As the Loons Go, So Goes the Ice

(Alexandria, MN) For a couple of weeks Minnesota’s state bird has been making an appearance on lakes within the city limits of Alexandria.  The smaller, shallower lakes like Lake Winona have been without ice for a while now, while the Chain of Lakes are slowly gaining more open water.  It’s an annual rite of passage as the loons wait for those larger bodies of water to open up.  It’s not uncommon to see these common loons in groups of ten or more at times.  Soon they will break off in pairs as the larger bodies of water open up.

Loon in late April on Alexandria’s Lake Winona (photo: Joe Korkowski)

Fun Facts from the Minnesota DNR:

• The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones.
• The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes.
• Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a 100- to 600-foot “runway” in order to take off from a lake.
• Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour.
• The red in the loon’s eye helps it to see under water.
• Scientists think loons can live for 30 years or more

It is estimated that Minnesota has more loons, outside of Alaska, than any other state in the USA.  The population is roughly 12,000.  The DNR monitors loon populations with the help of volunteers to improve understanding of what our state bird needs to maintain a strong, healthy presence here.  In Douglas County several members of the Douglas County Lakes Association participate in the program and help maintain nests in preparation for their Spring arrival.