Maine Loon Rescued From Ice as Sudden Cold Snaps Freeze Lakes

Winter has arrived early in Maine, and that means one of the state’s most iconic birds, the loon, is headed for the coast.

But not every loon makes the trip in time. According to WGME 13, one bird had to be rescued Sunday after becoming stranded on East Pond near Waterville when the surface suddenly froze over.

According to Maine Audubon , loons need a long “runway”, roughly about 100 to 160 feet of open water, to take off and fly. When cold snaps lock up lakes quickly, loons can find themselves trapped with no way to escape. That’s why sightings on inland lakes drop off sharply once temperatures start to fall.

Mady Eori, Community Science Manager with Maine Audubon , told WGME that winter molting is a major reason this becomes dangerous.

“Loons change into their winter plum