4 minute read
Answering the Call of the Loon
ANSWERING THE CALL OF THE
One of the most iconic and beloved summer sounds is the ethereal call of the loon echoing across our northern lakes. Its haunting yet peaceful wail, piercing red eyes, and contrasting colors make the common loon unlike any other bird. Minnesota is proud to be home to an abundant loon population. The National Loon Center (NLC), located in the heart of our lake country, will be a leader in significant loon and freshwater research and education. We are answering their call to preserve our love of lake life and this symbol of northern wildness.
1. What is the NLC?
Loons need clean, fresh water to thrive. We all do. The National Loon Center is dedicated to protecting the common loon through education, citizen science, conservation, habitat restoration, and freshwater preservation.
2. What progress has been made on the NLC’s facility?
The NLC is making progress on its world-class facility that will open in 2024. Site enhancements are currently taking place at the Cross Lake Recreation Area—a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use area in Crosslake, MN. At this site, a shoreline restoration project was completed to improve water quality and wildlife habitats along Cross Lake. Floating docks are also in place to protect the shoreline and provide safe lake access to the public.
3. What can I look forward to in the summer of 2022?
The NLC plans to run daily floating classroom education programs. These programs are open to the public and private groups.
4. How can I show my support?
We invite folks to wear NLC logo with pride and spread the word about loon conservation! Significant funds are still needed to complete the building of our world-class facility by 2024. You can answer the call of the loon and support the NLC’s mission by making a tax-deductible donation today.
Please visit www.nationallooncenter.org for more information.
National Loon Center Rendering by Widseth
What do the Loon Calls Mean?
Loons are one of the most vocal of all water birds. While they can be heard during the day, they’re most known for their haunting calls at night. Each of the four loon calls has a different meaning.
Yodel (long, rising call with repetitive notes)
Male loons yodel when declaring or defending its territory.
Tremolo (crazy laugh)
This aggressive, distressed call is given when a loon is alarmed or disturbed. Loons also use this sound to defend their territory.
Wail (similar to a wolf’s howl)
This is the most haunting and eerie sound of all the loon calls. Mated pairs often use this call to communicate long distance.
Hoot (short low note)
This soft, short call is used between adults and their chicks in close proximity.
Did you know?
Minnesota has the highest loon population outside of Alaska with approximately 12,000 birds.
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