However, they normally ride on their parents' backs to save energy, keep warm, and avoid such predators as gulls, crows, large fishes, and snapping turtles. About two months after hatching, the young beging diving for some of their own food and practice flying. Arctic loons begin flying at an age of about 60 days, common loons 70-77 days. Come migration time, the adults usually leave first, followed by the young. The Call of the Wild More than anything else, loons are known for their haunting voices.
Some people are frightened by the bizarre sounds made by unseen night demons in northern woods.
But once they discover the sounds are made by birds, they often become loon addicts. One of the best loved state birds is the common loon, state bird of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes. It is also the official provincial bird of neighboring Ontario. GEO L INKS . Gaviiformes B ACK . .