The Montana Loon Society

About the
Montana Loon Society

THE MONTANA LOON SOCIETY: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

National concern for common loons began in the 1970’s following increased awareness about the effect of DDT on water birds.

Early loon research helped define nesting and nursery habitat requirements, clutch and brood sizes, pair bond establishment, and general dates of spring arrival, nest initiation, and hatch.

Between 1980-1986, Montana researchers and volunteers defined the breeding range and breeding-lake characteristics of loons. In 1986, the Montana Loon Society established the first systematic breeding survey or "Loon Day".

Results from 1995-2005 show that Montana supports a total of 180-220 common loons, including an average of 45 chicks each summer.

Montana Loon Society Membership Brochure.

Click to download
a printable PDF version.

Results from July Loon Day Survey

R		1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
e	Adults	162	157	189	189	154	183	167	146	193	207	181
s	Lakes w/ Adults	84	75	72	88	68	73	74	78	89	82	88
u	Chicks	35	38	43	38	44	52	36	54	36	35	36
l	Total Population	197	195	218	227	198	235	203	200	229	242	217
t	Chick/Adult Ratio	0.22	0.24	0.25	0.20	0.29	0.28	0.22	0.37	0.19	0.17	0.19
s

Between 1986 and 1992, researchers determined that human disturbances during the nesting season had a detrimental effect on breeding loons.

MLS soon implemented a management program that relied on nest area closures using floating signs and public education at high use areas.

Later, banding efforts determined that loons nesting in Montana were wintering on the Pacific Coast and that blood-mercury levels in captured birds were minimal. The increase of human recreational and development activities on loon breeding lakes soon outpaced voluntary public education efforts. In response, recent management efforts include establishing a second loon survey in May, creating a statewide, standardized database, and funding Loon Ranger positions.

In 2001, Montana produced the highest number of loon chicks since 1981. Future statewide priorities will focus on completing the statewide database, procuring secure funding for the Loon Ranger program, and establishing a common loon population and contaminant/mortality research program.

Click below for examples of loon related activities:
1 - Migration Math, Migration Math (Teachers Page), 2 - Ranger Report,
3 - Crossword, 4 - Loon Day Math

Click below for examples of loon related primary school activities:
1 - Loon Survival, 2 - Loon Survival Page 2

Click below for examples of loon related art projects:
1 - Paint a Loon, 2 - Create a Loony Coin

Would you like to learn more about the Montana Loon Society? Click here for our Montana Loon Society Newsletter.

Loon Rangers Justin Paugh, left, and Lynn Kelly

Loon Ranger Tim Dykstra