Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S100FS     Exposure: 1/350s   f5.3/102mm     Date: 25.06.2010

Loon on nest, Bridge Lake, BC

Loons build their nests close to the water, preferring sites that are completely surrounded by water such as islands or emergent vegetation. The nests are often only a collection of some aquatic vegetation, pine needles, leaves and mud. Sometimes, nest material is almost lacking. Both male and female build the nest and incubate jointly for 28 days. Because of the proximity to the water, nests are often washed out by waves from strong winds or more often from passing motor boats. Once the eggs get wet, the nest is abandoned. This specific pair raised two chicks, one of whom survived.