Exploring Waterfowl Life: Insights from Our Northern Wisconsin Lake
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Chapter 1: A New Home by the Water
Living by a lake was never part of my plan, yet here I am in a tranquil corner of Northern Wisconsin. The beauty of this location has drawn me in, especially the avian life that thrives here. Growing up near Lake Ontario, I was familiar with Mallards, but my knowledge of waterfowl was limited.
My fascination with these birds began years ago during a family trip to Florida when I captured a photo of a Great Blue Heron poised to catch its meal at St. Pete Beach. That moment ignited my passion for herons, which continue to inspire my writing.
Chapter 2: The Loon's Call
For over two decades, our cabin has been my home, and with it came my admiration for the loons that grace our lake each summer. These remarkable birds possess a variety of calls that echo in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota, marking the true essence of summer. Their haunting calls at dusk summon their young, creating a beautiful symphony that I eagerly await each year.
Loons have inspired both my poetry and narrative writing, although capturing their essence in photographs remains a challenge. My attempts to photograph them have improved, but their elusive nature keeps me striving for better shots. Their striking black and white plumage and sharp bills make them unforgettable.
A Loon’s Day
Black and white,
almost tuxedo-like.
Patterns in the loon’s feather
instantly recognizable in all kinds of weather.
Waking us at dawn with a call that sounds crazy,
notifying its young to stop being lazy.
The time is now to fish, you see,
the mother loon is as wise as can be.
Get on the lake, before the fishermen rise,
let’s beat them to the tastiest prize.
Back to the nest in the day’s rising heat,
we’ll wait for dinner until the fishermen are beat.
We can then swim again, on our beloved swell,
calling to other loons to join us and dwell.
On the lake, we’ll glide while the sun sinks low.
Happily, happily, we live on the go.
© Carol Labuzzetta, 2022.
Chapter 3: A Loon Fallout Experience
Recently, I encountered a phenomenon known as a loon fallout in the Upper Midwest. While visiting a location along the Mississippi River, I discovered that the massive gathering of migrating birds had already moved on. However, I was delighted to spot Buffleheads swimming gracefully near the shore, instantly recognizing them by their distinctive head shape and vibrant plumage.
Although I can't pinpoint how I learned to identify Buffleheads, my collection of bird reference books has certainly played a role. Just the other evening, a striking black and white bird caught my eye from the kitchen window—a “duck” I had never seen before. Intrigued, I raced for my camera.
As I approached the shore, I startled the birds nearby, but I quickly noticed several more of them floating across the lake. Despite my lack of familiarity with this new species, I captured some photos just before twilight enveloped the scene.
To my surprise, the birds turned out to be Common Mergansers, with both males and females present. The males flaunted their striking black and white color scheme, while the females displayed their rusty-coppery heads. Both types possess serrated bills, perfect for catching fish and other aquatic prey.
Despite my photography skills still needing improvement, the journey of learning about the waterfowl inhabiting our Northern Wisconsin lake is incredibly rewarding. Observing these birds brings me joy and a sense of connection to the vibrant life around us.
What about the waterfowl in your area? Are you familiar with them? If not, perhaps it’s time to explore and learn about the species that share our planet.
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