Friday, August 31, 2012

Common Loon

 The common loon travels with me almost everywhere that I go. The license plate on my car, which I pay an extra fee each year to help support wildlife in Minnesota, features the Minnesota State Bird which is the common loon. It is not unusual to find nesting loons on many of the lakes in Minnesota, especially the lakes in the northern parts of the state. Loons are sometimes difficult to spot because they're heavier then most birds, they do not have hollow bones like other birds, so they usually sit lower in the water. Fortunately they are easy to identify by their call, which is one of the most unique in the bird world.




10 comments:

Linda said...

I love to hear the call of the loon over the lake in the morning or evening.

Misty DawnS said...

I love their eyes! I've never got to see one in person, but certainly hope to!

DeniseinVA said...

I haven't seen one before either but I have heard them via YouTube on one of the lakes up in New England. So many of them at one time, it was a magical chorus.

i beati said...

I love them so much in Canada

Powell River Books said...

Ever since we've had red-throated loons move into the area, our common loons have disappeared. Their calls are different, and I miss my old friends. - Margy

NF Birds said...

a beautiful loon I would love to see. Great shot. :)

Anni said...

...the markings on this bird is superb. Fantastic photo!!!

Thanks for linking up at the Bird D'Pot this weekend.

Cheryl said...

So nice to stop by for an 'in person' visit. You have no idea how often I've used Google Image search to identify dragons and damsels only to land here.

As common as loons are in my region, I think I've only seen one. Heard them often enough but they do ride low and close to shore where they tend to be hidden by all the long grasses and wildflowers.

Pat said...

The loon is such a beautiful bird.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Splendid photo of a beautiful bird!