Description
Book SynopsisCelebrate the lives of common loons with this collection of photographs and information by award-winning author and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela.
Their stunning beauty inspires us. Their haunting calls fill us with nostalgia. Loons remind us of joyful days at the lake, of time spent with family. Their arrival each spring signals the end of winter and that warmer days are ahead. Award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela believes that loons are the most fascinating of birds. He spent years studying loons, noting their behaviors and capturing them in photographs. Stan’s research spanned major events such as migration and courtship, as well as everyday activities including feeding and sleeping.
The result is a striking portrayal of these amazing birds in Loons. Stan’s extraordinary photographs depict the water birds in a new, unique fashion. His fascinating text, drawn from detailed research and personal observations, provides information about every aspect of the loons’ lives. Presented with headings and short paragraphs, the coffee-table book is pleasurable to browse and easy to read.
“They’re one of my favorite birds because they’re so beautiful,” says Stan. “Their calls can send shivers down my spine, and they have incredible parenting skills.”
Unmatched by any other book on the market, Loons is a must-have for bird watchers, water bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Table of ContentsThe Northwoods Loons
Fascinating Loons
Myths of the Creation
Folklore of the Necklace
The Lore of the Call
The Five Species of Loons
Origins of the Scientific Name
Origins of the Common Name
Popular Names Around the World
Range
General Population
The Decline of the Loon
Human Disturbance and Nest Failure
Lead Sinkers
Fishing Line
Coastal Water Threats
Mercury Poisoning
Sick or Injured Loons
The Recovery of the Loon
Differences of the Sexes
Impressive Size
Life Span
Unique Alignment
Bones for Swimming and Diving
Built-in Nose Plugs
Red Eyes
Extra Eyelids
Seeing Underwater
Powerful Legs
Wings to Carry the Load
Changing Plumage
Preening and Waterproofing
Nibbling
Bathing
Body Shaking and Wing Stretching
Tail Wagging
Seasonal Diet of Whole Fish
Spectacular Divers
Diving Reflex Lowers Heart Rate
Swimming Underwater
Submerging Like a Submarine
Surfacing with Control
Accessing the Nest Discreetly
Peering
Foot Waggling
Taking Off into the Wind
Rapid Shallow Wing Beats
Designed to Land on Water
Sleeping on Water
The Voice of the Wilderness
Communicating with Calls
The Wail
The Tremolo
The Yodel
The Hoot
Chick Calls
Mating Behavior
Loon Society
Nest Construction
Island Nesting
Water Activity and Nesting
Reusing and Relocating Nests
Eggs and Incubation
Out of the Nest, into the Water
Migration
Loon Allure
About the Author
