Common Loons

Common Loons are and will be drastically affected by the rate of climate change. Loons mainly rely on fish for their diet, but as the water temperature increases, algae blooms become more frequent, resulting in, for one, the water turning green, but most importantly the fish community migrating to other areas. This can lead to malnutrition, stunting the growth of loons. But the heat doesn’t just affect their food source. As the temperatures rise, loons need a way to keep themselves cool. I intentionally left the loon’s feathers white as it reflects sunlight, resulting in a steady, cool body temperature. Although these changes will largely affect loons, the most crucial change will be the rise of water levels. Loons build their nests in the marshy wetlands right on the banks of lakes. But with the water level rising, the area that was once used for nesting will be submerged underwater.