Loony for Loons!

Some of you already know how much I love Loons! It's why I named my log cabin The Loons' Nest. It's why I am collecting Loon decoys. It's why I became a Loon Ranger for my lake. (Yep, I have authority to protect the Loons!) I think nothing exemplifies the call of the wild until you have heard the tremulous wail of the Loon. I am getting anxious for spring which means my beloved Loon pair will be returning. And I have a new pair that landed on my lake this past summer. I plan on being an excellent host for them and will be hopeful for Loon babies!

Here is my Loon decoy that I have placed on my fireplace.




Common Loons are one of the most loving parents you will ever see! When their babies are very young, they will ride on the backs of their parents for protection. Both the mom and dad feed and take care of their babies.


The Common Loon needs a long water runway to take off. It is amazing to watch them run across the lake before they take off to fly.


A few more things about Loons:

• They can weigh 7 to 12 pounds. The male is larger than the female. The male also has a longer bill.
• The Common Loon swims underwater to catch fish to eat. They can dive more than 200 feet to find their food!
• They usually lay 2 eggs.
• If you come upon a Loon in the water and he rises up and does a loud tremolo call, you are too close and you need to back away.
• Never disturb or go near a nesting Loon. They are very sensitive and will abandon their nest and their babies will die.
• Do not use lead sinkers when you fish. If the lead sinker gets lost in the lake and the Loon ingests this, it will die.