Common Loons attract a lot of attention from birders wherever they may be. I’ve enjoyed seeing them in tundra ponds in Alaska, offshore from the Pacific Coast of southern California and along the Gulf Coast of Texas – each loon a point of interest and study. This fall I had an opportunity to photograph Common Loons as they began molting from their classic alternate (breeding) plumage to basic (winter) plumage in the state that appreciates loons most – Minnesota. Revered as the state bird, wild loon calls echo across 10,000 lakes, but rarely do we see photos of Common Loons as they molt from their familiar summer plumage to the less-known winter plumage. That opened an opportunity for me to try to document a number of stages as the fall molt progressed, and to share a series of photos to show that progression.

By September 7 the molt was just beginning, with colors dulling on the head and new white feathers mixing in. Some feathers are missing on the back, sides, and rump, and the beak is starting to show some discoloring from the deep black color of summer (600mm zoom lens, f-8 aperture, 1/500 shutter speed, 400 ISO.)

During the fall molting period, which in the past 2 years I learned begins the last days of August and continues feather by feather into mid-October in central Minnesota. There is some variation among individuals though, and molting may continue while some individual loons start migrating, but I managed to photograph the molting stages from beginning to end this fall in one area of central Minnesota with my friends Dave and Pat, who shared some amazing photo opportunities, during September and October.

By October 3, the molt was well under way in this Common Loon, most notably on the head and neck, but throughout the bird’s plumage. Its beak shows a mix of black and gray, and it will eventually become fully gray (600mm zoom lens, f-10 aperture, 1/1000 shutter speed, 800 ISO).

I’m not sure why the molting period hasn’t been very well documented or readily available for such an iconic species, but I was determined to do just that, with the help and enthusiasm of Andy (Dave) and Pat at their respective home lakes – Little Pelican and Bad Medicine. Both amigos have luxury loon pontoons, and proved to be excellent bird photography boat captains. Luckily, they both enjoyed the experience, new for Pat, while Andy has become a 3-year veteran, mostly during the nesting season. Fall birding for loon photography is a bit different, but no less exciting.

Similar to the preceding loon, this molting loon was in mid-molt by September 28, it shows all the wings’ primaries and secondaries intact, with something of a neck ring remaining. To fit the broad wingspan into the photo frame, the lens was zoomed to a lower magnification and the shutter speed was increased to stop the motion by reducing the aperture (430mm zoom lens, f-7 aperture, 1/2000 shutter speed, 800 ISO.)

The dates we were on the water during the fall molting period were September 7, September 28, October 3, and October 16. I include the date the photo was taken with each of the images selected to show the progression of the fall molt in Common Loons, and to illustrate the variations between loons photographed at the same time. As with any bird photos you take on or beside water, the colors of the reflection on the water’s surface makes a big difference in each photograph. Blue sky may be reflected, sometimes with a mix of white clouds, or the water may show the reflection of tree leaves or plants near the shore, adding the color to the water. The amount of wind will also add texture to the colors in the form of ripple or wave action.

A chance to compare the molting progress on 2 loons on October 3 is interesting, with the forward loon closer to completing its molt into basic plumage. The aperture was increased to expand the area in focus while photographing more than one loon (600mm zoom lens, f-11 aperture, 1/1600 shutter speed, 800 ISO).

As with any other bird photography planning, ya need sunshine, so plan your outing when the weather forecast is sunny, at least during the hour or 2 you will be on the water. Keep the sun behind you, which you can double-check by keeping your shadow in front of you, pointed at the loons. Have the captain turn off the engine when you are in position, and hold your breath as you take each photo to reduce the effect of body movement. Try to anticipate the birds’ next move and react accordingly in the moment, such as when a loon rises up to flap its wings, or when it calls.

The variation in the progress of molting is quite dramatic in this image, also taken October 3 of a loon that is close to completing its molt and shows a fully gray beak (600mm zoom lens, f-10 aperture, 1/400 shutter speed, 800 ISO).

Take plenty of photographs when you have the chance, especially if the loon is showing different angles – side, front, back – or during portrait and action photo opportunities. Zoom in and out if you’re using a zoom lens to add more or less background, and do some in-camera positioning to keep the loon a bit off center – give it some extra space in front of its view, a bit less behind it. Use a wider aperture when you want to get 2 or more loons in the photo frame, say an f-10 or even an f-14, if you can keep a reasonable shutter speed – faster than 1/500 is good, 1/1000 or faster is better – just in case some action breaks out. Most of all, enjoy the process, enjoy yourself in the company of friends, and appreciate the loons you encounter.

A fully molted Common Loon that was photographed October 16 shows the basic plumage it will have during migration south and through most of the winter period along the Gulf Coast. By the time it migrates north next spring, the loon will have molted again into its more colorful, more well-known alternate (breeding) plumage (600mm zoom lens, f-7 aperture, 1/1600 shutter speed, 800 ISO).

I enjoy every loon cruise we take, and Andy has been the catalyst for exceptional Common Loon photography the past 3 seasons. His interest and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated, as are the similar reactions by Pat, who is newly indoctrinated as an ace loon photography captain and photographer. As always, birding is a great way for great friends to share time together on the water, on land, and when birds are in the sky! Share a new birding experience with a friend sometime soon.

Article and Photographs by Paul Konrad

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