Results of the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program’s

2006 Annual Loon Census

We saw the adults upon arrival, they were diving for minnows.  When they caught one they would call, the little one would come out to them, and they would feed the young one. 

 ~ Duck Pond 

The two chicks are now about twelve inches and seem to be doing well.  Last year, we did not have young ones...we are thrilled!
~Rainbow Falls Reservoir

The Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program held the sixth Annual Loon Census on Saturday, July 15^th, from 8-9 a.m. On an overcast and misty morning, more than 500 dedicated observers surveyed loons on their favorite lakes and ponds throughout New York. We would especially like to welcome the many observers that sent in reports from the St. Lawrence River. The results of the Census provide important information about long-term trends in the Adirondack breeding loon population and enable scientists to better determine changes in population dynamics from a state and a regional perspective. The Census is coordinated with similar counts conducted on the same day and time throughout the Northeast. 

A total of 221 waterbodies, based on 273 submitted reports, were included as part of the 2006 census analysis (Chart #1). Of the 221 lakes (including the St. Lawrence River), 212 (96%) were located within the Adirondack Park, which included 42 random lakes. Information from these randomly chosen lakes allows the Loon Program to use statistical techniques to better estimate the population of common loons summering in the Adirondack Park. An additional 3 lakes and ponds were surveyed, but not included in the analysis because the observations were conducted outside of the census hour. 

In 2006, loon chicks or immature loons were observed on 54 (24%) of the 221 lakes surveyed. Adults without chicks were observed on 104 (47%) lakes, and no loons were reported on 63 (29%) of the lakes surveyed (Chart #2).

A total of 578 loons were observed on 158 (79%) of the Census lakes.  Of the total number of loons recorded, 493 (85%) were adults, 67 (12%) were chicks, and 18 (3%) were juveniles (Chart #3). 

The locations and results for the lakes and ponds surveyed during the 2006 Annual Loon Census are shown on the 2006 ACLP Annual Loon Census Map. The 2006 ACLP Annual Loon Census Results Table documents the number of loons that were observed on each lake that was surveyed in 2006.

We are Very Grateful to the Many Dedicated Census Observers who Continue to Make the Annual Loon Census a True Success.  

Thank You!

We look forward to another great Annual Loon Census on

 Saturday, July 21, 2007!