2020-May-28
The Sound of Summer - The Common Loon
Georgian Bay is the perfect habitat for the Common Loon with clear water for spotting fish and plenty of irregular shorelines ideal for nesting. This fantastic video of the loons on Blackstone Lake is the perfect soundtrack for a summer weekend. Check out the video here:
Summer is a critical period for loons to incubate eggs and raise their vulnerable young. Birds Canada has created a simple list of things you can do to directly benefit loons in Georgian Bay:
- Give loons space. Rearing up, vocalizing, flattening the body, or coming off the nest are signs that a loon has been disturbed. If you notice any of these signs, move back.
- Reduce your wake. Slow down near wetlands and shorelines to prevent wakes from washing out nests or separating young loons from their parents.
- Keep your shoreline wild. Natural shorelines provide shelter for loons and their chicks as well as the fish that are the loon’s main food source.
- Dispose of garbage. Make sure plastics, fishing line, and tackle are disposed of to prevent loons and other wildlife from becoming injured or entangled. Avoid attracting scavengers that prey on eggs and chicks by properly disposing of food scraps.
- Reduce your impact. Use less electricity and fossil fuels to reduce pollution and curb the impacts of climate change.
- Help others help loons. Sharing information with neighbours about loons and conservation are excellent ways to multiply your positive impact. Birds Canada has a downloadable poster outlining the ways you can help loons here.
More information on Common Loons can be found here.
Sponsored by: