Submitted by Open_Concentrate962 t3_xx38sm in vermont
Comments
EasternKanye t1_ira0ekm wrote
I wonder why it wasn't leery of you? Friendly wildlife isn't normal.
maddkid53 t1_ira5b56 wrote
I have found Loons to be much less skittish than many birds (especially compared to ducks), but you're right, "friendly" is abnormal and it's especially strange considering the bird's position at the edge of the water. I hope OP considers going back to check on this bird and calls a rehabber if it's still on shore.
Twombls t1_iraazui wrote
Yeah this is a juvenile and they are still vulnerable to birds of prey. I almost wonder if it was attacked / injured.
Electrical-Bed8577 t1_irdtijz wrote
It is in the water, at shore... not on shore. Ducks are often stupid friendly in my experience and this Loon looks just fine. Great pic!
EasternKanye t1_iraart7 wrote
I am wondering if people were feeding it.
whaletacochamp t1_irafic9 wrote
Everyone here thinks this is cute and cool....
As a general rule, you should always leave loons alone. As a general rule, you should never get this close to wildlife. They do not spend much of any time on land except for when they are nesting. As a matter of fact, they NEED water in order to take off. Luckily this one is close to the water, but it is highly unusual that it would let you get so close.
Nothing cool or cute here. Mostly just concerning.
the__noodler t1_ir9v9td wrote
Nice adolescent loon. Very cool!
maddkid53 t1_ira094v wrote
Weird to see one on shore like that, hopefully it's okay.
Walnut2001 t1_irbhgo5 wrote
Not uncommon for them to be on the shore, they nest close and have to scoot themselves up onto land. Probably couldn’t get away in time and froze in fear, they don’t have the bone structure or muscles to hold themselves up on land so they are suuuper slow
Twombls t1_iraafu9 wrote
Not normal, but could just be running from a bald eagle.
nakedspacesanta t1_ira1xen wrote
i aspire to be as chill in my everyday life as this loon.
Loudergood t1_irakfn9 wrote
Lots of fed ducks on that beach, never seen a loon there though. I know some live just the other side of Wheeler Mtn though.
rareplant t1_ir9z3sd wrote
Lovely haunting call from this lil fella in the future
TaterTwats t1_irao6cd wrote
cute dog
casewood123 t1_irarotv wrote
That picture is National Geographic worthy.
travelingtutor t1_irbqf1g wrote
This is Loonacy.
cobo973 t1_irc5q84 wrote
Bad ass
Open_Concentrate962 OP t1_ir9qnym wrote
Met this very friendly local out for an early swim. He doesn’t know Reddit though, just kept saying “who?”