The yodel of the Common Loon is a symbol of the wild North, and can be heard from lakes across Canada to northern United States. Loons declined in the early mid '20's due to mercury poisoning caused by fishing sinkers  The North American Loon Fund is a nonprofit conservation organization and has been sponsoring the research and management of the loons in North American.  There has been an increase in the in the late century.

Their approximately sizes range from 26 to 36 inches in size, with a wing span of 41 to 52 inches.  Loons are a water bird with a long pointed bill  with sharp pointing projections on the roof of its mouth, and long body sloping to the rear.  They sit low on the water, and are awkward on land.  They travel land during mating and incubating eggs.  Loons need considerable open water for a long take off.

Loons breed on fresh water lakes with rocky shores, with a wet mass of weeds as their nest.  They usually have a clutch of just two eggs.

They are a wonderful part of our Adirondacks, so please do not disturb.  They are sensitive and will sometimes abandon their nest in fear of humans. 

                                      Art & Jill Spierre, your hosts