The following are observations I've made during my loon work.
After nesting on ponds or lakes, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. I captured this image on April 4, 2026 on an Atlantic esturary. A 600mm was used, but this 100% crop was necessary, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary.
The timing is fascinating, because it is not until deep into April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), that the loons complete their spring molt into their gorgeous breeding plumage, and are ready for the "dance floor" . How can completion of the spring molt be synchronized with ice-out? The only environmental factor I can think of that could affect both is air temperature.
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother; the father has already left for wintering waters along the near-shore Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
After nesting on ponds or lakes, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. I captured this image on April 4, 2026 on an Atlantic esturary. A 600mm was used, but this 100% crop was necessary, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary.
The timing is fascinating, because it is not until deep into April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), that the molting loons will be dressed again in their gorgeous breeding plumage, and ready for the dance floor . How can completion of the spring molt be synchronized with ice-out? The only environmental factor I can think of that could affect both is air temperature.
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother; the father has already left for wintering waters along the near-shore Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
After nesting on ponds or lakes, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. I captured this image on April 4, 2026 on an Atlantic esturary. A 600mm was used, but this 100% crop was necessary, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary.
The timing is fascinating, because it is not until deep into April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), that the molting loons will be dressed again in their gorgeous breeding plumage, and ready for the dance floor . How can completion of the spring molt be synchronized with ice-out? The only environmental factor I can think of that could affect both is air temperature.
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this 100% crop was necessary, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating, because not until deep into April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), will the molting loons be dressed again in their gorgeous breeding plumage, and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this 100% crop was necessary, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating, because not until deep into April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), will the molting loons be dressed gain in their gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating, because not until deep into April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), will the molting loons be dressed gain in their gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating, because not until the end of April (just before the ice melts from inland basins), will the molting loons be dressed gain in their gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating, because by the end of April, just before the ice melts from inland basins, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I hope readers enjoy this information.
Robert just before the ice melts from inland basins just before the ice melts from inland basins,
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating. Because by the end of April, just before the ice melts from inland basins, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I hope readers enjoy this information.
Robert just before the ice melts from inland basins
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating. Because by the end of April, just before the ice melts from inland basins, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September. The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I hope readers enjoy this information.
Robert just before the ice melts from inland basins
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. After nesting, Common Loons in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating. Because by the end of April, just before the ice melts from inland basins, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I hope readers enjoy this information.
Robert just before the ice melts from inland basins
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. The timing is fascinating. Because by the end of April, just before the ice melts from inland basins, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I hope readers enjoy this information.
Robert just before the ice melts from inland basins
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September The chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, the exploring chicks surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on this mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September Here, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, they surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, and dressed in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September Here, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (usually during the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, they surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, . is an in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, they surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
I captured this image yesterday, April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. I shot it with the 600mm, but this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
And here is a nesting couple, on an inland pond, . is an in that full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in the first north winds of late September).
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October. This is the mother, and the father has already left for wintering waters in the Atlantic.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. She surfaced and stopped, staring at me, not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly in my path. It was as if she wanted an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?"
Swimming just underwater for long distances, they surface in any direction from where they submerged. She could not keep up with them, and neither could I.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October.
This is mama looking for her two chicks. She has a Rainbow Smelt there. They are about 90 days of age and able feed themselves and so they do a lot of exploring. She is looking for them now.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. I was so surprised because in this image she surfaced not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly the path of the canoe. She stopped and stared at me, as if wanting an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?" Well, they've learned to feed themselves and they love exploring the pond.
Common loon breeding plumage - the process. molting
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October.
This is mama looking for her two chicks. She has a Rainbow Smelt there. They are about 90 days of age and able feed themselves and so they do a lot of exploring. She is looking for them now.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. I was so surprised because in this image she surfaced not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly the path of the canoe. She stopped and stared at me, as if wanting an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?" Well, they've learned to feed themselves and they love exploring the pond.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October.
This is mama looking for her two chicks. She has a Rainbow Smelt there. They are about 90 days of age and able feed themselves and so they do a lot of exploring. She is looking for them now.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. I was so surprised because in this image she surfaced not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly the path of the canoe. She stopped and stared at me, as if wanting an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?" Well, they've learned to feed themselves and they love exploring the pond.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
The following two images of an adult loon were taken in October.
This is mama looking for her two chicks. She has a Rainbow Smelt there. They are about 90 days of age and able feed themselves and so they do a lot of exploring. She is looking for them now.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. I was so surprised because in this image she surfaced not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly the path of the canoe. She stopped and stared at me, as if wanting an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?" Well, they've learned to feed themselves and they love exploring the pond.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
This is mama looking for her two chicks. She has a Rainbow Smelt there. They are about 90 days of age and able feed themselves and so they do a lot of exploring. She is looking for them now.
This is the first image of mama searching for her two grown chicks. I was so surprised because in this image she surfaced not more than 15 feet from my bow and directly the path of the canoe. She stopped and stared at me, as if wanting an answer to "Do you know where my kids went?" Well, they've learned to feed themselves and they love exploring the pond.
I hope readers enjoy this information. I think I'll come back a little later and post one more...... to show what the Common loon looks like in October.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
This is mama looking for her two chicks. She has a Rainbow Smelt there. They are about 90 days of age and able feed themselves and so they do a lot of exploring. She is looking for them now.
I hope readers enjoy this information. I think I'll come back a little later and post one more...... to show what the Common loon looks like in October.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
I hope readers enjoy this information. I think I'll come back a little later and post one more...... to show what the Common loon looks like in October.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon (in first north winds late September). The grizzled muzzle on the mother is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
I hope readers enjoy this information. I think I'll come back a little later and post one more...... to show what the Common loon looks like in October.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon. The grizzled muzzle on the adult is not related to age. It is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image yesterday, on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. Though I had the 600mm, this is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed out in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
I hope readers enjoy this information. I think I'll come back a little later and post one more...... to show what the Common loon looks like in October.
Here is an adult male in full breeding plumage. Gorgeous!
In this latitude, Loons begin losing breeding plumage in mid-September. In this image, the chick is almost 90 days of age and will learn to fly soon. The grizzled muzzle on the adult is not at all related to age. The grizzled muzzle is the first part of the breeding plumage to be lost, in mid-September.
I captured this image on April 4, 2026 along the Maine coast. This is a 100% crop, as the bird was a long way out into the estuary. Common Loons nesting in Maine fly directly east to overwinter along the inshore Atlantic. By the end of April, this loon will be dressed out in gorgeous breeding plumage and ready for the dance floor
I hope readers enjoy this information. I think I'll come back a little later and post one more...... to show what the Common loon looks like in October.
Robert
Apr 05, 2026 at 05:08 AM
Previous versions of bs kite's message #17015643 « Common loon plumage - the molting process. »
. How can completion of the spring molt be synchronized with ice-out? The only environmental factor I can think of that could affect both is air temperature. 
