Loons In The Wild on Lake Ouachita

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Loons unusual cries, which vary from wails to tremolos to yodels can be heard echoing across the calm foggy waters of Lake Ouachita during winter and early spring Common Loons are winter residents and migrate back to the Northern U.S. and Canada to nest. No other sound in nature can match the yodel of the Loon.

The call of the loons in the wild are distinct and can be heard at great distances. Loon cries are most prevalent during breeding season as pairs aggressively defend their territories.

Named for their clumsy, awkward appearance when walking on land, common loons are migratory birds which breed in forested lakes and large ponds in northern North America and parts of Greenland and Iceland.

Loons have striking red eyes, black heads and necks, and white striping, checkering, and spotting on their backs. They grow up to three feet  in length and weigh up to 12 pounds, feeding largely on fish and invertebrates.

Loons are unique birds, and can dive more than 200 feet below the surface to find food. Since they are built for swimming, they actually cannot walk well on land. Their legs are too far back on their body. Loons can also live up to 30 years. Since loons use their eyesight to capture their food, they need clear water and healthy fish populations. This is why Loons are used as an indicator for lake water quality.

They nest lakeside and incubate their eggs for 27 to 30 days. Hatchlings leave the nest on their first day and are able to fly in about 11 weeks.

Hear the call of the Loons

Native American Loon Mythology

Loon populations are currently stable, but a number of threats loom, including human encroachment and pollution.

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