Say hello to Pablo!

The first chick, Pablo, appeared this morning (6/12/2020).

Linda and Paul Messer have chosen the names for this year’s chicks. Traditionally a male name is chosen for the first chick, even though we have no idea what sex it is. Pablo’s sibling will be named Penelope.

Pablo was soon out for a swim with its parents. The second egg is visible in the background. Hopefully Penelope will soon leave it for the waters of Pleasant Lake.

Pablo appears to be strong and healthy. He is even trying to dive!

Pablo is swimming with Mom in the next two photos. In the second one, she is giving him a drop of water. Soon it will be replaced by minnows, small perch and crayfish.

Swimming with Mom.

Learning where the food and water comes from.

Time to follow Dad back onto the raft while he incubates Penelope.

We are excited to begin another season of photographing and sharing the lives of these wonderful birds. Even if you know where the nest is, please give them lots of room! It is a critical time for the parents, Pablo and Penelope. The less disturbance, the better. Soon they will be out on the lake. Thank you!

Photographs and Words by Jen Esten and Jon Waage