Next to Mom
by Penny Meyers
Title
Next to Mom
Artist
Penny Meyers
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This baby loon is staying close to mom as the family enjoys an afternoon swim. 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 781 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/16/2024 at 7:50 PM
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Comments (11)
Kym Backland
I LOVE HIM! Now I am been trying to get a photo of a LOON my entire life! Seems we both are trying to get photos of different birds! hehe.. This bird is the epitome of ART DECO...! I love that style.. Look at that little baby... so cute! Great capture! Thanks for stopping by my page and giving your vote and favorite! I'm doing the same.. FV
Penny Meyers replied:
LOL! Maybe we should trade places for a few days, Kym, so we can get photos of each other's local wildlife. ;-)
Angela Davies
Absolutely gorgeous and mom looks happy! FV
Penny Meyers replied:
Both parents appeared to be very proud and happy! Thank you very much, Angela!