Protective Loon Parents
Loon parents are very protective! These fascinating birds exhibit a strong sense of commitment and protection towards their offspring, showcasing intricate strategies to ensure the survival and well-being of their young ones. From prioritizing the feeding of their chicks, to the protection from predators and other loons, loon parents face many challenges and are dedicated to their young.
Predator Risks and Threats
Loon parents face threats from predators such as eagles, raccoons, and fishers, which can prey on their eggs or young chicks. Constant vigilance is crucial to protect their offspring. The chicks are rarely left unattended by at least one of the parents.
Loon parents use various defense tactics, including aggressive behaviors and vocal warnings, to deter predators and safeguard their chicks. Their attentiveness and quick responses play a vital role in protecting their young.
Communication among loon family members is essential for coordinating activities and ensuring the well-being of the offspring. Parents use a combination of calls and body language to convey messages and maintain cohesion within the family unit.
Division of Parental Duties
When it comes to raising their young, loon parents are the ultimate power couple. Both the male and female loons play vital roles in rearing their offspring. While the female is primarily responsible for incubating the eggs, the male takes charge in defending the nesting territory. Once the chicks hatch, both parents work together to feed and protect them. It's a true team effort!
Just like human babies, loon chicks go through different developmental stages that require special care and attention. From the moment they hatch, these fluffy bundles of joy rely entirely on their parents for food, warmth, and protection. As they grow, the parents guide them through swimming lessons and teach them essential survival skills. Each stage of development is crucial for the young loons to thrive in the wild.
Witnessing Their Protection
During one peaceful evening while observing and photographing the loons from our boats, the female loon was carrying the chick on her back while the male loon went off to find food. All at once, the mother raised up and opened her wings causing the chick to be released into the water. She called a most loud and serious call and raced off in the direction of an ‘intruder’ loon. She sort of ran across the water using her wings as oars all the while calling a warning call for the intruder loon to leave. Being territorial, no intruders are allowed in the area especially when there are offspring to protect. The intruder quickly left and the female loon went back to her chick while the male, hearing the calls, also returned to the female and chick. It was all very intense and happened so quickly that I barely got my camera up to my face!
The peaceful moment before the intruder arrived.
Using my Canon 100-500mm with a 1.4 extender put me too close to her to get her entire body/wings in the frame.
The male loon returns after the intruder leaves.
Back to Mama and the safety of her back.
Nightfall is approaching.
The chick is safe after an eventful day of feeding and an evening of resisting an intruder.
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