Common Loons of British Columbia, Part 2
Common loons, known for their haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage, are iconic waterbirds found in North America. Their fascinating behaviors during the breeding season, particularly in caring for their chicks, offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of avian family life. Unfortunately for me, we do not have many loons in Northern California near where I live. So, when the moment arrived for me to indulge in a trip to British Columbia to photograph loons, I seized it!
Loon Photography Workshop
I joined a photography workshop with amazing Connor Stefanison and Jess Findlay in British Columbia. Connor and Jess are intense birders and natives of the area, so they have a keen talent for locating loons and other birds. Their skills for birding and photographing birds are amazing! In my mind, loons are a photographer’s dream subject offering endless opportunities for observing and photographing their behaviors. The workshop with Connor and Jess lived up to this dream.
The timing of the workshop was simply perfect because it was time for the chicks to hatch. Although some loons were still sitting on their eggs, some eggs had hatched enabling us to photograph the sweet little chicks as well as the beautiful black and white adults with their piercing red eyes. They are most active during the early morning and late evenings which left mid-day for photographing other birds in the forests.
Loon Chicks
Loon chicks are born with downy feathers that help them stay buoyant in the water. They quickly grow and develop their iconic black and white plumage, becoming adept swimmers within hours of hatching. Both male and female common loons play active roles in caring for their chicks. They protect them from predators, teach them essential survival skills, and provide them with food for growth and development. Loon chicks primarily feed on small fish and invertebrates, which their parents catch and bring to them. As the chicks grow, they learn to dive and hunt for food on their own, gradually becoming independent members of the loon family.
The Joy of Photographing Loons
Photographing loons was such a joy for me. I came home with over 4,000 images of these and other beautiful birds. I learned a lot about birds and photography during this workshop, and I hope to join Jess and Connor again for another rewarding adventure!
Here are a few photographs from my trip with many more to come! Get ready to see lots of loons!
Stretching those new wings!
It’s been a big day. Sleepy-time chick.
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
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One early, foggy morning before anyone else was up, I decided to go down to the beach to enjoy the environment and take a couple of landscape photos just to document being there. Coffee, beach chair, and camera in hand, I headed over the dune toward the waters’ edge. That's when I knew I'd be photographing shorebirds!