Common loon wintering range usually is a footnote when describing the birds, but they spend half their lives on America’s saltwater coasts.
“Visible evidence that breeding loon populations can be restored to their former habitat.”
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency estimates lead poisoning causes about 14% of loon deaths in the state.
Outdoor News Managing Editor Rob Drieslein looks into the death of two northeastern Minnesota loons from West Nile virus in this video blog.
Two of three dead loons found in northeastern Minnesota earlier this month said to have died from WNV, and wildlife staff are receiving a small but noticeable increase in calls from people finding dead loons in northeastern Minnesota this summer.
MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. — The Loon Preservation Committee in New Hampshire says humans should keep their distance as loon chicks begin hatching on lakes throughout the state. The committee says many loon chicks are hatching in time for the holiday week and they are asking the public to stay at least 150 feet away. Signs of distress for loons include craning…
Located in north-central Minnesota lake country, researchers say it’s a good spot because it’s a natural habitat for loons and would benefit from additional conservation work.
Vermont sees record number of bald eagle nests in 2017. Loons also enjoy record nesting success in the state in ’17.
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says keeping lead fishing weights out of Maine waters will better the birds’ survival and spur population growth across the Northeast.
Early numbers statewide total just under 300 pairs of loons, slightly higher than last year. The numbers are down, however, for pairs that are nesting and for chicks that have hatched and survived.
Birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Massachusetts also lists them as a species of “special concern.’
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