Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program
One morning, during a 10-day period in summer, volunteers visit lakes in Itasca County to count the number of adult and juvenile loons seen and report these observations for data management, analysis, and water quality. This information collected provide the Nongame Wildlife Program with an early warning system for detecting changes in the numbers of loons and the health of their lake habitats. Loons on lakes are a good indicator of the quality of the lake, nesting habitat and water clarity which is beneficial to the loons to catch food.
Our loon counters Don and Diane Ostlie surveyed the lake on July 11th, 2025 and counted 26 adult loons and 4 juveniles.
In past years the counts were:
2024 28 adults and 9 juveniles
2023 23 adults and 11 juveniles
2022 29 adults and 6 juveniles
Loon nesting season is a critical time for the population. As you're out enjoying the lake, please avoid loon nesting areas and follow DNR guidelines if you find yourself in the area of a nest.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep at least 150 to 200 feet away from loons and their nests at all times.
Watch for Warning Signs: If a loon "dances" straight up out of the water, beats its wings, or gives distress calls, you are too close and must move away immediately.
Protect Nests: Avoid secluded coves in shallow water where loons nest. Disturbing a nesting loon can cause them to abandon their eggs.
Never Harass or Feed: Chasing, circling loons with a watercraft, or feeding them is strictly prohibited and carries fines.
Let us all do our part in protecting Turtle Lake's loon population.