I just saw my first loon of the year on Lake Petenwell here in central Wisconsin.

My favorite bird!!!

Sure sign spring is slowing arriving! First sighting of the loon precedes the first loon call. Enjoy!

Nice! We live about 3 miles from the Petenwell dam. I’ve never seen one up there. Not too many people fishing out there today.

They winter down here in Texas, but I only recently noticed them
I've never heard them make a call when they are here.

I am sure it was just passing through. I was at the same spot last week and saw some ducks that, after some internet searching, I decided them to be buffleheads.

4keys: "Nice! We live about 3 miles from the Petenwell dam. I’ve never seen one up there. Not too many people fishing out there today. "

I went past the mill dam in Nekoosa (Pointe Basse Ave) on the way to Petenwell and was surprised by the number of boats out fishing. The water is running fast and high right now. There were a couple of spots where it was almost up to the road. I heard that there was a water rescue in the area a couple of days ago.

Saw a pair of loons on a lake in the Chicago suburbs on March 26. Never seen them this far south before.

Edit: I know they migrate but still haven't seen them around here until this year.

Loons appear on Madison's lakes Mendota and Monona every year very soon after ice-out. They seem to stick around for a week or two, although I don't know if they stay shorter and come through in waves or come through at once and stay longer. They know when there's more open water northward and move on. East of the Rockies, loons winter off the mid-Atlantic coast down to the Florida coasts and in the Gulf. Western loons winter off the mid-Pacific coast and down through Baja. I have read that they never come ashore all winter. You don't usually see a group together, but if you do, it's an "asylum" of loons. Just like my family. They go back to the same northern lake or area every year and can live 20-25 years. They don't even nest until 7 or 8 years old.

(double post, sorry)

Saw one yesterday on a lake by my house and it was calling. Love that sound !

Ice went out on our lake in NW WI April 14th early. A handful of loons were there within 2 hours. Gave a few calls, and were feasting regularly. They usually stick around until boats start speeding by....A couple of pairs have stuck around in quieter bays for summer, but most move on north for peace and quiet.