The Shrinking Loons of Wisconsin
MINOCQUA, Wis. — The beloved loons, symbols of northern lakes, are shrinking in both size and number. The nesting season on Blue Lake has become a cherished event for local residents.
According to Professor Walter Piper, the decline has been noticeable over the past few decades. These majestic birds are now facing an uncertain future due to worsening environmental conditions.
Piper has dedicated 32 years to studying loons, tagging and tracking them with the help of volunteers. His commitment underscores the significance of understanding these changes.
Loons need clear water to hunt, but increased rainfall and runoff have muddied their habitats. This directly impacts their ability to forage and feed their chicks, leading to diminished growth rates and survival chances.
Climate Change’s Toll on Water Quality
Pollutants from runoff are turning once-clear lakes murky, making it difficult for loons to hunt. This environmental shift has severe repercussions for loon populations in Wisconsin.
Black flies, thriving in this altered climate, add to the loons’ challenges by driving them off their nests. As a result, the survival rate of loon chicks is plummeting.
In one such lake, residents have observed that two-chick broods are increasingly rare. Piper’s research reveals this troubling trend is worsening with time.
To grasp the situation better, Piper and his team have documented these changes using satellite images, confirming the steady decline in water quality:
- More frequent and intense downpours
- Increased sediment and fertilizer runoff
- Proliferation of black flies
Expanding Research into Minnesota
Recognizing the potential wider impact, Piper extended his research to Minnesota in 2021. Early findings indicate that the situation there might be even more dire.
Preliminary data shows that only 82% of Minnesota’s loons return after winter, compared to 88% in Wisconsin. This unexpected finding adds urgency to the conservation efforts.
According to Piper, the return rate is a strong indicator of survival, adding to the growing concerns about the loons’ future in these regions.
The National Audubon Society warns that, due to climate change, loons might vanish from these areas by the end of the century.
Actions to Help Preserve Loons
Despite the grim outlook, there are steps that individuals can take to support loon populations. Piper encourages people to stop using lawn fertilizers, which contribute to water pollution.
Maintaining native shorelines can provide a healthier habitat for loons, promoting clearer lakes and better foraging conditions.
Building nest rafts is another effective way to offer loons safe nesting sites, improving their chances of raising chicks successfully.
Community involvement is crucial. Becoming a citizen scientist can provide valuable data and support conservation efforts to ensure these enchanting birds continue to grace our lakes.
Robert
Loons are such an important part of our ecosystem. Let’s do whatever we can to save them!
valeriagalaxy
Does anyone know if there’s a volunteer group in Minnesota to help with this?
MichaelEnigma
Interesting article, but where did you get your data from? Just curious about the sources.
brooklyn_shadowdancer6
Why isn’t there more funding for research and conservation? This should be a priority!
Lauren
I can’t imagine summer nights without the call of the loons. 😢
Alexis
Great read! What specific actions can we take locally to help preserve these birds?
Lillian
Thank you for shedding light on this issue. I had no idea loons were in so much trouble.
lily5
Will the loons actually be gone by the century’s end? That’s terrifying!