"We're Still Here!"

...said both Common Loon families, as almost a week has passed since first discovering them on the lake. Last Wednesday afternoon I had great views of both families, particularly the first one I found, aka "First Family":

One chick preened on the mother's back while its sibling stretched a leg:

Common Loon chicks ride on the backs of their parents for protection from predators, as well as to save energy:

The male arrived with a snack for the chicks, allowing the female a moment to preen:

The chicks continued to show little interest in the snack: 

They continue to kill me with their ridiculous cuteness, though:

The second family was easily found near their original location:

The female shook and stretched a leg:

Both families were seen on Thursday but the second one had moved west of its original location, perhaps due to an increase in activity on the water ahead of a long week-end.  

Friday's sunrise was gorgeous:

The resident otter silently made its way along the shoreline:

The First Family was easily seen after sunrise and thriving. A haze over the water that I was unaware of at the time gave these next few photos a muted softness:

Stop it with those leg stretches! 

A lone fisherman felt compelled to intentionally aim his boat directly at the mother and chicks, despite having an entire lake at his disposal. The mother sent a chilling alarm call to the chicks as she was not impressed. 

Nor was I.  

The male joined the family:

One chick accepted a meal from the male:

Staying close to mom:

One chick climbed back up on mom's back and preened:

I left to meet my friend Anne in Bobcaygeon and the next part of the day was spent back-roading with her looking for "whatever", with a shift in gears (for me, that is) to macro photography, a skill that Anne has already mastered with stunning results.  

I have no idea how Anne spotted this teeny, tiny Wood Frog, a first for me! 

Another one of nature's beauties was an obliging Calico Pennant that I struggled to focus on, as I'm finding macro photography quite challenging. And I thought warblers were difficult to shoot!! 

The heat and nasty bugs won the war, though, so I wussed out first we soon called it quits, but it was an enjoyable outing, many thanks, Anne! 

On my return to the cottage the second Loon family was still absent, but the First Family was easily seen in their regular spot. 

 

For Saturday I had decided on an early start for Tessa and I, seeking a different sunrise perspective that was not from the dock. 

Right decision.

The same marsh looking in the other direction was magical:  

Another look at a favorite marsh in the Kawarthas with cool effects:

We continued towards Minden to another spectacular marsh I had recently stumbled upon in my travels. Makes one wonder what's beyond those trees, doesn't it??!!

A few weeks ago a Moose had been seen here, but not for me yesterday:

It was time to return to the cottage ahead of the brutal humidex temperatures, so imagine my surprise when I re-found the second Loon family, just when I least expected it! They weren't far from either of the two locations I already knew of, but their range was now almost a kilometre wide, whereas the First Family's territory is a quarter of that! 

What joy to see them all together:

The reliable First Family was in their usual spot:

That being said, it's now Sunday, and First Family has expanded their territory, no doubt due to the increased boating activity on the lake, wisely seeking refuge in a spot in the marsh only accessible by canoe or kayak. It was only with my scope and binoculars that I could find them on two separate visits. Both chicks are still present.

 

The second family was MIA. 

To be continued.