RTY Photography Blog

I’m posting the second group of Common Loon shots. This pair has been confronting visiting loons all summer. The nesting pair are extremely territorial and will not put up with any visiting loons on their lake. There have been many standoffs and underwater battles. It seems the female does most of the reconnoissance missions to the north end of the lake and the male has been staying with the chicks. So far the resident pair have convinced all the visitors to move on. At the time of this post, the chicks are eleven weeks old and doing well.

Crayfish on the menu.

Adult female on a recon mission.

Female returns.

Dad on right, has a standoff with a visitor.

Just some shots of the resident female Ruby-throated Hummingbird out back. She is friendly and allows me to get very close. I love when she flies over and hovers near my face. The little lady fiercely defends her territory and does not tolerate other hummingbirds.

Belted Kingfishers are one of the most elusive birds to photograph. But, thanks to my friend Ed, who has graciously allowed me access to his beautiful property, it is sometimes possible. A stream runs along the edge of his property and the Kingfishers love to fish in it towards the end of summer. I have spent endless hours in the blinds that he set up. Some days I come up empty; some days I’m rewarded. But, either way, it is always a peaceful day. 

They hear my camera shutter.

My Porcupine Friend

That’s me … obviously a slow day.

Well, now we come to my favorites. I guess most of you already know that I love loons and how much I look forward to following the several pairs on Mount Desert Island and in Acadia National Park. Several pairs mated and produced chicks this spring; however, only 3 chicks survive as of this date. One pair has two and the other one.  As bad as that sounds, some years there are none that make it. These three are doing well, but there is still a long way to go until they can fledge. I have been busy photographing them from my kayak since June when the adults started sitting on their eggs. The one pair I follow nested on a man-made floating platform this year. Last year they lost their eggs to a mink days before they were due to hatch. This nest provides some added protection against predators.  OK … get ready for mucho loon pics. I will slip in others posts along the way.

Man-made Nest Platform

Two Eggs

Just a few hours old, the other chick is under her wing.

Chicks ride on the backs of the adults.

Dad

17 Days Old

Mom