(Photo by Tim Bowman/USFWS) Who's that yodeling their way up North? A Swiss milkmaid? No. Jewel? No.  The yodeling sensation currently making it's way from South to North is the the Pacific Loon! Flocks of thousands of these Gavias are making their way to their grounds in Alaska where it will spend just three months breeding. This water fowl is as good as a penguin flying when it is on dry land. They must be in water for a successful lift off. Flying isn't the only act that is awkward for the Loon on land, their walk is distinctively off.

The Pacific Loon is at  home in both fresh and salt waters. Loons eat fish and aquatic invertebrates that they use their keen eyesight to spot and their impressive swimming skills to capture. Although seen in high numbers, observations made during spring migration show the bird's population has shrunk considerably. It is unknown why this is happening, and underscores the importance of seabird preservation.

Below is a video from Audubon Alaska's live streaming webcam that recorded a family of Pacific Loons in 2010. We can only hope they set up another so we can watch the cuteness this summer.