Rainy Day Chick

For anyone who knows me, they know I love nature, and the common loon is my favorite subject to photograph.

I have a go-to-location for my loon photos. It's a quaint, quiet lake that sees some human recreation activity, but I try and time it right where no one else is ever around (like after dusk or right after the sun rises). Last year I stalked the Loon Family religiously, patiently awaiting the arrival of their chicks. The waiting paid off and I snapped a photo that, to date, is my all time favorite.

This year has been different. I kind of forgot about the Loon Family. I paddled out to see them about two weeks ago and, like clockwork, they were on their nest with eggs. I checked on them last week to see if there were any chicks. Nope.

Last night, as the hubby and I were on our way home form a hike, we decided on an impromptu paddle to visit the Loon Family. They were still nesting, but I noticed what appeared to be a small hole in one of the eggs. I was not sure if this was the beginning of the hatch or if it had fallen victim as pray. I could only hope. And the anticipation kept me up all night.

The alarm beeped at 5:30 and instead of the daily routine of shower, coffee, make-up, work...I slide a paddle in between make-up and work. I just had this feeling that there was going to be a loon chick waiting for me.

Just as my kayak touched the water, my husband called me.

" You on the lake?" he asked,
"Yes. I just got out here."
"Well, I would get off. I just checked the radar and there is a storm coming. A big one." he warned.
"Okay." I replied.

I knew the storm was coming. I could hear the thunder and tiny rain droplets were splashing on the surface of the water. I tend to push Mother Nature's limits. Because with out a little risk, there is no reward. Any my reward this first summer morning...was a loon chick just finding it's way out of his/her shell.

I snapped a photo and got the hell out of there. The thunder was giving me fair warning of the impending storm (and holy heck did it STORM!) and I did not want to agitate the loon chick or its parents.

It's supposed to be a soggy--rain predicted all week--so I only hope the Mother Nature is kind to the new additions of the loon world (hopefully the second egg hatches without incident; last year only one of the chicks made it) and that She let's the rain wanes off long enough for me to enjoy another paddle.