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Banding Loons
Loons are captured on their breeding lakes
using playback and night lighting techniques. (watch video by
clicking on
"real" icon)
Blood and feather samples are collected
for contaminant and genetics analysis. The birds are banded with aluminum
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bands and with a unique combination of
plastic colored bands. Thus, the color-banded loons are individually
identifiable from a distance.
 This
banding program will enable research on
behavior and long-term
 productivity
of individual loons to be conducted. By comparing populations of banded
loons across North America, factors affecting
behavior, reproduction, and survival can be
determined and regulated to minimize or eliminate their effects on this
species. |
