All About Loons

Introduction:   The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is a captivating bird species that has captured the imaginations of nature enthusiasts worldwide. From their haunting calls to their elegant presence on the water, loons possess an air of mystery and beauty. An adult Loon weighs about 10 pounds and they can live for 25 – 35 years.

Migration:   Many loons from our area migrate to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where they join other loons from various regions. Some may even venture to the vast expanse of the open ocean, displaying their resilience and adaptability. The distances they cover during their journey are awe-inspiring, with some loons traveling up to two thousand miles to reach their wintering grounds. They can travel at speeds up to 70 mph and they use a variety of cues to navigate, including the sun, stars, and Earth's magnetic field. Juvenile loons typically migrate south a few weeks after their parents.

Excellent Divers:   Loons are remarkable swimmers and divers. They can dive to depths of over 200 feet, and can stay underwater for up to 2 minutes. They use their feet to propel themselves underwater, and their wings to help them steer, while their streamlined body and dense bones aid in buoyancy.

Diet:   Common loons are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of fish. They also eat crayfish, frogs, and insects. They catch their prey by diving underwater and swimming after it.

Nesting:   Common loons are solitary birds, and they only come together to mate and raise their young. They build their nests on floating mats of vegetation in lakes and ponds. The female lays two eggs, which hatch after about 24 days. Both parents help to care for the young.

Protecting our Loons:   The Common Loon faces several dangers that can impact its well-being and survival. Here are some of the most common threats and challenges that loons encounter:

• Habitat Loss and Degradation: Changes in the natural habitat of loons, such as shoreline development, pollution, and invasive species, can disrupt their nesting sites and foraging areas. Destruction of wetlands and disturbance of nesting sites can significantly impact their breeding success.
• Water Pollution: Pollution from various sources, including runoff from agricultural activities, industrial waste, and chemical contaminants, can contaminate the water bodies where loons reside. Polluted water can affect the quality and availability of fish, their primary food source, leading to malnutrition and reduced reproductive success.
• Human Disturbance: Human activities, such as boating, fishing, and recreational watercraft, can disturb nesting loons, causing them to abandon their nests or chicks. Frequent disturbances can disrupt their breeding behavior, stress the birds, and affect their overall fitness.
• Fishing Gear and Entanglement: Loons can become entangled in fishing lines, nets, or other debris left in the water. This can result in injuries, impaired mobility, or even death. Proper disposal of fishing gear and responsible fishing practices can help mitigate these risks.
• Lead Poisoning: Ingestion of lead fishing tackle, such as lead sinkers and jigs, poses a significant threat to loons. Mistakenly consumed while feeding, these lead-based materials can cause lead poisoning, leading to debilitated health, neurological issues, and mortality. Using non-toxic alternatives, like tin or bismuth, is essential in preventing lead poisoning.
• Climate Change: The impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and changing water levels, can affect the availability and distribution of suitable nesting and foraging habitats for loons. Changes in these ecosystems can disrupt their feeding cycles and reduce their reproductive success.

Check out the Northland College website for more detailed information about Loons:
https://www.northland.edu/centers/soei/loonwatch/about-loons