Common Loon

The common loon is a water bird, but is neither a Duck, nor a Goose, nor a Grebe. I thought for sure they would be classified as a Grebe as they look so similar and also carry their chicks on their backs when the chick needs a rest. But they are actually in a separate classification called Loons.

 

They are diving birds, and doing just a bit of research I was surprised to learn the following quick facts:

 

They are quick swimmers, but can fly at up to 110 km/hr

 

They have many solid bones and can flatten their feathers to expel trapped air so that they can dive quickly and to depths of up to 80 metres.

 

Because of those solid bones they are slow to take off, requiring them to run on the water for up to half of a kilometer or even more.

 

Finally, the oldest recorded Common Loon was 29 years and 10 months...I was so surprised at that.

 

I did not come across many Loons last year and found that they pretty much stick to the center of a pond, so were always at some distance.

 

This is a very hefty crop and to be honest is better than I remembered, but not as good as I would like to have one day. For now, I am still very pleased to have it as the best that I have to date of this cool looking bird.

 

 

Done