Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake. However, for the birds’ protection, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. is asking boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance this summer.
Common Loons were removed from the endangered species list for Vermont in 2005. Currently, breeding pairs are documented at just over 100. There are typically about 300-500 adult loons in Vermont during the summer.
“Loons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, but two threats loons face are human disturbance during the breeding season and ingestion of fishing gear,” said Doug Morin, state wildlife biologist.
“Although most areas where loons are nesting on Vermont’s lakes are surrounded by signs reminding people to give loons the space they need, not all nesting areas are marked. We’re asking people to view loons using binoculars rather than from up close, whether they are in a boat, a canoe or a kayak.”
Morin also reminds people to avoid lead fishing tackle. Two loons died from lead fishing gear ingestion in 2019. Swallowing stray fishing tackle can lead to lead poisoning. Lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less are illegal in Vermont.
Morin also recommends anglers to be careful to not attract loons to their bait and lures, and especially do not leave any fishing line behind, as it can kill loons.
Eric Hanson oversees the Loon Conservation Project for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies in partnership with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. He and his colleagues monitor Vermont’s loon population and have put out game cameras around loon nests to monitor the behavior of people around them. Hanson says most people are respectful of nesting loons and give them space, but people sometimes inadvertently harm loons without meaning to.
“Loon chicks can be difficult to see, so we ask motorboaters to note where loon families are and to avoid those areas,” said Hanson. “We also ask that motorboaters obey no wake laws within 200 feet of shorelines because boat wakes can flood and destroy shoreline loon nests.”
Hanson reminds boaters to avoid pursuing loons, especially loons with young.
“Occasionally a loon will be curious and approach people and if that happens, just enjoy it,” said Hanson. “However, loons that are constantly swimming away from you are stressed and may abandon their young if they feel they are in danger.”
Hanson also urges shoreline property owners to maintain appropriate habitat for loons, including a forested area along shorelines where loons can nest. Having shrubs and trees instead of lawns along shorelines also improves water quality, which is essential for healthy lakes and loons.
Volunteers interested in monitoring loons for the Loon Conservation Project should contact Hanson at ehanson@vtecostudies.org. Volunteers can monitor lakes all summer long or volunteers can survey one or two lakes on Loonwatch Day, being held on July 18 from 8-9 a.m. The goal is to survey all lakes greater than 20 acres at the same time on lakes that are surveyed less often during the rest of year.
