Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Common Loons - visitors to Madison County

Right now on a pond on the Teton River just outside Rexburg there are 14 Common Loons resting and eating.  What are they eating?  Mountain lobster locally know as Crayfish.  Here one surfaces with lunch.


Last week there were 26 to 22 of them working the pond as they rest and prepare to move northward.


It appears that they have already paired up.  Some will stop in Yellowstone Park where the following were pictured last summer.  They often swim around with their head under water searching for food.  Once food is found, they will dive and may spend at least two minutes under water.


They are a striking black and white with brilliant red eyes.


I will continue watching them until they all leave the area.  I wish some would stay and nest near Rexburg, but we do not have a large enough body of water to support them.
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16 comments:

  1. Pat UlrichMay 3, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    These are just one of the most beautifully patterned birds, and a species I would love to have a chance to photograph. Great captures of them -- I especially like the show with the crayfish!

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  2. mickMay 3, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Beautiful birds and great photos. I especially like the first one where you have captured the bird and its food.

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  3. FjällripanMay 3, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Beautiful photos! I loved the one where he eats the lobster :)

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  4. Janine BolléeMay 4, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    Hiya Bill,

    They should never be called 'common' with such a beautiful colouring.
    Loved them bigger, and maybe one day you can get them higher up out of the water to see the entire set of feathers. Do they waddle on land?

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  5. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    Great shots!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  6. FotokarusellenMay 4, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    Beautiful images. Well done!

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  7. TexWisGirlMay 4, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    they are beauties. thanks for sharing them while you have them near.

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  8. Carol BlackburnMay 4, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Such wonderful shots, Bill. I always enjoy your blog.

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  9. BirdingMaineMay 4, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Excellent captures of the Common Loon!

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  10. SpringmanMay 4, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Just fantastic! I am desperate to see my first loons somewhere in Michigan this year. Your great photos throw kindling on that fire!

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  11. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    I love Loons - they are so beautiful! WE used to see them on the lake where we used to live and your wonderful photos brought back the excitement of having them there.

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  12. theconstantwalkerMay 4, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Your Loons are a beautiful bird to see. Lovely images.
    Many thanks for sharing.

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  13. SondraMay 5, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    IM so jealous...I have never seen a loon in person in breeding plumage and here you have an entire accordance of them!!
    and that they will go to Yellowstone that just adds insult to injury..
    SUPER post!

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  14. Sallie (FullTime-Life)May 6, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    They're just elegant! And I had no idea that there were ever any in Idaho.

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  15. Jeanne Frances KlaverMay 10, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    These loons are so striking. Love the red eyes!

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  16. MaryaApril 4, 2012 at 2:08 PM

    Oh, I would love to know when the loons are around, and how to find them. Do they come every year?

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