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Loons Give 'em Space

  Septic Info
   
   
 
 
@ Water's Edge - Loons
 
Minnesota's state bird, the common loon, is more at home in the water than on land. Built like a torpedo, it swims under water in search of prey. Minnesota has more common loons (roughly 12,000) than any other state except Alaska.
 
Loons are good indicators of water quality because they need clean, clear water to observe and catch food. They are also sensitive to disturbance and lakeshore development, and are indicators of the effects of contaminants like lead and mercury in the water.
 
 
Volunteer
The Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program (MLMP) is a great way to get involved with wildlife, particular loons, on Lake Miltona. The DRN monitors loon populations with the help of volunteers to improve understanding of what our state bird needs to maintain a strong, healthy presence in Lake Miltona. Become a volunteer (pdf) today and help monitor the state bird.
 
Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the DNR has over 20 years of data. This long-term data set gives the DNR the ability to detect significant changes in the adult population and reproductive success of the state's common loons, and to anticipate any problems that could jeopardize the future of our state bird.

During a 10-day period in the summer, volunteers count the number of adult and juvenile loons seen, and report these observations for data management and analysis.
 
Help Protect Our State Bird
Nesting Loon Area
Loon Nesting Areas
The sign pictured to the left is posted at all of the public access boat launch locations.
  • Do not approach loon nests
  • Do not approach loon families
  • Loons are a protected species
Pontoon Rentals
 
 
 
Loon Nest 
Loons don't begin breeding until they are three or four years old. The male chooses a territory and attracts a mate. Together they build a nest out of reeds and grasses on the edge of the water. They take turns incubating the one or two eggs. After 28-30 days blackish brown chicks emerge from the eggs, soon ready to swim.
 
Dead Loons
The DNR is asking all lake residents to report the findings of any dead loons to your local DNR office. They will confiscate the birds for examination of lead and mercury levels.
 
DNR Contact Info
Local DNR Office
Glenwood Area Fisheries Office
10 First Avenue SW, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-7320
 
 
Fun Facts
  • The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones.
  • The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes.
  • Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a 100-600 foot "runway" in order to take off from a lake.
  • Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour.
  • The red in the loon's eye helps it to see under water.
  • Scientists think loons can live for 30 years or more.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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