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Hitching A Ride On Mom

© Kathy Salerni

Hitching A Ride On Mom

Uploaded: April 21, 2014 13:58:33 | Entered: April 24, 2014 10:29:28

Description

When baby loons are just a few hours old, they must already instinctively know who their parents are and how to follow them, how to swim, how to beg for food, what to do when they hear their parent make a warning call, and how to climb up on their parent's back when they get tired or cold.
Loon parents leave their babies sometime around the time that the babies are 11 weeks old. At that point the baby loons can't fly yet. They will have to learn many things all by themselves: how to fly, how to find all their own food, how to protect themselves against predators, and how, when, and where to migrate. Sometimes people think it's cruel of the parents to abandon the babies like this. But there is a very good reason for it. Loons can't walk on land. Before the babies can fly, they can't leave their lake, even if the lake runs out of food. So the parents leave in order to ensure that there will be enough food remaining for their babies.

Comments

Colette M. Metcalf April 22, 2014

OMG! This is SOOO adorable:0) #1570749

Debbie Bray April 22, 2014

A very gorgeous image of the baby loon on her Mum's back. I love the speckled plumage, and I also like the survival story behind why the adults take off and leave their babies behind. #11027993

Leslie McLain level-classic April 22, 2014

Fantastic capture, Kathy. So sweet. #11027995

frank w. degenhardt April 22, 2014

Nature has a way of taking care of its own, sometimes we don't understand why things are done in a certain way. They are such a beautiful bird and if you have ever been out on a lake fishing and hear their sound, you will never forget it. It is so beautiful. Gorgeous work along with the wonderful story Kathy. #11028288

Terry Cervi level-deluxe April 22, 2014

What an interesting story about the loons, Kathy! And what a beautiful capture too! #11028432

Jeffrey R. Bange April 22, 2014

Beautiful capture as always Kathy and I truly love the facts that accompanied it. #11028492

Patrick Rouzes level-classic April 22, 2014

Tones, detail contrasts, clarity & lighting are phenomenal, Kathy. The info is ultra interesting. Big fave for me, my friend. #11028518

Ellen Hodges April 24, 2014

Over the top fantastic, Kathy! Soooo well done!! #11029768

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