To: Journey North
From: David Evers,
Loon Biologist
From MINNESOTA:
Q. Why do loons have red eyes?
A. This is a tough one, Lisa. One thing to remember is that loons only have red eyes during the summer. In winter, while they are in their grayish plumage,their eyes are not red but gray. The light that you see really has many colors (like a rainbow) and red is one of the first colors of the rainbow to be filtered out by water. In other words, beyond a certain depth (like 15 feet) the red part of the light is no longer there. Blue and indigo colored light travels deepest and that's why you see blue water reflected back to your eyes. So, maybe loons have red eyes because any other color would be a disadvantage in deep water. But why don't the loons retain their red eyes in the winter when they need to dive in deep ocean water. Also, why do other diving waterbirds not have red eyes (exceptions are birds called grebes). Maybe their red eyes are part of attracting mates?
Q. Why do some species of birds have different colored eggs than other species of birds?
A. Egg color varies due to the different nesting strategies of birds. Some birds lay their eggs in open areas (like killdeers) and they need to match their surroundings or some predator like a raccoon will see them. Other birds lay their eggs in tree holes. They are usually white since no one is going to see the eggs in the dark holes. Loons have 2 big, greenish-brown eggs with a speckling of black markings. This usually matches their muddy nests that are constructed of different plants, sticks, and debris.
Lisa
12 years,6th grade
T.L.C.
From: Bev Ramolae <bramolae@metro2.k12.mn.us>
From ALASKA:
Dear Loon Expert,
Sorry to bother you right now but I have to ask you some questions about the Loons.
Q. OK, where do they start migration up north to Alaska?
A. Its hard to say where Alaskan loons begin their spring migration north, Sonta. Studies underway to band some of these loons may shed some light on your question. They most likely spend the winter on the Pacific Ocean along the British Columbia coast.
Q. Do they just go? OR do they just stay there for awhile?
A. Some go, some stay, some take their time, some fly directly to their nesting lake, and some want to stay along the water and fly around the state. It all depends on how old the loon is. If its ready to nest it will probably try to get back to its nesting lake as soon as possible. If it is still too young, it will probably wander around looking for a good place to eat.
Q. Do they always follow the same route every time they migrate?
A. Wow, this is another tough question. Its hard to say for sure until little transmitters can be put on the loons to follow where they go. Since most loons do return to their same nesting lake each year, it is likely that they follow the same migration route and winter in the same area for their whole life.
Q. What states do they pass through?
A. If you are asking about Alaskan loons, they probably pass by Canada and maybe California, Washington, and Oregon. I bet you the loons down in California are Canadian loons though, and the Alaskan loons stay farther north.
Q. What month do they start?
A. They start migrating as soon as spring thaws the ice off the lakes. In Alaska loons start getting restless in April but may have to wait until May or even sometimes into June.
Q. How many different kinds of Loons are there?
A. There are 5 species, the Common Loon, Yellow-billed Loon, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, and Arctic Loon.
Thanks for answering my questions.
Sonta Hamilton
Innoko River School
Shageluk, Alaska
From: Joy Hamilton <TSJMH1@acad1.alaska.edu>
From ONTARIO:
Dear Expert
Q. I was wondering what are the loons enemies besides boats?
A. Big adult loons really don't have very many enemies. They fight with themselves and sometimes they are very agressive. Sometimes they may even fight with a Bald Eagle. But usually adult loons have to worry more about getting enough food and avoiding little bugs that cause disease. Young loons are another story, they have to watch out for big fish, like pike, and snapping turtles. If they are unlucky maybe even a Bald Eagle.
Q. Can loons travel across regions with no water to rest?
A. Sure, they can travel a long distance without having to sit on water. Each spring thousands of Common Loons cross the eastern U.S, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Since there are very few lakes along the way they must fly hundreds of miles before finding water.
vivwhite@limestone.kosone.com (V. White)
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