• Posts tagged with loons

    VCE Internship Supports the Future of Ecology

    VCE Internship Supports the Future of Ecology

    As an organization that strives to “unite people and science for conservation,” we recognize that to become stronger and more resilient, we must create a culture that embraces diversity and fosters inclusivity. With that goal in mind, VCE launched our Future Ecologists internship in 2022.

    2023 Loon Field Season Summary

    2023 Loon Field Season Summary

    Well folks, it’s that time of year, and the 2023 field season is officially behind us. What a year it was, filled with loon chick rescues, raft building, dedicated volunteers, and historic flooding throughout the state. Here is a 2023 recap of everything loon.

    A Tale of Two Loon Chick Rescues

    A Tale of Two Loon Chick Rescues

    This past summer VCE was involved in two very different loon chick rescues with very different outcomes.  Although these ordeals did not have a lot in common, they each had dedicated and caring volunteers, willing to use their time and resources to help these birds.

    The Caretakers: Reflections from 40 Years of Loon Volunteers

    The Caretakers: Reflections from 40 Years of Loon Volunteers

    Loon conservation in Vermont is as much a story of people as it is of birds. From the most disheartening days of the state’s loon census in the 1980s through the incredible recovery we’re witnessing today, VCE volunteers on the Vermont Loon Conservation Project have been the beating heart of the stewardship effort.

    Field Guide to July 2023

    Field Guide to July 2023

    The avian breeding season is winding down. Even a few southbound shorebirds will trickle through the region this month on their “fall” migration. But as the dawn bird chorus fades from northern woodlands, fields and wetlands erupt in the sparkle and drama of summer insects. Here’s a short guide to some of the other glitter now on the wing.

    Banding Loons By Night

    Banding Loons By Night

    This summer, VCE’s loon conservation team spent two nights attempting (emphasis on attempting) to capture and band loons to learn more about their health and behavior. Despite a few misses, we caught loons on both Holland and Ewell Pond.

    Gifts for the Conservation-minded People in Your Life

    Gifts for the Conservation-minded People in Your Life

    Black Friday might have come and gone, but chances are a few people remain on your gift list. Don’t worry—we’ve got some ideas for all your conservation-minded loved ones. From wildlife enthusiasts to art lovers to appreciators of delicious coffee, there’s a little something for everyone on this list, and all with a conservation twist!

    One Lucky Loon

    One Lucky Loon

    By early October, loon biologist Eric Hanson has usually left the lakes for wintery slopes and ski trail maintenance. However, this year, he received news of a tangled and injured loon that needed a swift rescue. Thankfully, through the hard work of avian rehabilitation specialists in Vermont and beyond, this loon made a spectacular recovery.

    Birds, Bees, and Trees: A Summer Working for VCE

    Birds, Bees, and Trees: A Summer Working for VCE

    From long days spent in wooded hillsides to early mornings on top of Mt. Mansfield, it was a busy—but exciting—summer for VCE’s 2021 Alexander Dickey Conservation Intern.

    A Record Year for Loon Nesting in Vermont

    A Record Year for Loon Nesting in Vermont

    This year proved a highly successful one for Vermont’s breeding loons—a record, in fact! However, every loon breeding season is more than just numbers. It’s also about the stories of difficult moments and the experiences of our hardworking volunteers who make everything we accomplish possible.