Loons in the Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, NC area

Loon birds are diving birds. They have pointed beaks, webbed feet, and streamlined bodies that help them swim and hunt underwater. Because of this body type, they are not land birds and hence have great difficulties with any movement on land/beach. Please see the photo at the right of a Common Loon in an uncommon location...on the beach. Captain Mark took this rare photo.

They have different plumages depending on the season and the sex, but they usually have black-and-white patterns and red eyes. There are five species of loons, with the common loon being the most widespread and well-known in the Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, NC area. Loons have distinctive and haunting calls that can be heard at night, and they have various cultural meanings for some Indigenous peoples.

On almost all H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions passengers will witness loons diving into the water. A site to behold!  Other adventure travel days tours include great shelling and seeing the wild horses of Shackleford Banks.