The common loon is the provincial bird of Ontario and the official state bird of Minnesota. These birds spend most of their lives in the water. Because their feet are located closer to the back side of their down-covered bodies, it’s a challenge for them to walk on land. However, this doesn’t stop loons from being fierce swimmers both above and below water!
Wife took this picture of a female loon feeding one of her babies on Otter Lake here in Alaska this past weekend. We were lucky enough to watch this family of 4 from a safe distance without disturbing them..
A picture I took on Little Squam Lake, New Hampshire a few years ago. Love their beautiful, haunting, call....