LETTER

Help loons at your lake this summer 

The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey has been undertaken annually by volunteers coordinated by Bird Studies Canada since 1981. Monitoring this iconic bird provides important information regarding the species as well as our environment. 

Marlies and Dieter Schoenefeld joined Bird Studies Canada in 1986 because they value their experience on Canadian lakes and they are concerned for bird and environmental health. “We wanted to be part of an important survey, paddle our canoe, watch loons and have our observations included in research about bioindicators. What a pleasure that was. Paddle with a purpose,” they said.

More volunteers are needed to survey these birds at lakes across Canada. These data will be vital to determine if loons are in decline, holding steady or making gains. No experience is needed to observe and report on the loon chicks at your local lake as a citizen scientist. The information collected will become part of the upcoming 40-year Loon Survey Report and is needed to give a true picture of the status of the Common Loon and the health of Canada’s lakes.

If you will be at a lake in Canada at least one day in each of June, July and August, please sign up for the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey. Bird Studies Canada will provide you with a kit and will help you get started. To learn more, visit birdscanada.org/loons. 

For additional information on Canada’s Common Loons, please visit: birdscanada.org/LoonFacts.

Bird Studies Canada is Canada’s leading national charitable organization dedicated to bird science and conservation. We offer many volunteer opportunities for both experienced birders and those who are interested in connecting with nature, birds and want to learn more. For information and to join Bird Studies Canada, please visit birdscanada.org.

Kathy Jones, 

Canadian Lakes Loon 

Survey Volunteer 

Coordinator, 

Bird Studies Canada.

Ottawa