The Bird Collection

Common Loon, Early morning mist

Quiet Approach — Common Loon, Lac du Cœur

We had scouted this tranquil spot in advance — a quiet inlet where loons often came to fish at first light. The canoe was already in the water, tied to the dock the night before, with paddles set close by to minimize any morning noise.

Still, the loon arrived earlier than we had hoped. Rather than waiting for it to glide along its usual path, we had to paddle—gently, silently—toward our subject.

In the soft light and rising mist, the loon drifted with ease across the still water, its familiar checkered plumage reflecting the lake’s muted tones. A serene encounter — framed between two hushed strokes of the paddle.