Common Loon

We were unbelievably lucky on our walk this morning - 48 different species of birds were seen, including this Common Loon, swimming in the icy cold waters of the Bow River! Most of the birds were too far away for photos. I love to see the gorgeous black-and-white patterns on this beautiful bird. It gave its eerie call, too, which was a treat. What a special way to spend part of Earth Day : ).

Sad, too, though, as Bernard and his sister Therese, two of our long-time birding friends (and excellent birders!), leave on Saturday to move back to Eastern Canada. They will be greatly missed! Thank you, Bernard, for always carrying that heavy scope of yours so that the rest of us might see and marvel at so much distant beauty!! What will we do without you??? Have a safe journey!

The word "loon" might come from "lom" the Scandinavian word for "clumsy", as this bird is awkward on land.