A Troubling Future for Loons

Up to three Quarters of the loons that nest in Minnesota migrate to the Gulf of Mexico over the winter, according to DNR Non Game Specialist Pam Perry.  She says they don't know what percentage will be flying to the oil polluted areas.  But, a few will be equipped with radio transmitters to track their destination. 

Perry tells KLKS News, if they get into oily water, the results will be bad.  She says if loons get oil on their feathers they will drown.

Perry also says, if they preen the oil off their feathers, they could be poisoned.

Perry says the results of the loon hatch in the Brainerd Lakes Area has been mixed this year.  Some started too early, which required a second clutch.  She says if the lakes ice up early this year, the chicks may not be strong enough to fly away.