Common Loon - Québec


The Saint Lawrence River is the final link in connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Beginning at the outflow of Lake Ontario, the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It is a short river, 500 kilometers in length, but the estuary formed at the mouth is the largest in the world.

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Gavia immer - The common loon is widespread throughout the Arctic and temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. They inhabit the shallow coastal waters and are usually solitary when feeding, but may gather in loose flocks at night. They are extremely vocal during the courtship and mating season, producing a loud yodeling or laughing sound. Breeding adults have a checkered mantle, black head, and white underside. The common loon feeds extensively on fish and is a skilled diver, able to hold its breath for up to 3 minutes.