The breeding range of the Common Loon is nearly coincident with Canada. I suspect that is why a loon appears on our one-dollar coin—the loonie. Given this situation, it seems appropriate to post a Canada Day picture of a loon family.
Actually, while I have seen many loons on Kootenay Lake, I have never seen a chick. Loons do not breed on Kootenay Lake: the variation in spring-time water level is too great for them to nest along the shore. Rather, they breed on the smaller lakes higher in the mountains. And that is where I watched this chick with its parents, today.
I guess we are lucky to have 2 chicks with “our” loon on Round Lake near Smithers, B.C. I have been known to go out the front door and chase away eagles that are looking for an easy meal!