July 13, 2017 at 2:39 p.m.
Life of loons
Zach Wilson shares his insights on the remarkable bird
Life of loons
By Evan Verploegh-
Why have loons become a sort of mascot for the Northwoods? Why does the town of Mercer have a 2,000-pound, 16-foot tall loon statue known as Claire d'Loon outside the chamber of commerce? For one, there are not many loons around. Latest census estimates conclude there are about 4,300 loons in the state of Wisconsin. Secondly, loons truly need our help to survive. With diminishing habitats, the plight of the loon population is in jeopardy.
As a result, over 30 people gathered at the Mercer Community Building on July 10 for a presentation from Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department loon specialist Zach Wilson.
Having the love of loons been passed down from his father, Wilson has dedicated his livelihood towards maintaining and improving the ability for loons to survive and thrive in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
The presentation was coordinated by the North Lakeland Discovery Center Bird Club, which spent the earlier part of the day on the water with Wilson, as he took members of the club on a guided loon canoe research trip on Grand Portage Lake in Mercer. There, bird club members garnered a deeper insight to the projects which are being conducted to encourage loons to call Northern Wisconsin home.
Later that evening, free and open to the public, was the presentation from Wilson, who began with some basic facts surrounding the loon family. Although there are four loon species, here in Wisconsin we are most likely to see (and hear) the common loon. Known for their hypnotic black and white feathers, and piercing red eyes, Wilson reminded us that this is only their summer look. From September to March, when the birds are in the southern United States, loons take on a much more drab, gray and brown appearance. Fortunately for residents of the Northwoods, we get to see the loon in all its glory.
Wilson serves as the coordinator of the Woods and Waters project in the Northwoods, where middle and high school students from Iron County study the ecology of the American marten and the common loon. The loon project has been in full swing since 1999, being funded by the Iron County Forestry Department, and the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department.
"The loon and this project has followed me throughout my career, starting at the Discovery Center," Wilson said, addressing an attentive audience. "The Woods and Water project attempts to expose students from Hurley and Mercer to field data collecting. The loon project echoes all the things that I do as a professional, as a conservation specialist. It deals with invasive species, water quality monitoring, wildlife analysis, shoreline restoration, and aquatic plant identification. I'm teaching seventh and eighth graders this. The real highlight of this program is that we've had hundreds, probably thousands now, of students that have now gone on to be professionals in the field."
Born and raised in Mercer himself, Wilson understands the large role the loon plays in the iconography of the town and Iron County. He shows photographs of Claire d'Loon dressed in Santa Claus hats and Packer gear to validate his statements.
"For a lot of people, the loon is the iconic Northwoods creature," he said. "It has a special meaning. One of my goals has been to learn this species, inside and out."
A bit of information which sent "wows" and audible gasps throughout the audience was Wilson's statement that a loon-like bird has been in existence since prehistoric times, making it one of the oldest bird species still living today.
"I always remember going to Milwaukee Natural History Museum and seeing the T-Rex. What do you hear in the background? A loon call," Wilson said.
Along with their ancient history, loons can also be noted for their sheer size. Commons adult loons can have a wingspan of five feet, while weighing a whopping five or six pounds. For the almost-exclusively aquatic bird to elevate itself off the lake, the bird needs to flap its wings 200 times per minute.
"Once they get going, they're like a bullet. They're not too agile, though. Once they get going, they aren't going to change direction too fast," Wilson said, acknowledging loons can fly upwards of 70 miles per hour.
Their beak is long, pointed, as it is used to carry the smallest of macro-organisms to feed their young. That beak is also used to protect the loon's territory, as it is common for other, unwelcome loons to attempt to move into a nesting area. Wilson said it is common for an adult loon to have to fight off five other loons a day to hold down their nest.
In addition to other loons, predators of the species include eagles, otters, muskrats, racoons, turtles and even large fish, who can be disruptors during a loon egg's 28 day incubation period. Needless to say, the life of a loon isn't always the most glamorous.
Another battle loons have to fight is the destruction of habitat. Loons are most often able to thrive in calm, secluded waters, away from shoreland disruptions and heavy boat traffic. With the steady development of the Northwoods of Wisconsin, common loons are having a more difficult time building and maintaining suitable habitats for their young.
With many reports of loon nests being washed out by large wakes from power boats, Wilson has been one of the spearheaders of building "loon platforms," which are floating units able to rise and fall with the waters levels. During years like 2017, where many lake levels are higher than they've been in close to three decades, these platforms are critical in the successful birthing of loon chicks. Look for a platform the next time you're out on your favorite lake.
Wilson, and other specialists involved with the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department and students involved with the Woods and Water program, has also been constructing camera mounts on many platforms. These cameras have given key insight to what exactly is predating on loons, as well if there have been any outside influences from human passerbys. Wilson said the implementation of camera units has been one of the greatest knowledge builders for the lives of loons and he hopes to continue installing more cameras in the area.
Wilson's efforts, the work of the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department, and the Woods and Water program have all combined to take matters into their own hands and continue to help the Northwoods of Wisconsin's loon population sustaining. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed, as loons continue to represent the beauty and serenity of the Northwoods.
For more information on the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department, you may visit their Facebook page, or email [email protected]. Zach Wilson can be reached at [email protected].
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