The new Cottage Life documentary special Loons: A Cry From The Mist (1×60) chronicles a year in the life of Canada’s iconic bird, the Common Loon. For millions of years, loons have migrated the lengths of North America; from southern ocean waters in winter to breeding grounds on northern lakes each summer. But Canada’s beloved bird is under threat and their survival is at stake—approximately 25 to 30 per cent fewer chicks are born across Southern Canada than they were a decade ago. In order to save this beloved water bird before silence falls across the lakes in cottage country, first Canadians must understand how they live, breed and raise their young. Through the lens of Dr. Doug Tozer, Dr. Walter Piper, Linda Grenzer, Sheldon McGregor, Dr. Peter Soroye and many more; cottagers, citizen scientists and bird experts, the special examines the perils impacting the loon population—from global warming, to pollutants, to boat traffic disturbing their habitat. There’s still time to ensure the Common Loons’ beautifully haunting calls are not only a distant memory. Marking Cottage Life magazine‘s 35th anniversary, the world broadcast premiere of Loons: A Cry From The Mist airs Friday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Cottage Life.
Facts About Loons:
- Only males yodel
- Some birds, like geese, migrate in pairs. Loons separate at the end of each breeding season so there’s no guarantee that even a long-time mate will return
- Loons are visual hunters; the clearer the water the easier it is for them to find their prey
- Their perfect lake is one that has lots of points, peninsulas and/or islands for nesting in
- Main nest predators include raccoons, minks and other mammals that travel along the lakeshore
Steps You Can Take to Save the Loon:
- Use non-lead tackle
- Give a 200 foot berth or more to loons when driving a boat around the lake
- Stay off the shoreline where most loons are, canoes and kayaks included
- Keep natural vegetation on your lake shoreline to give loons nesting areas and provide fish habitat
- Don’t use fertilizer on your lawns as it can leach into the lake, fuel growth of algae, and reduce water clarity, making it hard for loons to find fish
Visitors to the 18th Annual Fall Cottage Life Show can get an exclusive sneak peek at scenes from Loons: A Cry From The Mist in the Cottage Life Booth, to learn all about the beloved Common Loon and why its population is declining in cottage country. Exploring the issue further, Birds Canada‘s expert Dr. Doug Tozer joins Cottage Life magazine’s Editor and Cottage Life podcast host, Michelle Kelly, on stage to discuss why loons produce fewer chicks, the impacts to their environment and what cottagers can do to help.
Engage with Loons: A Cry From The Mist at: @cottagelife.