Common Loon: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — It seems to me that the Common Loon was much more common in our tidal rivers and creeks when I first moved to Maine in the late 90s of the last century. (Seems such a time ago, especially when I say it that way.) However, a quick check of the actual data shows that the population in southern Maine has steadily risen over the past 20 years and is at a current high point. It could be that the sea and creek beds in my particular haunts have changed, and that the loons are just congregating elsewhere. Or it could just be my aging imagination. Sony a7CR. Tamron 150-500 at 500mm. Cropped to maybe 800mm equivalent field of view. Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.