June 11 – Feeding Time

With their chick snugly tucked in soft feathers under its mother’s wing, the father carefully delivers a fresh minnow to the growing young loon. This heartwarming scene reveals the attentive and nurturing nature of these magnificent birds.
During the first days after hatching, loon parents often carry their chicks under their wings or on their backs. Being undercover helps provide warmth, regulate body temperature, protect them from predators, conserve energy, and strengthen the bond between parent and chick. Most loon pairs hatch two chicks, but often only one survives to maturity, so this close care greatly improves the chick’s chances of survival.
This behavior is fascinating to observe and photograph, especially because it lasts only a short time before the chicks begin swimming more independently.
“He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
— Psalm 91:4
Just as the loon chick finds safety under its parent’s wings, we can live with confidence knowing our Lord watches over us and will keep us until we are finally home.