2005 ACLP Annual Loon Census Results

We observed the chicks about 6 weeks ago in the bay to the right.  The adults were teaching the young to eat a minnow.  The little ones would take it in their bills, lose it, and the adults would pick it up and try over again.
~ Duck Pond

This is the first chick we've seen in a number of years.  We are absolutely delirious with joy.  These loons are wonderful parents.  Our little chick is the cutest and smartest of all - and it has the most devoted parents.
~ Osgood Pond

The Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program held its fifth Annual Loon Census on Saturday, July 16^th from 8-9 a.m. On a warm, sunny morning, more than 450 dedicated observers surveyed lakes and ponds within the Adirondack Park and surrounding region for the presence of adult loons and their young. The results of the census will allow the Loon Program to determine long-term trends and fluctuations in population levels for breeding loons in the Adirondack Park of New York State. Similar  Loon Census programs conducted on the same day and same time in other Northeastern states allow scientists to better estimate the regional loon population as a whole.

A total of 221 lakes, based on 265 submitted reports, were included in the 2005 ACLP Census analysis (Chart #1). Of the total, 207 (94%) lakes were located within the Adirondack Park, which included 48 randomly selected lakes. These random waterbodies allow the Loon Program to use statistical techniques to better estimate the population of common loons summering in the Adirondack Park. An additional 7 lakes or ponds were surveyed, but not included in the final results as they were conducted outside of the census hour. However, these observations were recorded in the Loon Program’s presence/absence database, and provide valuable information about the location of common loons in the Park.

In 2005, adult loons with chicks were observed on 52 (24%) of the total 221 lakes surveyed.  Adults without chicks were observed on 99 (45%) lakes and no loons were reported on 70 (32%) of the lakes surveyed (Chart #2). 

A total of 540 loons were observed on 151 (68%) of the lakes surveyed.  Of the total number of loons recorded, 461 (85%) were adults, 67 (12%) were chicks and 12 (2%) were juveniles (Chart #3). 

The locations and results for the lakes and ponds surveyed during the 2005 Annual Loon Census are shown in the 2005 ACLP Annual Loon Census Map.  The 2005 ACLP Annual Loon Census Results Table documents the number of loons that were observed on each lake that was surveyed in 2005.

WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO THE MANY DEDICATED CENSUS OBSERVERS WHO CONTINUE TO MAKE THE ACLP ANNUAL LOON CENSUS A TRUE SUCCESS.  

Thank You!

We look forward to another great Annual Loon Census in 2006!