New Technology Supports Conservation Efforts for Loons Amidst Environmental Challenges
Loons, the iconic waterbirds of North America, are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change and pollution. A new initiative, funded by an oil spill settlement, has led to the development of a mobile app designed to enable non-scientists to contribute to loon conservation research.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Vermont is known for its populations of loons, a cherished species among waterbirds in North America…
(SOUNDBITE OF LOON WAILING)
SIMON: …Loons. Back in 1983, when lakeshore development was on the rise, biologists recorded only about twelve pairs of loons in Vermont. Since then, the population has rebounded significantly. However, the looming threat of climate change remains a concern. Vermont Public’s Abagael Giles provides insight into how a new app may aid these vulnerable birds.
ABAGAEL GILES, BYLINE: Each summer, two pairs of loons make their way to Great Hosmer Pond in northern Vermont, seeking to nest and raise their young.
ERIC HANSON: Oh, my gosh. Cool. So I could not see this loon nest from the shore, but he’s tucked in on a nice marshy island. And now that we’re a little closer, I can see the head popping up.
GILES: On a sunny June day, loon biologist Eric Hanson, equipped with binoculars, searches for young loons from a canoe. Peeking over a bog laurel, an adult loon’s black head with a beady eye observes us.
HANSON: This bird is actually in a very relaxed position. The head’s upright. The bill’s horizontal. You know if you’re a little too close when they do what we call the hangover position, with the head extended and the bill down low.
GILES: An integral part of Vermont’s ecosystem for millions of years, loons have outlasted several bird species. While last year marked a successful breeding season, loons now face mounting challenges. Climate change, for instance, results in more intense rainstorms, leading to murky lakes that hinder hunting efforts. The state experienced severe flooding some years back, significantly affecting loon chick survival.
HANSON: Back in ’23, we actually had two chicks. One died. One went over the dam ’cause it was so malnourished on lakes that had really high turbidity right after those storms.
GILES: Monitoring loon populations is crucial, but Vermont’s numerous lakes make it difficult for Hanson, who works with a local environmental nonprofit, to cover all areas. For years, he’s relied on volunteers, who often submit data via handwritten notes, voicemails, and emails. Loons captivate people, partly due to their unique vocalizations, as demonstrated by a recording from the New Hampshire Loon Preservation Committee.
(SOUNDBITE OF LOONS HOOTING)
HANSON: They all become a bunch of kindergartners and just start hooting and hollering for no apparent reason at all.
(SOUNDBITE OF LOONS HOOTING)
GILES: Funded by a settlement from a past oil spill, Hanson’s team developed a mobile application called LoonWeb. This app aims to streamline data collection significantly.
HANSON: GPS track. Yes. I’m going to have it track us, so that will allow us to just move along. I’m going to start the survey, and we will just start moving up the lake. I’m going to add a loon for the bird I see on the nest.
GILES: Completing this process takes around 45 seconds. Hanson envisions this tool evolving into a nationwide database of loon populations, enriched by data from citizen scientists. Such a resource would allow researchers to focus on future challenges, like examining the impact of PFAS, chemicals found in waterproof clothing, on loon health.
HANSON: If we can get people to think about what loons need – a healthy lake, healthy shorelines, healthy riparian areas – that’s going to help the whole lake ecosystems.
GILES: This summer, Maine Audubon is also testing LoonWeb for bird surveys. Now, anyone interested in tracking loons can participate through the app.
For NPR News, I’m Abagael Giles on Great Hosmer Pond in Vermont.
(SOUNDBITE OF LOONS WAILING)
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