Common Loons when migrating have been clocked going up to 70MPH in the air. They flap and run vigorously on top of the water to take off (0:47). They need a long 'runway' to do so, this is …

Apr 30, 2021 · Common loons often swim with their head underwater, peering side to side, searching for fish or other prey. They dive down and spear or grab prey with their formidably …

Common loons, with their eerie calls, are icons of northern lakes. These long-bodied birds are impressive swimmers and divers. Unlike the majority of bird species, common loons have solid …

Aug 20, 2025 · Several factors influence how far and how long a loon swims underwater. Water clarity is a significant determinant, as loons are visual predators that rely on clear water to spot …

Jul 16, 2025 · Loons possess a sleek, streamlined body that minimizes resistance when swimming underwater. Their bodies are elongated and tapered, which helps them cut through …

It was here in Vermont at our neighborhood pond that I became an open-water swimmer. Starting in early May, I swim until late October, when the cold makes my fingers numb and my …

Feb 26, 2024 · Loons are aquatic birds known for their ability to swim and dive underwater for long periods of time. This allows them to effectively hunt for fish, their main source of food. But …

Get a unique glimpse into the hidden world of common loons as they swim and hunt beneath the surface.

When they breathe out, they usually keep the air sacs partly full. But they can push out most of the air in their air sacs, making their bodies a little smaller and helping them to sink. If a …

Movie S1 Underwater swimming by a common loon. The loon was filmed in a rehabilitation pool at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic. Footage was recorded at 200fps and is played back at 30fps, …