With the weather we saw over the weekend, there was a chance of a loon fallout. A Wisconsin bird rescue wrote about what it was seeing over the weekend, and with Minnesotans starting to make the same migration as our state bird, heading north to open up cabins, here’s what to know if you encounter a ‘downed’ loon.

Loon Fallout In Parts Of Wisconsin

The Raptor Education Group posted on Saturday about Wisconsin residents finding loons not in area lakes, but rather on roads or roadsides, after the weather created unfavorable migratory conditions for the aquatic bird.

The area had serious ice and wind damage with the recent ice storm which includes power outages. If a fallout has occurred, it is possible many loons will be found on the ground in wooded areas, yards or roads. It will be important for residents, birders or those interested in wildlife to be aware that loons may be down in that area. If they are on the ground, they will need your help as they cannot walk, nor fly from the ground.”

This has happened before here in Minnesota, and it’s an awful sight, as the common loon wasn’t built for being on land, and to see them struggle can tug at your heartstrings.

If you weren’t aware, this is about the time loons start to migrate back to Central and Northern Minnesota.

What Should You Do If You Encounter A Loon Out Of The Water?

If you find an injured loon, or one that may have been a part of a fallout as they had in Central Wisconsin, the recommendation is to call Minnesota Loon Rescue at 855-552-1500 or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at 651-486-9453.

You shouldn’t try to grab the loon or approach it. You can learn more about what to look for with injured loons here.