A few of my favorite images from my recent trip to central Washington state to photograph nesting loons. On this adventure I was assisting my friend Aaron Baggenstos with one of his first photo tours since March of 2020. I was thrilled to be able to help out, and I know he is even more thrilled to be back in the field with Aaron’s Photo Tours.
The trip was planned around the loon’s breeding cycle, with the goal of photographing newly hatched loon chicks riding on their parents’ backs, a behavior that only happens in the first week or two after hatching. Although the timing is pretty consistent from year to year, there is some variation and as always, there are no guarantees in wildlife photography. This time Aaron’s careful planning paid off and we got to observe multiple pairs of these beautiful and fascinating birds as they nurtured their tiny chicks in their first few days of life. We were, of course, extremely cautious not to disturb them, floating quietly in kayaks and shooting with long lenses.
These are common loons (Gavia immer), one of just five species of loon (or “diver” as they are known in the UK and Ireland). The parents are very attentive, watching over the little ones, tucking them under a wing to keep them safe and warm, and bringing a steady stream of fish and dragonfly larvae for them to eat. You would be amazed a how big a fish a tiny loon hatchling can swallow!
Enjoy,
Greg
