Autumn Common Loon on migration, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahAutumn Common Loon on migration – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Almost one year ago I spotted a Common Loon floating on the Bear River after a somewhat disappointing morning for birds at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Other than photographing a hatch year Great Blue Heron on the flats and a long distance Ruddy Duck the morning had been a bust until I saw a black and white water bird floating on the river on the way back to the interstate. Once I saw the massive, dagger-like bill I knew that I had found a migrating Common Loon.

I don’t see loons often in northern Utah but I have very fond memories of seeing and hearing them as a young girl on small lakes when I lived in Michigan. The calls of these loons delight me. This loon did not call, it was actively foraging for prey in the river.

Migrating Common Loon on the Bear River, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahMigrating Common Loon on the Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I was thrilled to photograph this Common Loon as it floated and foraged on the Bear River. I could wish that the loon had been a bit closer but I was simply delighted to have it in my viewfinder for as long as I did.

Windy, cloudy, and rainy weather has kept me home bound for several days now and as I near the anniversary of my Common Loon sighting I find myself anxious to head back up to the refuge to see if this loon could have stopped over on the river again on fall migration. The wind died down last night but the clouds and rain persist. It looks like good weather will reappear on Thursday.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Common Loon photos plus facts and information about this species.