Saturday, July 30, 2016

Coastal BC Birds: Red-throated Loon

Red-throated Loon

After I wrote this post, the Red-throated Loons came by again.


Here's a short video of their recent visit.

In 2010, Wayne and I spotted a different kind of loon near our float cabin on Powell Lake. It had the same body shape and diving habits as a Common Loon, but the colours and sounds were just a bit off.

Common Loons are black and white. This one was mottled gray and white with a brick red throat. I looked it up and discovered it was Red-throated Loon. Each year since, a pair arrives at Hole in the Wall and takes over the territory.

Red-throated Loon pair comes to visit.

Usually the Red-throated Loons stay across the bay near a shallow area. We surmise they may be nesting there. We hear them call to each other and watch them swim and dive.


This week for the first time they both came right in front of our cabin. Finally I could get some good pictures.


Red-throated Loons are not common in Coastal BC during the summer months. They prefer the Arctic for breeding and return to our shores in the winter. I surmise this returning pair is nesting somewhere in the large, shallow back bay across from our cabin.

Doesn't she look like she's trying out one of our logs as possible nesting site?

I wonder if this is the result of climate change. Whatever the case, I enjoy hearing their calls and watching them ply the waters of Hole in the Wall. Has anyone else seen nesting Red-throated Loons this summer? -- Margy

21 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm so glad they chose to come close just once. - Margy

      Delete
  2. Hello, the Red-throated Loon is a beautiful bird. Lucky you, I would love to see one with their breeding colors. Great captures. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They come to our place on the lake every year now, just one pair. - Margy

      Delete
  3. I love the sound the loon makes, it just says "Canada" doesn't it? I will have to look for the red-throated one, don't recall seeing one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Their call sounds a bit different, it ends with a duck like cackle. - Margy

      Delete
  4. Gorgeous bird. I love the sound of the loon too, just reminds me of peaceful days at the lake.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great bird - I've never seen any. Hope they come closer so you can give us a close up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's about as close as they get and my puny camera can't do much better with the built in zoom. But at least it's easy to carry around. - Margy

      Delete
  6. How neat for you to see one and have them so close. Wonderful
    MB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the only place I've ever seen them. Usually it's the Common Loons. - Margy

      Delete
  7. Hello, these are gorgeous birds. I would love to see them in their breeding colors, so pretty. Wonderful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your 4th of July weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice are the chicks.
    Regards:)*
    Monika

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never seen them with chicks, but they must be somewhere safe. - Margy

      Delete
  9. Fascinating series of pictures of nature.
    There is also these same birds.
    Greetings

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great pictures of the Loons!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was so lucky they came closer. Before this they were just little dots. - Margy

      Delete
  11. Awesome post and photos. These Loons are gorgeous. I would love to see them in the wild some day! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy day and new week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I'm finally done with this post, and the red-throated loons have quit coming to visit even though we can still hear them calling in the mornings. - Margy

      Delete

We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy