Learning All About Loons

This time of year, loons across the state of Maine are in the final stages of laying their eggs, while others who laid eggs back in late May are celebrating the arrival of their newly hatched chicks. Today at Nature Links, we were lucky enough to be joined by Nick Lund, outreach and network manager for Maine Audubon. Nick is an expert on loons and came to teach us all about these birds’ behavior, migration patterns, the meaning of each of their calls, and even their unique bone structure. 

Nick taught us lots of fascinating info about these gorgeous birds, including the fact that they can weigh up to 15 pounds (that’s heavier than a bald eagle!). Some of this weight is due to the fact that they have solid bones, an extremely rare feature of any bird. Heavier bones make loons less buoyant, allowing them to stay underwater to chase fish. 

Nick pointed out that loons’ weight, while helpful for swimming, can make it difficult for them to fly. Loons need up to a quarter-mile of “runway” to get up in the air by furiously kicking their feet and flapping their wings. However, once they’re up in the air, they can fly up to 90 miles per hour!

We are so lucky to have learned so much about loons today. Please check out the recording below to see Nick’s fabulous presentation and learn more about loons’ “penguin dance”, their unique nesting habits, the power of their dagger-like beaks, and more. Thanks so much, Nick!