Responsible
Watercraft Use &
Washington's Loons

Washington has many treasures,
including its beautiful mountain lakes.

This information is available as a tri-fold brochure
by contacting the

Loon Lake Loon Association
The Common Loon, known for it haunting calls and striking black and white breeding plumage, use a number of these lakes for their summer nesting grounds.

Watercraft operators are naturally drawn to these lakes and often come into close contact with loons. Responsible watercraft use will help ensure that both humans and loons continue to share Washington's lakes.
The Common Loon
Common Loons are large, goose-sized, black and white diving birds that spend their summer on open fresh-water lakes and winter on the coast. They feed mostly on fish. They are 2-3 feet long, weigh 8-12 pounds and have a wingspan of 4-5 feet.

Approximate Range of the Common Loon in the Pacific Northwest
The Common Loon is not as common in the Western States as the name implies. Breeding pairs are found in only four states west of the Mississippi River. Montana has the largest population with approximately 200 birds. Washington State has fewer than 15 nesting pairs, but many migratory loons.

Washington's Nesting Loons
Of the 10-15 pairs which attempt to nest, only 5-10 pairs successfully hatch and raise their 1-2 chicks each year. Nests are usually on small islands in marshy areas such as bays, coves, inlets or backwaters.

The nesting season in May and June is the loon's most CRITICAL TIME and the loons aren't like ducks and geese that have large broods. Loons only lay 2 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for 28-29 days.

Boat Traffic Can Cause Loss Of Eggs.

  • Loon parents leave if watercraft come within 150 yards of the nest (the length of 1 1/2 football fields) leaving the eggs without warmth or protection.

  • If disturbed often, loon abandon the nest. A pair may re-nest if it isn't too late in the season, but they only have two chances. If two loons are together near inlets, marshy shorelines, or backwaters in May or June a nest site may have been disturbed.
loonimage
 Nursery Room
Loon chicks rest, feed and grow in and around their territory during the months of June, July and August, Look for them in backwaters and along the shoreline.
Boat traffic Can Cause Loss of Chicks
  • Young chicks are not waterproof. They need to be able to climb up on their parent's backs to stay warm and dry. When watercraft come close parents leave their chicks to defend their territory.
  • Young chicks are very buoyant and can't dive quickly to get out of the way. They can be run over.
  • Chicks tire easily.The presence of watercraft causes them to keep swimming instead of feeding and resting. This can weaken them affecting their ability to survive.

Ways Watercraft Affect Loons
Canoes slip quietly into nesting areas and can startle loons off nests.
Fishing Boats, especially bass and pike anglers, spend lots of time in waters perfect for nest sites.
Speed Boats send waves crashing into the shoreline.
Personal Watercraft can speed in shallow water and may run over chicks.

PLEASE OBEY ALL LOON NESTING SANCTUARY SIGNS!
Most loon lakes are signed warning that a nest is near. Loons give a warning too.
Their distress call sounds like a laugh. Listen for and heed this call. It means: "Please move away."

If you see a loon "dancing" by raising its chest straight up out of the water and slapping the water with its wings, it is URGENT that you move away. You are in their territory.

What everyone can do:

Enjoy loons from a distance. Listen to their lovely, haunting calls. Enjoy the solitude of Washington. Loons need this solitude to breed and raise their young. If the loons are gone, your solitude might be slipping away too.