Story by Sara Hancoski
Photos courtesy of The Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program

Here in the North Country, we like to think we know a thing or two about cold winters. Some of us have learned to like them, or at least tolerate them, while others are jealous of the loons flying south to warmer climates each fall. Flight may not be easy for these large birds—they have to run several hundred yards on the surface of water on a calm day before gaining enough speed for take-off—but they do manage. By Thanksgiving, loons are rarely seen on Adirondack lakes.

Common loons are distinctive, with a black and white checkered back, a black glossy head, and a necklace of white feathers around the throat. For many North Americans, loons symbolize wilderness and solitude.

A loon’s appearance isn’t its only unique quality. Unlike most birds, they have many bones that are solid instead of hollow, which aids in diving ability. Loons can stay under water for almost a minute and can dive to depths of over 80 yards. Chicks can swim as soon as they are born, but spend some time on their parent’s back to rest, conserve heat, and avoid predators.

They are also unique because of their four distinctive calls: hoot, yodel, wail, and tremolo. A hoot is not as loud as the others and is used to keep in contact with other loons in the same lake. A tremolo is an alarm call that usually indicates alarm or fear. A wail can be heard for many miles and is used to keep in touch with loons in other lakes. A yodel is only made by male loons and used to advertise and protect their territory.

Until recently, researchers weren’t exactly sure what loons look for when the weather turns cold, but the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program has equipped some Adirondack loons with satellite transmitters to record their southern migrations.

According to Paul Olsen of the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program, the loons’ habitat selections can help us to better understand their living requirements and the effects of factors such as oil spills, botulism, and environmental contamination. The health of these piscivious (fish-eating) birds is also a good indicator of water quality because they are at the top of the aquatic food chain.

Unfortunately, loons are endangered, so it may be difficult to find them at all. Two of their biggest threats are mercury and lead. Mercury can be found in acid rain, and even small amounts can be devastating for loon reproduction.

A Vermont study of North Eastern loons found that of 396 loon carcasses, 103 tested positive for lead poisoning.

“This only shows a portion of infected birds,” Olsen said. “They hide as the poison makes them weaker, making it difficult for researchers to find them.”

“Loons and other water birds swallow small stones and grit to help with digestion,” Olsen said. “In doing so, they can ingest lead from fishing gear.”

The study also found that a single dose of .3 grams of lead could result in death for a loon. Lead sinkers are generally between .5 and 1.5 grams, so ingestion of even one could be fatal.

“Loons and other water birds swallow small stones and grit to help with digestion,” Olsen said. “In doing so, they can ingest lead from fishing gear.”

To combat lead poisoning in loons, many organizations are pushing for people to switch to non-lead sinkers. Switching to non-lead sinkers would cost the average angler about $2 to $5 a year; or you can even exchange your lead sinkers for a free steel sample from Bullet Weights at the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s resource room.

The resource room is located at the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. The use of lead sinkers has been banned in Great Britain since 1987, in Canada it’s illegal to use them in national parks and wildlife areas, and some states, such as New Hampshire, have followed their example. Vermont is also considering a bill that would ban or limit the use of lead sinkers after seeing the results of these studies.

Where did you last see a loon? Let us know!

On Golden Pond

Click to hear different loon sounds: