Frequently asked questions.

Common Loon populations in the United States have receded northward since the advent of European settlement. Their range in the modern age finds them along the northern tier of the continental US, in Canada, and in Alaska. At the turn-of-the-century, Michigan loons continued to breed throughout the state, although southern nesting populations were declining. Now the majority of breeding loons are restricted to Northern Michigan, and the Common Loon is, unfortunately, anything but common here.

During migration season, groups or “rafts” of dozens of loons may be seen on a single lake. However, during breeding season, loon pairs establish territories of around 100 acres, so the number of breeding pairs on a lake really depends on each lake’s features and size. Loon pairs often use the natural boundaries of islands and coves as the boundaries of their territories.

If a loon is flapping and splashing water into the air while making calls, someone or something is too close to it. If a loon gets frightened off of its nest, or if parents are separated from their chicks, you’re way too close. Generally, it’s recommended to stay at least 500 feet away where possible.

Though it can feel like loons remain under the surface forever, a loon’s feeding dives are generally less than a minute. There are reports of loons reaching depths of over 200 feet, but they are very fast swimmers and can often surface to catch a breath before a human observer notices.

There are a number of theories about why loons have such vivid red eyes. One such theory suggests that because red light is filtered out first in water, a loon’s eyes appear black the deeper they dive, thus helping them remain camouflaged while hunting for fish.

While plumage is the same for males and females, females tend to be a little smaller than males. This may be most evident in the size of the female’s head and neck as compared to the male’s.

Loon nests are always constructed near water. The female usually lays two eggs. The male and female share in incubating the eggs for about 28 days, and the nest is defended vigorously during incubation. The downy, black chicks leave the nest soon after they hatch and depend on the adults for food for about eight weeks. The young loon often rides “piggyback” on a parent, finding warmth, safety and security atop the more experienced bird. They soon learn to fish, and in the fall migrate alone to the sea, where they remain for three years until they too return to their natal lake or nearby to raise another generation of loon chicks. A loon may live as long as 20-30 years.

The loon is most at home on the water. Its legs and large, webbed feet are set far back on the body, providing excellent propulsion underwater, but making it difficult for the bird to walk on land. Its solid, rather than typically avian hollow bones make it an excellent Diver-its name in the old world. Its heavy body and high wing loading require it to run, and then fly along the water for hundreds of yards to become airborne.