Low level take off - common loon blasting off

[Randy Stout]

This common loon adult was imaged last week in Northern Michigan.  Different lake than my previous post. 

D810  600VR  f/7.1 1/1600s ISO 400

Taken from the bottom of my little boat, Loonie Too!.  I was using the right angle finder inorder to allow a lower camera position.  It is a bit of an acquired skill to shoot fast moving action at that focal length through the right angled finder.

Loons have the heaviest wing loading of any flying bird, so it is very hard for them to take off.   They patter along the water for 30-40 yards to get up speed, and then slowly lift off, often having to circle around the lake several times to gain enough altitude to clear the trees.

Landing is kind of a semi controlled crash.

Since they don't fly very much once on the nesting lake, the opportunities for flight shots are limited.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[tommiejeep]

Stunner Randy,  thanks for the description.  I did a series of "Down and Dirty"  meaning on my belly in the long grass/mud at the edge of the water,  I tried a tripod a couple of times but mostly handheld.  You were probably more comfortable except for the right angle viewer  ,
Thanks for posting, might be the motivation to look for some Ducks (not much around during Monsoon,
Cheers,

[Akira]

Fascinating capture, Randy.

It's amazing to see how fast the loon does his runup: he takes off while the water "crowns" keep their shapes!

[Anthony]

No advice from me at all.  What a great shot, in not easy circumstances.

[Thomas Stellwag]

congrats to get this rare picture

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for your comments.  I have worked the loons for so long, that I am always trying to capture new viewpoints, behavior and lighting conditions,

Cheers

Randy

[Mongo]

Wonderful shot - great perspective and action !