Sunday, June 5, 2011 5:59am CDT

 

56 degrees   Clear   Wind 1mph  NNE

 

 

The Sunday morning choir of birds is in full song.

 

But what the whole congregation wants to know is 'How are the loon chicks?'

 

I can only make out one chick on the adult's back but others in the chat room have already reported seeing both chicks.  So I assume that one of them is still under a wing.

 

Right now it is a restful ride on mom or dad's back.

 

Restful is good.

 

Heaven knows that we have seen how quickly things can change.  So for now, it is great to see the chicks 'going along for the ride'.

 

Just minutes ago, I heard the distinctive sound of 'feet slapping on the water'.  One of the loons took flight and then flew over the nest with a series of flying tremolos.  Where he was going or if this was only to get some exercise, only he knows.

 

But right now it is just one of the loons with the chicks on board calmly swimming by the nest.

 

What has been surprising to me is how long the loons have stayed around the nest this year.  I am sure that they will gradually venture further and further afield.

 

The mate has just returned and I can now definitively confirm that both chicks are there and that they are doing fine.  One is swimming in the water and the other one is still riding on its parent's back.  They are swimming just out of camera range to the left.

 

Also slightly out of camera range to the left are a number of yellow irises that have begun to bloom.  The flower buds that show in the picture seem to be somewhat more camera shy.  But as the day(s) go on, I am sure that they too shall take their moment in the spotlight.

 

You can expect that as the chicks grow, the parents will gradually lead them further and further from the nest.  It has been 'common wisdom' that after the chicks hatch, the parents will bring them to a secluded 'nursery area'  protected in cattails or other cover for several weeks.  In all the years of watching loons here, I have never seen that to be the case.

 

They have simply stayed on open water.

 

But the fact that they have stayed so close to the nest for a number of days this year, has been unusual.  And wonderful for all the viewers of the LoonCam who have been able to watch them swim by the nest and even  get back up on the nest a few times.  I think it is because all of you have been so wonderful and that they can feel the love coming from you!

 

To me it is a very good thing that they are still near the nest.

 

Today promises to be another spectacular Minnesota summer day.  These are the days that hardy Minnesotans dream about in the dark depths of winter.

 

And because it will be such a nice Sunday, I am sure there will be lots of activity on the lake with fishermen and water skiiers and other boaters.  All things our loons have to be aware of and watch out for.

 

Our chicks still are not able to effectively dive to get away from danger.  So they are still very vulnerable to fast boats and unobservant drivers.  However, I have been amazed to watch as they are already able to dive for several seconds, even though they are still less than a week old.

 

Each day that goes by increases their chances of surviving dramatically.

 

Already they have grown significantly since we first saw them - when one of them was still half in and half out of the egg shell.

 

There have been a few comments and questions about our loons being sighted on another part of the lake with the  chicks and if 'our loons' had swam that far.

 

I don't think so.

 

I really think that must actually be another pair of loons who had been reported to have a nest on another part of the lake.  Because in all the times I have been home, 'our loons' have been right here with the chicks, near the nest.  So I would be very surprised if they had taken the chicks all the way across the lake.

 

I have not been out on the lake at all since we are pretty much 'shore bound' as long as the loons are here.  No boats or canoes have left from this 'port'.

 

But that is very encouraging to hear that there may be another set of chicks on the lake!  As far as I know, that would be the first time on record that there have been two successful hatches of loon chicks on this lake.

 

When I am finally able to get out on the lake, I will have to try to check that out.  I had gotten several reports about another nest.  And even one report that said it had 3 eggs in it, which is unusual.  I had even gotten a couple reports that the nest had been lost to high water but that does not sound like it is the case.

 

Several also asked questions about this video "Why They're Call Loons" and asked me to comment on what is happening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfAuYP0U-mA

 

There are a couple questions that I have about the video but at first glance it looks to me like a very typical intense battle over territory by two male loons.

 

Some of you will remember last year when I described a prolonged chase that went on for 15 to 20 minutes.  That chase was one of several reasons why I wonder if we did not have a change of nesting pairs last year.

 

It was exactly like the chase that you are seeing in the video.  There could not be a better illustration of what I saw last year.

 

However, what surprises me is the date on the video.  The date given is September.

 

That date does not seem right for this behavior.  I could easily see this happening in the spring as males battle for territory.  But by September, most loons have become much less territorial and are socializing with each other.

 

So all of that is to say that it looks for all the world like a territorial battle between two males.  But there are some little things that don't fit.

 

If you watch the video, you will see the the loon being chased tries to stop once in a while.  You can imagine how tiring this would be for both loons!  But then when he sees the other loon has not given up the chase, he shifts into high gear and off he goes again, paddling for all he is worth.

 

Like I said, the chase I watched last year lasted for a full 15 or 20 minutes.  I cannot even begin to imagine how tired the loons were after that chase.

 

Once again this is an illustration of how little we know and how much we have to learn about these wonderful birds.

 

Our wonderful loons.  The voice of the northwoods!

 

 

Questions or Comments?   LoonCam@yahoo.com

 

Saturday, June 4, 2011 5:46am CDT

57 degrees  Partly Cloudy  Wind  Calm

A lone loon floats on a sea of quicksilver by a loon nest.

Not a breath of wind disturbs the mirrorlike surface of the lake.

If one did not know that our loon was carrying a cargo of little loons, it would be hard to overlook them completely.

I think there are two little loons under there.  But I have seen only one head peek out occasionally.  But there seems to be a lump under the other wing so I think the second loonling is under there.

I remember so vividly a few years ago when we lost one of the chicks to a fish or some other predator.

I looked.  And I looked.  And I looked some more.  Trying to see if there were two chicks on the adult's back.  I tried to convince my self that yes, there was a second bump under the loon's wing.

But no matter how much I tried to convince my self that the second loonling was there, it did not make it so.

This morning is different.  I have no reason to suspect that there is not a second chick there.  But I have not see it with my own eyes yet.  I think it is just so comfortable under that wing that one of the chicks rubs its eyes and says 'Do I have to get up?  Why?  Let me sleep just a little bit longer.'

The mate is nowhere in sight.  There is a single half-hearted wail from our loon.  And out of nowhere, the other loon appears.

The loons greet each other and then one swims some distance away while the loon with the chicks stays near the nest.  It is just an absolutely peaceful and perfect morning for our loons.

But then it happens!

There are several yodels from the male.  It is now obvious that the female has the chicks on her back.

When I go to look, the male is no where to be seen.  And the female is swimming out away from the nest.  The male surfaces and once again yodels.  He is definitely on his way 'somewhere'.  Then I see why he is yodeling and swimming so fast.

There is another pair of loons not too far away.

The female dives.

And there are no chicks!

My heart is in my throat.  Where are the chicks?!  I know I saw one head peeking out only minutes ago.

Then like a cork, one pops up!  And then the other.  Both chicks swim by themselves on this big scary lake while both momma and daddy go out to confront the other pair of loons.  Even though they surface maybe 20 feet from each other after their unceremonious dunking, the two chicks immediately swim toward each other and huddle together.

But my level of concern rises instead of going down.  Oh please Lord, let all the northerns and bass be in some other part of the lake.  They don't need to be here with two defenseless little chicks swimming all alone.

The adults start to slowly escort the other loons out of the area.  There is no fight.  There is no undue excitement.  I am surprised how calm they are.  But they definitely are steering the other loons away.

But everything in me screams, 'One of you get back here and protect these little chicks!  They need you more than these other loons need to see you.  There are monsters under the bed!'

The chicks continue to swim right next to each other and circle each other.  Looking around.  Trying to see what is going on.

I keep saying to myself, 'Please please please, don't let there be a big swirl of water under them!'

Then I can't believe or explain what I am seeing.

All four loons are swimming together out in the middle of the lake.  Seemingly peacefully.  Seemingly no conflict

But don't you know there are still two little loon chicks swimming all alone!  Forget about visiting with the neighbors over the back fence!

Then one of the loons begins running on the surface of the water and takes flight.  Half a minute and the other one follows.

After another minute or so, 'our' loons head back towards the chicks.  Or ARE they our loons.  It is impossible to tell just by sight.

However, when they reach the little lonely loons who swim all alone, there is a greeting.  And the little loons immediately get up on the back of one of the big loons.

All is well in loonland once again.

But it is once again an example of how things can in a split second go from something so peaceful and relaxing to all out activity at 60 miles and hour!  And then back again.

The loons seem to deal with it better than I do.

Day before yesterday, I was looking at the loons and could only see one little chick and immediately my level of concern rose.  Where was the other chick?  Then he popped to the surface like a cork!  In fact, he came up so fast I swear he actually cleared the surface of the water when he popped up.

But here was a case of watching the chick dive for several (long!) seconds when it was only a two days old.  That is the earliest that I have actually documented diving behavior.

But it was not easy for him to dive as evidenced by how he just popped up out of the water.

Now there are yodels once again!

What now?!

And then some mournful wails as the loons both look all around.  

There is only ONE chick!

One swimming by himself next to the adults as they both call that haunting mournful call!

I look and look and I do not see the other chick.  The calls continue.

This is too hard to watch.  Please tell me that after all that has just happened we have not lost a chick!  Please.

After a full five seconds of watching, a little loon pops to the surface!  One little loon.  Two little loons.  Yup, my count is correct.

Not only is this plucky little loon able to dive, he is able to dive for at least five seconds!  Five LONG seconds!

Zero to 60 and back to zero again!

Right now two loons float peacefully near the swimming raft.  And one of them has the all important cargo back on board...two little loons.

It looks like it may be time for breakfast.

A 'grand slam' breakfast.

An order of 2 fish, over easy.  A side of minnows.  And three minnow pancakes!

Life is good!

Questions or Comments?   LoonCam@yahoo.com

Friday, June 3, 2011 7:08am CDT

 

70 degrees  Cloudy  Wind 3mph SE

 

 

There is a deep rumble from the west.

 

Our chicks are about to experience their first thunderstorm.

 

Fortunately, right now it does not look like there will anything severe.  So this should be a gentle way to introduce the chicks to their first rain.

 

The chicks seem to be doing well.  Both chicks have already been out from under the wing and have been in the water for their early morning swim.  Right now one is sitting on the back of one of the adults and the other is safely and warmly tucked under a wing.

  

I have been surprised that the loons have remained closer to the nest this year than I have seen in almost any previous year.  That is gratifying to know that they apparently feel very safe around the nest.

   

The loons continue to be on high alert for any potential dangers.

 

Last night about 7 pm there was a flurry of tremolos.

 

As I looked toward the lake to see what was bothering the loons there was a streak of black crossed the sky flying fairly low.  I could not tell for sure what it was before it disappeared behing the trees but it could have been a loon.

 

Both of our loons continued to call.  And both were on high alert.

 

Then I saw another loon surface out beyond the swimming raft that you have watched on the webcam.

 

That sent the male into first a slight penguin dance and then a flying/walking pursuit of the intruder loon.  The female dumped the chicks into the water and swam in the same direction.  The intruder quickly dove underwater.

 

As the two adults pursued the now invisible intruder, two little chicks huddled together all alone as they bounced on the ripples of the lake.  My heart is in my throat anytime I see the little chicks left swimming alone.  I know how quickly danger can strike.

 

Everything in me screamed 'one of you get back to the chicks and protect them'!

 

But for now the danger from an intruder seemed to outweigh all other dangers for our loons.

 

They continued to pursue the invisible intruder who still had not surfaced.

 

Finally - and thankfully - the female swam back toward the chicks.  She was riding very low in the water in a defensive position as the male continued to pursue the intruder out into the lake.  By being very low the little loon chicks were able to scramble up on her back.  I could breathe again.  They were now safe.

 

I never did see the intruder again.  But the male pursued.  Diving.  Surfacing.  Neck craned and head held high as he looked for the intruder.  He swam further and further out into the lake until I finally lost sight of him.

 

Then a loon came flying very low toward the loon with the chicks.  

 

He turned and flew directly over the chicks.  He was low enough that I could see he was turning his head and looking directly down at them.  Was this our loon or was it the intruder?

 

He turned and flew directly over me.  I could see him looking down, as if he was also looking directly at me.

 

It was not until he had cleared the trees that he began to issue flying tremolos.

 

The loon with the chicks watched but remained absolutely silent.  You could hear the flying loon turn as he continued to call and flew off into the distance.

 

Then it was quiet.  Things returned to 'normal' - except there was no male.

 

After several minutes there was a faint wail from all across the lake.  I could not distinguish it from any other wail but the female obviously recognized it immediately.  She answered with a wail.  I always wonder what the chicks reaction is to such loud calls.  Does it startle them or do they just take it in stride?

 

There was an immediate wail from across the lake.

 

After half a dozen such wails and answers, I hear the sound of a loon running on water like he is trying to take off flying.  A loon appears a little ways out from the female and chicks, wings flapping and feet slapping the water.  Then he goes into the characteristic 'skid landing' of a loon and comes to rest some distance from our loon and the chicks.

 

He begins a major time of preening and splashing in the water.  Obviously it must be our male because the female does not seem to be concerned or upset at all.  But the male is in no hurry to return and he continues the preening and splashing and straightening of feathers.

 

Finally after 10 minutes or so, he returns and our family is back together.

 

Peace has been restored.  For now.

 

Less than an hour later, there are more yodels and tremolos.  And both loons are on high alert with their necks craned.

 

The male once again heads out into the lake.

 

I see another pair of loons surface ever so briefly.  And then they wisely dive.  They never call.  I only caught a glimpse of them for only a split second.  But obviously the male had seen them and he was not going to tolerate them anywhere close to his territory.

 

After he was assured that he had driven them off, he returned to his family.

 

And once again just as it was getting dark, there were a volley of tremolos and yodels.

 

In the dark, the confrontations apparently continue.

 

This is the life of the loons.

 

Lazily swimming with the chicks and feeding them.

 

Then suddenly full speed on facing danger!

 

Things that we seldom are privileged to see.  And to understand.

 

But for right now, our loons lazily relax and swim as the first raindrops fall.  It is quiet and peaceful.

 

For now!

 

 

Questions or Comments?  LoonCam@yahoo.com

 

Thursday, June 2, 2011 6:31am CDT

 

57 degrees   Clear   Wind 5mph NE

 

 

On a clear, beautiful June summer morning, there is only one question on all of our minds.

 

How are the little loon chicks?

 

I am happy to tell you that both chicks look like they are strong, healthy and doing fine!

 

Right now they are swimming with both parents between the nest and the shore.  The parents are maybe 5 feet apart and the chicks are swimming back and forth from one parent to the other.  Very active and obviously very hungry.

 

A few minutes ago I watched as one of the chicks was riding on the parent's back.  The parent had its head partially underwater as it 'peered' to see what was under there and if there might be food.

 

Then the loon dove and the chick came popping up to the surface in a bounce just like a cork.

 

After a few seconds, the adult surfaced with what looked like a very tiny minnow in its beak.  A chick-sized minnow.  It held it out for the chick and the chick quickly swam over and gobbled it down.  Ahhhhhh!  Nothing like fresh minnow for breakfast on a beautiful Minnesota morning!

 

This will be a scene that is repeated hundreds of times over the next few weeks.  A virtual conveyer belt of food for the chicks.

 

Their appetite will be insatiable as they grow so quickly.

 

Right now they are still very vulnerable to so many dangers.  Boats, fish, turtles, eagles and many other things.

 

But in a couple weeks, they will have grown enough that their chances of survival increase dramatically.

 

The next couple weeks are a critical period in their survival.

 

But you will be happy to know that the second chick has survived his first night on the big scary lake.  And of course the first chick is already a pro at it and telling the second chick how brave he was on his first night when he jumped into the huge, crashing waves!

 

Can their be anything wrong with the world when you have two beautiful loons swimming on a Minnesota lake with two adorable little loon chicks?

 

May your day be loon perfect as well!

 

 

Questions or Comments?  LoonCam@yahoo.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 8:44pm CDT

 

65 degrees  Clear  Calm

 

 

We are 10 minutes away from the sunset on an absolutely spectacular and perfect day.

 

Now we enter that long, magical twilight time that so many parts of the country do not know.

 

But for now, everything is perfect.

 

A quiet calm evening with the sky reflected in the water.

 

The colors of the sunset paint the western sky.

 

We have two beautiful little loon chicks.  Both healthy and active.  And one of them has already spent a night on the water and survived it.

 

The other little loon is experiencing absolutely everything for the first time!

 

The first chick has been in the water for the better share of the day and at 8pm tonight, the second chick jumped in the water for the first time and our loon family swam away!

 

Are they gone for good?

 

Or will they come back to visit the nest?

 

They are now swimming out beyond the swimming platform that you have seen drift in and out of the picture off to the left.

 

The scene could not be more perfect.  A glassy lake.  A clear sky.  A setting sun.  The sky painted in a infinite palette of colors.  And 4 loons swimming.  Two big ones and two little ones.

 

This is the moment we have waited for ever since they laid the eggs.

 

No, this is the moment we have waited for since last year.

 

NO!  This is the moment we have waited for the last two years when we last had chicks that hatched.  And now we have it.  How blessed we are to be able to witness this wonderful miracle of life.

 

I am still overwhelmed by the realization that 4 short weeks ago tonight, the first egg was laid.  Only an egg.  Not unlike the ones I have in my refrigerator right now!  And now in those 4 short weeks we have wonderful little LIFE that can navigate on its own.

 

I challenge the smartest person on earth to make life as cute and adorable as a loon chick - or just ANY life - if I give them an egg.  It is a miracle of creation that is beyond comprehension.  We don't even understand what it is, let alone how to DO it.

 

And so we have two miracles swimming with their parents.

 

As I have been writing this, one of the loons came up to the nest with a chick on its back.  It got up onto the nest and the chick went flying off into the water.

 

I could see it swimming alongside the nest cheeping and trying to figure out how to get up.

 

Then I heard a BIG splash and my heart went to my throat.  The loon got off the nest and swam over to its mate.   My mind immediately went back a few years when we lost one of the chicks within 15 minutes of it getting in the water.  Probably to a large fish.

 

That is all I could think about.

 

I went outside to look.  Both loons were swimming away from the  and they were both in a chorus of tremolos.

 

But I could see only one baby!  ONE!

 

No!  Did we lose one of the chicks?!

 

Had a bass or a northern taken one of the chicks?  Both fish love to sit under a dock or anything like the loon nest that gives them shelter.  They wait for something to drop into the water or come swimming by where they can ambush them.  I could not bear the thought that a big fish had taken one of our little loons!

 

After a couple minutes, the second chick appeared from somewhere.  And my heart relaxed.

 

They were both there.  And alive.

 

As I walked toward the lake, I saw a big boat with 5 people fishing very close into shore.  They obviously had come between the nest and the shore.  Was this the big splash I heard?  I don't think that they had done anything and were just either unaware or oblivious to the nest even being there.

 

So tonight the loons swim not too far from the nest.  And then chicks are riding on their backs.  One on each loon.

 

Keep a sharp eye out over the next few days to see if they swim by the nest.  Or if we are really lucky that they may revisit the nest for a few minutes.

 

You may want to watch for something else.  The mayfly hatch seems to have begun in earnest today.  We have had a few over the last couple days.  But there were many more of them today.  So you may see them on the camera over the next couple days.

 

But gradually they will venture further and further from the nest and the views will become less and less.  We will leave the cam on for a few days for you to hopefully catch a glimpse and then finally we will shut it down for the year.

 

But I think once again that MN Bound will leave the chat room open for you to get together and visit.

 

This has truly become a unique family who are so special - YOU are special.  Thank You!

 

 

Questions or Comments?   LoonCam@yahoo.com