Loon chick numbers stay steady in Maine while range-wide counts drop

Maine loon populations have kept producing chicks at a stable rate over the past 35 years, a new study found. The research from Birds Canada contrasts this local stability with widespread declines across the birds' southern breeding range.

Matt Fuirst, a research ecologist at Birds Canada, said the group found little evidence of declining productivity in Maine. Fuirst and his team analyzed decades of observations from thousands of lakes and ponds across Canada and the northern United States.

The study identified a 40 percent average drop in chick production throughout the loon range. Declines were steeper in the Canadian prairies and Maritime provinces. Fuirst cited construction, pollution, and lead fishing sinkers as key threats. He also noted that climate change may hurt loons by making rain more acidic and reducing water clarity.

Fuirst said the researchers did not test for specific causes of the declines. He explained that threats vary by region and that different breeding areas may face different pressures.

Maine Audubon, which monitors state loon populations, reported nearly 2,800 adults and 276 chicks this year. Sally Stockwell, the organization's conservation director, said Maine’s adult population is doing well. She added that chick production has remained steady over the decades.

Stockwell noted that recent limited monitoring suggests overall productivity is still below the level needed to sustain the population long-term. The organization is concerned about the widespread declines in North America.