This morning (April 14, 2026), I managed to find the Common loon that has been frequenting the Cap Sante Marina and get within decent photographic range. In past years when I was able to get photographs of a loon it was always in winter plumage, not displaying the bird’s beautiful breeding plumage. This year a loon remained in the marina long enough †o morph into full breeding plumage and this morning I managed to photograph it.. in the rain!

In this next photo the bird is in “fishing mode”, peering underwater for prey as it paddles along the surface.

Shortly after I arrived the loon departed for the dock complex where it becomes virtually inaccessible. It can swim under a dock and resurface 50′ further away, while requiring me to walk 200 yards just for a CHANCE to photograph it. It’s especially frustrating in that it often surfaces and lingers very close to someone working on a boat, unaware of the loon’s proximity. I learned many years ago that trying follow one through the dock complex is usually a lost cause.