Happy Couple is a photograph by Penny Meyers which was uploaded on July 12th, 2013.
Happy Couple
Mr. and Mrs. Loon out for an afternoon swim with their family, as their two young trail a bit behind, outside the frame of this photo. One of a... more
by Penny Meyers
Title
Happy Couple
Artist
Penny Meyers
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Mr. and Mrs. Loon out for an afternoon swim with their family, as their two young trail a bit behind, outside the frame of this photo. One of a group of photos by Penny Meyers of this happy little family of Common Loons on a Minnesota pond.
Information obtained from the Minnesota DNR website: Minnesota's state bird, the common loon, is more at home in the water than on land. Built like a torpedo, it swims under water in search of prey. Minnesota has more common loons than any other state except Alaska.
Larger than a mallard but smaller than a goose, this water bird has a thick neck and a long, black bill. Its legs are set far back on its body, so it has an awkward gait on land. The male is slightly larger than the female, but otherwise the two sexes look identical.
The common loon has a black bill and a red eye. In summer it is a spotty black and white with a black/iridescent green head. In fall a "winter coat" that's gray above and white below replaces its summer plumage.
The common loon has four calls. The tremolo, which sounds a bit like maniacal laughter, is an aggressive call. The wail is a long, drawn-out sound. The hoot, a shorter call, is used to communicate among parents and young. The yodel is sounded by male loons guarding their territory.
Loons are found on lakes throughout central and northeastern Minnesota. In September, Minnesota's adult loons travel to their winter home along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina south to Florida, or on the Gulf of Mexico. Younger loons follow a month or so later.
Uploaded
July 12th, 2013
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Comments (27)
Penny Meyers
A huge thank you to the buyer from Rhode Island! I sincerely hope you enjoy your print!
Penny Meyers
FEATURED in the group Weekly FUN For ALL Mediums 01/15/2014. Thank you very much, Chrisann!!
Larry Trupp
So nice to see this pair Penny...they bear such unique feathering details, and colors...V/F BTW for sure
Penny Meyers replied:
Thanks for stopping by, Larry... I'm glad you enjoyed seeing this happy couple!!
Bryan Keil
Great shot, I would love to shoot them someday. f/v
Penny Meyers replied:
Thank you so much Bryan!! They are such a special part of summer here in Minnesota, it's always fun to try and capture a shot.