HAPPENINGS
ANNUAL LOON COUNT
The Maine Audubon Society sponsors a loon count every July. The 27th annual loon count was conducted in July 2010 and showed that the state's adult loon population is rebounding.
Over a thousand citizen-scientist volunteers, a record turnout, helped conduct the 2010 survey. Surveying 332 lakes and ponds across Maine one morning, the group recorded a total of 2,083 adult loons and 184 chicks. Maine Audubon estimated the adult common loon population in southern Maine to be 2,784 - up from 2,432 adults in 2007 and 2,595 in 2006.
" We were worried that there would be a drop in the adult population for an unprecedented third year in a row", said Susan Gallo, Maine Audubon wildlife biologist and director of the Maine Loon Project. "The bounce back is a relief and puts the population back on a healthy track."
The estimate of southern Maine's chick population for 2008 was 265, a drop from 2007's record high of 422. Swings in the chick population are typical from year to year, and the population has remained stable over time.
While weather conditions stayed mostly favorable for loons leading up to 2008"s count day, consistent rains in the weeks after may have had a negative impact on survival rates. With enough heavy rain, lake levels can raise enough to flood nests on the shore.
As the biggest citizen-science wildlife-monitoring project in New England, Maine Audubon's loon count is the centerpiece of the Maine Loon Project. Through the project, Maine Audubon actively engages people in conservation, educates the public about loon biology and collects the scientific data needed to advocate for legislation that benefits loons.
The loon count for 2011 is scheduled for July16th. If you are interested in being a Thompson Lake volunteer, CLICK HERE.
Loon Count Day - 2 Adults+ Chick
Photo by Kathy Cain
