The ACLC’s Adirondack Loon-Friendly Lake Certification Program promotes community-based environmental stewardship to better protect loons and their aquatic habitats. This presentation is part 4 of the 4-part Loon-Friendly Lake series.

This 1-hour zoom presentation is designed to give Loon-Friendly Lake Program participants an increased understanding of the migratory pathways and wintering habitats of Common Loons. We will discuss research that has been done to learn where loons go, how long they stay, and when they return. As loons prepare to migrate, and lakeside communities watch for their beloved birds’ departure, you will have abundant knowledge to share!

Adirondack loons face many threats — some natural, and some caused by humans, including:

• Loss of nesting habitat due to shoreline development

• Human disturbance of loon nests and families

• Injuries due to fishing line entanglement, boating accidents, predation, and fighting with other loons

•  Flooding of nests due to water level changes from climate change related torrential rain events, or hydroelectric reservoir management

•  Lead poisoning from accidentally consuming lead fishing tackle

•  Environmental pollutants, including mercury and flame retardants, that  accumulate in the aquatic food web

•  Avian diseases and parasites

By working together, Adirondack residents and visitors can help minimize and address many of these challenges to better protect Adirondack loons and the lakes they share with us and other wildlife. This program provides lake associations and other interested groups with guidelines and conservation projects to ensure that their lake continues to support breeding loons for years to come.

 Please Note: Although there is no charge to participate in the Adirondack Loon-Friendly Lake Program, a minimum annual donation of $100 is requested to help continue this program.