Living with Loons, Eagles & Other Wildlife

Fisheries, Wildlife & People

Share the lake with iconic species by protecting habitat, reducing disturbance, and making everyday choices that keep wildlife safe.

Big Idea: If the shoreline is natural, the water is clear, and human activity is predictable and respectful, wildlife thrives—and people enjoy more reliable viewing.

Loons (Common Loon)

Needs

Quiet coves, clear water, small fish, and protected nest sites near the waterline

Sensitive Seasons

Nesting late spring–mid-summer; chicks ride on parents for warmth and safety

What Helps
  • Keep wake low within several hundred feet of shore and islands
  • Give wide berth to nests (natural hummocks or platforms) and families with chicks
  • Use barbless or crimped-barb hooks; retrieve line and lures to prevent entanglement
  • Switch to lead-free tackle to reduce poisoning from lost sinkers/jigs

If you find a distressed loon: Note location and behavior; contact local wildlife or rehab contacts. Do not pursue.

Eagles (Bald Eagle) & Osprey

Needs

Tall nesting trees or platforms near water; abundant fish

Sensitive Seasons

Nesting late winter–summer; disturbance can cause nest abandonment

What Helps
  • Maintain large trees and buffers along shorelines and islands
  • Avoid lingering beneath active nests; keep noise and lights low near known nest trees
  • Dispose of fish carcasses and bait packaging responsibly; avoid attracting scavengers to unsafe areas

Herons, Egrets & Shorebirds

Needs

Quiet feeding shallows, wetlands, and downed wood perches

What Helps
  • Keep woody habitat in the shallows where safe
  • Protect and restore wetland fringes; avoid repeated flushing of feeding birds

Turtles, Frogs & Salamanders

Needs

Sunny logs and rocks for basking; clean, vegetated shallows; connected wetlands and uplands for nesting

What Helps
  • Slow down on warm evenings on roads near wetlands; turtles cross to nest
  • Maintain native shoreline buffers and wildlife-friendly fences (gaps at ground level where safe)
  • Keep pets leashed in spring/summer near wetlands and basking sites

Beavers, Otters & Muskrats

Benefits

Habitat creation, water storage, and natural wood recycling

Coexistence Tips
  • Protect trees you value with wire wraps or guards
  • Use flow devices at culverts/pond outlets to control water levels before considering removal

Lights, Noise & Boats

Lighting:
Use warm-tone, fully shielded fixtures aimed downward and set on timers/motion sensors
Noise:
Keep generators, music, and construction noise predictable and limited near dawn/dusk
Boating:
Respect no-wake zones, idle near shore, and avoid repeated passes near nests or roosts

Feeding Wildlife—Please Don't

Supplemental feeding changes behavior, crowds animals, spreads disease, and attracts predators. Let native plants and natural shorelines provide food and cover.

Fishing & Hunting Etiquette

  • Take all fishing line, hooks, and spent shot with you when you leave; choose non-lead alternatives
  • Observe seasons and setbacks; avoid disturbing nesting islands and roost trees

Pets & People

  • Keep dogs leashed or under strong voice control near nests and wetland edges
  • Teach children to watch quietly from a distance

Winter Considerations

  • Ice travel: Give space to over-wintering eagles and roost sites
  • Brush piles: Build away from shore to avoid attracting predators to nesting areas

Simple Observation Log (Share with Your Lake Group)

  • Date/Time & Location
  • Species & behavior (nesting, feeding, roosting, chicks present)
  • Disturbance notes (boats, pets, lights)
  • Actions taken (signs posted, outreach, contacts)

Common Myths—And Better Takes

  • "They'll just move if bothered"

    Better take: Repeated disturbance can cause nest failure and territory abandonment

  • "Lead tackle is fine in small amounts"

    Better take: Small pieces can be lethal if ingested

  • "Cutting shoreline plants helps birds"

    Better take: Natural cover provides food and nesting; keep buffers and add native shrubs

Bottom Line

Quiet coves, natural shorelines, and considerate boating are the best wildlife management tools most of us will ever need. Protect habitat first, and give nests, roosts, and families wide, consistent space.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Keep wake low near shore and islands
  • Give nesting sites wide berth in spring/summer
  • Use lead-free tackle and retrieve all line
  • Maintain natural shorelines and large trees
  • Keep pets leashed near wildlife areas
  • Never feed wildlife

Critical Nesting Periods

Eagles:
Late winter–summer
Loons:
Late spring–mid-summer
Turtles:
Late spring–early summer (road crossings)
Most Birds:
Spring–mid-summer

Safe Viewing Distances

  • Loon nests: 200+ feet by boat
  • Eagle nests: Avoid lingering beneath
  • Feeding birds: Watch from shore without flushing
  • General rule: If behavior changes, you're too close

Wildlife-Friendly Checklist

  • ☐ Natural shoreline buffer maintained
  • ☐ Large trees protected
  • ☐ Outdoor lights shielded & on timers
  • ☐ Lead-free tackle in use
  • ☐ Pets under control near wildlife
  • ☐ No-wake zones respected

Wildlife Resources

Contact your state DNR or local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance on injured or distressed wildlife.

Find Resources