Sun Scientific Glass

The common loon gets its name from a Norwegian word that means "wild, sad cry." Approximately 12,000 loons make their homes in Minnesota. Loons are large black-and-white birds with long black bills. Clumsy on land, they are excellent divers, underwater swimmers, and high-speed flyers. This is just one of the many cool birds Kids that go to Summer Camp in Minnesota see. Below are just a few of the things children will learn about loons at a Minnesota Summer Camps.

Living on the Water: Loons are made for living on the water. The torpedo-like body is streamlined for swimming under water. The legs of a loon are set far back toward the rear of the body, and use the large webbed feet to work like oars. The body coloring, dark on top and light underneath, make the loons less visible to the fish they hunt. Some scientists think that the loon's red eye color helps it see better when it swims under the water.

Water Time: Loons love the water but always go on land only for nesting. Loons float low in the water so as not to be seen by predators. When searching for food they peek underwater first, moving the head from side to side until they find their prey and dive after it. Loons keep their wings tight against the body and push with webbed feet to make sharp turns while chasing after a fish dinner. They can remain under water for a full minute and dive as deep as 260 feet below the surface.

The Loon and Native Americans: There are many Native American stories about loons. The Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indians called the loon 'Mang" or "the most handsome of birds", and thought of the loon's haunting cry as an omen of death. In some native legends the loon is a bird with magical powers, in others a messenger or a symbol of power. You can read about some of these Native American legends and stories in "The Loon Book" by Tom Hollatz. There should be a copy in your local library.

Loon Watch: In 1978, the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute in Ashland, Wisconsin started a loon conservation program. In 1988 that program was combined with one in Minnesota and given the name Loon Watch. This program trains volunteers to help protect loons and their habitats, track loon populations, and educate the public about loons. The program also sponsors loon-related research and education.

Each July hundreds of Loon Watch volunteers will get up before the sun to go count loons on more than 250 lakes. The results of this survey will help biologists track the number of loons in Wisconsin. This information has been gathered with thanks to the Wisconsin Department or Natural Resources.

If you are considering a Summer Camp in Min be sure to visit Swift Nature Camp.