Loons are a common sight on the beaches of the Outer Banks and while they may look injured, they’re just resting.

Common loons beach themselves and rest for up to 24 hours, according to the Town of Nags Head.

They can only take flight from a large body of water. As a result, they will beach close to the tideline so they can get back in the water easily to fly away.

Also, the birds look injured because their feet are set backwards (how it looks to us); therefore they make look hurt when they try to walk. The birds can be aggressive and will peck to protect themselves.