Loon Nesting Late

[Sturg]

I got up to the family cabin near Hibbing over the weekend and the loons are nesting in the same location as last year. She left the nest Sat afternoon and didn't return until mid morning Sunday when it started to rain. I'm guessing she wasn't serious sitting yet. I managed to get a picture of the eggs. The vegetation growth is behind schedule. The lily pads were just starting to emerge and the sedge grasses were still short. I noticed the gnats were thick in the nest area. I took a picture of her sitting and you can see the gnats around her eyes and beak. Last year they had a chick on June 24th, I'm guessing she may be two weeks behind that schedule.

[Dbl]

Wow, the gnats are nasty! Hope it all turns out well for her!