Adult loons in Minnesota typically begin migrating in late September through November as lakes start to freeze. Most leave before ice forms because they need open water to take off and find food.

Common Loon spend the winter along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, and large coastal bays. They prefer saltwater where fish remain plentiful all winter.

Yes. Many adult loons return to the same breeding lake year after year, often using the same nesting territory if conditions remain suitable.

Scientists believe loons navigate using a combination of instinct, landmarks, the position of the sun and stars, and Earth's magnetic field. Young loons make their first migration without their parents.