Studying Common Loons in the Adirondack Park
Since 1998, I have had the rare privilege of studying Common Loons in the Adirondack Park as part of the Biodiversity Research Institute’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. Our research assesses the impact of environmental mercury pollution on loon populations, serving as an indicator of how mercury affects aquatic ecosystems.
About Loons in the Adirondacks
Fascinating Birds and Their Threats
Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable insights into these remarkable birds, known for their haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage during the breeding season. However, I have also become acutely aware of the numerous threats facing their populations. Much of my work focuses on raising awareness about these issues and implementing strategies to minimize their impacts on the Adirondack loon population.
The Unique Characteristics of Loons
Common Loons are truly exceptional birds, specially adapted for life in the water. Their bodies are so streamlined that they struggle to walk on land, requiring a lengthy run across the water to achieve flight. In the Adirondacks, loons can live for 20 to 30 years and are highly territorial, often returning to the same nesting site on the same lake year after year.
Through my observations, I have become familiar with the behaviors and personalities of individual loons, many of which have been color-banded for identification. I’ve witnessed the fascinating dynamics of their lives as they switch territories, mate, raise their chicks, and interact with other loons throughout the summer. A particularly interesting phenomenon occurs when a male loon migrates to a new territory—his vocalizations undergo a significant change, including a distinct shift in his signature yodel.
Threats to Loons in the Adirondacks
Sadly, loons face a variety of dangers, especially as they hunt for fish. They sometimes consume fish that have fishing line or tackle still attached, leading to accidental entanglement. This situation can result in severe injuries or even death from lead poisoning due to the ingestion of lead fishing tackle.
When I first began my research on Adirondack loons, I would receive a handful of reports each year about loons exhibiting abnormal behavior or entangled in fishing lines. Our team works diligently to rescue these loons and alleviate their suffering so they can return to the wild. If a loon is caught in fishing line, there is a good chance of survival as long as it hasn’t ingested lead tackle, which can be fatal.
If a bird does not survive, we submit it to the Wildlife Pathology Laboratory at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
In the last two years, the number of reports regarding loons exhibiting abnormal behavior or getting caught in fishing lines has skyrocketed. I now receive more than 20 to 30 calls each year, with approximately half of these incidents involving entangled birds or those suffering from lead tackle ingestion—particularly during the summer months when fishing activity peaks.
Unfortunately, capturing these birds is often challenging. Loons are remarkably adept at evading capture unless they are caring for chicks or are severely weakened. This means that some loons may suffer unnecessarily, enduring injuries or even death if they cannot free themselves.
Help Us Protect Loons
If you are an angler, please consider using non-toxic fishing tackle! Although New York has banned the sale of small lead sinkers, it is still legal to use them. Loons can ingest various types of fishing tackle, including jigs and large sinkers. By choosing non-toxic alternatives, anglers can significantly reduce the risk of lead poisoning for loons and other wildlife that may accidentally ingest tackle.
Recycling and Reporting
Recycle Old Fishing Line: Look for recycling containers for old fishing monofilament at many Adirondack boat launch sites. If you come across abandoned fishing line, please pick it up and recycle it to prevent loons and other wildlife from getting tangled.
Sponsor a Fishing Line Recycling Container: Consider sponsoring a fishing line recycling container at your local boat launch, fish and game club, or tackle store! To obtain a container, contact BRI’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation at adkloon@briloon.org or call 1-888-749-5666, ext. 145. An annual prize will be awarded to the organization or individual who collects the most fishing line or lead tackle!
Report Injured Loons: If you encounter an injured loon, find its nest, or hear unusual loon calls, please report it to your local NYS DEC office or BRI’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation at adkloon@briloon.org or call 888-749-5666, ext. 145.
More Information
For further details on obtaining a fishing line recycling container, learning about Common Loons, understanding the threats they face, or finding out more about BRI’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, please visit www.briloon.org/adkloon.
Together, we can make a significant difference in protecting the Adirondack loon population and preserving the haunting calls that add beauty and serenity to our natural surroundings.
Original Article By Dr. Nina Schoch
About The Author
Dr. Nina Schoch has been a leading conservationist in the Adirondacks since the 1990s and created the Adirondack Loon Program in 2001. Her work involves research, organizing volunteer efforts, and publicity to create public awareness of loons and the problems they face. She is currently the director of the BRI Adirondack Center For Loon Conservation. www.briloon.org.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
