Recently, a new threat has become apparent - jet skis. In 1986, one lake reported jet ski use as a problem for the loons. In 1996, jet-ski related incidents had risen to 32. Loon Watch is an organization that has been observing Michigan's loons for more than 10 years. These volunteers, part of the Michigan Loon Preservation Association are the front line for keeping track of the loons nesting success and chick survival rates.
Loons are heavy birds with their feet positioned far back on their body.
This makes it very difficult for them to move about on land, so they must build nests at the waters' edge. They prefer quiet sheltered areas to protect the nest. Jet-skis are much easier to maneuver than larger boats and are able to get into small bays and coves where loons nest. Sometime it is the noise that will scare the adults off the nest before the chicks hatch, leaving the eggs vulnerable to natural predators like eagles and raccoons. Jet-skis have been seen stirring up enough wave action that the eggs are washed right out of the nest.