Gavia immer, the common loon

Loons are found throughout much of the northern US and Canada in summertime, and farther south along the coasts in winter. The loon lives in freshwater to rear its chicks, which are all black at birth. The chicks will stay close to the loon pair, often hopping aboard for rest and protection while the parents are out on the lake. Loons of course dive for their meals, and are even called divers in other parts of the world.

As the chicks get older, the parents and chicks will prepare for winter migration. Loons sport different plumages based on the season, and spend winters in saltwater coastal areas. They even change their physiology to handle saltwater conditions and diets.

When spring returns, the loon pair will most often return to their breeding territory. Young loons will find mates and establish a new territory.

Loons require clear and large water bodies for fishing, and particularly thrive in colder water regions. US states with breeding loon populations include Alaska, Washington, Montana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Loons can be found through most of Canada.

Amazingly, while loons prefer quiet water bodies, they are known to share their habitat with humans in some areas. However, boat wakes can be particularly dangerous to loon nests, swamping them. For this reason, many shared lake areas establish protection zones when loons are known to be nesting.

If you have ever spent a quiet evening along a lake where loons live, you will hear the calls echoing across the water. Loons make a few standard calls: the wail, the tremolo, the yodel, and the hoot! Most people think of the first two when the sound of the loon comes to mind.

The loon is an icon of our north woods. Loons face pressure from habitat loss and human development. They are also poisoned by lead fishing tackle, and of course have natural predators.

Here are just some organizations which work on behalf of the loon, to make sure this majestic bird is around for future generations to experience. Please consider donating to or volunteering with a loon conservation group near you!

Alaska loon monitoring program:
http://www.akloonwatch.net/

Michigan Loon Preservation
http://www.michiganloons.org/

Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program
http://www.adkscience.org/loons/

Biodiveristy Research's Adopt a Loon program (Maine)
http://www.briloon.org/support/adopt-a-loon.php

Vermont Loon Recovery Project
http://www.vinsweb.org/cbd/VLRP.html