While their weight is helpful in swimming and diving it makes it hard for them to take off and fly. For this reason they need to run on the water, somewhat like a airplane taking off on a runway. A. Loons need lakes larger than nine to ten acres in size because it's hard for them to take off a fly on small bodies of water. A loon must run across the surface of the water for up to a quarter of a mile before the frantic beating of its wings can lift it aloft. This is because its legs are placed so far back on its body, and because it is a large bird.
Landing is tough for loons, too.
Their feet cannot be brought forward enough to be used as landing skiis, as other web-footed birds do. According to his estimates, loons migrate 3,000-5,000 feet high and fly with air speeds usually exceeding 40 mph. Copyright 2000 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.