Common loons overwinter on many of our lakes in the southern United States, and wildlife photographers often capture great images of these water birds as they spend the winter and early spring gliding, diving, and foraging along the shore in shallow waters. Of course, the loons are in non-breeding colors (black, white, gray), but this feather display actually works for photographers and produces some stunning black and white images. I’ve found that overcast days with flat light are especially effective for monochrome shots.
After a few years photographing loons on Greers Ferry Lake (Arkansas), I was considering a summer road trip north because I really wanted to capture loons in breeding colors. However, the loons surprised me in April 2025 by delaying their northern migration until after molting was completed. Yes, photographing loons in full breeding colors is possible on southern lakes! After consulting with an ornithologist, I learned that there are some years when post-molting migrations occurs, and many years when the loons depart prior to molting.
Regardless of when you are photographing loons on southern lakes, I have a couple of tips based on my experience over the past few years:
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Overwintering loons on our lake tend to follow the same foraging route each day. Sometimes that’s along the shore, and other times it’s in deeper waters. On days when they are diving along the shore, I settle in a LONG way down the shoreline and wait (and hope) for them to glide past me. One thing to remember is that when loons dive, they can travel long distances and stay underwater for up to minute.
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When the loons delayed migration to complete molting, their transition from non-breeding colors to breeding colors lasted just a few days, so the window for photography was pretty short. Also, once breeding colors were on full display, they headed north within 48 hours.
The moral of the story? If you’re observing overwintering common loons on a southern lake, don’t assume that your photography will be confined to monochrome images of these fascinating birds in non-breeding colors! And, if you want to add loons to your holiday decor, I have hand-painted common loon wood slice ornaments available for your Christmas tree!