Protect nesting loons, chicks by enjoying from a distance
June 19, 2024 | By Vermont Fish & Wildlife 
Loons nesting along lake shorelines are susceptible to human disturbance, and their nests can be flooded and destroyed by motorboat wakes. VTF&W photo by Mitch Moraski
Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake. For the birds’ protection, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department asks boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance this summer.
“Loons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, but they face continued threats from human disturbance during the breeding season and ingestion of fishing gear,” said state wildlife biologist Rosalind Renfrew.
“Many areas where loons nest on Vermont’s lakes are surrounded by signs reminding people to give loons the space they need, but not all nesting areas are marked,” Renfrew said. “We’re asking people to enjoy loons from a distance rather than approaching them, whether you are in a boat or on shore.”
Anglers are also reminded to avoid using lead fishing tackle. Every year Vermont loons die from lead poisoning after swallowing fishing tackle Lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less are prohibited in Vermont, but larger tackle still has the capacity to slough off lead into the environment over time. Renfrew recommends that anglers be careful not to attract loons to their bait and lures, and especially not to leave any fishing line behind as it can entangle and kill loons.
The Waterbury Reservoir has containers for fishing tackle disposal placed by the nonprofit environmental group Friends of the Waterbury Reservoir.
Eric Hanson is a biologist with the Vermont Loon Conservation Project and Vermont Center for Ecostudies. He suggests that anglers reel in for a few minutes if loons are diving nearby. The Center for Ecostudies this summer also will be placing containers for led tackle and fishing line disposal at more than 20 boat access areas this summer. The center coordinates the project with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.
Hanson and his colleagues monitor Vermont’s loon population and have put out game cameras around loon nests to monitor the behavior of people around them. Hanson says most people are respectful of nesting loons and give them space, but people sometimes inadvertently harm loons without meaning to.
“Loon chicks can be difficult to see, so we ask motorboaters to note where loon families are and to avoid those areas,” Hansonm said. “We also ask that motorboaters obey ‘no wake’ laws within 200 feet of shorelines because boat wakes can flood and destroy shoreline loon nests.”
As Vermont’s loon population continues to increase and canoeing and kayaking continue to become more popular, there is greater potential for people to come into conflict with loons. Hanson reminds boaters to avoid pursuing loons in a canoe or kayak, especially loons with young.
“Occasionally a loon will be curious and approach people, and if that happens, just enjoy it,” Hanson said. “However, loons that are constantly swimming away from you are stressed and may abandon their young if they feel they are in danger.”
Shoreline property owners should maintain appropriate habitat for loons, Hanson said, including shrubby and forested areas along shorelines where loons can nest. Having shrubs and trees instead of lawns along shorelines also improves water quality, which is essential for healthy lakes, aquatic insects, fish eggs, fish and loons.
Volunteers interested in monitoring loons for the Loon Conservation Project should contact Hanson at loon@vtecostudies.org. Volunteers can monitor lakes all summer long with a focus on lakes with loon pairs and nesting.
Volunteers can also survey one or two lakes on Loonwatch Day, this year on July 20, between 8 and 9 a.m. The goal is to survey all lakes greater than 20 acres simultaneously to get a population count and to check on small lakes that are surveyed less often during the rest of the year.
Waterbury Roundabout contributed to this report.