Happy Family
by Penny Meyers
Title
Happy Family
Artist
Penny Meyers
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
One of a group of photos by Penny Meyers of this happy little family of Common Loons on a Minnesota pond.
Information obtained from the Minnesota DNR website: Minnesota's state bird, the common loon, is more at home in the water than on land. Built like a torpedo, it swims under water in search of prey. Minnesota has more common loons than any other state except Alaska.
Larger than a mallard but smaller than a goose, this water bird has a thick neck and a long, black bill. Its legs are set far back on its body, so it has an awkward gait on land. The male is slightly larger than the female, but otherwise the two sexes look identical.
The common loon has a black bill and a red eye. In summer it is a spotty black and white with a black/iridescent green head. In fall a "winter coat" that's gray above and white below replaces its summer plumage.
The common loon has four calls. The tremolo, which sounds a bit like maniacal laughter, is an aggressive call. The wail is a long, drawn-out sound. The hoot, a shorter call, is used to communicate among parents and young. The yodel is sounded by male loons guarding their territory.
Loons are found on lakes throughout central and northeastern Minnesota. In September, Minnesota's adult loons travel to their winter home along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina south to Florida, or on the Gulf of Mexico. Younger loons follow a month or so later.
Uploaded
July 12th, 2013
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Viewed 894 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/25/2024 at 4:27 PM
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Comments (11)
Peggy Collins
Great job capturing the happy family! I'll bet this wasn't easy to get either. Voted.
Penny Meyers replied:
Thank you so much, Peggy!! They actually were quite tolerant of our presence, as we tried not to get too close for their comfort. They were a lot of fun to watch!
Deb Halloran
Penny, I think I am just going to stay here in your gallery and look around..so many beautiful images. Excellent composition with fantastic light, color, textures and amazing detail. Those little ones are so cute..well done! v/f
Penny Meyers replied:
Deb, I'm glad you enjoyed this one... they were so much fun to watch! Thank you for your wonderful support and encouragement!!