THE BLUE AND WHITE

There’s something magical about hearing the haunting call of a loon echoing across a quiet Canadian lake. If you’ve ever spent time in cottage country, you probably know exactly what I mean. Loons are like unofficial ambassadors of Canada’s wilderness, with their eerie songs, striking black-and-white patterns, and iconic presence on our lakes. But beyond their mysterious vibe, loons are fascinating birds with quirks that you might not know about. Let’s dive into the truth about these captivating lake birds.

A Call That’s Purely Canadian

That unmistakable call—a long, rising wail that sounds like it’s coming from the depths of the lake itself—is one of the most distinct sounds of a Canadian summer. Loons have a few different calls, each with its own meaning. There’s the wail, which loons use to locate their mates. Then there’s the tremolo, a high-pitched “laugh” they use as an alarm call when they feel threatened. And there’s the yodel, a territorial call used by male loons to warn other loons to keep their distance. The way these calls carry over water, especially in the quiet of dawn or dusk, is almost eerie, yet somehow comforting. It’s like the soundtrack of Canadian wilderness.

Awkward on Land, Elegant in Water

Loons may look graceful gliding on a lake, but on land? Not so much. Their legs are set far back on their bodies, which gives them fantastic swimming ability but makes walking a major struggle. Loons are actually so awkward on land that they only come ashore to nest, and even then, they build their nests close to the water’s edge to avoid too much waddling around. If you ever see a loon on land, it almost seems like a fish out of water, because, well, it kind of is.

Born to Dive

There’s a reason why loons are so at home in the water—they’re natural-born divers. Loons can dive down more than 60 metres (200 feet) to catch fish, holding their breath for up to a minute. They use those strong legs and webbed feet to propel themselves underwater, almost like underwater torpedoes. And unlike many other birds, loons have dense bones, which give them extra weight and allow them to dive with ease. This also means they sit lower in the water, which gives them that sleek, low-profile look as they glide along the surface.

Solo and Loyal

Unlike many birds that travel in flocks, loons are more solitary creatures. They pair up for the breeding season and are known for being incredibly loyal to their mates and territories. A mated pair will usually return to the same lake each year to breed, often using the same nesting area. If something happens to one of the pair, the surviving loon will typically find another mate. But even then, they stay true to their lake, holding on to their home turf as best they can.

The “Red-Eye” Effect

Ever notice a loon’s striking red eyes? They’re not just for looks. That red eye actually helps loons see better underwater, especially in the dim light of dawn and dusk when they’re most active. It’s a subtle, built-in advantage that makes them even better hunters. By the time they reach the end of their migration season and start heading south for winter, their eyes may even darken to a dull brown—just one of the many ways loons adapt to their environment.

Long-Distance Travellers

Most loons spend their summers on Canada’s lakes and rivers, but come fall, they’re ready for a change of scenery. They migrate thousands of kilometres to winter along the coasts of the United States, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic seaboard. What’s amazing is that young loons, after leaving their birthplace, often stay down south for a few years before making the trip north for their first breeding season. And somehow, they manage to navigate back to the same lakes where they were born, relying on instincts scientists are still trying to understand.

Guardians of the Lakes

Loons aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re also indicators of the health of our lakes. Because they’re top predators in their ecosystem, changes in their behaviour or population can signal problems in the lake environment. Pollution, rising water temperatures, and human disturbance can all impact loon populations. In recent years, conservation efforts have been launched to protect loon habitats, especially in areas where boating and recreational activities can disrupt nesting sites. So next time you see a loon on a lake, remember—it’s not just a beautiful sight, but a vital part of the ecosystem.

There’s no denying that loons hold a special place in Canada’s heart. They’re more than just a pretty face on a dollar coin; they’re part of the country’s natural soundtrack and a symbol of our wild spaces. Next time you hear that haunting call drifting over a lake, take a moment to appreciate this unique bird—awkward on land, graceful in water, and absolutely, undeniably Canadian.