On a small lake in northwestern Washington State, my friend Sonia was kayaking and had a close look at a pair of common loons. One of them is pictured here. I did some digging for information and found out that except for the difference in their size, it is not easy tell male from female at a glance. So whichever it is, he or she would like to chat you up with a poem. Beware! It may be a bit loony.

I swim on a whim

And I’m good with a dive,

I stay slim and trim,

And it keeps me alive.

 

Spearing fish as I wish,

Or a scared little crab,

I’ll swish a big dish,

Or a wee, tiny dab.

 

My feet you can’t beat,

‘Cause they paddle quite well,

So sweet and so neat,

And they never will smell. 

 

 

If lost in the frost,

Time to leave for the sea,

Or be tossed with such cost, 

When the cold comes to me.

 

 

At sea I feel free,

And I call to my mates,

My plea, “Come to me,”

Seems to open the gates.