by Toni Reed
University Times Your Pace Contributor
Canton, ME—For those near Lake Anasagunticook, otherwise known as Canton Lake, or any of the many lakes of western Maine, the approach of spring is herald not by a sight but by sound. The low, haunting cry of the loon is a sure sign that spring has arrived.
As the ice melts, avid bird watchers hope for the rare treat of seeing a migrating group of these mystical creatures. And in July, they also hope to count them.
Mike McClusky, president of the Lake Anasagunticook Association (LAA) in Canton says, “LAA provides water testing, clearing of aqua-invasive plants, and education for anglers and boaters to preserve and protect all area wildlife, including our small loon population.”
It is estimated that the lake has four nesting pairs that return annually.
In July of 2023, more than 1,400 volunteers went out on Maine waters to count loons. Getting this census data will allow researchers like Erin Campbell, a coastal bird biologist, to see how climate change, disease, and changes in habitat affect the loons. “Maine has a population of nearly 3,000 adult loons and over 400 new chicks this year”, Campbell reported with a smile. She is anxious to see what the data will reveal this year.
She noted that 2023 was the 40th year the volunteers have collected data and, despite the challenging conditions last summer, the count was up. They are hoping for equally good news with this year’s count.
While the southern portion of Maine has enough volunteers, the northern part needs additional help.
Researcher Hannah Young says it is hard to completely cover the north with volunteers because of the remoteness of many lakes and the reduced human population there. Still, the LAA continues to advertise through the Inernet and social media, and has seen some success with younger volunteers.
“We hope to increase that in the future,” she added.
The Maine Audubon Society’s 41st annual loon count is scheduled for Saturday, July 20 from 7-7:30 A.M. and more volunteers are needed.
Volunteers can reach out to conserve@maineaudubon.org or Maine Audubon at their website:
