Loon Habitat Protection

🐦 Keeping the Spirit of Bob Lake Wild and Thriving

The beautiful call of the Loon is one of the defining sounds of Bob Lake. But loons are more than a symbol of our magical lake—they’re also indicators of water quality and ecosystem health. Unfortunately, loon populations are under threat due to shoreline development, recreational pressure, and water pollution.


Together, we can help ensure that loons continue to nest and thrive on Bob Lake for generations to come.

(?) Why Loons Are at Risk

Loons face many challenges, particularly during the breeding season (May–August):

  • Nest Disturbance: Loons nest at the water’s edge, often on small islands or shorelines. Their nests are easily flooded or abandoned if disturbed by wakes, noise, or curious onlookers.
  • Boat Traffic & Wakes: High-speed boats and large wakes can wash away nests or separate chicks from parents.
  • Fishing Gear: Discarded fishing line can entangle and kill loons.
  • Lead Tackle: Small lead sinkers and jigs are fatal if ingested by loons.
  • Habitat Loss: Shoreline development and vegetation clearing reduce safe nesting areas.

🔍 Know the Signs of Loon Nesting

Loons typically:

  • Nest from late May to early July
  • Choose quiet bays, islands, or undisturbed shorelines
  • Return to the same nesting area each year if successful

🔕 If you see a loon on shore or acting agitated on the water (e.g. circling, calling loudly, pretending to be injured), you may be near a nest or chicks. Give them space.

✅ How You Can Help Protect Loons

  1. Keep Your Distance
    • Stay at least 150 metres away from loons, especially near nests or chicks.
    • Use binoculars to watch—never approach loons by boat or paddleboard.
  2. Slow Down Near Shorelines & Islands
    • Reduce your wake and obey speed limits, especially during nesting season.
    • Avoid nesting zones marked with buoys or signs.
  3. Use Non-Lead Tackles
    • Switch to non-toxic alternatives like steel, tin, or bismuth sinkers and jigs..
    • Collect and safely dispose of old tackle and fishing line.
  4. Protect Shoreline Habitat
    • Maintain natural shoreline vegetation to provide privacy and shelter for loons.
    • Avoid clearing or altering known nesting areas
  5. Educate Others
    • Talk to your family, guests, and renters about loon safety.
    • Encourage respectful wildlife viewing and responsible boating.

📣 What Bob Lake Association Is Planning

  • Installing loon nesting signs and monitoring sensitive areas
  • Sharing loon reports and nesting success stories
  • Advocating for safe boating and lead tackle bans

🐣 Report Loon Sightings or Concerns

If you observe a nest, chicks, or a loon in distress, let us know so we can track and protect local activity.

📧 Contact: bla.ca.steward1@gmail.com

🌿 A Healthy Lake is a Loon Lake

Loons remind us of what makes cottage life so magical—and fragile. Protecting them means protecting clean water, quiet spaces, and natural shorelines.


👉 Let’s make sure future generations can hear the call of the loon across Bob Lake..