Our State Bird (not mosquito)

While fishing yesterday, I came across this beautiful common loon. Even though I was fairly close, it was a real challenge shooting this bird from a boat on a choppy lake. I'm also including a link to a 15 second video. Be sure your speakers are on. They make a sound you'll never forget. I believe he was courting a female not too far away.

http://s115.photobucket.com/albums/n...t=P1000460.flv

Gorgeous bird! Nice catch. I've always wanted to get near one.

Hope you caught some fish too!

I am too nervous in a boat to bring my camera gear in one with me. I have always had balance issues when in a boat so that last thing I'd want is a wet camera. Funny thing is though if I have a fish on the line theres no issues with balance lol. Standing up to fight in a nice big Musky leaves me breathless but I have yet to fall out of the boat while catching a fish... go figure.

Nice shots there Scroller. I love Loons. Theres a lot of them up here too but I never get a chance to shoot them as they are usually way too far off shore (or on the other side of the lake lol) from me.

I am heading down to Minnesota the weekend after the 4th to visit a friend... he's not far from Fargo. Is there anything you'd recommend around that area for something fun to shoot?

Thanks for the comments guys.I just wish I would have been on the other side of the loon so the light could have caught his red eye.

Loupey, yes I did catch some fish. It was actually pretty good until the wind switched direction. That always seems to kill the bit.

Jaedon, bring your long lens. Detroit Lakes, MN is only about an hour from Fargo. Nearby Detroit Lakes you'll find a National Wildlife Refuge, a Wetland Management District with trail and boardwalk and a county park. They are all part of the Minnesota Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. I've never checked out this trail but hope to someday. Here is a link to a website with the info. Have a great time and be sure to post photos when you get back.
http://mnbirdtrail.com/

Beautiful shots, I've always enjoyed watching and listening to loons.

Nice shots.

Very pretty looking bird.

Congrats on the FP and i love the video :)

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

Knight, thanks for bringing the FP to my attention. I would probably never have noticed. I've never noticed a photo up there before.

And thanks for whoever is responsible for FP status. I always figured this was the best photo forum on the net. Now I'm sure of it. :D :thumbsup:

Loons are so cool-looking. These are great shots! My favorite though is the 2nd from the bottom...I like the shape he's making...:) Congrats on the FP!

Emily