Vermont Loonwatch 2009 Needs You!

On Saturday, July 18th, over 200 citizen scientists will be paddling on or walking around Vermont’s lakes to assess the state’s loon population. Many waterways are still in need of volunteers to monitor loons between the hours of 8 and 9AM. Vermont Loonwatch is a great way to explore a new lake or spend a morning with family and friends while helping a bird species in need. All data collected during Loonwatch are entered into Vermont eBird to help determine the course of action needed to ensure the health of loons on our busy waterways.

Since 1983, many hundreds of volunteers have searched for these majestic birds on assigned ponds, lakes, and reservoirs from the Quebec border to the Massachusetts line. Once a state-endangered species, the loon has made a tremendous rebound in Vermont. The first Loonwatch in 1983 reported 29 adult loons. Thanks to the efforts of the VLRP and its corps of dedicated volunteers, the 2008 Loonwatch reported over 200 adult loons. Vermont’s loon recovery is truly one of the state’s conservation success stories.

If you would like to join Vermont Loonwatch as a citizen scientist, please contact Eric Hanson, VCE Biologist and Vermont Loon Recovery Project Coordinator at 802-586-8064 or ehanson (AT) vtecostudies.org.

Check out the lakes that need volunteers!

Entering loonwatch data? Read the quick tutorial for help.