Since 2001 the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) has conducted the New York Annual Loon Census on the third Saturday of the July, which is July 18th this year. Although it takes volunteers just 1 hour to conduct the survey, from 8 to 9am, the information provided is adds appreciably to the quarter-century of information already collected at lakes across the state of New York. As environmental sentinels, Common Loons that nest at freshwater lakes provide insights into the health of lake ecosystems.
Common Loons are iconic symbols of wilderness for many people who are thrilled by their unmistakable calls and their brilliant summer plumage, and to see a downy loon hatchling with attentive adults during July is a memorable experience indeed.
Anyone is invited to participate in the Annual Loon Census and submit observations from any lake in New York during the 1-hour survey period. During the census, volunteers across the state observe loons at their assigned lake and report their observations to ACLC. This data provides an annual "snapshot" of the nesting Common Loon population at lakes in the state. Results of the census over time are providing valuable information about the status and trends in New York's summer loon population.
Adirondack Park is located in the northeast corner of the state of New York, encompassing 9,375 square miles (2 million acres), and it stands as the center of on-going loon research. You can learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and how you can help with this year's Annual Loon Census at Research | Explore Loon Research — Get Involved Today — Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation