Common Loon —Ross Feldner Here’s our second entry in great bird vocalists for March. This icon of northern lakes is well known for its eerie call. This weird, haunting cry which suggests someone with the wails of the insane. Hence the common phrase, crazy as a loon. These birds are skilled at swimming and diving and unlike the vast majority of birds they have solid, not hollow bones, which makes them less buoyant and helps them maneuver through water. Their legs are set far back on their bodies which also aids their swimming, but makes them very awkward on land. Loons spend little time out of the water, usually only going ashore to nest. Common Loons eat primarily fish, which they consume underwater. They are monogamous, keeping the same partner for life. Both male and female build the nest in a sheltered place along the shore, or on an island that they can swim to and from without alerting predators. | |