The melancholy yodel of the common loon echoes across a tranquil evening lake, “la-wooo-oo-oo”…wilderness solitude.

Loons are ranked as the most primitive of birds in North America. Note their lobed feet, legs set far back on long bodies, awkward walkers but powerful swimmers. Underwater “fliers,” they are the most proficient of diving birds. They sit low on the water’s horizon sinking slowly and quietly with scarcely a ripple. This “great northern diver” reaches 200’ staying underwater up to 3 minutes. To become airborne, loons must skitter across the water's surface. Taking wing, they fly at 60 m.p.h. with feet held backward “sole to sole.”

Look for common loons at Lake Wenatchee, the Columbia, and high lakes, like Heather Lake - feeding primarily on fish. The male and female are alike with black dagger-like bill, checkered back, red eyes, and glossy black head in summer. Nesting on a lake’s edge in shrubs, they communicate with “pup pup” or “kwuk” sounds.

“The calling of the loons meant more after that, and as dusk settled all were aware of something new in their lives.” ~ Sigurd F. Olson 1899-1982