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Project Noah Nature School
Gavia immer
Breeding adults have a black head, white underparts, and a checkered black-and-white mantle. Non-breeding plumage is brownish, with the chin and neck white. The bill is black-blue and held horizontally. The bill color and angle distinguish this species from the similar Yellow-billed Loon. Adults can range from 61 to 100 cm (24–40 inches) in length with a 122–152 cm (4–5-foot) wingspan. The weight can vary from 1.6 to 8 kg (3.6 to 17.6 lbs). On average a Great Northern Loon is about 81 cm (32 inches) long, has a wingspan of 136 cm (54 inches), and weighs about 4.1 kg (9 lbs).
spotted on a small lake only accessible by boat, kayak or canoe. Lake has no buildings or public access, except by way of river.
Photographed from my kayak. Adult male, adult female, and juvenile in photos.
Spotted on Aug 5, 2012
Submitted on Aug 11, 2012
14 Comments
this has got to be one of my favourite birds, so elegant and beautiful... and their haunting song --- the first time i heard it, i didn't believe that it was a bird call. i always associate it with wilderness.
amazing shots! so clear, so pretty. and i love the low angle.
A very belated thank you Seema, for your kind words.
great details
RaymundoSanchezTacsan. Gracias, me tomé estas sentado en mi kayak, esa es la razón por la que era tan baja que el agua. En realidad, me encantaría tener la mayoría de mis capturas al nivel del ojo a mi tema, independientemente de su tamaño y de dónde estaban cuando se encuentran. Si están cerca del suelo, voy a hacer mi mejor esfuerzo para llegar a su nivel, creo que tiene para una mejor presentación.
English translation : Thanks, I took these sitting in my kayak, that's the reason I was so low that water. Actually, I would love to have most of my catches at eye level to my topic, regardless of their size and where they were when they meet. If you are close to the ground, I will do my best to get to their level, I think it makes for a better presentation.
Excelentes! Me gusta el angulo de las tomas.
loons are one of my favorite birds that can be found in the State I live. They only summer in the upper part of my State, and only on certain lakes. I love to watch and hear their haunting calls as well. They are one beautifully designed bird.
They sure are beautifully designed :) Love to hear their eerie call..
Thanks nexttogone
Very nice!
Thank you so very much Susan, Alice, Chris and Luis for your kind words.
stunning shot
Wonderful series!
Beautiful!
This birds are gorgeous, great series