p.1 #1 · 1st loon outing for me in 2025, Nikon 500 PF 5.6
I said 10 feet but it might have been a little more. This image was also taken with the 500 PF and it had to be close to minimum focus distance.
I was surprised when they turned sharply right and cut across the bow. I did not know the reason for this. As they did it they each repeatedly emitted a single note “hoot” . Then I saw the reason: They were headed for a single loon I had not seen. It’s a territorial thing. I hope to add more as I get out there again soon.
p.1 #4 · 1st loon outing for me in 2025, Nikon 500 PF 5.6
Hi Philip and Rick-reno.
The right side of the frame nearly clipped the wing-tip. I love the 500 PF but I also like and need the versatility of a long zoom too.
It is exciting to see the loons back. Shortly after this image they turned sharp right and passed within 10 feet of my bow. This is another instance in which I could have pulled back to 200. I may post one of those close images today.
p.1 #12 · 1st loon outing for me in 2025, Nikon 500 PF 5.6
EB-1 wrote:
First one in 2025, meaning that you see them often?
I've never seen a loon much less captured images, like ever.
EBH
.
Loons live only in the northern hemisphere, nesting on freshwater basins and wintering in saltwater.
To give you the best response I could, I tried finding a map that I know exists (because I have seen it before). It was generated by National Audubon and it predicts that because of warmer temps, the range of the Common Loon will gradually recede northward over the upcoming decades. Where I live, they breed on those inland basins just mentioned and they winter directly east of here in the Gulf of Maine.
I’ll try to post an informative map here
Here is an interesting map, but not the one I was looking for https://santabarbaraaudubon.org/national-audubon-climate-change-initiative-a-field-guide-to-the-future/#:~:text=Using%20internationally%20recognized%20greenhouse%20gas,actions%20that%20prevent%20further%20degradation.&text=In%20addition%20to%20the%20Common,the%20Merlin%20and%20the%20Willet.&text=And%20by%20the%20way…according,us%20for%20generations%20to%20come.
