When Barry and I were in Arctic Norway in 1999, we saw a number of pairs of Red-throated Loons (or Divers, as they are called in Europe) breeding on very small ponds -- some ponds not much bigger than the small impoundments at Lilypons. We also saw at least one pair of Black-throated Divers (or as we would say, Arctic Loons) on another relatively small pond so it appears that they too can navigate into and out of small bodies of water.

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Leslie Starr <>
>  
> In a message dated 11/23/2007 7:40:13 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
>  writes:
> 
> While
> certainly disappointing for birders, I am relieved that the  bird will not
> be starving on a pond too narrow for  take-off)
> 
>