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Vermont Loon News

Loon Pairs Arriving on Vermont Lakes

April 13, 2016  |  Kent McFarland

With the ice giving way to open waters on Vermont lakes in April, Common Loons are returning to their breeding homes.The Common Loon is one of our most iconic expressions of life in the north. And you can help us keep it that way.

VCE Presents 2015 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award to a ‘Loonatic’

November 18, 2015  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

This year VCE honors Mike Korkuc with the Julie Nicholson Citizen Science Award for his years of dedication to loon conservation.

A Lost Loon’s Saga Ends Well on the Maine Coast

October 13, 2015  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

From a roadside in Vermont to oceanside in Maine, completes her “trilogy” of blog posts about the wayward Common Loon she discovered in August.

Unsolved (Murder?) Mysteries on the Canadian Border: The case of two loon disappearances

September 9, 2015  |  Eric Hanson

Summer is often the time people head to the beach or hammock to read stories that take them away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And this summer, even loons were part of the mystery stories.

From Roadside to Rescue: A Tale of Determination and a Lost Loon

August 25, 2015  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

A chance encounter on a Vermont roadside — and the uplifting story of an errant Common Loon chick.

First Documented Lead-Poisoned Loon Collected on Lake Winnipesaukee

July 8, 2015  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

The first documented lead-poisoned loon collected from New Hampshire waters this year was discovered July 1, 2015, on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Join VCE’s LoonWatch on July 18

June 30, 2015  |  Eric Hanson

Here’s your chance to visit a lake or pond during one of the most vital days for Common Loon conservation of the year: LoonWatch. On Saturday, July 18, volunteers will take to Vermont waters to count loons.

It’s Loon Nesting Time

June 1, 2015  |  Eric Hanson

Eric Hanson, VCE loon biologist, recently visited 9 territories and found 5 nests. “It’s always a thrill to find a loon sitting on shore at the start of its month long incubation period,” exclaimed Hanson. He has been installing signs to help warn people to give the loons a break while they are breeding.

Loon Sign Overhaul

April 30, 2015  |  Eric Hanson

The Vermont Loon Conservation Program is currently upgrading and maintaining one of our most useful management tools – nest warning signs. Learn how you can help.

Loon Spring Fever

April 1, 2015  |  Eric Hanson

This past Friday, on March 27, a Common Loon crash-landed at the Berlin Airport. We’re serious – no foolin’ today. This loon was likely already performing reconnaissance flights to return to its territory.

Vermont Common Loons: The Limits of Success?

January 19, 2015  |  Bryan Pfeiffer

One of Vermont’s greatest wildlife conservation triumphs is the return of the Common Loon. From a mere seven pairs three decades ago, Vermont’s loon population has steadily climbed to 84 pairs in 2014. But in recent years, something unusual has been happening among Vermont loons.

Common Loon in flight

Ice-bound Loons

December 22, 2014  |  Eric Hanson

With the early cold weather, some loons simply fail to leave in time and get stuck in ice on small ponds. Usually these loons are chicks of the year (juveniles) that have to figure out migration on their own. The parents likely left in October or early November.