One Loon Chick Left
On September 17, 2023
- Loons, Wildlife Photography
Thursday morning, I headed up to check on the Eastons. When I las visited, the parents weren’t on the pond and the chicks were practicing takeoffs, but couldn’t quite get airborne.
The adults usually stick around this pond until the last week of September, with the chicks departing in the first week of October. Looks like the parents took an early leave this year, with one chick following.
The chick on the pond was foraging lazily when I arrived. I watched for a time before hearing a loon calling overhead. I was expecting one of our parents to drop in to check on things, but the loon appeared to fly over.
After a time, another loon was calling overhead – or maybe the same one that flew over before. Our chick tried to call. He’s first attempt sounded like someone stepped on a goose. But he quickly found his voice and yodeled.
That’s interesting for a couple reasons. First, only male loons yodel, so we know he’s a he. Second, that’s the response of an adult loon to an intruder. No longer is our chick hiding to protect himself.
The intruder landed at the far end of the pond. The exchanged wails and yodels for a time.
Beautiful pictures! Thanks!
Linda
So wonderful. Nice story.
Beautiful pictures and love hearing about the loons.
Sharron
I did not know that it is just the males that yodel. Very interesting fact. Thank you.