Forget the lone star state – Minnesota is the loon-star state 🦆⭐️ Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the loon becoming Minnesota’s official state bird! The common loon, known for its iconic red eyes and unforgettable call, was not always the obvious choice to be our state bird. Prior to 1961, a handful of other birds were in the running, including the American goldfinch, the mourning dove, the pileated woodpecker and the scarlet tanager. However, a movement in favor of the loon formed in th