Together they were swimming, dozing, diving, catching fish, eating, and taking care of their feathers. When fall arrived, this routine changed. Doug Dunlap, who lives on a northern lake, shared loon family observations with us in this report. We also talked to Ted Gostomski of Loon Watch at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute in Ashland, Wisconsin. We'll share Ted's knowledge with you, too.
Loons are excellent fliers.
They fly at 60-70 mph, and sometimes as fast as 100 mph. Loons cannot walk very well on land, but must shuffle on and off their nests. They look awkward, and come to land only for mating and nesting. Many of today's scientists refute this, reporting observations of loons using only their feet while swimming. The lake is also home to a pair of loons that Doug watches with great interest and respect each season.