There are five species of Loon in the world, all of which nest in North America (not exclusively). One of them, the Arctic Loon, has a fairly restricted range here, pretty much restricted to a small part of Alaska. As for the others, Common Loon, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, and Yellow-billed Loon, only one would be familiar to most people, at least in their breeding plumage.
The Common Loon is the iconic loon that most people know, or know of. It graces our money (the loonie) and its haunting voice is emblematic of wilderness. But where I live, the Common Loon isn't so common. It would be an unbelievable event to see one this far away from the Boreal forest.
The other day I was helping Travis mark off some birds on his life list in his Peterson's Field Guide to the Birds, when I came to the sudden realization that Travis, this year, has seen four of the five species of loon in their breeding finery. A feat that I imagine very few eight year olds can lay claim to (actually for that matter so has Hilary).
When we were south in Manitoba this spring we saw a Common Loon on Goose Lake right in Roblin, a place I had never before seen one.
We are, of course, filthy with Red-throated Loons up here. This spring I saw as many as 10 together in one small pond. And many small ponds have a pair nesting there. They are the loon of the High Arctic.
I've already written about the pair of Pacific Loons that nested here this year, probably the most northernly breeding record for the species. Such a beautiful bird, and we spent a great deal of time watching them this year.
And the last species that everyone in the family got to add to their year, was this surprise, a Yellow-billed Loon. The largest of the loon species, its normal breeding range extends up to about 150 to 200 kilometres south of here. It appeared on a lake here one day and we never saw it again.
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I envy Hilary and Travis (to say nothing of you, Clare). Four species of loons in one year and I hear I am having only ever seen three!
Nice shots, especially of the Red-throated Loon.
And here’s hoping that a wayward Arctic Loon stops by for a visit next summer!
Wonderful shots, Clare.
just found you through Nature Centre Mag and looking forward to reading older posts. Beautiful loon shots. Do all the Loons have the same call?
Great photos! We have lots of loonatics but I only see the common loon around here. You’re pretty lucky!
Come visit Corey. While I can’t make any promises for the others, I can pretty much guarantee Red-throated Loons for you.
Thanks Liza
Hello Country Mouse. No the loons have different calls, and none are quite as haunting as Common Loon, but they all are fascinating in their own right.
Thanks Dave, I am lucky, and a loonatic at that.
Those happen to be the same 4 that I’ve seen – though not in the same year, and I’ve only seen Common and Red-throated in breeding plumage. I’d love to see them someday as you do, though.
I’m lucky enough to see a couple of species in breeding plumages that many people don’t get to see. I took one last look this weekend for the Pacific Loon, but the ponds are all frozen over now, and they’ve probably made the transition to the ocean now.