Meet Luna & Tunes | Nisswa Lake Loons | Nisswa, MN
- Camp Nisswa
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 minutes ago
Meet Luna & Tunes | Nisswa Lake Loons | Nisswa, MN
We’ve got some exciting news to share—after a couple of years of planning, research, and working closely with a local DNR specialist, the Camp Nisswa team successfully placed an official Artificial Nesting Platform (ANP) on Nisswa Lake. And this spring, for the first time, a loon pair has taken it over!
And guess what? This spring, a loon pair moved in!
Meet Luna & Tunes—the first loons to claim our nest. We couldn’t be more excited to follow along, so we’re bringing you with us. This blog will track their journey with updates, photos, fun facts, and a timeline of everything that’s happened so far.
One quick ask: if you're out on the water and happen to spot them, please give them space. Loons are sensitive during nesting season, and the goal is to keep them safe—not stressed.
Fun Fact: The loon became Minnesota’s official state bird back in 1961. Pretty fitting, right?
Luna & Tunes Timeline (Newest Updates First)
We’ll keep sharing updates as best we can—stay tuned and keep checking back as the timeline unfolds.
5:00 PM, Thursday, May 15, 2025 — Luna weathered the storm like a champ. She held strong through wind, rain, and even a little hail—all while protecting her egg on the nest. We’re happy to report she’s safe and sound. And Tunes? He wasn’t far off, keeping an eye on things.
7:45 AM, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 — Luna is settled in the nest this again this morning.
8:00 AM, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 — Luna is settled in the nest this morning. It’s unclear if a second egg has been laid yet, but she’s holding tight. (Image source: Phone)
4:00 PM, Monday, May 12, 2025 — Luna is nesting in the nest
5:30 PM, Sunday, May 11, 2025 — First egg sighting! (Image source: DSLR)
5:00 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2025 — Nesting on the Camp Nisswa's Artificial Nesting Platform (ANP) (Image source: DSLR)
Afternoon of Saturday, May 10, 2025 — Seen near the nest doing the “loon dance” — a synchronized swimming move loons do during courtship (and yes, it’s just as cool as it sounds) (Image source: DSLR)
Morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025 — Spotted scouting Nisswa Lake
We’ll keep updating this as things progress. Just a heads-up—all our photos are taken with a telephoto lens or from a phone at a safe distance. Please don’t zoom in on the loons with boats—let’s give them their space!
How to Keep Loons Safe on the Lake
Loons need a little peace and quiet to raise their young. Here are some quick safety tips, with more info from the National Loon Center and MN DNR:
1. Give ‘Em Space
Stay 150–200 feet away from loons and nests
If a loon starts moving away or calling out (tremolo), you’re too close
Obey no-wake zones and slow down near shorelines
2. Respect Nesting Season
Loons typically nest May through early July
If a loon leaves the nest—back off, they’ll return once they feel safe
Loon chicks can’t dive yet—extra caution goes a long way
Keep an eye out for float lines and signs—info via Loon Preservation Committee
3. Fish the Right Way
Use non-lead tackle—lead poisoning is a big issue for loons
Avoid casting near loons and reel in carefully
Recycle old fishing line—don’t leave it behind
4. Be a Good Lake Neighbor
Never feed loons
Slow down and stay alert if you see loons or chicks in the water
If you see a loon in trouble (tangled, on land, or acting odd), report it to the pros at the Minnesota Wildlife Professionals
Want to Learn More?
We’ll be keeping this updated as best we can. Luna & Tunes are officially part of Camp Nisswa now—and we’re rooting for a successful hatch this summer. Luna & Tunes Photo Gallery 2025
Disclaimer: These photos are shared with permission for use by Camp Nisswa. At the photographer's request, we've added a watermark. If you're interested in a specific image, let us know—we’d be happy to connect you with the photographer.
