![A New Endeavor for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project: Necropsies](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mortality-Long-P-Westmore-Ad-x-ray-Hardwick-Vet-Clinic-280x200.jpg)
A New Endeavor for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project: Necropsies
In the past, the Vermont Loon Conservation Project collected all reported dead loons to send to Tufts University to determine the causes of death. Now, we’re going to learn how to perform necropsies ourselves!
![Loon Departure Times](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/flight-lee-cordner-280x200.jpg)
Loon Departure Times
Those lucky enough to still be spending time on their favorite Vermont lakes may have noticed the disappearance of their resident adult loons, even with chicks still around. When do loons take to the skies? Read on to find out.
![Mallard ducks on a pond with colorful fall leaves in the background](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mallards-in-Fall-KPM-e1599136902570-280x200.jpg)
Field Guide to September 2020
One morning, you wake to a nip in the air, and notice subtle changes in the quality of the light. Suddenly, it’s September. There’s a lot going on this time of year, if you know where to look. Here is your field guide to life on the move, and some natural history tidbits to discover this fall.
![Mentoring an Eagle Scout for the Loon Project](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/signs-caleb-nye-photo-by-eric-hanson-trim-280x200.jpg)
Mentoring an Eagle Scout for the Loon Project
This past year, Caleb Nye of Hinesburg conducted numerous activities to assist the Vermont Loon Conservation Project, and the loons on Lake Iroquois, in pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout.
![In the Field with VCE's Bird-friendly Maple Efficacy Study–Part II](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BFM-7-sam-blair-280x200.jpeg)
In the Field with VCE’s Bird-friendly Maple Efficacy Study–Part II
Sam Blair, a UVM senior and seasonal field biologist working with Steve Faccio on VCE’s Bird-friendly Maple Efficacy Study, offers his reflections from the field in this second update.
![Mid-July Loon Update](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/backride-bald-hill-p-photo-by-lorna-kane-rohloff-280x200.jpg)
Mid-July Loon Update
It’s mid-July, height of “loon season,” and just a few days away from Vermont’s 38th annual LoonWatch Day on Saturday, July 18. VCE’s loon biologist, Eric Hanson, gives us an update from Vermont’s lakes and ponds (with photos you won’t want to miss).
![In the Field with VCE's Bird-friendly Maple Efficacy Study](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/maple-stand-resized-sam-blair-280x200.jpg)
In the Field with VCE’s Bird-friendly Maple Efficacy Study
Here’s an update from the field (with amazing photos) from Sam Blair, a UVM senior and seasonal field biologist working with Steve Faccio on VCE’s Bird-friendly Maple Efficacy Study.
![Discover the Bees in Your Backyard this Spring](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Unequal-Cellophane-Bee-Spencer-Hardy-280x200.jpg)
Discover the Bees in Your Backyard this Spring
Spencer Hardy, VCE’s Vermont Wild Bee Survey Project Coordinator, shares a video from the field, and how you can get involved in the Vermont Wild Bee Survey.
![Fir Mast and Winter Weather Drives Survival in a Montane Forest Bird Species](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BITH-closeup-Marc-Faucher-280x200.jpg)
Fir Mast and Winter Weather Drives Survival in a Montane Forest Bird Species
Recently published VCE paper describes unexpected findings in the quest to understand how environmental processes shape the population dynamics of Bicknell’s Thrush throughout their annual cycle.
![Team Pipit's Extraordinary Birding Feat: 150 species in all 14 Vermont Counties](https://vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/JohnPat-Pratt-280x200.png)
Team Pipit’s Extraordinary Birding Feat: 150 species in all 14 Vermont Counties
Fred (Pat) Pratt of Team Pipit completed an extraordinary birding feat on November 25, notching his 150th species of 2019 in Bennington County, with a pair of Northern Shovelers. This discovery earned Pat the 14th Star Award, as the first birder ever to record 150 species in all 14 Vermont counties during a single calendar year. Congratulations to Team Pipit for a truly inspiring accomplishment!