In late summer, after their chicks have hatched, Common Loons often leave their territories for a while in the morning to gather in these social groups, frequently it’s 5-10 adult birds dipping they bills under water, splashing, hooting, and even swimming in a circle! These social gatherings are intriguing to watch and since the birds are so busy cavorting with each other they are relatively easy to approach in a canoe. My fascination with the circular composition inspired me to do this painting, and I loved playing with the repeated patterns of the loons and the design qualities of the water.