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FALMOUTH – The results of the annual Maine Audubon Annual Loon Count comes with good news for loons, several firsts, and continuing concern about the toll human activity is having on Maine’s loon population.
More than 1,600 volunteers surveyed loons at 361 lakes in Maine – both records – and found that adult loon numbers dipped slightly, chick numbers are up, and motorized watercraft is now the biggest cause for loon death in the state’s lakes.
Long-term trends continue to show a strong adult population that has grown steadily over the years, and a stable population of chicks over time, the Audubon Society reported Dec. 14.
The annual loon count, which began in 1983, is held the third Saturday of July, and this year’s numbers have now been finalized by the Audubon Society.
Counters noted 3,057 adult loons (down from 3,446 in 2021) and 298 chicks, up from 244 in 2021. Annual fluctuations are common, depending on many factors. The numbers are estimates for areas south of the 45th parallel, roughly south of a line from Rangeley to Calais, where lakes are more accessible by volunteers, and enough lakes are counted to make a reliable estimate. Many more loons nest on lakes across the northern half of the state, which is not included in the estimates.
Despite general upward trends, it’s clear that operators of motorized watercraft who don’t follow state laws prohibiting wake-producing speeds within 200 feet of shore and islands, as well as other safety laws, pose a serious threat to loons. Trauma, especially from boats striking loons, is the leading cause of adult loon deaths in Maine. Another cause is lead poisoning from loons ingesting lost and discarded lead tackle.
Loon counters also reported loon nests that were flooded and eggs that were washed out of the nest by boat wakes, a continuing issue.
The 2022 Loon Count also included the first full count of Sebago Lake, the second largest lake in the state.
Brad McCurtain, who coordinated the Sebago Lake count, said, “Importantly, it’s the start of what hopefully will become a library of years of full lake data. And a good chunk of 2022’s count team is lined up and ready to go for 2023.”
Chicks hatched from new nesting platforms by the Loon Restoration Project (a partnership of Maine Audubon, Maine Lakes, Lakes Environmental Association, and the Penobscot Nation) were also part of the 2022 count. The goal of the project is to enhance nesting success where loons have consistently struggled and decrease loon mortality caused by boat strikes, lead poisoning, and human disturbance. More than 100 volunteers helped assess loons and lakes for new rafts, resulting in 27 rafts being placed on 24 lakes and producing 11 chicks since the project began in 2021.
For more information on the annual loon count and loon projects, visit maineaudubon.org/loons.
