The Common Loon
One Feather at a Time — Ep. 4
The Common Loon is one of Canada’s most familiar waterbirds, known for its red eyes, checkered black-and-white plumage, and eerie calls that echo over northern lakes. Despite being widespread, I’ve only managed to photograph it twice—and both times in cloudy weather.
Common Loon on a cloudy day
Loons breed across Canada and prefer clear freshwater lakes with plenty of fish. Their legs sit far back on their bodies, which makes diving easy but walking tough. They usually nest near the water's edge or on small islands.
Their vocalizations—wails, tremolos, and yodels—are unmistakable and are often heard during early morning paddles or quiet evenings at camp. These calls help mark territory and maintain contact between pairs.
They’re strong divers, often disappearing underwater in search of fish. Adults measure up to 36 inches (91 cm) long, with wingspans reaching 5 feet (1.5 m). In winter, loons migrate to coastal waters and lose their bold breeding plumage for a more muted gray.
While easy to recognize, they’re not always easy to photograph—at least in my experience. They’re sensitive to human activity, and water reflections rarely cooperate
