One parent will typically leave when the chicks are about 10 weeks of age and head to the ocean. The other parent waits until the chicks fledge, and leaves 2-3 weeks later. The chicks will stay on their natal lake for several more weeks, and even into the early winter months before heading to the ocean. By this time of year (January), most of our loons will be overwintering on the ocean, although the late ice formation this year gave some extra time to the young before they had to leave. During breeding season, loons preferentially feed on species such as yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and blue gill because their erratic swimming behaviour makes them easier for loons to catch. They will also take suckers, catfish, smelt and minnows. Fish with straight swimming patterns such as trout and salmon are harder to catch and not preferred by loons. Loons are also opportunistic, and will also take crayfish, frogs, leeches, snails, and even salamanders! Once they move to the ocean, they will continue to eat fish but add to the menu crabs, shrimp, marine invertebrates, and even lobsters.