A recent study has found a positive correlation between the clarity of lakes in Northern Wisconsin and the survivability of loon chicks. Climate change is a significant factor that can impact water clarity by causing heavier rainfalls that wash sediment and nutrients into the lakes.
“Water clarity is important for loons’ survival because loons are diving predators and they rely on their keen underwater eyesight to catch their prey,” said Kirsti Marohn, who covered the story for Minnesota Public Radio.
The researchers plan to continue studying how loons are affected by climate change.
