My local lake has a pair of nesting loons.
They hatched two babies recently!
I was invited out on a neighbors boat to check them out and take some photos. I liked this shot with the lake camps and docks in the background. The loon nest was on the island that is closer in.
Here's a view of the island. It blends into the shore but you can make it out. This lake is in central Vermont. We are on the southern edge of loon's breeding range. There is a breeding pair on this lake, another on a nearby lake at a higher elevation, and another sometimes on a pond that is separated from the lake by a low ridge.
We got to observe lots of activities. It was like watching a nature documentary. Here is dad coming up from a dive with a fish for the babies.
The babies were just starting to learn to dive. Mom demonstrating that some times you rise up out of the water to dry off your wings after diving.
Baby giving it a try 馃檪 One of the babies went on a short dive while we were watching. Both swam about with their heads under water... either practicing to dive or watching for mom and dad to return with fish 馃榿
Here's a solo shot of one of the parents.
The final photo is a family shot. Its like they are just part of the community. Diving for fish while the human fisherman repositions his boat. And other fishermen are preparing to go out at the dock on shore.