Loons appear like clockwork in late March and early April, as today's 56 sightings show. As you make your migration map today, consider why the loons are appearing where they are, WHEN they are. Loon migration is extremely variable, but we know some things for certain.
Loons are in their new plumage when they leave their wintering grounds.
They leave as inland lakes open up, first gravitating to the large, open Great Lakes. When ice on their nesting lake holds them back, loons often end up staying on a lake in collections. But when ice isn't a factor, loons are often seen as single birds. Last year we had 8 loons for a week. Almost 20 have been spotted.