'A birdhouse for loons': DNR studying human-made platforms loons can nest in

During this time of year, Minnesota’s beloved loon is settling back onto the state’s many lakes after wintering between the Gulf of Mexico and along the southern Atlantic coast. They’re looking for a good place to nest and raise their young over the next few months. But volunteers with the DNR have spotted fewer and fewer chicks growing up on Minnesota lakes in recent years. It’s led the agency to study ways to make raising a loon family on one of Minnesota’s lakes more desirable. One option they’re looking at: human-made floating homes that loons can nest in. The DNR’s loon program coordinator, Tim Mitchell, told MPR News host Nina Moini more about it and what the state bird is up to this time of year.