Each spring, common loons migrate through southwest Montana on their way to nesting grounds further to the north. During this time they can be found on many lakes in the area and I enjoy spending time looking for these beautiful birds. I watched as this bird swam up the river towards me and, as luck would have it, was ready when he started preening and then flapping his wings. Capturing these moments requires one to be ready as they only last a moment so I often don’t take my eye away from the viewfinder.