5 May 2010 Gem Lake News - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Although there are more common loons in Minnesota than anywhere else in the United States, except Alaska, they are becoming more rare on lakes within the metropolitan area. This is why the return of loon pairs to Gem Lake each year is greeted with special joy. This year their plaintive cries can be heard from some distance from the lake, leading some to wonder if we may actually have two pairs of loons in 2010. Because the common loon is the Minnesota State bird, they are heavily studied here and much is known about their mating and migration habits. For instance, the adult loon weighs between eight and ten pounds. Unlike most birds, their bones are solid rather than hollow, allowing them to dive up to 250 feet as they search for food. Because their bodies are heavier than most birds, they need a longer runway to take off into flight. Typically they need 100 to 600 feet. Other fun facts: the loon's red eye helps it see underwater. Also, common loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour. The Common Loon became the state bird officially in 1961. Other candidates for the top spot were the goldfinch, the morning dove, the scarlet tanager and the pileated woodpecker. Contrary to popular belief, they don't necessarily mate for life. It is thought that the average loon mates several time throughout their life span. Experts think loons can live up to 30 years. Loons start breeding when they are three or four years old. The selecting and defending of the nest is done by the male. Loon pairs like a lot of space when establishing their nesting area and get very noisy about defending their territory from other loons in the vicinity. The Plaintive Cry of the Common Loon Returns to Gem Lake Once the male has selected its territory, both the male and female build the actual nest, usually of reeds and grasses, and usually on the edge of the water. The male and female loons take turns sitting on the one or two eggs the female lays each season. Incubation takes 28 to 30 days. Once the chick emerges, it can swim almost immediately, but it doesn't fly for several months. Chicks are often carried on the back of their parents at first, to protect them from predators such as turtles and fish. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the common loon has four "calls." The "tremolo" is considered an aggressive call and sounds like "maniacal laughter." The "wail" is a long-drawn out sound that is often heard on lakes at night. The "hoot" is a shorter version of the wail and is used to communicate among parents and young. The "yodel" is sounded by male loons who are in the process of guarding their territory. Loons are found on lakes throughout northeastern and central Minnesota. In September, adults travel to their winter home along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida, or even on the Gulf of Mexico. Young loons follow about a month later. (How do they know where to go?) There are an estimated 12,000 loons in Minnesota. In 1998, one study tracked 1,688 loons, a record high, on Lake Mille Lacs alone! Information source: Minnesota DNR