August birds: Befuddled fledgling hawks and long-distance loons

Published August 14, 2025 at 9:10 AM CDT

A hawk stands on mowed grass near a fence. — A juvenile Broad-winged Hawk examines a yard in Golden Valley on Aug. 23, 2021.

Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, stops by each month to talk about Minnesota phenology. This month covers early migrators, dopey hawks and loon families.

Our state bird has a surprising and rare ability: Loons can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater. They are able to “cry out” excess salt, allowing them to fish in our local lakes as well as the ocean.

Two Common Loons flap their wings in the water.

In August, our local loons are finishing up breeding season and getting ready to fly south. The parents leave first, leaving the young-of-the-year to fend for themselves. However, these juvenile loons have been well-prepared by their parents, enjoying fishing and flying lessons throughout the long summer days. It’s up to them to gain enough calories to migrate south before the ice moves in.

Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, stops by the KAXE Morning Show each month to talk about Minnesota phenology.

This month's conversation covers more about loons, as well as early migrators, double-brooding birds and the clumsy explorations of fledgling hawks.

Check out another conversation we recently had on loons, where one woman is working hard to make sure loons will thrive on Gull Lake in the Brainerd Lakes region.

Topics

Introduction (0:00-0:23)

Early migrations (0:23-1:22)

Blackbirds moving on (1:22-2:04)

Loons (2:04-9:21, 16:38-18:14)

Double-brooding birds (9:21-11:06)

Young hawks (11:06-16:38)

Conclusion (18:14-19:02)

For more phenology, subscribe to our Season Watch Newsletter or visit the Season Watch Facebook page.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).