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by Jean-Francois Podevin

Rare Birds of North America: The Cape Hatteras Guiding Loon


"Swiftly swiftly flew the ship,

Yet she sailed softly too

Sweetly, sweetly blew the breeze.

On me alone it blew.

Oh! dream of joy! is this indeed

The light-house top I see? Is this the hill?

is this the kirk?

Is this mine own countree? "

(The Rime of the Ancient Mariner - S.T. Coleridge )

Beware of the Guiding Loon! Many a seasoned sailor drawn by the loon guiding light, had the keel of his yacht hit a Grand Banks sandbar.

With a small electrical charge resembling that of a firefly, intensified by two Fresnel lens like eyes. The Guiding Loon takes the appearance of a New England lighthouse.

When the sea life lured by the light gathers round, the Loon only has to bob it's head down to pick it's fresh catch of the day.Having reached a sufficient abundancy, the Loon switches off the light and falls into a digestive slumber.

Beware of the Guiding Loon, as the Loon talks in its sleep!

If the Loon's guiding light hasn't mislead you yet, it's long "Fog-Horn" sigh may bring your ship aground.


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