During a 9 hour stopover in Anchorage during 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.
MY NEW 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!)
PIERCING RED EYES
Close up, the loon has an almost alien look. Reminded me of ET!!
END OF THE ROMANCE
Was it something that I said??