Common loon – uncommon photographs

I have photographed a solitary loon at this small lake in early summer for years. It is unlikely that it is the same one each year, more likely just a convenient spot to fish and rest for a couple of weeks before continuing on its migration. I went out near sunset, close to 10pm presently, and enjoyed watching the loon preen, shake and then settle down for the night.


When I arrived at the water, it was overcast. The weak light was great for longer exposures. As the bird raised out of the water to shake itself dry, I liked the motion blur of the wings and the water.

After a little while, the sun fell below the cloud line and lit the water up in golds and pinks. Before it dove behind the hill, I went to the far side of the lake to photograph the loon in silhouette. It was a special evening for me with one of my favourite birds.

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This entry was posted on June 29, 2025 by Christopher Martin. It was filed under Alberta, Birds, loons, motion blur, Sunset, Techniques, Wildlife and was tagged with alberta, animals, blurred action, bragg creek, Canada, Common Loon, Gavia immer, loon, motion blur, nature, photography, shake, shaking, summer, sunset, water shake, water spray, wildlife, wildlife photography.

Supreme DadSent from my iPhone
July 1, 2025 at 9:58 pm
Thanks Dad. Means a lot!
July 1, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Very interesting, thanks.
July 1, 2025 at 10:53 am
These are wonderful! The last one is my favorite.
June 30, 2025 at 10:22 am
Thanks Joann!
July 1, 2025 at 10:00 pm
AMAZING!
June 29, 2025 at 8:16 pm
Thank you so much Elaine!!!
July 1, 2025 at 10:01 pm
I liked the variety of light inyour photos. It s good that you can take the time to simply observe the behaviour.
June 29, 2025 at 6:12 pm
The golden light is beautiful, but I most enjoyed the flying droplets from the drying-off process. Lovely photos.
June 29, 2025 at 4:49 pm