Loon season in the Upper Valley is coming to a close. The Middletons and Westons decamped about two weeks ago. The Easton chicks hatched later, they’re still on their pond with mom. For now.
I’m packing up for the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival this weekend, October 11-13. I’ll have note cards, my 2025 wildlife calendar and prints big and small. Come on out and have a look. All the details about the Festival here: https://stoweartsfest.com/.
On November 6, I’ll be a the Hartland, VT, Public Library at 6 pm. I’ll also have a print exhibit of some of my favorite loon photos hanging in the Hartland Library during November.
Sunday (10/6), I headed up to visit with the Eastons. Fall has arrived in force – it was 37° and foggy when I launched.
I found one of the great blue herons before I found the loons. The heron circled this little island as he walked, constantly putting the brush between us. While I was waiting for enough light for the shot and him to get into position, I heard – but couldn’t see -one of the loon chicks pass me in the fog.
As the fog lifted, the loons came into view. The chicks have grown into their winter plumage. One was foraging on his? own, the other was pestering mom for food.
Taking a break from chasing mom to stretch.
Mom came through with a tasty crayfish.
The chicks together. I’ve seen the behavior of the one on the right several times. I’m not sure exactly what they’re doing. My guess is clearing their throat.
After the wind came up, both chicks gave a go at flying. They both took short runs where they were still unable to get their bellies out of the water.
Another attempt to fly. The chicks took a only of couple runs. I stayed the morning hoping to see more. As I left the pond, I realized I’d never been out on their pond at noon before.
I returned to the pond yesterday (Tuesday 10/8) . Monday’s rain finished the color, most of the trees were bare. One of the herons was huddled against the cold on his island. The herons seem to know where the sun will hit the pond first. On chilly mornings, they’ll be in position to be in the sun as it rises.
After the fog lifted, mom took off. She circled the pond several times before heading over the hills. Any time now, she’ll leave for the fall. The chicks will follow several days later. Shortly after she left, the chicks got to work on their flying lessons. Here’s a good run – technically he’s airborne. He didn’t make it up – this time.
Giving it a good try…..
Oh so close……. go little guy!
Come on – you’ve got this!
One last step! Let’s go!
This wasn’t the time. He settled back on the water and stretched.
Let’s try this again…. The chick taxied downwind and tried another run.
Looking good! Feet are clear of the water, there’s air under him!
Get those wings up!
He’s up! He flew for something like a third of a mile. He made a nice turn and returned to the pond with a smooth landing. The second chick followed with a flight of his own shortly after.
With the chicks flying, they’ll be moving on soon. I won’t be able to get back to their pond until midweek next week. I’ll be surprised if their still there. I said goodbye to the chicks and wished them well.
New England’s loons mostly winter in the Atlantic between Cape Cod and Maine. Of course, there are always a few adventurers and those that didn’t read the manual who wander further. The youngsters will spend roughly three to five years either at sea or in ponds without a territorial pair before seeking their own territories and mates.
Wishing all the loons a safe winter. Thank you so much for sharing their stories!
Thank you for loon season
Glad you got some flight practice shots on your last day there! And some extra heron shots too!