Our loon counts have been anywhere from 25 as in 2004 to only 2 in 2013. Two loon chicks grew to adolescence and flew away late last Fall several weeks after their parents left. Adolescent loons are typically abandoned by their parents at about 12 weeks to continue growing and gaining strength to fly long distances. Just like adult loons who tend to start grouping up before migrating, adolescent loons do the same, just later in the Fall.

2023 marks the 40th year of counting loons in Maine lakes!

The Maine Audubon Society has published the following loon count data south of the 45th parallel — roughly south of a line from Rangeley to Calais — which is the area where the Society has enough lakes covered by counters to make a reliable estimate.

The Audubon Society reminds us that trauma, especially from boat or jet ski collisions is now the leading cause of adult loon deaths. Also, large wakes can cause loon nests to flood and wash out eggs.
(Exact locations of the nests are purposely omitted.)

The loon count is held on the 3rd Saturday in July from 7 to 7:30 am each year. This year is will be July 19th, 2024.

For more information, check out MaineAudubon.org/projects/loons.

Things you can do to be loon-friendly

• Obey the no-wake law within 200 feet of shore
• Use lead-free tackle (good alternatives are made of steel, tin, and bismuth).
• Dispose of fishing line so it does not get tangled up in a loon’s feet or bill.
• If you live on a lake, use phosphorus-free fertilizer and plant shrubs as a buffer along the shoreline to reduce run-off.
• If you see a loon on a nest, keep your distance and watch with binoculars.
• Keep garbage out of reach of loon egg predators, like skunks and raccoons.

Interesting Loon Links

• The Loon Preservation Committee in New Hampshire