ACLC Sunset Guided Wildlife and Loon Photography Paddle with Wildlife Photographer Andrew Hudnut

Saturday, August 9th, 2025. 6:00pm, Little Clear Pond

On a warm summer evening, I joined four enthusiastic paddlers for a unique sunset wildlife photography paddle on Little Clear Pond in Saranac Lake, hosted in partnership with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. We gathered at 6:00 p.m., greeted immediately by the sight of a loon flying overhead and the haunting call of a Barred Owl echoing from the forest.

Before launching, I shared a few key wildlife photography techniques I’ve learned over years on the water: how to get low and eye-level with your subject, how to combat for the heat ripple effect as the day cools, and adjusting camera settings to match the shifting light as the sun dips behind the trees.

By the time we pushed off, it was closer to 6:30 p.m.—and with the evening light fading quickly, I led us straight toward the territory of a loon pair with a chick.

We watched the pair and their chick for about 20 minutes, but they seemed a bit uneasy with our presence. Respecting their space, we moved on in search of other wildlife. That’s when we spotted a Double-crested Cormorant perched high above the water. These fish-eating birds are not a super common sight in the Adirondacks—I’ve only seen one or two here before—so it was a pleasant surprise.

Beneath the cormorant, a group of Ring-billed Gulls rested around an old tree stump protruding from the water. While gulls are common, photographers rarely give them much attention, and the rustic setting made for a striking composition. Overhead, Cedar Waxwings zipped by, adding another splash of movement to the scene.

Rounding the first big bend in the lake, I spotted another loon pair. As we approached, they began swimming toward us—at one point, a loon surfaced just ten feet from one of our paddlers. Encounters like this happen when loons are comfortable with people; if they’ve had positive experiences, they may approach out of curiosity. But if they’ve been harassed or disturbed in the past, they’ll avoid humans altogether, sometimes leaving their territory entirely.

Continuing along the lake, we heard another Barred Owl calling in the distance and spotted a beaver before it quickly disappeared beneath the surface—true to beaver form.

Around the next bend, we came upon yet another loon pair, beautifully backlit by the warm evening glow. We drifted quietly, watching them preen and swim. Minutes later, a third loon landed nearby, prompting an immediate territorial dispute. Loons are fiercely protective of their breeding areas and will defend them with dramatic dives, chases, and sometimes physical combat. Unfortunately, the low light made it difficult to photograph the action, so many of us simply sat back and enjoyed the rare show.

As the light faded around 8:00 p.m., the loons settled, and we began our paddle back to shore. We ended the evening with a recap of the trip and a small, exclusive print sale and signing—a fitting way to close out a warm Adirondack summer night.

Even with such a successful paddle, I always remind participants: wildlife photography offers no guarantees. You may not see your target species or capture the perfect shot every time. But evenings like this—filled with rare sightings, close encounters, and moments that can’t be planned—are exactly why we keep coming back.

Interested in joining a guided wildlife or loon photography paddle?

I offer private and small-group trips focused on photographing wildlife in their natural habitat, with tips and techniques for capturing the perfect shot from the water. Email me at andrewhudnut247@gmail.com for upcoming dates and details.