Strange Phenomenon Is Causing Loons To Fall Out Of The Sky In Wisconsin
A non-profit animal rescue group posted the headline, "A LOON FALLOUT IS TAKING PLACE!" That got my attention. What is a loon fallout? Is this real? Did that Cheech & Chong Seltzer I have earlier have anything to do with this?
So I started digging and found out that this isn't the first time loons have fallen from the sky. It actually happened back in 2021.
Here's what happened then, and is happening right now. We have a messy, icy, snowy, April storm on our hands. The migrating loons have been getting so covered in ice while flying that they lose their ability to stay up in the air. The same thing happens to airplanes, and that's why they have de-icing technology and sprays. Loons don't have that, so they end up crash-landing in fields and places along their migratory route.
Farmers have been finding them stuck in their fields. Sometimes when this happens it's because the loons get confused and think flooded fields are lakes. They then get stuck on the pond because they can't get enough room or speed to get airborne. Also, loons can't walk. Their feet are for swimming or diving. So if you see a loon on the ground, it needs help.
That's what the Raptor Center initially thought, but due to the volume of calls, they realized they were dealing with something more serious, the loon fallout.
How can you help? First, be careful when approaching a loon. They can use their sharp beaks as a defense. You can cover the loon with a blanket and bring it to a wildlife rescue place. You also can transport them in a Rubbermaid storage container.
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