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Vermont Loon News

Give Nesting Loons Space

June 9, 2017  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

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

June 6, 2017  |  Eric Hanson

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

June 1, 2017  |  Kent McFarland

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

May 31, 2017  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

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.

The Trials of Finding a Loon Nest Site

May 15, 2017  |  Eric Hanson

If all goes well, we’ll see over 80 pairs attempt to nest again this year despite the challenges of geese and mink and people.

Help Us Look for Loons

May 5, 2017  |  Eric Hanson

You can help us help loons this year. And one way is to help us assess the breeding status of loons on some lakes and ponds this spring that are not often visited by volunteers. Learn more…

Volunteers Help Loons to Another Record Breeding Season in 2016

December 12, 2016  |  Kent McFarland

It was a banner year for Common Loons breeding in Vermont. Volunteers helped us monitor 93 nesting pairs around the state, a record number since monitoring began four decades ago.

A Red-throated Loon Drops in for Thanksgiving

November 24, 2016  |  Eric Hanson

Last night, this exquisite bird was found in the middle of the road along Route 15 in Walden Vermont

Helping Loons from Florida to Alberta

September 16, 2016  |  Eric Hanson

Success! Last night we managed to catch the loon…without your advice this success story would not have been possible.

Vermont Reservoir Managers Help Loons Thrive

August 11, 2016  |  Eric Hanson

With all the needs they have to meet from financial to ecological, the management of hydroelectric facilities is tricky. But in some areas, like southern Vermont, the success of loon nests depends on water level management, and many companies are helping to make a difference.

Hidden Camera Captures Behavior of a Nesting Loon

August 11, 2016  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

A loon nest was discovered on a mudflat on Lake Fairlee in mid-July and local naturalist and photographer, Tig Tillinghast placed a hidden camera to capture how the loons reacted to visiting animals and boaters.

A Loon-ey Couple of Weeks

August 4, 2016  |  Amber Wolf

During my work with the Vermont Loons Conservation Program, I was able to see so many places in Vermont that I had never visited before, or hadn’t in a very long time. I was amazed once again at the beauty of my home state and very proud to be helping conserve its special biodiversity.