Dark And Moody Common Loon Photos

The dark and moody nature of the Common Loon has made this bird species a popular subject of mythology and folklore. In many Native American cultures, loons are considered to be messengers between the living and the dead, and their calls are believed to have magical properties.

Common Loon in a natural spotlight – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1250, ISO 640, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When I took this image of a Common Loon in dark water with a natural spotlight and saw it on my camera’s LCD screen I knew I was going to love the moodiness of the image. So much so that I tried for a few more images like it that morning.

Common Loons are birds that inhabit freshwater lakes and ponds in North America, known for their striking appearance and haunting calls. These birds have a dark and mysterious aura that evokes a sense of awe and fascination in those who observe them. I knew that I wanted to take more images that showed that darkness and mystery.

Common Loon in a shadowed part of a pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1000, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I waited for the loon to move into the water that was still in the shadows of the mountains to the east and where the sunlight partially lit up the bird.

The Common Loon’s sleek black and white plumage, with their piercing red eyes and dagger-like bill, gives them a distinctively eerie appearance. Their elongated necks and sinewy bodies make them appear almost serpentine as they glide through the water. Their calls are also haunting and memorable, often described as a wail or yodel that echoes across lakes and ponds.

Spring Common Loon in low light – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I took three images that morning that showed the darkness and conveyed the moodiness that I was looking for. The head of the loon looked as if it were black velvet against the dark and silky water. The red eye stood out like a ruby glowing in the light.

Common Loons are mostly solitary birds, spending much of their time in isolation, diving deep into the water in search of prey. They are also known to be fiercely territorial, defending their nesting sites from other birds and animals.

Adult Common Loon in a dark section of a pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday morning I took two more loon photos using the same kind of approach that I was happy with. The clouds over the Wasatch Mountains were appreciated by me and the bits of sunlight that came through them worked like a charm.

Common Loon – Magic and Mystery – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I don’t always need or want the sun over my shoulder to create the images that I envision. On the contrary, there are times I want back, rim, or side light to work with. All five of these images worked out exactly the way I planned.

Whether heard on a quiet evening by the lake, seen on an urban pond during migration, or glimpsed as they disappear below the surface of the water, the Common Loon remains a beloved, almost magical symbol of the North American wilderness.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Common Loon photos plus facts and information about this species.