Loons and Late Ice
Loon pairs are somehow able to catch up in years of late ice-out so that their breeding schedule does not differ greatly from other years.
Where Are Common Loons in Late Winter?
If you travel to the coast this late winter or early spring, bring your binoculars and scan nearshore waters. You’ll likely find loons, and you might be lucky enough to hear one call.
Twenty Years as the Vermont Loon Biologist – a retrospective
This year marks two decadal anniversaries: the 40th year of the Vermont Loon Conservation Project (VLCP) and my 20th year coordinating that core VCE program.
Outdoor Radio: Lake Fairlee Loons
Biologists Kent McFarland, Sara Zahendra and Eric Hanson headed out in canoes to take a look at the nesting sites and check on the loon chick. Join them as we learn the story of the Lake Fairlee loons and how volunteers are helping VCE and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department conserve Vermont’s loon population.
A Record Year for Vermont’s Loons in 2017
This year was another great breeding season for Common Loons in Vermont. The Vermont Loon Conservation Project and it’s volunteers observed a record 97 loon nest attempts with at least 72 successful nests. Learn more…
Habitat Selection with a Twist: A Story of Two Opportunistic Loons
VCE summer intern Kirsti Carr recounts her unexpected discovery of a long-abandoned swimming raft that a Common Loon pair used for nesting on Chandler Pond in 2017. She and her Vermont Loon Recovery Project team rehabilitated the raft – easily Vermont’s largest – in late July and hope that the loo pair will approve of its new, improved home for continued successful nesting in 2018.
Saving a Loon’s Life
The phone rang on Friday afternoon and VCE loon biologist Eric Hanson had just received word of a loon entangled by fishing line. I was full of excitement; this would be my first time taking part in a loon rescue, an opportunity I hoped would present itself during my summer as VCE’s Alexander Dickey Conservation Intern.
The First Loon Chicks of the Year
This time of year is always exciting with the hatching of the first loon chicks. VCE volunteers have observed at least five chicks this past week, including these chicks from Lower Symes Pond. See more great images…
Give Nesting Loons Space
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and the Vermont Center for Ecostudies is asking boaters and anglers to give loons a hand this summer by enjoying them from a safe distance. Learn more…
Loon Banded in 1998 Found Again
I noticed a loon near shore with some flashes of color behind it. It was banded with colorful leg bands for identification. Later at home, I learned that the bird was banded in 1998 and is over 20 years old! Read more…
A Field Guide to June 2017
Here in Vermont, we dream of June during the darkest days of winter. Verdant wooded hillsides, a robin egg sky, chorus of bird song, butterflies and bees on flowers. We often forget about the clouds of black flies. June is a dream here. Here’s some natural history wonders for the month from this neck of the woods.
The Trials and Tribulations of the Lake Fairlee Loons
For the second consecutive year, Common Loons are nesting on Lake Fairlee. Unfortunately, this year the loons built their nest on Treasure Island, part of Thetford’s town beach and picnic area, just in time for the season opening. Learn how management was ready to save the day.
