Recognizing a Stranded Loon

This is Bird Note.

Loons are built for life in the water.

They're streamlined and dense to pursue fish deep below the surface.

Loons' legs are placed far back on their bodies, almost like propellers,

a unique advantage for life on the lake.

But those legs don't work well on land.

That's why if you see a loon on terra firma, something has probably gone wrong.

During migration, loons sometimes mistake wet pavement for the reflective surface of deep water

and try to land there.

And once they've touched the ground, they're stuck.

Loons can't walk more than a short distance, and they're so heavy that they need

at least 100 feet of water to launch into the air.

If you see a stranded loon on a road or parking lot,

calling a wildlife rehabilitator can help start the process of returning that bird to safety

and back on their migratory journey.

Early spring is a good time to keep an eye out for them when loons are on the move and the weather is wet.

By looking out for migrating loons, people can help ensure these submarine-like birds

reach their northern breeding grounds safely.

For bird note, I'm Ariana Rimmel.

Support comes from Wild Delight Bird Food, offering a variety of blends designed to mimic

the natural resources wild birds crave, available at chuey.com.

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