ABA Bird of the Year
By Chris Bensley
Who doesn’t find the call of the loon mysterious and melancholy? Many people, including me, spend summer days on northern lakes hearing loon calls and watching them dive for fish. When the American Birding Association (ABA) designated the Common Loon “Bird of the Year” last month, a happy tingle moved up my spine and conjured up many memories.
Common loons are fascinating creatures. The haunting, wailing cry of a loon is an iconic sound of the northern wilderness. Loons are known for their impressive diving skills, specialized adaptations for swimming, eerie vocalizations, and reliance on clean water to spot prey. Because of these qualities, loons provide indicators of a healthy environment and good water quality.
“Early European settlers named it "common" to distinguish it from other loon species which are rarer” notes Peter Alden. “Thanks to conservation efforts, Common Loon populations are coming back”. Last summer, loon conservation was a main topic on Spark Birding’s field trip on Squam Lake in New Hampshire.
Often called "expert fishermen," loons have dense, solid bones that help them dive deep to catch fish. Their legs, positioned far back on their bodies, provide powerful propulsion in the water but make walking on land challenging. Their mournful, wailing call is a signature sound of northern lakes, adding to their mystique. Other curious facts about Common Loons include:
They catch and often swallow while still underwater.
Unlike most birds, loons have solid bones that add weight, allowing them to dive deep in pursuit of fish.
Their legs are positioned far back on their body, helping with swimming efficiency, but make walking on land awkward.
Their leg placement means loons need a long stretch of open water to build enough speed for takeoff.
Loons are symbolic creatures linked to the spirit of the northern wild in many Native American traditions.
We hope you can join Spark Birding this June on our field trip Discover Birds in the Squam Lakes Region (see description from last year).
Further Reading
American Birding Association: 2025 ABA Bird of the Year: Common Loon
Birds & Blooms: Meet the 2025 ABA Bird of the Year
Bird of the Year Artist Sam Zimmerman - podcast
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