Missed my opportunity!

[mn shutterbug]

A couple weeks ago I was notified about the loon chicks on a lake up north. I was told they spend a ot of time in the bay, with the babies. When I drove up there, the story was changed. Now they tell me that they come into the bay occasionally, but you really need a boat to get anywhere near them. Yep, I saw them, about 200 yards out. I then found a homeowner that offered to take me out the next week, in their boat, if they saw the chicks again. Unfortunately, the chicks were not seen again.

A couple days ago, I called another resort in the area. They had just seen a couple chicks with their mama the night before. They graciously offered me free use of their pontoon, to use for photographing them. I was going to go on Tuesday, but they said the lake was really rough. I and a friend headed up yesterday and got to the resort about 6:30 P.M. Unfortunately, the only chicks we saw, were already almost full size and no longer with the parents. However, we had a great time getting what we could, in between the bouncing of the pontoon.

There is nothing unique here, but I'm still happy with what I came back with. I'm also thrilled with the 30 mpg I'm getting with my "new to me", SUV I just got off Ebay, from a car dealer in Iowa.

[Lori11]

Those are STUNNING shots.......... I'm so jealous!

[mjs1973]

I think these look really good Mike. How close were you able to get? Are these FF or cropped? Loons are pretty high on my list, but I just haven't had the opportunity to head north to try to get them. Maybe next year...

[mn shutterbug]

Thanks, folks.

Mike, a couple of these are full frame and the others aren't cropped more than 30%. We probably came across a dozen loons and some you could approach real close, and others were quite shy and would dive and resurface 50 yards away. One shot that I missed of one coming up with his wings stretched, was too close. About 1/4 of him didn't fit in the frame.

[beccyboo]

great shots I like the 2nd from last the best, brilliant clarity!! Do you use filters?

[scott-devon]

Wonderful shots! I often get close to these beautiful birds while fly-fishing in my inflatable pontoon boat. I'm tempted to take my camera along but fear I'd give it a dunking....

[mn shutterbug]

No filters. I've been advised to shoot "naked".

[paulnj]

perfect exposer and well worth the trip!

The 5th images is insanely awesome if you ask me!