Loons & Swallows arrive the same day
Friday morning, May 19, 2006, the sky was swarming with Tree Swallows and they found the nesting box we placed in the Birch tree near the house! At the same time I noticed a pair of Common Loons on the lake. During the day I saw several more pair of loons. They spend most of their time diving, and seem to travel quite fast underwater. I never know where they will appear. I watched with the binoculars for more than an hour, hoping to get some good photos, but they eluded me. The Red Necked Grebes obliged, though, and I shot a roll of film of them as they kept their distance from the loons.
Today, Saturday, several swallows fought over the nesting box. One sat on top of the box for 15-20 minutes. I haven’t observed any activity in the box since this morning. It looks like I ditched the owl decoy just in time. Without the fake owl to guard the dock, the Mallard is back. I think I’ll look for a whirlygig or flag or something to discourage the Mallard from napping and pooping on my dock.
The loons seem to be holding their own with all the fishing boats today, I wonder if all the weekend activity on the lake will discourage them from nesting. They are such a beautiful bird, the black and white patterns of their feathers are stunning. And, I love to hear their melodious call.
Life on the lake is always interesting. Never a dull moment.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
May 22nd, 2006 at 1:00 am
I see the beginnings of a new book with beautiful art work of lake birds and ducks.
You’ve certainly got the dialogue to go with it. It’ll be fun to notice the changes throughout the year.
May 22nd, 2006 at 3:21 am
Thank you Evelyn. I’m getting excited about the waterfowl, and am looking forward to the changes as well.
Gail Niebrugge, Artist