Lead Fishing Tackle Detrimental to NH Loon Population
A recent study of mortality in New Hampshire loons over 24 years reveals that ingestion of lead fishing gear (primarily jigs and sinkers) is the leading cause of death among adults. This troubling discovery helped spur a regulatory ban on sale and use of lead tackle, and lead-caused loon mortality rates have since declined statewide.
Success: Crossing Boundaries for Conservation
VCE announces finalization of the Strategic Conservation Plan for Sierra de Bahoruco National Park in the Dominican Republic. The plan, which VCE helped to both fund and facilitate, aims to preserve the park’s unique forested habitats for the benefit of plants, wildlife, and humans alike.
The Natural and UnNatural Life of Loons
VCE loon biologist, Eric Hanson, recently spoke to a crowd at our monthly Suds & Science series at the Norwich…
Loons Post Record Year for Nesting Success, Bald Eagle Nesting Down
Vermont’s loon population had a record year for nesting success, producing 65 fledglings, or chicks that survived to leave the…
A Sad Centennial
A sad 100th anniversary tomorrow. On September 1, 1914, the last passenger pigeon in the world, Martha, died in the…
It’s Birdathon Time!
Team VCE is gearing up for another low-carbon Birdathon on May 20. After some dawn birding on-foot to a diversity…
Loon Meets Owl in Eric Hanson’s House
On December 17, I awoke to -25 F here in Craftsbury, VT. The day before a juvenile Common Loon had…
VCE Presents the 2010 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award
For more than 30 years, Ruth Stewart has been an avid student of natural history, an environmental advocate, conservationist, citizen scientist, and teacher.