I am anxious to get in the kayak and search for loons this spring. There are many pairs on Balsam Lake. Upon Reflecting on our encounters last year, I remember how thrilling it was to find a nesting pair. The call of the loon always reminds me of my canoe tripping days with the children and is a wonderful symbol of the wilderness.

After seeing this loon on the nest, I did some research and my perspective changed. I found out that both the male and female build the nest together and take turns incubating the eggs. . After just a day or two in the nest, the newly hatched babies leave the nest and are raised on the water. Loons share the responsibilities of raising the young. That, combined with their diving skills, make the Common Loon, extraordinary.

I took this photo with a long lens. The loon was aware of my presence and tried to keep a low profile… in hopes I could not see her? I kept my distance as I did not want to disturb her further.

Common Loon reflected on water
Perfect Reflections
Common Loon watches from nest
She watches as we paddle by.
Common Loon on nest
Common Loon on nest keeps a low profile so as not to be seen.