Common Loon with Chick on Lake Umbagog

by Neal Eslinger

Title

Common Loon with Chick on Lake Umbagog

Artist

Neal Eslinger

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Common Loon with Chick on Lake Umbagog: This photograph of a Loon and newborn baby chick was taken from my kayak on Lake Umbagog (Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge) in Northern New Hampshire in July 2016. Loons or also known as divers and are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia. Loons nest during the summer on freshwater lakes and/or large ponds. Smaller bodies of water will usually only have one pair. Larger lakes may have more than one pair, with each pair occupying a bay or section of the lake. Most clutches consist of two eggs, which are laid in May or June, depending upon latitude. Loon chicks are able to swim and dive right away, but will often ride on their parents' back during their first two weeks to rest, conserve heat, and avoid predators. Loons are excellent swimmers, using their feet to propel themselves above and under water. However, since their feet are located posteriorly on the body, loons cannot walk. Loons avoid coming to land, except when nesting or severely injured. Loons can live as long as 30 years and can hold their breath for as long as 90 seconds while underwater.

Uploaded

August 6th, 2016

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