BREAKFAST TIME FOR THE 11 to12 DAY OLD LOON CHICKS.

Over each of the next couple of days, I propose to post a series of 4 or 5 images showing the Breakfast Activities of the Loon Family as observed by myself and a friend over a half hour period on June 25th. It was amazing to see the number and sizes of minnows consumed by each of the chicks during this time. No wonder the young are growing fast. They now appear to be almost twice the size that they were when I first observed them at one day old.

In this first batch of four images, just as we arrived on the scene, Dad (assumed) popped to the surface next to Mom and the young and offers up a small minnow. Neither of the young appeared to be too interested, suggesting that perhaps they had already consumed a few fish and weren’t too hungry any more. Dad insists, however, and finally finds a taker.


Dad surfaces with his catch and swims very low in the water.


Dad offers the small minnow to the young. Both seem most reluctant to take it.


Dad finally entices one of the young to come to him and to take the meal offered. Note the size of the less than two week old young. I don't think they get piggyback rides anymore.

********************

CONTINUED Tomorrow.