Thursday, July 22, 2010 11:46pm CDT
Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 11:46PM
68 degrees Starlit and thunder Calm
I just came in a few minutes ago. The loons out on the lake were calling their beautiful calls.
The moon is almost full. The stars bright in the sky. And flashes of lightening off to the west. And muffled thunder.
A couple hours ago, I had gone down to the lake to wash my hands and arms and legs after doing a lot of work.
One of the loons was sitting only about a hundred feet beyond the end of the dock. It was good to see him in so close. He looked wonderful.
I went out to the end of the dock and sat with my feet in the water.
The loon did not move away. He simply sat and watched me. And I watched him. And he watched me watching him.
I started quietly calling to him to see if he would answer me. Hoots and quiet wails. Quiet so that the neighbors would not think I had completely lost my mind!
He didn't answer. But he didn't swim away either. We both just sat and enjoyed the moment. Or at least I enjoyed the moment.
The whole sky above me was completely clear. The full moon hung just above the trees. The first stars started to twinkle as we sat there. Off to the west was a high bank of dark clouds. Occasionally there was a flash of lightening deep within the clouds. The sun had set about half and hour before and darkness was quickly settling. But this was still that magical time of twilight.
What could be more perfect than to add a loon close by on a lake of mirror.
He floated. I sat. Both of us content to just "be". Both of us looking at each other.
What was he thinking? The nesting platform floated close by. Did he remember it? Did he remember me? Did he recognize me?
This went on for close to half an hour. Finally I was having trouble making out his silhouette in the shadows of the darkness. But he was still there.
Another loon called from across the lake. I wondered if he would answer.
He didn't answer. He turned and looked that direction but made no move to swim away.
As I headed up to the house, he was still floating there.
But sometimes moments are too magical and magnificent for words!
Reader Comments (10)
How serene and like you said: magical. I think the loons are stopping by to silently give you a nod of thanks for all the care you have given them. What a beautiful evening you had and bonding with the loon. I envy you and thank you for sharing the evening moments.
Jane MN
Jane says it all. Thanks for sharing.
How Beautiful......and what a privilege & A Gift given you...........
I can see your quiet time in my minds eye
Thank You for sharing
.....Being here in Iowa , I miss the loons, but we have many other beautiful birds.
My husband & I have the privilege of watching family of Bluebirds this spring- from mating , to eggs, & leaving the nest..they are such a beautiful blue......
Larry, I can't begin to tell you how much I love your writing. When we travel to the Adirondacks, early in September this year, I want to experience a magnificent, magical moment similar to yours with the resident loons we always see. I will think of this post fondly as I sit with them, or even just one of them, at the end of the dock. What a peaceful way to end a beautiful day. Thank you for sharing.
What a picturesque moment you re-captured for me! Years ago, I'd go to my parent's lake home to fish, and enjoy ravishing pink sunsets, blue skies, night fall, the moon, twinkling stars and loons calling out over a still lake . Occasionally there was what we called "heat" lightening off in the distance. My, what peace, tranquility and beauty - a vivid picture only God could create - as I sat on the banks of Lake Sullivan taking it all in. Oh how I miss those days of simplicity... Thanks for the memories Larry!
Thank you for sharing such magical moments! With the incredible details, I could imagine being right there with you.... and the wondrous loon!
We had a weird loon experience Wednesday, July 14. We were riding on a pontoon up in the Annandale area. There was something strange in the water. My heart sank to think that it may be a dead loon. We got to within 5-6 ft and it was a loon sleeping, head tucked back under it's wing. My brother-in-law cut the motor and we sat quietly there. Then I saw it blink so I knew it wasn't dead. Slowly it untucked it's head, looked at us, and retucked as if he would continue with his nap. I have never been that close, even in my canoe over the years. My brother-in-law wondered if there was something wrong with it. Later, that same day, we saw another loon just floating. Again, it let us get really close to it, never diving or making a sound. Sure made for some great photos but I am curious why they allowed us to be so close to them.
Well, Larry, you made everyhing sound magical as usual. I followed the loon for over two month, then I got into watching the Hornby Eagles. Sad to say, 'Phoenix' the eaglet died of a lung disease........ I will be watching next year as I will the loons. The bluebirds I watched hatch did make it. Out they went flying away. You have brought a new demension to my life!!
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