Loch Ness Loon

[Randy Stout]

This common loon was imaged last week in northern Michigan.  He had a large sunfish that he had captured, and was trying to position it so that he could swallow it. This process went on for about ten minutes. He was eventually successful.

I thought he looked rather dragon like in this pose.

Nikon D4. 600VR. taken from my little boat.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Ann]

I always enjoy your wonderful photographs of these most elegant Loons!

[Andrew]

So beautiful!

[Fons Baerken]

Wonderful image.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone:

They are indeed elegant birds, with many interesting behaviors.

Cheers

Randy

[bobfriedman]

nice shot with the tongue present and nice low angle.

[Hugh_3170]

Me too. 

I always enjoy your wonderful photographs of these most elegant Loons!

[PeterN]

A beautiful capture of a beautiful pose (dragon-like indeed). Light in the eye and drops visible on the back. Wonderful.
A stupid question as a non-bird photographer. How did you manage to get the light in the eye?

[Akira]

Randy, your very sparse posting proves your perseverance and high standard for the selection.  This is no exception.  Breathtaking.

[Randy Stout]

Peter:

The catch light in the eye comes from the sun popping up over the trees.  I generally shoot with the sun to my back.  You sometimes will get a second catchlight from the sun reflecting off the water onto the eye as well.

If conditions are really dark, I will sometimes use fill flash at -2  or less, to give just a little pop to the eye and plumage.

Good question.

Randy

[PeterN]

Peter:

The catch light in the eye comes from the sun popping up over the trees.  I generally shoot with the sun to my back.  You sometimes will get a second catchlight from the sun reflecting off the water onto the eye as well.

If conditions are really dark, I will sometimes use fill flash at -2  or less, to give just a little pop to the eye and plumage.

Good question.

Randy

Thank you for clarifying!