During a 9 hour stopover in Anchorage on our flight home, we decided to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a car rental for one last trip around the city. Very glad we did, as I experienced one of the most magical moments of the entire trip. On the Lake Hood float plane pond ( apparently the busiest in the world!!) I had a close encounter of the best kind with an immature Red-throated Loon. Normally this is a species you only see in the far distance, but this one seemed like he was looking for a friend.
I tried talking to the bird softly, encouraging him to move back beyond minimum focus distance.
Not too often you get a chance for a full frame shot of a Red-throated loon. (Make sure to double click on the image!)
Close up, the loon has an almost alien look. Reminded me of ET!!
Was it something that I said??