The Common Loon is one of the most beloved birds to Mainers and visitors alike. The 42nd Annual Loon Count that took place in July 2025 estimates a healthy and stable population of ~3,174 adult loons and ~568 chicks in the southern half of the state. Now that the lakes and ponds have frozen over, where do all these loons spend their winter?
Loons migrate and spend their winters on coastal waters. For Maine loons, it is a rather short trip to the ocean. They rarely travel further than the Gulf of Maine and usually don’t venture more than a few miles offshore. Loons take on a different look with their winter molt, replacing their elegant black and white plumage with a soft gray upper body and white underside. Even in winter, the now gray-and-white plumage of loons stands out along the rocky coast, attracting birdwatchers who bundle up for the chance to see these beautiful birds.
To begin their winter migration, loons require a long runway in order to take flight. Due to their size, density, and wing size, loons need 100-300 ft of open water for flapping their wings and running across the top of the water to gain enough speed for takeoff. When temperatures drop and lakes freeze quickly, these conditions become scarce, sometimes leaving loons stranded, as recently occurred on the Belgrade Lakes.
Loons can also get delayed in takeoff due to the timing of their winter molt. Mady Eori from Maine Audubon said, “While loons are molting, they may not be able to fly for a month to a month and a half.” This is typically what causes loons to be stranded and iced-in. If you find an injured or distressed loon, do not attempt to approach or care for it yourself. Instead, please contact:
Avian Haven: 207.382.6761 This is a wildlife rehabilitation facility which can provide guidance, help coordinate a rescue, or they may be able to help rescue a loon in some cases
Maine State Warden Dispatch: 1.800.452.4664 or the Warden Service at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: 207.287.8000
The Wildlife Assistance Hotline: 207.361.1400 coordinated by the Center for Wildlife.
Biodiversity Research Institute: 207.839.7600 BRI performs and helps coordinate rescues.
For more information or resources, visit Maine Audubon’s Loon Project Website. To read up more about loons in winter, visit the MDIFW Blog.
Adult common loon with its winter plumage. PC: Loon Preservation Committee.
This article was included in 30 Mile’s December 2025 newsletter. To view the full newsletter, click here.