I can’t think of a bird more iconic to Canada’s wilderness than the Common Loon. Breeding in every province and all three territories, loons truly are Canadian. When I decided to move north for the season, the Common Loon was one species I hoped to see and photograph more. So far this season, I have not been disappointed as I have had my fair share of encounters with loons. Most of my loon watching has been done from the water in my Swift Pack Boat paddling many lakes in Algonquin Provincial Park as well as a few outside the park. So far, every lake I have paddled (and I’ve paddled quite a few now) has revealed at least one loon.
Interestingly, most of the loons I have come across have shown little to no fear of me and have ventured closer on their own as if almost curious by my presence. This has resulted in some incredible views of these beautiful birds. Some birds have been within a paddle length of my boat and I’ve even been able to watch them swim underwater after they dive.
Some of the lakes I’ve paddled have resulted in the sighting of baby loons. Not wanting to stress out the adults, I have left considerable space between me and these birds and have been happy to watch from a respectable distance. While driving along a backroad, I could see an adult loon sitting on a nest only a few metres from the road. The legs of a loon are located far back on their bodies making them excellent divers but being chest heavy they cannot move well on land. Consequently, loons construct nests close to water where dead plant matter is formed into a mound where the female with lay one to two eggs.
Photographing loons or any species from my pack boat proves to be a real challenge given that not only is the subject moving but I too am regularly drifting with the wind. Often I find myself out of position for a shot due to the wind pointing me in a different direction than what I need to be facing. This means I have to adjust my entire boat and not just my body resulting in missed opportunities for photos. In other areas, I do carry a small collapsible anchor to prevent this but many of the lakes in Algonquin are quite deep and I would have to carry more anchor rope than feasible. Working with my shutter speed set to at least 1/1000 helps freeze the action if the loon or my boat is moving and slowing panning much like photographing a bird in flight is often required.
As I paddle new lakes and familiarize myself with Algonquin Provincial Park, carrying a map with me has been incredibly helpful with navigation. I recently purchased a couple of maps, one is Algonquin Park Canoe Routes, which as the name suggests is specific to canoe routes and the other map is the Algonquin Provincial Park waterproof map. This map covers the park in great detail from east to west and is great for paddlers, hikers, cyclists, or anyone who visits the park. Showing campsites, canoe routes, trails, and even fishing spots this map is a must-have for park users. To protect these maps from the elements I keep them in a SealLine Map Case. This clear case allows me to easily read the map after folding it to the section of the park I’m paddling and placing it inside. Keeping the map in the case beside me for quick reference is super handy if I am unsure of where I am or which direction I need to go. I consider myself to have an excellent sense of direction but when venturing out on unfamiliar waters a map is a must-have.
One afternoon while paddling the Madawaska River, I came across a baby loon all by itself. With no parents in sight, it let our several soft little loon calls I assume to reunite with its parents. Realizing this young loon would have little chance of surviving without adults to care for it, this encounter was was a sad one for me. Fortunately, after posting the above photo on Facebook many of my followers informed me that they have observed adult loons leave their babies for hours at a time only to come back to them later. This new knowledge gave me hope that this cute little ball of fluff may eventually meet up with its parents later that afternoon.
I plan on many more days of loon watching in Algonquin Park. I hope to also put together a vlog featuring the various video clips I have captured of loon behaviour including their eerie calls. I look forward to sharing more images of the Common Loon in future blog posts as I continue to have more close encounters with this iconic bird.
Good birding,
Paul
Wonderful entry and photos, Paul!!
Thank you very much Anca.
Absolutely breathtaking photos, Paul!!!!
Thank you Marianne.
Paul, your shots are amazing!!!
Thanks for your kind words Bernadette.
Absolutely gorgeous photos
Thank you so much Ruth.
Thanks for sharing your adventures and feeling while you observe the birds. Your pictures are incredible.
Thanks Sue. It’s always a pleasure to share my images and adventures.
What a wonderful adventure. I also love Loons and your pictures are wonderful..Gladnyou are enjoying your
time in Algonquin. Haven’t been there since I was a child but remember the great time I had. Enjoy.
Thank you very much Peggy for the kind words regarding my photos. I am loving it up here and wonder why I waited this long to visit.
I have only been to Algonquin camping once in my teen I forgot how beautiful it is thanks for sharing Paul.
My pleasure Rob. This year is my first time ever visiting and I can’t believe I have never been before. I am loving it up here and look forward to many more adventures.
Thanks for allowing me to travel through Algonquin Park with you as you share your photos of loons, a favourite bird of mine.
Betty
My pleasure Betty! I am glad you followed along with me.
I am wondering when is the best time for seeing baby loons we have taken many pics of loons in Algonquin but being spring and fall campers we miss the little ones. We are hoping to change that this year. Any approximate timing would be appreciated. Thank you
Hi Kim, thanks for asking. Last year I think I saw my first baby loon, the really small ones towards the end of June or early July. If you plan your trip around then you should be right on the money.
Many years ago ( read first marriage) we were camping with a slide in camper. In the early morning (5-6am) I was awoken by the chorus of loon calls . I made myself a coffee and sat in my lawn chair (about 50’ from waters edge) and was serenaded by a cacophony of loon chatter that was almost deafening. I wonder if it was the beginning of the end for marriage #1.
I now have a mate who wants to share this with me again.
I can’t remember what lake it was in Algonquin.
Can you please help with the little bit of sketchy description I have offered?
Listening to the sounds of loons while enjoying a morning cup of coffee sounds amazing. I’ve yet to paddle a lake in Algonquin that didn’t have at least 1 pair of loons present so I’m sure whichever campground you book at will have loons present and you will experience that again.
You have captured some wonderful shots Paul. To feel the connection with these amazing birds out on a lake is an amazing, almost spiritual connection. I have been fortunate enough to have been greeted by a loon who swam around me in a circle while I was in the water. She was close enough that I could have reached out and touched her. Thank you for sharing your pictures of these beautiful birds. Wildlife photography can be very difficult. You are a talented photographer.
Thank you very much for your kind compliment Donna. That sounds like an incredible experience you had with a loon. I find the loons in Algonquin are curious and aprroach me which gives me some great views and incredible experiences. I’m fortunate I get to spend so much time in the park.