A Season with the Loons: Healing From Loss With A Loon Family

Update: As of January 2024 I posted a sequel to this film, check it out on my channel page or directly here • A Season with the Loon...
A Season With The Loons
This video tells the story of my 2022 photography project to observe and document common loons during their breeding season (May and October) in northern New England. It is mostly a natural history story about what it takes for loon pairs to nest and raise chicks to successfully fledge, but also weaves in a personal story. I had intended on doing this project in 2021, but a phone call with my mother while I was on the lake during the first day ended those plans. When I reattempted this in 2022, I was in a place of grieving her and the project took on the added dimension of healing and processing change. The film touches on the personal wisdom I gained on my journey, but the main focus of the video is the story of the loons.
To view a photo gallery from this project, order prints, initiate a professional inquiry, or learn about upcoming nature photography workshop opportunities visit my website: www.jwelchphot...
A great book about common loons that I read to prepare for this project, and which I referenced for much of factual material for this project, is James Paruk’s Loon Lessons: Uncommon Encounters with the Great Northern Diver 2021 www.jamesparuk... . I believe it is also available on Amazon. I would highly recommend this book to someone looking for an authoritative deeper dive on loon biology and behavior. It was also highly readable, thanks to Mr. Paruk’s interesting anecdotes from decades of field research with loons. I have no affiliation with this book, I just wanted to share.
*Important: Please read the note below on ethically observing and photographing loons*
*Ethically Observing and Photographing Loon Notes*
Please educate yourself on loon behavior and the ethics of observing loons before attempting to observe them in the wild. ©Some guidelines can be found here. In summary, loons have various state and federal protections, and harassing them can be a criminal offense, carrying fines and even jail time. YOU will be watched on lakes by other boaters and homeowners on developed lakes. While loons are on the nest, they are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance, including kayakers and photographers. I personally chose not to even photograph them at this time, and if you must, keep your visit very brief and from a far distance. Once the chicks have hatched, loon’s tolerance for human presence will vary from individual to individual. Do disrupt their ability to hunt and feed the chicks. General guidelines for how far to stay from them is 100 feet to 100 yards. However, it is allowable for loons to swim up to you on their own (though you must be mindful that you are not drifting into them), which is what happened in some of the close-up footage and photos as two of my loon pairs were very tolerant. Another two of the pairs I observed started to show some signs of agitation, (making calls, etc) even at several hundred feet so I backed off and chose not to return to them for their welfare. In this age of social media photography, I urge you not to turn loons into “the next thing.” Please do not tag or share locations. This will result in having these protected birds mobbed, disturbed, and may prompt authorities to take actions to bar people entirely from observing them, as has been the case with snowy owls, barred owls, and coyotes in New England.
The music was taken from KZbin free library, and is listed below. The distinct adult loon calls at the beginning (and place in a few other places) was a public domain, downloadable, commercial use permitted license and can be found here orangefreesoun...
All photos, video, and audio otherwise © John Welch 2023

[@kbk789]

I just watched your video I'm now 73 years old I live in South Florida and I grew up in Central Wisconsin all my life we had a family log cabin in northern Wisconsin on a private lake porcupine lake and it was absolutely beautiful the water spring-fed crystal clear and every year the loons would come I've been going there since I could walk when I was a young child and I haven't been there now and six or seven years but we go up to see the loons we listen to them calling in the morning it's so beautiful the water is crystal clear the lake is fantastic and you showing the other side of the lake with the trees was exactly what we had there with no other cabins on the lake except a few on our side of the lake. the water was crystal clear the lake is springfed, in the morning the loons would call and we would have coffee and watch them fly around the lake and flap their wings and call to each other. They raised their babies every summer for forty years fifty years I'm not even sure, but ever since I could walk. we learned to swim, we would swim with the loons, we would get real friendly with them, we love swimming with them. they would get friendly and swim up by us about 10-15 feet away when you're in the water. they would look at us and they would holler to each other and it was like music to our ears there's no better peaceful place on Earth. what you did today on this video brought back so many memories with my family my parents and it was absolutely fantastic. thank you so much. This really touched my heart. Thank you again. Xxoo

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. It sounds like a wonderful place to grow up and make a lifetime of memories with your loons and connecting you back to your family memories too. I think that loons do have good memories and get familiar with individual people. Florida has lots of people, but there are also a lot of great birds and pockets of nature so I hope you find those down there.

[@ici_coop]

What beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing 🛶 😊

[@Luciavandertol]

oh geez thats a long comment

[@Wagtail333]

Beautiful. Thank you. May your mother rest in peace.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@zviper]

I miss waking up to loon calls. Loon calls bring warmth to my soul

[@johnwelchphotography]

I know, isn't it one of the best sounds in nature? There is nothing like camping up north and hearing them at night or the morning!

[@zviper]

@@johnwelchphotography yep greatslave lake where I went for summer vacation sailing. I would agree, no other sound compares to loons. Im glad you're finding some peace with the passing of your mom. I lost my mom in 2019. She loved my wildlife photography and anything else I took pictures of. I didn't know how much until her passing, every background and screen saver she had. My pictures were all she ever used.

[@suetaylor4018]

Good Morning, John! Thinking of you and yours on MOTHER'S DAY, As we CELEBRATE our MOM'S. WHAT A GIFT! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you Sue, that is very kind of you to think of me on this day! Much appreciated. Sorry I missed this until now. Yes we can always celebrate the gift of our mothers.

[@suetaylor4018]

Good morning, John. " Change " "Acceptance " Sometimes it takes a long time, as you know. We never had the chance to have Mom at camp, to see her gazing out of the windows, watching the loons; as she sips her tea. But, We FEEL Her Presence, and know she is with us. ❤❤❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Hi Sue, wow, thank you for sharing that. Sorry for your loss. Yes, it all does take time.

[@marlin3043]

I lost my mom on May 14th as well.. I was blessed with a very loving and forgiving mother. It was difficult to see her in pain after her diagnoses. The last day we spoke was Mother's Day Thank you for being so wonderful mom.. I love you with all my heart ❤️ I'll see you there ✝️

[@johnwelchphotography]

I am very sorry to hear that you have lost your mother too. I had to watch my mother suffer too, so I can relate. I will pray for you both.

[@suetaylor4018]

Your Tribute to your Mother, brought me to tears. I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND, and YOU are such a Loving Son...❤❤❤❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you, I sincerely appreciate that!

[@claremc2130]

I just watched this, it's unbelievably moving. I loved everything. That little loon chick following you and hooting a goodbye was beautiful. Thankyou for this video 🥰

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I really was able to reflect on things out there. And yes, I couldn't believe the loon chick coming up to me like. I had literally just said good bye. It wasn't swimming for food or to its parents. Strange in a good way🙂

[@gregorytortissier5518]

Not only did you get awesome pictures of the Loons family but you convey it with simplicity, humility and touch of personal story (sorry for your loss). I found the way you show it to us viewers is so natural and engaging spot on narrative and image sequences (better than showing the single best shot you got). Fantastic job

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I agree about not just showing the best shot. I find as I do a project like this, there are so many little behaviors and changes that wouldn't be a portfolio grade type, but if you put it together in a video like this, those shots can tell a fuller story.

[@gregorytortissier5518]

@@johnwelchphotography So true. Really looking forward to seeing more of your intimate wildlife videos and pictures. Cheers John

[@christinasophieschultz5081]

I had cry so hard as the lone last chick followed him over the lake 😢😭 this whole video was so touching. It’s about stages in life. Nothing is forever, as bitter and sweet it is … all is temporary. Sorry about the loss about your mom. But like in nature, there is a invisible band that connects all of us together. Our heart

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for those thoughtful comments and sharing your reaction. You are right, those are a lot of the lessons I learned. Thank you for the condolences. I hope you are well!

[@johnwriter267]

I made several fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin with my Dad in the 1950's. I spent many hours on the lakes fishing... The loons were always magical. They kept me company. They're the first thing I think of when I think of the North woods and those times with my Dad... I live in Georgia now with my Grand Kids. Far from the loons. But, I've shown them your video and others about the loons. I've told them about how special they are. Hopefully, someday they'll get to relive my experiences...

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks John for sharing your experiences. You are right, the loons definitely convey the sense of the North Woods where I get to live. I am glad my video got to bring you back to memories with your Dad and that they are something you shared with your grandkids.

[@KGElf]

From what I know about loons, they do their iconic lengthy wail when they have lost track of another loons position and want to find them again. In contrast to that, the short hoots are basically just quick back-and-forth updates when changing position. It's unwise to ascribe human behaviour and motivation to animals, but it does feel like the loon at the end was engaging you. It gave you localisation hoots - basically "I'm over here, let me know where you are going". While that might sound sad, maybe a better interpretation would be: "Keep in touch" - and perhaps even "I'll miss you". Your video was beautiful and I am very thankful to have watched it. Truly touching.

[@johnwelchphotography]

This is an excellent comment and breakdown of the meaning of the loon calls, of which they have 4. You are right about the hoots, by far the most relaxed of them all. Yes, for all of the time I spent with them, that loon at the end did seem to be engaging with me. So who know what it had in mind (again not that loons have the same kind of "mind" we have. Thanks again for watching and for such a thoughtful comment!

[@rolybaker7770]

Have only just found your documentary, it was so well done and very touching. God's strength for the future. You mom inspired you to make this video, let her inspire you for the rest of your life.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! Yes, I pray to carry on all that she gave me through the way I live. God bless you.

[@jrh3417]

A beautiful portrait of a loon family and how they grow, just as we do in our lives. I've enjoyed watching the Loons here in Minnesota, and wish you the best.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for checking it out. Glad you enjoyed it and I am sure you can relate as the habitat is so similar in Minnesota. All the best to you as well!

[@Tonyal2012]

Thank you for such a moving video. I too am a lover of Nature and it's beauty puts me in awe. I too miss my mother. She was always supportive of my love of nature and music. I Loved going out on the old railroad trestle and playing my trumpet over the waters below. Your film is a work of art of which you done so well. I think both of our mothers are happy with us. I look forward to seeing mine again when it's my time.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Wow, thank you for such kind words and sharing that. I am sorry for the loss of your mother too. Taking my experiences in nature and making it into a work of art was healing. I pray we both see our mothers again someday.

[@lolaalvarez7219]

Everything from start to finish was AWESOMENESS!! THANK YOU for sharing the Loons & your loss of your mother. Sorry for your loss, God bless you. ❤🙏🤲 The story & the photographs are beautiful!! 😉🙃🤩

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you so much for your kind words about the film and blessings regarding my mother. I trust she is with God now. I appreciate taking the time to leave such a heartfelt comment.

[@Dominic-mm6yf]

It,s hard losing family. I lost my mum 3 years ago.Wonderful birds the Loons.

[@johnwelchphotography]

I am sorry for the loss of you Mom. I know how tough it is.

[@ArndSchuttte]

Thank you, a beautiful video an fantastic pictures

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for the kind compliment!

[@elisabettavisalberghi]

I really liked it. The narrative is touching, and careful. It avoids the pitfalls of today's main-stream catchy documentaries. Loons are beautiful and your pictures demonstrate it all the time.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you so much for watching and those kind words. I put my heart into and just let it go wherever that led on this one.

[@swivels]

Well done sir. This moved me quite a bit as someone who has also recently lost their mother.. This was a beautiful story and well put together. Thank you.

[@johnwelchphotography]

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. It's always individual, but as much as I could say, I know how that feels. I am glad my film resonated with you. Thanks for watching!

[@dar5108]

That was lovely, thank you. I was talking to a friend in Wales yesterday, and the subject of my state bird came up. So I set about looking for something on the Common Loon to send her. I found this. I’m sure she will enjoy it as much as I did. Respect to you and your mother. Take care and God Bless.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks, that is a great compliment to send the along to a friend as your example for loons. I appreciate your kind words and support. God bless you too!

[@nancyross2897]

This was absolutely incredible, my emotions were running high thru this video. Your photography is stunning. Your narrative was so inspiring. Your mom is watching from above and so proud of your talent. Thank you for sharing

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I do hope to make my mom proud and creating this story was meaningful. Thanks for your support!

[@Tascountrygirl]

Thank you for this beautiful mindfulness meditation, in the form of a filmed season on a quiet and exquisite lake with a loon pair of parents. For an Australian viewer as I am, the experience was hauntingly memorable. I cannot think of equivalent beauty in my home country.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks very much! I have never been to Australia but I believe that a lot of the land it quite different. I am glad I could have brought this land and experience to you!

[@SkippyRo]

Beautiful shots. I'm happy that my home state is the only one that has the loon as their state bird. Many a summer day was spent on the lake, from sun up to sun down, listening to and watching them. It didn't even matter if the fish were biting if the loons were nearby.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Definitely a great state bird! Thanks for sharing those experiences. I understand how the loons could be a consolation for an empty fishing trip completely

[@sherryfielding2493]

Absolutely beautiful and your words at the end brought me to tears.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for your kind comment! The process of making this and reflecting on things was healing and helpful moving forward.

[@Tweety_B_Nancy]

Very lovely. I enjoyed the peaceful break from my routine.

[@johnwelchphotography]

I am glad it brought some of the peace of nature to you! Thanks for sharing that.

[@knightryderbelow]

That was great! God bless you and your beautiful mother!🙏🏻

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the support!

[@thestory006]

What a beautifull reportage you did! Full of emotion and wonderfull images. Thanks for this gift!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I put my heart into this project.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

I spent last summer traveling through Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and I absolutely fell in love with the loons. I love hearing them call. When the lakes are calm and everything is soft in the air, and then the calls from the loons stir up beautiful emotions! This film was beautifully done! It was touching to know how this experience helped you with the loss of your mother. Time always moves on...such true words. Thank you for sharing your experience. New Subscriber here!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for the kind words and taking time to comment and subscribe. I really appreciate the support. Yes the upper mid-west is the other loon hotspot beside New England in the United States. I am glad you got to experience them last summer, they can help complete some magical moments out there. I will be having a second loon film out next week based on my 2023 year filming and photographing them.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

@@johnwelchphotography I look forward to that 😀

[@appraiser1717]

love loons and exploring northern lakes. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

Lovely work and good on you for talking about fieldcraft and ethics.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! Yes those are important to realize. I want to shed light behind the scenes of how those images were made and when its better to just back away.

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

@@johnwelchphotography Absolutely. Images are the bonus, habitat preservation and not disturbing the subject should always come first and all too often I see wildlife photographers in the field who do not take those things into account, they just want images for their social media likes. I'm so sorry for your loss too, take care.

[@vickymeissner510]

What a beautiful journey , wonderful photography and videos . Tks for those late words

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I was happy to share the journey

[@AngelsonEarth69]

I'm adding my well wishes. Thank you for sharing an intimate glimpse into your inner life. I am losing someone too. I also find comfort and closure in nature. I hope you're doing well.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for your well wishes and support! I am doing well now. Very sorry to hear you are losing someone now. Each loss is uniquely difficult. I pray for you and your loved one at this time.

[@JJ-ts6ov]

I just found your channel and videos. I'm so sorry about the loss of your mom. Keep doing what you're doing in her memory. Your videos are a beautiful showcase of all life.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you sincerely for the condolences. Yes, I have a great reverence for life and wish to share that.

[@ED-he7ts]

Beautiful documentary.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you so much for checking it out and leaving your kind comment!

[@dianaholvik2554]

Gorgeous photography and story telling. I would have liked less music, more loon calls. Their call, for me is quintessential camping sounds when my husband and I did a lot of camping from the 1970s to early 2000s. We live in Ontario, Canada. Loon calls are so much a part of the wilds here. Blessings. I lost my mother 10 years ago. It's hard. Thank you for this.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for the kind comment and feedback! Yes, I really love the sound of loon calls too. I don't have sound recording equipment that would be very good to capture them in the field and lucked out finding a free license for the calls in the film. As it wasn't my own recording, I guess I didn't want to overuse it, though I could have. Good to hear your opinion of balance of the calls to music. Many parts of Ontario are similar to New Hampshire I gather so I am glad this could bring back good memories of camping. Sorry hear about your mother. It is indeed hard.

[@dianaholvik2554]

Thank you for replying and so promptly. I did truly enjoy the photo story. Tremendous shots. My husband and I are now in our early 70s and our tent camping days are over. 😕 So I love videos like yours. Our last trip was into some semi back country in Algonquin Park in 2002. I lay awake at night listening to the loons. Gives me goosebumps remembering it. We canoed all around the area for a few days, saw lots of loons. They. Let us get pretty close, then dove with hardly a ripple to reappear behind the canoe. Always beyond my camera range. 😊 Great memories.

[@archeewaters]

thank you for sharing your work, your time, and your heart. i wish beauty in your life always

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you that is very kind! I wish the same for you too!

[@ofcv1238]

Well done photography, composition and execution 👍

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave such a kind comment!

[@leahnichol6665]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching and your support!

[@barbaralesniak2218]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank You for sharing

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for watching it and taking the time to leave your kind comment!

[@ajc1482]

Such amazing birds, Divers (as we call them in the UK) have been on my to photograph list fir a long time but finding them is 75% luck!. I didn't realise they had auch distinctive calls though. And sorry for your loss.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, I knew you guys had them over there but knew them by a different name. The calls are definitely one of things that makes them unique. We have lots of wilderness here still and there is nothing better than camping and hearing them at night! Thank you for the condolences as well. It has been a few years and I doing much better but still miss my mom.

[@Joraelfa]

This video unexpectedly touched my heart. I live in Scotland so Loons aren't native here. Stumbled upon a Loon soft toy in a charity shop and bought it for my two year old. He is obsessed with it and we started watching Loon videos, now he makes an awesome Loon call impression. I also have a newborn and he is incredibly colicky and I am REALLY struggling. The whole "mother" theme touched me on another level. I am so sorry for your loss dear stranger and I thank you so much for this beautiful, love filled video. I envy your stillness and grace ❤ Edit: Loons are seen in Scotland and known as great northern divers. I am excited to find one, one day 😊

[@johnwelchphotography]

Wow, thank you for such a kind comment and for sharing the backstory for how you got interested in loons. I also have children, now elementary and middle school age (primary school in the UK equivalent?) so I remember those infant crying days well. They seem like they will never end when you go through them and all you want is some sleep, but now looking back, I wish I had tried to focus on the joyful side a bit more. You never get it back. But it is tough. Hope you get some sleep and you all get to see your loons (divers) there too! They are in lakes probably May to October and out on the ocean in very drab plain feathers the other months.

[@Joraelfa]

@@johnwelchphotography I find it easier to appreciate and enjoy the baby days this second time around a bit more. It is true, so very fleeting. I saw the little glimpse of your beautiful family in one of your other videos. So wonderful to keep them interested in nature ❤ I can't seem to find any information if the Loons actually breed here in the lakes, or if they travel somewhere else? Generally the info about them is quite scarce since they aren't common at all and only happen to be around the island that we live on. I wouldn't see why they wouldn't breed here, except maybe not warm/dry enough, maybe? Do you know if they still have their red eyes in winter? My little and I much prefer the name "Loon" for them. Way more suitable to their beautiful call and appearance. We are scanning the sea with binoculars regularly looking for one. So far he still hasn't lost his interest, since we do have many beautiful birds here!

[@capturingnaturewithsandip]

Nice and beautiful video. Thanks for sharing. Big like 284

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I'll check out some of your videos-- looks like wildlife from India. I am not too familiar with what is there so would be interested in learning!

[@matthewalexander2436]

Very beautiful... Thank you sir God bless you and heal you ❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I continue to be overwhelmed by the kind support of people like you.

[@judygilbert9628]

Beautiful shots and Video. Thanks for sharing .

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@deniscameron3792]

A beautifully made moving film, stunning photography. Thank you for sharing this. Sorry for the loss of your Mom❤️

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for the kind comment and for the condolences. I appreciate both!

[@lorirober2536]

❤❤❤ Beautiful documentary, thank you much!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank Lori for watching and leaving your kind comment.

[@suetaylor4018]

You make me so happy! ❤ Thank you ❤

[@johnberry6380]

One of my favorite creatures ! Witnessed them in the wild in western Montana ! I hear they can dive very deep , one thing i know they really like their privacy ! 🕊🕊🕊⚘🌺🌻♥️✝️🕎✡🇺🇸☝️♥️

[@1ongava]

Stunning body of work. Not more you can say. Agree with all your sentiments too, having recently lost my Mum, and found much peace in nature and photography.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I am sorry to hear that you lost your mother too. It's definitely tough.

[@jczer1972]

Great video man. I recognize one of those lakes. It’s been my family’s spot for decades. Keep it pure Man!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks. It is a wonderful place and hope it keeps its peaceful character.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Utterly enchanting. Thank you.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the feedback!

[@maximbudnick]

Beautiful, well done!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@catwoman8861]

Indescribably beautiful film. This deserves many multiple millions of views. Thank you for representing all that’s perfect.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you so much for this very kind compliment!

[@bobbyraywallace6785]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have longed to live in a cabin on a lake and greet the Loons in the Spring and say See you soon in the Fall. The saddened call of the Loon has to be my all time Favorite! Thank you again! ❤👍🏻👍🏻 And may your Mama Rest In Peace 🌹

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! Yes, that would be great to live on such a lake and live the rhythm of the seasons with the loons. Maybe someday!

[@couchphotography8861]

Beautifully made and thoughtful film and stills. Rest assured, that chick who called to you knows exactly who you are, and hopefully will make it back to the same lake next year. As you probably know, the parents will try and chase it away, but I hope you get to see the baby again in a splendid set of adult feathers. Something similar happened to me a few years back, and when I went back to the lake, the baby, now an adult swam right up to me! he spent several weeks cleverly hiding from his parents, but then I didn't see him again. I had visited him every few days when he was growing up. Keep making your magical photos and films!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! That would be great if I saw that chick again. The ice has just gone out of the lakes around here now and I will be back to check very soon. Yes, the adults do chase away but it would interesting to see if any others show up. The parents are banded so I will know if its them.

[@MatthijsvanSantendeHoog]

Beautiful photo's and video's! A lot of work and a lot of love went into this project. Cheers from the Netherlands

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you very much! Yes, this was definitely a labor of love, from shooting, to writing, and making it. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@joemcbride3426]

Beautiful, thank you

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for watching it and taking the time to comment!

[@Worldofourown2024]

That so beautiful instead of looney. A great way to grieve. I too usedto go to lakes and outdoors when I was happy or sad or grieving. We all need this as our own mental health program. The thing is money and lack of car gets in my way so I'm watchimg stuff online. Thanks.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! Nature is a great space to heal. Keep you eyes open and there may be something beautiful in nature close at hand, even its a migratory bird or small green space nearby. Wishing you the best!

[@Worldofourown2024]

@@johnwelchphotography I like that lots. I wish I have had a career, vehciles, a home, and such instead of an apartment in Salt Lake City which saddens me to no end for the people are not friendly, it's polluted, and just miserable. I wanna go out in Nature and be able to do kool things like go to a nice lake, Kayaking, birding, fishing, and such, but not possible for money gets in the way. Dam our over speculated debt based economic system!

[@hikeCANOEcamp]

Awesome John! Great work 👏

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for watching and leaving this kind comment!

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

That was so beautiful and so well done! Thank you for sharing. The way you took us on a journey through the life of a loon and how that parallels with your journey and our journey. Exceptional work.❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for watching and for this comment. That is exactly what I was trying to do, show the parallel journeys.

[@markattardo]

Great video! I think I've kayaked on one of the ponds in your video. Even if it wasn't the same place, it brought back some great memories with loon watching included.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks very much Mark. Glad it brought back memories for you. Kayaking on a loon pond is definitely one of the best experiences in nature.

[@tommytangle3392]

Really cool that the loon followed you to shore. Surely it recognized you or the distinct color of your kayak. Should check back in on them.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for watching. The loons are smart and I am pretty sure they recognized me, my kayak, and typical behavior. They would sometimes swim closer to me if an eagle flew over. If they were fishing they would follow the fish even if that meant swimming closer to me. I did check back in a bunch this season. It was a different and difficult year with all of the flooding we have had up here. I should be making a video about this year with the loons coming out in a few months.

[@frednorman1]

Nice video, great photos. I recently saw a juvenile Common Loon in the surf off Monterey, California. This surprised me because I always assumed that common loons were a bird of the Northeast United States. Now I realize they’re fairly common up and down coastal California

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for checking it out! Yes, both common loons and pacific loons spend winters, and into early spring off the California coast I believe and then I know they breed in Oregon, Washington, and Canada. The ones you see that far south off the coast are probably in the more drab looking winter plumage right? Beautiful country out that way!

[@sulawesipitta]

Beautiful video . Thank you.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving this kind reply!

[@terryroth2855]

Most enjoyable. Wonderful photography, and I learned a lot about loons.👍👍

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for leaving your kind comment! I am glad you found it educational. Informing about loons was a major goal.

[@glenmitchell4868]

Beautiful video and photography. I'm a native Mainer (Maniac) now living in Virginia. We see loons very occasionally down here and I miss them. I also love doing photography from a kayak!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks! I can see how you would miss them, as I love them too. The kayak opens a whole new world of photography, doesn't it? Great to get relatively low too.

[@glenmitchell4868]

@@johnwelchphotography I seem to see a lot more birds from a kayak, and they arent as easily alarmed as they are when youre on foot.

[@ingridthoenelt-winter4054]

This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for being so sensitive and refraining from photographing the nervous loons. I try to do the same on my walks and hikes to respect wild animals.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! Yes, putting the animal's wellbeing above any photography or birding goals is crucial. Sometimes you have to leave them alone. I wanted to share that even with a species you might know well, individuals will vary.

[@AmBaCaDaFa]

I really thought you were at the lake where our small cottage in Sweden is located. It looks so similar and when your canoe went between a small island and the (I guess) mainland it looked exactly like the same place! My children always jokes about me and the loons. The cottage isn’t really opened until I have seen or heard the loons. Thank you very much for making and sharing this video!

[@johnwelchphotography]

From what I have seen of Sweden in videos, I think we have a very similar environment. We are the start of the boreal forest (aka taiga) in North America so that doesn't surprise me it felt the same. For me too the arrival of the loons on the lakes is the start of the warmer season here too!

[@ranwolfFARM]

So sorry about your mom. I liked and subscribed. You look a lot like my best friend. Love the video.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for your condolences and support. I appreciate it. That's funny, I get "you like someone" a lot.

[@ranwolfFARM]

@@johnwelchphotography My best friend is like my brother. Even my wife says you look like him.

[@theco-conspiriters]

Beautiful.. thank you

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@janm2473]

Thank you for sharing this...

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@NatureIntoAction]

Love it.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for watching and leaving this kind feedback!

[@shawncosmos5431]

Thanks for this video!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you for watching and commenting, I appreciate it!

[@lucstadnik]

Such beautiful images, video and captivating story!!! Congrats!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks so much for checking it out and for your support! I definitely put a lot into this on several levels.

[@jedidiah5131]

I have witnessed many young loons left on the lake by themselves sometimes until the lake starts to freeze. I have also noticed that the parents will fly around the lake enticing the young ones to fly, circling around and around in the air ,sometimes landing at the far end of the lake and calling the young loons, hoping they will take to flying. I haven't seen any young loons get trapped by the ice ,shorting their take off of open water but I have heard that this does happen now and then....Thanks for the video and the time you put in to make this possible.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for your comment and sharing those observations. Interesting behavior on the part of the adults to teach the young. I haven't directly seen any loons getting trapped either, but I know of several that have been rescued in my area that didn't make it off before freeze up. I was happy to put in the time and effort to make this video, and yes it was more than I thought it would be. Take care!

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful video, keep up with the awesome content 👌👍🤗

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@colleenengelmann7896]

I hope and pray, that your time with the Loons has brought you a bit of Peace...As a Human LOVES their Children, SO does the Loon, LOVE theirs! 🙏❤️ ☮️🫂

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! It has brought me peace. I was back out there this year too. Loon parents are very devoted indeed.

[@jimbird963]

One of my goals get those chick’s piggyback in northern Minnesota

[@johnwelchphotography]

Yes, it is wonderful to witness. The timeframe for that would be mid-June to early July depending on hatching. Good luck! Northern Minnesota is kind of similar to New Hampshire in that its the start of the boreal forest.

[@craigpiferphotography]

This is a very beautiful video. Thank you.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks so much for the kind feedback!

[@Rubydrawz]

As hokey as this sounds, it may have been your mom saying goodbye❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Yeah it really was something with that chick swimming up to me with the sounds like that. I mean they were comfortable with me but usually they would just be interested in eating or preening and stuff like that. Mysterious to say the least.

[@lorenzooutandabout]

🫶 perfectly done 👋🇨🇦

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you, I appreciate your watching it and your kind feedback!

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Very inspiring and informative work!!congratulations!!.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Glad you found it informative. That was definitely a main goal here. I read that whole book on loons I reference in the description to prepare and was trying to bring the information to life.

[@uaebifvideo5472]

@@johnwelchphotography Great work!!.

[@kbk789]

Thank you so much thank you again that was wonderful

[@chrisallen9949]

Thank you, a beautiful video, so wise .

[@johnwelchphotography]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@marthastubbs8321]

Lovely

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you!

[@mamseng]

Love it!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

[@hgpezi]

Wonderfull documentary I love it all the way

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and watched!

[@photographerontheway]

Nice video and beautiful photos 👍💯

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment and taking the time to watch.

[@Luciavandertol]

there is now a heron in feather family!(loons came before the heron)

[@Luciavandertol]

loon chick being cute 4:41

[@Luciavandertol]

more cuteness 6:11

[@Luciavandertol]

even more cuteness(make chain) 6:30

[@Luciavandertol]

yom 6:51

[@Luciavandertol]

more cuteness at 7:11

[@Luciavandertol]

7:23

[@harrisstein6138]

John, great video! I can imagine it was quite difficult to gain the loons' trust but it looks like you did so totally, especially with the chick. It was awesome how he/she was calling and approaching you as you left to say goodbye! Touching tribute to your mom. What is the significance of the Gatorade bottle? I think the music was great and well edited into the scenes. Did you take along any water protection for your gear? You have to be pretty brave to bring along nice camera gear in a kayak!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Hi Harris, Thanks for your thoughtful comments and questions! The Gatorade bottle was significant. It was the last thing my mom ever gave to me the last time I saw her in good health. I had carried it around since her passing in my gear bag. I had never intended that video clip it to be public, I had just shot it for myself that day to process going back to the lake and island where I heard the news that changed it all. I brought the Gatorade bottle out to finally drink and say farewell at the place it all began for me. In the end, I decided to put the clip in this video because I realized that grieving someone closest to us is something most people will face at some point, as inevitable as a lake freezing forcing the loons to leave, and hoped that someone might find some value in sharing my experience with it. The loons in most of those clips were very tolerant to kayaks at that location. From the banding, I knew the pair and had been with them several seasons prior. I swear they recognized me though, and loons are as smart as crows and those in corvid family from what I understand. Not all loons will be tolerant though, like I mentioned in the video. Believe it or not, keeping your camera/lenses in the kayak isn’t as hard or risky as you would think. I use a cheaper wider based kayak the cockpit that makes it easier to keep your camera in front of you while having it covered by the plastic of the hull. The more expensive, sleeker kayaks with tighter opening are worse in my opinion for photography, though they are easier to paddle distances in. I do have a couple of large trash bags that I keep the camera with the long lens mounted in to protect it against random splashing. I have never had an issue with it. Though I would recommend taking some paddles without the camera gear first, and on some days with some chop, to get used to how to handle things. John

[@harrisstein6138]

@@johnwelchphotography thanks for replying to all my questions! I hope to see you around soon!

[@MaizaGatti]

Maravilhoso!

[@suetaylor4018]

😢❤❤❤❤

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnberry6380]

I personally am a creationist ! Buy i bet we have love of life and creatures in common ! I to lost my Mother 5 years ago ! ⚘🌺🕊♥️☝️

[@johnwelchphotography]

I am sorry about the loss of your mother, it is a tough loss. I personally am a person of faith too. Being out in nature is about more than just getting the shot or hiking a goal, it's a joy and privilege to reflect on God's magnificence when out in the beauty of His creation.

[@thom5255]

Are part of the diver family?

[@johnwelchphotography]

Yes they are!

[@umvhu]

My experiences of nature force me to reject the theory of evolution totally, it is impossible that such complexity can come about by chance, that's just not rational.

[@johnwelchphotography]

There is definitely a plan by God in all of nature and He created it all. The world He created is wonderfully complex. There are different ways to reconcile what mainstream science says and faith say. There are frameworks such as theistic evolution, etc that do not reduce the universe to chance.

[@charlottemcbride7355]

I loved this, the slow pace of nature....thank you and may your mother rest in eternal peace...

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thank you Charlotte. I appreciate you taking the time to watch it and leave your well wishes! I hope you have a happy healthy year!

[@jaywinters2483]

this would have been a fantrastic video had it not been ruined by music.....canned music

[@johnwelchphotography]

Thanks for the honest feedback. It would be interesting to see if the music was a plus or a minus for others.

[@knightryderbelow]

@@johnwelchphotography I loved the music.

[@tvalkyrie]

So much 4 being positive! 🤣

[@gypsinyne1378]

❤❤❤❤