Loons plunge to ground as icy wings weigh them down

As migratory loons soar over the Midwest this spring, a hazardous weather phenomenon is forcing them to make emergency landings far from their natural habitats. Freezing moisture on the birds' wings is adding weight, making sustained flight impossible.

Loons struggle to stay airborne amidst icy conditions

Winged migrants are particularly vulnerable to this issue due to their heavy bone structure and maximum-capacity flight during migration. According to Linda Grenzer, a conservationist with Loon Rescue Incorporated in Wisconsin, the birds can't maintain lift with the added weight of frozen moisture.

This results in what rescuers call a 'fallout,' where multiple loons land in the same area, often on roads or fields. Unlike many birds, loons are not built for takeoff from land, making a grounded loon potentially stranded without help.

Experts stress that while it may be tempting to intervene, handling the bird incorrectly can cause serious harm. 'We don't want citizens getting hurt, and we don't want them to hurt the bird,' warns Sheila Johnston, a loon conservationist and educator on Gull Lake in Minnesota. 'If you do it wrong, you could break their wing or something.' Instead, trained rescuers advise contacting professionals who know how to safely handle and transport the bird.

For those who spot a downed loon, the key is to provide cover to protect the bird's sharp bill and allow rescuers to assess the situation and transport it to a safe release location.