashing and noise! You can hear them all the way across the lake when they take off. I love the funny poses, esp. the flying feet as they patter across the water.

D500 600VR , f/7.1, 1/2000s, ISO 400. Taken from my little boat, Loonie Too!

Post. 15% crop for comp. Cleaned up the extra catchlight, toned down a few areas of whites.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy