Eye in The Sky Follows Loons to East Coast

Using satellite transmitters, researchers from the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program (ACLP) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have learned that common loons from the Adirondacks spend their winter months along the East Coast. Specifically, data received from transmitter-carrying loons showed the birds traveling to places such as the coast of Cape Cod, Long Island Sound, and the coast of New Jersey—important information for an effective management plan for the species. 

The study is a collaboration of the ACLP—a partnership of the Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS), the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks (NHMA), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the Biodiversity Research Institute, and the Audubon Society of New York State—and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to identify migration patterns of New York’s Adirondack loon population.

“The loon migration research of ACLP and USGS provides valuable information about common loon seasonal migratory patterns and habitat selection,” said WCS-NHMA scientist Dr. Nina Schoch, program coordinator for the ACLP. “Such knowledge will enable conservationists to better assess and address the impact of conservation concerns, such as oil spills, air pollution, or botulism, on loon populations throughout their range.”

During the summers of 2003 and 2004, eight Adirondack common loons were equipped with satellite transmitters, enabling researchers to follow the birds as they migrate to and from their wintering grounds. Information obtained from the transmitters will help scientists better understand the natural history of loons and the wintering areas that are important for the species.

“Recent advances in satellite telemetry technology have provided biologists with a new set of tools for research and management of migrating waterbirds,” NYS DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said. “Results obtained from two common loons implanted during the 2003 field season indicated that the adult bird wintered along the Atlantic coast, off southern New Jersey, while the juvenile bird utilized Long Island Sound. We look forward to working with ACLP and USGS scientists as the data from the six additional loons implanted during the 2004 field season are analyzed.”

Long-lived and high on the food-chain, common loons are important indicators of environmental health. Other research conducted by the ACLP evaluates the impact of mercury pollution on the Adirondack loon population. The migration study will enhance research by the USGS in the Midwest and elsewhere in the Northeast to determine migratory pathways and wintering areas critical to North American loon populations.

Complementing the research on loon migration, ACLP has developed an engaging middle school curriculum. Called “Science on the Fly! Loon Migration: Linking People and the Environment,” this new program teaches students about the process of scientific inquiry while following the migration of Adirondack loons. As students learn about ACLP’s research techniques, they will also increase their awareness of loon natural history and environmental concerns affecting wildlife habitats. The "Science on the Fly!" curriculum and teacher training materials will be piloted at selected Adirondack middle school classes in the winter of 2004-2005. Beginning in the fall of 2005, students will be able to participate worldwide via ACLP’s website, www.adkscience.org/loons 

ACLP’s loon migration research is funded through grants from the USFWS’ State Wildlife Grants Program to NYS DEC and from the New York State Biodiversity Research Institute and the G.E. Foundation to NHMA, as well as support from each of ACLP’s partners, and the USGS. The WCS veterinary staff provided assistance with transmitter implantation. ACLP’s “Science on the Fly!” curriculum is supported by funding to NHMA from the Dorr Foundation, NYS Biodiversity Research Institute, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

To follow the migration of Adirondack loons, and learn more about ACLP’s research and education programs on conservation issues affecting loon populations, please visit the ACLP website at www.adkscience.org/loons

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