How to protect nesting loons and their chicks

MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermonters hiking and boating on lakes may be familiar with the haunting call of the loon, an aquatic bird that has been the focus of protection efforts. This summer, Vermont Fish & Wildlife (VT F&W) asks people to be aware of their habitats.
'Loons were removed from Vermont's endangered species list in 2005, but they continue to face threats from human disturbance during the breeding season and mortality from the ingestion of fishing gear,' said VT F&W wildlife biologist Jillian Kilborn.
Loons can become stressed when chased, even to the point of abandoning their young, so keeping a distance is important. Eric Hanson with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) says a top danger to loons in the state are fishing lines left behind by anglers, which can entangle the birds. 'Loons will take live bait and lures, killing a few each year,' says Hanson. 'A few loons have even learned that anglers are a source of easy food, and just like bears, it is very important that loons do not learn this problem habit.'
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Hanson also says that the 'no wake' laws requiring boaters to slow down to 5 miles per hour within 200 feet of shorelines help protect loons, because the strong waves caused by fast-moving boats can destroy loon nests along the shoreline.
Anyone interested in monitoring loons for the Loon Conservation Project can contact Hanson at loon@vtecostudies.org. Volunteers can also help out on LoonWatch Day, held annually on a Saturday in July to provide a loon population count. This year's count will be on July 19 between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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