For nearly as long as I've been taking pictures, I've loved photographing loons. They have offered countless hours of joy behind the lens, taught me
For nearly as long as I’ve been taking pictures, I’ve loved photographing loons. They have offered countless hours of joy behind the lens, taught me lessons about photography and ecology, and helped me find weaknesses in the cameras I’ve spent my career evaluating.), although there are other species of loon. The common loon, also known as the great northern diver in Eurasia, part of its non-breeding range, averages around 28 inches long with a wingspan of up to five feet .
They are also unusually heavy birds, weighing an average of nine pounds . A healthy adult male loon can weigh up to 14 pounds . For reference, this is a very similar weight range as an adult bald eagle is a bird of prey common to Maine ponds, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Thanks to stronger environmental protections, the bald eagle population in Maine has increased significantly in the past 50 years.
Speaking of migration, part of what makes the common loon such an iconic part of life in Maine is how its appearance coincides with the seasons. Both in terms of its plumage and literally when it is seen on lakes and ponds, with the changing seasons, so too does the loon change. This rhythmic annual cycle also means a lot to me, personally, as “loon season” means that wildlife photography opportunities are slated to significantly increase. Winter in Maine has its charms, but by the time March and April roll around, I’m ready for it to end. The dreary grays and browns give way to neon greens and yellows, and the animals reappear. It doesn’t get much better.That brings me to today and this new series that will follow the photos and stories of a small Maine pond.
My fingers are crossed that the series will be able to follow a pair of loon chicks from hatching until their first migration in the fall, but a baby loon’s existence is a treacherous one.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New documentary highlights LA's wildlife, mountain lion P-22 and new crossing over 101 FreewayA new documentary, 'Wildlife on the Edge,' looks at the many deadly hazards animals face in major cities like Los Angeles.
Read more »
Wildlife Baby Season Keeps Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center BusyThe Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach is currently caring for hundreds of baby animals during the wildlife baby season. The center aims to release these sick, injured, and orphaned animals back into the wild. With close to 400 animals in their care, the center works with a wide variety of species, including ducklings, possums, and hummingbirds.
Read more »
Late Season Nor'easter Leaves Thousands Without Power in Maine and New HampshireMore than 400,000 homes and businesses in Maine and New Hampshire were without power early Friday as a late season nor’easter brought heavy snow and strong winds to parts of the Northeast. The widespread outages leave many without indoor heating as the storm blankets the region with snow, toppling trees and power lines and making travel difficult.
Read more »
Power Restoration Efforts Continue in Maine and New HampshireMore than 100,000 homes and businesses in Maine and New Hampshire are still without power after a storm caused widespread outages. Restoration efforts are ongoing, but some customers may not have service restored until Monday or Tuesday.
Read more »
Maine's supreme court overrules new trial in shooting of Black manMaine’s supreme court has reversed an order for a new trial for a white man who was convicted of manslaughter for shooting his sister’s Black boyfriend in 2019. A judge last year vacated Mark Cardilli Jr.’s manslaughter conviction and granted a new trial after concluding his trial attorneys provided inadequate counsel.
Read more »
Over 400 New Voters Registered in Maine Township High School District 207More than 400 students from Maine Township High School District 207 have been registered to vote by a group of volunteers. These students will be eligible to cast their ballots in the upcoming general election.
Read more »