Common Loon Hatchling, July 3, 2010

This video, taken in the South Bay section of Wachusett Reservoir in Boylston, Massachusetts, shows a newly hatched Common Loon. I have been watching this nest for the past three weeks -- the adults have been minding the nest for the past four weeks so I expected the eggs to hatch this weekend. I knew something was going on during the morning and early afternoon after viewing the nest during a Forbush Bird Club trip. Despite repeated offers from the female to mind the nest, the male would not take a break while the female stayed close by. After watching for nearly three hours, I went home and came back around 5:30. Shortly after arriving, I noticed a small head poking up from behind the male as he began the classic yodeling . What happens next is clearing shown in the video.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• bird
• Common Loon
• hatchling
• infant
• feeding
• egg sack