The Adirondacks are the summer home people and animals alike. The numerous lakes serve as a breeding ground for a fascinating bird species known as the loon. These charismatic and elusive creatures capture the hearts of nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, with their haunting calls and graceful movements across the shimmering waters. Their striking black and white plumage, complemented by vibrant red eyes, paints a picture of elegance against the backdrop of the region’s crystal-clear lakes. With their elongated bodies and distinctive dagger-like bills, these aquatic birds have adapted perfectly to their surroundings, making the Adirondacks their true home. I visited Sacandaga Lake and surrounding areas looking for nesting Loons and perhaps their young. My friend Eric served as my guide for the area. Although no chicks had yet hatched the thrill of watching the loons carefully work as a team, taking turns tending to nesting duties was heartwarming.
Loons are masterful swimmers and divers, gliding through the water with effortless grace. Their streamlined bodies and webbed feet allow them to navigate the depths with ease, searching for fish—their primary source of sustenance. Observing a loon as it dives beneath the water’s surface, only to resurface a few moments later in a different location, is a testament to their underwater agility and adaptability. In an ironic twist the ease of life on the water is contrasted by their awkward movement on land. With their feet far back on the body walking is not a pretty sight. Seeing a Loon walking is indeed a rare occurrence since they only leave the water to lay and incubate eggs. Once born the Loons return to the water with their chicks.
Here are some of my favorite photographs
