As more and more loons are being spotted on the shores along our local beaches recently, Nags Head Police Department advises beachgoers that if you see these birds resting on the sand, to please leave them alone.
Common loons beach themselves to rest and can do so for up to 24 hours. They can only take flight from a large body of water. As a result, they will beach themselves close to the tideline so they can get back in the water easily to take flight.
To the human eye, the birds look injured when they attempt walk because their feet are set backwards.
The birds can be aggressive and will peck to protect themselves, so pay these guys little to no mind!