The Common Loons of Northstar Lake will soon leave for warmer southern climates. However, after an entire summer of swimming and fishing with little flying, our loons are now making frequent flights to strengthen muscles in preparation for migration. For some reason, all of these short flights seem to mean a huge increase in yodeling frequency, both while in flight and on the water.  Over the course of the past few days I frequently kayaked out onto the lake to see if I could capture a take-off or landing, which is basically a controlled crash. Loons which land on wet blacktop (for instance mall parking lots) are not able to get re airborne. They need a runway.

Last Yodel and Take-Off of the Common Loon

And the resulting splash stream!

I spent a delightful long family weekend at our remote cabin on Northstar Lake near the Canadian Border. In describing the location to friends it is cool to note we are the first lake in the Hudson Bay Watershed … no Mississippi River water donation from us!  I have been monitoring three particular loon families near us, and two have just hatched their chicks. The third family is still incubating. Saturday morning was calm and beautiful, and this one family let me be part of their morning breakfast! I floated near by for over 30 minutes and enjoyed a fantastic time! It is interesting when one realizes that Common Loon chicks eat plants, not fish when they are very, very young. Take a look … no minnows were on the breakfast menu.

Enjoy! (videos follow still images)

My Friends, the Common Loon Family!

Feeding Time (creature from the dark lagoon!)

First Yodel

Hitching a Ride

The Dad!

Videos: (in this order)

• Wing Climbing
• Feeding
• Hitching a Ride