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Annual Loon Census
An annual census of loons on lakes in and around the Adirondack Park is conducted the third Saturday in July. Observations from throughout New York State are also welcome. The number of adult loons, chicks, and immature loons observed in a one-hour period (from 8-9a.m.) are recorded. This data provides a quick glimpse of the status of the breeding loon population in the Park and the summering loon population in New York. Over time, the Annual Loon Census will enable us to understand trends in the Adirondack and New York State loon population. This data will be used by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation to better monitor the New York loon population and to implement management efforts if indicated.
Similar censuses are also conducted in other states throughout the Northeast at the same time on the same day. Thus, a regional overview of the current status of the loon population in northeastern North America is obtained.
The census is only possible with the help of numerous observers throughout the Adirondack Park and New York. We are most grateful for the participation of all census observers - thank you very much!
PLEASE JOIN US!
How to participate
Which lakes are available?
Helpful hints for observers
Downloadable census form
How to Participate
1. How To Select A Lake:
View the Census Lake Selection Table to choose the lake or pond where you will conduct the census survey. To prevent duplicate observations, lakes will be assigned to census observers on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the table, look for:
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Assigned Lakes: These are lakes and ponds that are currently assigned to other census observers - please identify a lake that does not have an X under the “Assigned Lakes” column. Alternately, any waterbody that is not on the list is available for survey.
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Random Lakes: We encourage observers to select a lake or pond from those waterbodies that are designated with an X under the “Random Lakes” column. Information from these lakes allows the Loon Program to use statistical techniques to better estimate the number of common loons in the Adirondack Park.
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Note: If the lake is privately owned, please obtain landowner permission before selecting the lake!
2. Contact the Loon Program To Let Us Know Which Lake You Have Selected:
Please contact us at adkloon@wcs.org or leave a message at (518) 891-8872, extension 107, to let us know you would like to be a census observer.
• Please provide us with:
o Your name, address, and phone number
o The name of the lake where you would like to conduct your observations
o The county name and township of the lake you have chosen.
3. A Census Form Will Be Sent To You Via Mail or E-Mail In Early July.
Census forms will also be available to download from our website.
Please return the form to the following address by August 1st:
WCS’ Adirondack Loon Conservation Program
7 Brandy Brook Ave., Suite 204
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
See below to learn how to fill in the census form correctly.
Helpful Hints for Participating in the Annual Loon Census
1. Conduct your observations for the entire hour of the census.
2. Note that observations conducted before or after the census hour (8-9a.m.) will not be included in the final census results. For us to get a coordinated “snap-shot” of how many loons are present and where they are, everyone needs to conduct their observations at the same time. If you send in observations from a different day or time, we will not be able to incorporate them into census results (however, they will be added to our long-term Presence/Absence database).
3. Help with Aging Loons:
a. Adult Loons: Fully feathered with black and white feathers and full size. Note that some adults are much larger (usually males) than others (usually females). Please identify adult loons carefully – they can occasionally be confused with mergansers or cormorants!
b. Immature Loons: Fully feathered with light and dark gray feathers. They are 2/3 adult size or larger.
c. Loon Chicks: They have either black or brown DOWN (no feathers). They are less than 2/3 the size of an adult bird.
4. Record only the first sighting of each loon or group of loons. Please do not count loons twice.
5. Do not count loons flying overhead. They should only be counted if they land on the lake or were on the water originally and then took off.
6. Remember to report “zero” when you do not observe loons, as well as the positive observations. A report of “zero” loons is just as important for census validity as multiple loons (over time, these “zero” observations will enable us to determine if loons are using more or fewer lakes).
When Filling in the Annual Loon Census Form:
1. Remember to use a separate form for each lake on which you conduct observations.
2. Note the location on the lake/pond and the direction in which the loons move or fly. Please note if you conducted observations on the entire lake or on a portion of the lake.
3. Please include a sketch map on the back of the Annual Census form indicating where birds were observed and location of the observer. These maps are very helpful to us in learning what parts of the lake loons use.
4. Your comments on the form are also very helpful! Please feel free to add any information that you feel is not adequately covered in the data portion of the form. You are also welcome to submit photos from your census observations.
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