Father's Day loons with babies

At long last we finally spied some loons with tagalong fluffballs! When we first came upon them, the two babies were on their parent's back, but quickly jumped off into the water as our boat approached.

 

These are the first baby loons (loonlings??) we have ever come upon!!

 

 

I didn't take my camera, as Jennifer had hers along, so all of these were taken by Jenn. Thank you!!

Did a wee bit of research on the waving foot thing going on ~



Foot Waggle:

Loons have been studied for a long time. Researchers have been able to interpret most of their behavior. One behavior that the Biologists are unable to fully explain is the foot waggle. This is when the loon brings its foot out of the water and waves it around. There are many theories for why they would be doing this. One theory is that the loon could be stretching its foot. Another theory is that the loon waggles its foot for temperature control. The water is cold and it might be bringing the foot out to warm it up. The foot waggle could also aid in the blood circulation. Whatever the reason, the loons do the foot waggle so often that biologists wait for the loon to do the foot waggle so that they can see the colored bands. (previously leg-banded by scientists studying them)

http://www.sphotography.com/loonpage.htm