No single bird species we monitor offers more opportunity for citizen naturalists than Common Loons. Whether you'd prefer to be on shore or in a boat, volunteering one day a year or throughout the breeding season, Common Loons can benefit from your help. Here's a short list of opportunities:
Placing a loon nest warning sign.
- LoonWatch – The best way help in the continued conservation of Common Loons in Vermont is through our sister project, LoonWatch. It offers several ways to watch, enjoy, and conserve Common Loons.
- Loon Rescue and On-Call Surveys – These volunteers help out in the field with loons in distress (e.g., caught in fishing line or beached) or can respond quickly for a last-minute loon survey, a loon rescue, or transportation. This role is perfect for people with flexible schedules and available time. Contact Eric Hanson for more information.
- Education and Research – Among these opportunities include data analysis, land conservation program development, volunteer educational material development, and other outreach assistance. Contact Eric Hanson for more information.
- Building Nest Warning Signs and Nesting Rafts – The VLCP seeks volunteers who can take over the management of loon nesting platforms and/or loon nest warning sign buoys. You’ll need a boat for this work, most of which is conducted on breeding lakes. VLCP biologist Eric Hanson helps during your first year as a volunteer. The time commitment is usually a half day in late April or early May and another half day in July or August (plus possibility of Adopt-a-Lake monitoring). Contact Eric Hanson for more information, or read more about nesting rafts.
