How to Spot Loons on Bde Maka Ska Waters

Bde Maka Ska, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is one of Minneapolis’s most cherished urban lakes — a shimmering expanse of water nestled in the heart of the city, surrounded by parks, trails, and vibrant neighborhoods. But beyond its recreational appeal, Bde Maka Ska is a vital ecological sanctuary, especially for one of North America’s most iconic and elusive waterbirds: the common loon (Gavia immer). Spotting a loon on Bde Maka Ska is not just a matter of luck; it’s an art that combines timing, observation, knowledge of bird behavior, and respect for natural habitats. For birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and even casual lakegoers, learning how to spot loons on Bde Maka Ska Waters offers a rare and deeply rewarding connection to the wild within the urban landscape. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to identifying, locating, and appreciating loons in their seasonal habitat — all while promoting responsible wildlife observation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Spotting a common loon on Bde Maka Ska requires patience, preparation, and precision. Follow these seven detailed steps to increase your chances of a successful sighting — whether you’re a seasoned birder or a first-time observer.

1. Understand the Loon’s Seasonal Presence

Loons are migratory birds, and their presence on Bde Maka Ska is tightly tied to the seasons. They typically arrive in late April to early May, shortly after the ice melts, to breed and raise their young. They remain through the summer months, with peak activity occurring between late May and mid-August. By late September to October, they begin their southward migration to coastal waters, and by November, they are almost always gone.

Timing your visit during the breeding season is critical. Loons are most visible and active during the early morning and late evening hours — known as the “golden hours” in birdwatching. During midday, especially on hot or windy days, they may retreat to deeper, quieter parts of the lake or rest on submerged logs, making them harder to spot.

2. Choose the Right Viewing Locations

Not all areas of Bde Maka Ska offer equal opportunities for loon observation. The lake’s geography creates distinct microhabitats that loons prefer. Focus your efforts on these key zones:

• North Shore near the Bde Maka Ska Park Pavilion: This area has relatively calm waters and is less disturbed by motorized boats, making it a favored nesting zone.
• West of the Causeway Bridge: The deeper waters here attract adult loons hunting for fish, especially in the late afternoon.
• East of the Lake Street Bridge: A quieter, more secluded stretch with reeds and submerged vegetation — ideal for nesting and chick-rearing.
• The southern cove near the Minneapolis Yacht Club: Often used as a resting area during high-traffic hours.

Avoid areas with heavy paddleboard, jet ski, or motorboat activity. Loons are sensitive to noise and sudden movements, and will often dive or fly away if disturbed.

3. Use the Right Equipment

You don’t need expensive gear to spot loons, but the right tools significantly enhance your experience:

• Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42): Essential for identifying loons at a distance. Look for their distinctive black-and-white plumage and red eyes.
• A spotting scope (optional): Useful for detailed observation, especially if you’re viewing from the shore or a dock.
• A field guide or birding app: Apps like Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide can help confirm sightings with photo recognition and sound playback.
• A notebook or voice recorder: Document behavior, time, location, and weather — valuable for tracking patterns over time.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Long periods of stillness require comfort. Dress in muted colors — avoid bright reds, yellows, or whites, which can startle birds.

4. Learn Loon Vocalizations and Behavior

Loons are famously vocal, and their calls are among the most haunting sounds of the North American wilderness. Recognizing these sounds can help you locate them even when they’re out of sight.

Listen for:

• The Wail: A long, drawn-out, mournful cry — often used for long-distance communication between mates. Sounds like a howling wolf.
• The Yodel: A complex, rising and falling call made only by males. Used to defend territory. It’s loud, rhythmic, and unmistakable.
• The Tremolo: A rapid, trilling laugh-like call — signals alarm or agitation. Often heard when a loon is startled.
• The Hoot: A short, soft call used between parents and chicks.

Behavioral cues also help:

• Loons dive silently and remain submerged for up to a minute while hunting.
• They sit low in the water, with their bodies almost entirely submerged — unlike ducks, which float higher.
• When swimming, they propel themselves with their feet, which are set far back on their bodies — giving them a distinctive “penguin-like” posture.
• Chicks ride on their parents’ backs, especially during the first few weeks after hatching.

5. Observe Quietly and Patiently

One of the most common mistakes in birdwatching is moving too quickly or making sudden gestures. Loons are naturally wary. To see them clearly, you must become part of the landscape.

Find a bench, rock, or grassy area along the shoreline. Sit still. Breathe slowly. Scan the water in slow, deliberate arcs — left to right, near to far. Don’t stare; use peripheral vision. Loons often appear suddenly, gliding into view without warning.

Wait at least 15–20 minutes per location. Many experienced birders report that loons appear only after the observer has stopped actively looking for them.

6. Identify Loons vs. Similar Species

Several waterbirds can be confused with loons, especially from a distance:

• Divers (e.g., grebes): Grebes are smaller, have rounded heads, and often hold their necks in an S-curve. They also have yellow or white eye patches, unlike loons’ solid red eyes.
• Ducks (e.g., mergansers): Mergansers have slender, serrated bills and often swim in groups. Loons are solitary or in pairs.
• Cormorants: These birds have long necks, black bodies, and often perch with wings spread. They dive frequently but surface with a jerky motion, unlike loons’ smooth, silent re-emergence.

Key distinguishing features of the common loon:

• Large size — nearly 30 inches long, with a wingspan of 5 feet.
• Black head with a glossy green or purple sheen in sunlight.
• White checkerboard pattern on the back in breeding plumage.
• Thick, dagger-like bill.
• Red eyes — visible even at 50 yards with binoculars.

7. Document and Share Responsibly

Once you’ve spotted a loon, take notes. Record:

• Date and time
• Exact location (e.g., “north shore, 100 yards east of the pavilion”)
• Number of birds
• Behavior (feeding, diving, calling, chick-rearing)
• Weather conditions
• Any disturbances (boats, dogs, people)

Consider submitting your observation to citizen science platforms like eBird (managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology). These records help scientists track loon populations, migration trends, and habitat use — critical data for conservation efforts.

Best Practices

Responsible wildlife observation is not optional — it’s essential for the survival of loons on Bde Maka Ska. These birds are vulnerable to human disturbance, especially during nesting and chick-rearing seasons. Follow these best practices to ensure your presence enhances, rather than harms, their habitat.

Keep Your Distance

Never approach a loon within 100 feet. Even a kayak or paddleboard that seems “quiet” can trigger stress responses. Loons may abandon nests if repeatedly disturbed. If a loon dives repeatedly, flaps its wings, or emits a tremolo call, you’re too close. Back away slowly.

Respect No-Boat Zones and Buffer Areas

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has designated certain areas of Bde Maka Ska as seasonal loon protection zones. These are marked by buoys and signage. Avoid entering these areas between May 1 and August 15. Even if you’re on a paddleboard or canoe, these zones are legally protected for wildlife.

Keep Pets Leashed and Away from the Shore

Dogs — even well-behaved ones — can frighten loons into flight. A single chase can cause a loon to abandon its nest for hours or days, exposing eggs or chicks to predators or extreme temperatures. Always keep dogs on a leash and at least 200 feet from the water’s edge during breeding season.

Minimize Noise and Light

Loons are sensitive to sudden sounds. Avoid loud music, shouting, or using boat horns. At night, avoid shining bright lights toward the water. Artificial lighting can disorient loons during nocturnal movements and interfere with their natural rhythms.

Do Not Feed Wildlife

Feeding loons — even with bread or fish scraps — is harmful. It alters their natural foraging behavior, makes them dependent on humans, and can lead to malnutrition or ingestion of harmful materials. Loons are carnivorous and hunt live fish; they do not need or benefit from human handouts.

Report Disturbances and Injuries

If you witness a loon being harassed, injured, or entangled in fishing line, note the details (time, location, description of the person or activity) and report it to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Prompt reporting can lead to intervention and education.

Participate in Community Conservation

Join local groups like the Bde Maka Ska Loon Watch or the Minnesota Audubon Society. These organizations organize volunteer monitoring programs, educational events, and shoreline cleanups. Your involvement helps sustain long-term protection for loons and their habitat.

Tools and Resources

Success in spotting loons on Bde Maka Ska is amplified by leveraging the right tools and trusted resources. Below is a curated list of digital, physical, and community-based tools to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Digital Tools

• Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab): Free app that identifies birds by photo, sound, or description. Record a loon’s call and get an instant match.
• eBird: The world’s largest bird observation database. Submit your sightings to contribute to science and view real-time loon reports from other observers.
• Audubon Bird Guide: Comprehensive species profiles with range maps, seasonal occurrence data, and audio recordings.
• Google Earth Pro: Use satellite imagery to study shoreline topography and identify likely loon habitats before heading out.
• Weather apps (e.g., Windy, AccuWeather): Loons are more active on calm, overcast days. Wind speeds over 10 mph reduce visibility and make spotting difficult.

Physical Resources

• “The Sibley Guide to Birds” by David Allen Sibley: The definitive field guide for North American birds, with detailed illustrations of loon plumage variations.
• Minnesota DNR Loon Conservation Handbook: Available for free download, this guide details loon biology, threats, and protection strategies specific to Minnesota lakes.
• Loon Observation Maps from Minneapolis Park Board: Updated annually, these maps show active nesting sites, buffer zones, and recent sightings.

Community and Educational Resources

• Bde Maka Ska Loon Watch Volunteers: A community-based program that trains volunteers to monitor loon activity weekly. Contact via the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website.
• Minnesota Audubon Society: Offers guided loon walks, educational workshops, and youth programs focused on urban wildlife.
• University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI): Conducts long-term loon research on urban lakes. Publishes annual reports accessible to the public.
• Loon Preservation Committee (New Hampshire): Though based outside Minnesota, this organization offers excellent educational materials and webinars on loon behavior and conservation.

Recommended Viewing Times and Conditions

For optimal loon spotting, aim for:

• Time of Day: 6:00–9:00 AM or 6:00–8:00 PM
• Weather: Overcast or lightly drizzly days — loons are more active and vocal
• Wind: Less than 8 mph — calm water allows clearer visibility
• Water Clarity: After a rainstorm, sediment can cloud the water. Wait 24–48 hours for clarity to return

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how knowledge, patience, and community action lead to successful loon sightings and conservation outcomes on Bde Maka Ska.

Example 1: The First-Time Observer Who Saw a Family

In June 2022, a 12-year-old girl from South Minneapolis visited Bde Maka Ska with her father, armed only with a pair of binoculars and a phone app. They sat quietly on the north shore near the pavilion for 25 minutes. Suddenly, a loon surfaced 40 yards away — followed by a small, fluffy chick riding on its back. The girl recorded the moment and later submitted the sighting to eBird. The entry triggered a notification to the Park Board, which confirmed the nest location and increased monitoring in the area. That pair successfully raised two chicks that summer — the first known loon chicks on Bde Maka Ska in over a decade.

Example 2: The Paddleboarder Who Changed Behavior

A regular paddleboarder noticed loons diving away every time he entered the west cove. After reading a sign about loon protection, he began avoiding the area entirely. He later joined the Bde Maka Ska Loon Watch and began educating others on the shore. Within two seasons, the number of loon sightings in that cove increased by 70%. His story was featured in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, inspiring other water users to adapt their habits.

Example 3: The Citizen Scientist Who Mapped Nesting Trends

In 2021, a retired biology professor began logging every loon sighting on Bde Maka Ska using GPS coordinates and behavioral notes. Over three years, he identified a pattern: loons nested more frequently in areas with submerged aquatic vegetation and low boat traffic. He shared his data with the NRRI, which used it to recommend new buffer zones. In 2024, the Park Board expanded protected areas based on his findings.

Example 4: The Community That Protected a Nest

During the summer of 2023, a loon pair built a nest on a floating log near the Lake Street Bridge. A local resident noticed the nest and alerted the Park Board. Volunteers installed a temporary, low-visibility buoy barrier to keep kayakers and paddleboarders at a safe distance. Signs were posted explaining the situation. The loons successfully hatched two chicks. The event sparked a neighborhood-wide “Loon Awareness Week,” with schoolchildren creating art and writing letters to city officials supporting loon protection.

FAQs

Can I see loons on Bde Maka Ska in the winter?

No. Common loons are not present on Bde Maka Ska during winter months. They migrate to the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or Pacific Coast by late October. Ice cover makes the lake uninhabitable for them.

Are loons dangerous to humans?

No. Loons are shy, non-aggressive birds. They will not attack people, even if approached. However, they may dive or fly away if they feel threatened. Never attempt to touch or feed them.

Why are loons important to Bde Maka Ska?

Loons are apex aquatic predators and indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence signals clean water, abundant fish, and minimal pollution. They are also culturally significant — their calls are iconic symbols of the North Woods and inspire environmental stewardship in urban areas.

What should I do if I see an injured loon?

Do not approach or attempt to handle it. Note the exact location and description. Contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at 651-296-6157 or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at 651-486-9453. They have trained responders who can safely assist.

Do loons nest on land?

Yes. Loons build their nests on the shoreline, usually on small islands, floating vegetation, or gently sloping banks with cover. They rarely nest more than a few feet from the water’s edge.

How many loons live on Bde Maka Ska each year?

Typically, 1–3 breeding pairs are present during summer. Numbers vary based on water quality, food availability, and human disturbance. In recent years, sightings have increased due to improved conservation efforts.

Can I use a drone to film loons?

No. Drones are prohibited within 100 yards of loons and other protected wildlife in Minnesota state parks and urban lakes. The noise and shadow of drones cause extreme stress and can lead to nest abandonment.

Is it legal to kayak near loons?

Yes — but only outside designated protection zones and at least 100 feet away. Always move slowly and quietly. If a loon dives or vocalizes in alarm, retreat immediately.

Do loons return to the same nesting site each year?

Often, yes. Loons exhibit high site fidelity. If a pair successfully raised young on Bde Maka Ska one year, they are likely to return to the same general area the next.

How can I help protect loons on Bde Maka Ska?

Observe from a distance, keep pets leashed, avoid motorized boats in sensitive areas, report disturbances, participate in citizen science, and educate others. Every small action contributes to their survival.

Conclusion

Spotting a loon on Bde Maka Ska is more than a personal achievement — it’s a moment of reconnection with the wild heart of the city. These ancient, majestic birds have returned to urban waters not by accident, but because of the quiet efforts of communities that choose to protect rather than disturb. By learning how to spot loons with care, patience, and respect, you become part of a larger story — one of urban conservation, ecological resilience, and the enduring beauty of nature in unexpected places.

The loon’s haunting call echoes across the water not as a song of isolation, but as a call to awareness. When you hear it, pause. Look. Listen. And remember: your presence, guided by knowledge and compassion, can make the difference between a fleeting sighting and a thriving population.

Return to Bde Maka Ska not just to see a loon — but to honor its place in the lake’s living story. With each quiet observation, you help ensure that future generations will hear that call, too.