We are back at the lake and got out in the kayaks last evening with a friend. It was a wonderful evening to be on the water; no wind, flat water, and loons.
As we started, we saw this interesting cloud formation.
This shore bird had an evening snack.
We have heard a loon earlier in the season, and seen one, but tonight we saw this pair. They were on the western side of the southern part of the lake, along a boat dock.
As we paddled by them, they swam out to a ball-shaped float in the lake. One took an interest in this strange yellow ball.
It actually was able to climb on top of it.
The moon had already risen, not quite full, but soon to be. I liked the contrast of the pure blue sky, the stark branches, and the moon.
We got to the southern end of the lake, to the inlet of Horton Creek and found these two swans patrolling the waters. Since swans can be quite territorial and aggressive, we yielded to the swans and skipped by the southern end of the lake.
We saw very few turtles that time of day, but this small one watched me closely as I paddled by.
Thank you, Polly, for paddling with us. It was a great evening.
Mark
Mark,
Amazing pics. Thanks so much for sharing. Please give Rose a hug for me. Beautiful!
Mark
I would like to stay here for long time. Great photos and very calming. Love the moon and tree pictures, went back a couple times. Thanks.
Thanks, Bob. The evening was perfectly calm. It was very peaceful, until the jet ski came down to our end of the lake.
Great pics. We are heading up to the cabin tomorrow. Hope to kayak Monday morning and Tuesday morning before we need to be back here. Best to you both.
Thanks, Karen. Enjoy your time at the cabin.
Great photos, Mark, and I especially love the pictures of the loons. I cannot believe one of them got on that ball! I paddled down to the Horton Creek bay yesterday morning, and those two swans were there then as well. They were not interested in leaving, and I steered clear of them. I was wondering if maybe they had a nest in the area. I usually see a loon pair in that area, but not yesterday. I did spy a mature eagle flying overhead and lots of turtles at “the point.” Enjoy your time at and on the lake.
Over the last few years, there has been a pair of swans at that end of the lake, but they haven’t stayed to build a nest. They seem to be sticking around longer this year. The loons were nowhere near the historical loon nest site, but on the opposite side of the lake, still near the south end. Having seen the picture of the dead loon wash on shore near the peninsula, I’m wondering if this is a new pair that may nest on the other side. We will have to keep watch.