Thursday, August 25, 2016

Chocolate Moose & Loons

As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to share some of our moose sightings while in Algonquin Park last week. I get such a thrill at seeing the moose. This big bull was quietly enjoying a feed alongside the highway, when what to his surprise at least 20 vehicles pulled up alongside him and people started popping out and taking his picture! I don't know how long he stood in that still water trying to enjoy his meal and ignore dozens of people gawking at him, but he left shortly after we arrived and sauntered slowly and elegantly back into the forest. Isn't he gorgeous? One of my daycare clients told me he hunts moose. I don't talk about moose to him anymore.









This next guy was "our" moose. We paddled out in the late evening specifically for a little moose "hunt" on the lake where we camp. There is a lovely raised pond adjacent to the lake that is separated by a very solid beaver dam. We saw two female moose here last year and one of them came out of the woods about ten feet away from us! That day I didn't have my camera with me. The quality of these photos is a bit poor because the light was fading fast.







Giving himself a good scratch with the hind hoof



... and the other side
Finally, he acknowledged us ... "What you lookin' at?!"

We left him in peace at this point
This next young moose was very nervous. He too was alongside the highway, but he was really agitated and definitely not enjoying the camera-shooting public. Some people were getting up very close to him and he was running away from them and bawling. He looked like he was maybe  a yearling. As he ran along, he just moved so gracefully. Those long legs are sort of spring loaded, and he had such a smooth gait. I've not seen a moose running before, they're not awkward looking at all, and they sure cover the ground quickly! He didn't stay out in the open too long, and soon bolted into the safety and comfort of the deep forest beside him.





Look at that sweet face ... what's not to love?
With every step a swarm of flies rise up off his bum and settle back into his fur when he stops.

We saw one more bull moose alongside the highway, but he didn't waste any time getting back into the brush, and I didn't get a photo of him at all (my husband snapped a few quick ones from his phone).

Although I've always had some difficulty in naming my favourite bird (I love almost any bird I see ... except pigeons), I have now decided that loons are my favourite. We saw lots of loons while out canoeing this trip. I love the loons for their amazing plumage and their haunting cries. Can anything beat the cries of the loons over a northern lake as the sun is setting and night is closing in. (You can hear a great recording of the loons here too.) I don't think so. This loon was diving quite close to our canoe as we were paddling along. At one point we could see him swimming underneath the water beside our canoe ... amazing!








A mother loon with her fluffy brown chick.


Linking up with Eileen's Saturday Critters :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy





22 comments:

  1. Enjoyed seeing all the photos. Loved the shape of the horn. Beautiful duck.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Wendy. I really enjoyed seeing your moose and loon photos. You got some wonderful shots. Moose are so huge and yes, graceful, as they run along. No wonder they can 'sneak' up out of the ditch or woods onto the road in the dark. Scary! I hope you're having a wonderful summer. Take care.
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amazing close picture of the Loon, and great Moose pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello, Wendy! WOW! I just love the moose photos. They are amazing animals, I would not tell a hunter where to find any animal. The loon shots are beautiful too! Great sightings and photos. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wanted to say WOW too! The loon is incredible! It doesn't look real with those beautiful markings and color. And the moose! They are gorgeous and that young one has a face only...WE can love! The only time I've seen a moose was in Alaska years ago. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOW! I'm envious, I would love to see a moose in the wild. We've seen buffalo, antelope, bears, beavers, but no moose. You must have had a most awesome trip.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a fun visit! I've never seen moose or loon in the wild. Lucky you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely photo's Wendy, the sound of the loon sent shivers up my spine, amazing! how lovely to be that close. Have a great weekend. :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. What amazing creatures the Moose are. I can't even begin to imagine how anyone can hunt them.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, these photos are wonderful, Wendy! Such a thrill to see all the moose. I've never seen one in the wild. The loons are very handsome with their patterned feathers. The call is something you never forget. x Karen

    ReplyDelete
  11. Loons and moose remind me of living in northern BC - they are ubiquitous there. I, too, love the haunting cry of loons at night or early in the morning (but not too early). Beautiful photos, Wendy. I love this post.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello, I just wanted say thank for linking up your post. I love the moose and the loon. Awesome sighting and great photos. Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Loved all the photos-I have never seen a moose or a loon in the wild-hope to on my trip to Yellowstone Park next year

    ReplyDelete
  14. I enjoyed seeing your a-mooseing and looney photos!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have missed your fabulous photography!
    Hope you enjoyed your Summer...welcome back!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have never seen a moose but from your awesome photos they certainly are a majestic creature.
    There are loons on Lake Simcoe but I've never seen them, only heard the early morning calls as they fly to the lake. Do they remind you of On Golden Pond Wendy?

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a marvellous horns
    I am a huge fan of Nature and loved your pics and sharing so much

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh the paparazzi! :-) Great photos of all three moose, and I loved the loon shots as well. I hope I get to see moose after we move and start visiting areas where they go. I have a few elk sightings and they were breath-taking. I'm sure the moose is too!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Really enjoyed your shots , especially of the moose. I am always so excited to see a moose! How lucky you were to find this one right along the highway!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Wendy, I'm just catching up. I've never seen a moose or a loon and nor am I likely to, I think. Wonderful pics - I can't believe you can get that close to a moose! x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Magnificent animals. I've seen moose many times, but never that close to a loon.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for leaving a comment, it's nice to know when you've stopped by! :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...