#2863 "Post-preening Loon"

#2863 "Post-preening Loon"
14x20 inches oils on a smooth panel
mounted on a stretcher frame built by my Dad

Loon behaviour is fascinating and educational. There is always something to learn!

Loons often lift themselves as high in the water as possible and carry out a wing flap. The flapping realigns their feathers and feels good. Kind of like combing your hair. Wing spreading and flapping is most common after preening is complete. The flapping displayed in the painting is a feel-good story about loons that bring so much character to Canadian waters. 

The "penguin dance" is another story. 

A fast-vibrating, tremolo call is sounded when the loon is worried. The tremolo might sound like laughter but if it accompanies the "Penguin Dance", the loon is very stressed. The tremolo and "Penguin Dance" are used when a boat, predator, or intruding loon gets too close. At Singleton we observe that dance too often. As displayed in the following images, the loon rears up in the water with its wings either spread out or clasped against its body and paddles its feet very rapidly if not violently.  If a human is witnessing the "penguin dance" then they are probably the cause of that stress. Please quietly back off to give nature the room that they need and respect nature. 

"Post-preening Loon" is based on another image taken by my friend, John Verburg, a naturalist and terrific photographer. John provides a tremendous source of inspiration for when I choose to paint in the Studio. The Singleton loons have gotten very used to the quiet and respectful way that John photographs these beautiful creatures - reaching out with his very long lens. 

You might notice that southern Ontario is on the southern edge of the breeding area for common loons. With climate change and warming waters, that line is expected to gradually shift northward. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go straight to the Collections. Here is the new Wet Paint 2024 Collection. 

Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick