Loon Rescue Update: A Tragic Reminder of Human Impact

On the evening of May 3rd, Jeannie received a call from the Port Washington Police Department regarding a beached adult loon found along the South Shore. Upon arrival, the responding officer was standing guard over the bird, which—unusually for this time of year—was far from its expected location. By early May, loons are typically settled on northern lakes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond, actively preparing for nesting season.

The loon offered little resistance when picked up, a sign that something was seriously wrong. It was transported to the Pine View hospital where it was stabilized overnight. On Sunday, the team provided specialized care throughout the day, including a quiet space indoors and safe access to daylight outdoors. With no obvious external injuries and a healthy weight, we remained hopeful while waiting for a full veterinary assessment.

Tragically, when staff arrived early Monday morning, the loon had passed away. A necropsy revealed the cause: lead in the gizzard—an avoidable consequence of human recreational activities, most likely from ingested fishing tackle or other lead-based debris.

This loss is heartbreaking and preventable. It serves as a stark reminder of the impact our actions have on wildlife. Lead poisoning continues to be a widespread threat to birds like loons, eagles, and other species that often ingest lead fragments while foraging.

We thank the Port Washington Police Department and everyone involved in trying to save this bird. Its story is now part of our ongoing mission to educate and advocate for responsible outdoor practices.

Please help spread awareness about the dangers of lead in the environment, and support efforts to protect wildlife by choosing lead-free alternatives. Together, we can prevent tragedies like this in the future.