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Our second Annual Loon Census was held from 8-9 a.m. on Saturday, July
20th, 2002. As in 2001, it was an excellent morning to be on
the water:
“Beautiful, calm,
misty, then clear”
“This lake is a
stunning place, well worth a visit!”
More than 300 observers spent the hour on
their favorite lake looking for loons. We received 177 reports from 159
lakes (some observers split large lakes into sections), 153 (96%) of
which were in the Adirondack Park (2002-Chart #1).
A total of 451 loons were observed on 121
(76%) lakes. No loons were observed on 38 (24%) of the lakes. Of the 451
loons observed, 383 (85%) were adults, 59 (13%) were loon chicks, and 9
(2%) were immature loons (2002-Chart #2).
Adults with chicks or immature loons were
observed on 41 lakes (26%), and adult loons were observed by themselves
on 80 lakes (50%; 2002-Chart #3). |
Locations where loons were observed in ACLP’s 2002 census are shown in
the 2002 Annual Loon Census Map. The 2002 Annual Loon Census Results
Table provides the lakes where observations were conducted and the
number of loons observed on each lake.
Watching loons is a
regular pastime for many of our observers:
“We observe this pond every year for
the return of the loons. There has been a pair here for the last 18
years. We start looking for the loons when ice is just out on this
pond.”
“Appears as though this is a new pair.
They are very defensive of their radius that humans are allowed as
compared to past pair. Young loons are diving for much of own food and
are left on their own for periods of 1-2 hours regularly.”
“Loon #1 was on a nest, far away, barely visible. Loon #2 popped up
nearby & called to loon #1, who replied. Confirmed no bands on loon #2.
Loon #2 swam down to loon #1 & loon #1 jumped off nest & hung out with
loon #2. On July 21st, saw two day-old chicks!”
MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN ACLP’S 2002 ANNUAL LOON
CENSUS!
The census is only possible with the assistance of many observers. We
are greatly appreciative of your help! |
