LOONS

Growers across central and northern Wisconsin are proud to provide habitat for the common loon.  In fact, a number of growers have joined with biologists from the U.S. Geological Survey in La Crosse and the Wisconsin DNR for a national survey of loon nesting habits.  The survey focuses on nesting habitat requirements and productivity of breeding loons in Wisconsin.

The common nesting loon is best known for its warbling call that echoes across northern and central Wisconsin each year.  However, nesting habits of the black and white waterfowl are more elusive, which is why the survey project has come to the marshlands of Wisconsin.  The DNR has color-banded more than 2,400 loons in Wisconsin since 1991, determining that more than 90 percent return to their habitats.  Biologists use canoes and/or motor boats to study the common loons in up to 90 lakes and reservoirs spread throughout 13 central Wisconsin counties.

To see the night banding in action, check out the Northland Adventures video segment as well as a short video of local cranberry growers and researchers from the U.S. Geological Society studying loons at Ketchum Island Cranberry Company below.

Photos (Left to Right): Local cranberry growers and researchers from the U.S. Geological Society study loons at Ketchum Island Cranberry Company; Taylor Potter with Ketchum Island Cranberry Company holds a loon chick; Researchers measure a male loon's head.

In The News

Wisconsin's cranberry growers assist in loon research (Corporate Report Wisconsin, June 09)

Looking for loons: Nest survey in central Wisconsin (WEAU-TV, 5/14/09)