June - August

Canadian Lakes Loon Survey

Loon lovers of all skill levels can share observations of Common Loons at a lake of your choice – a flexible and fun way to connect with nature.

A Common Loon with two chicks on its back — ©Common LoonsPhoto: Jennifer Allen

Across Canada

The enchanting wail of a Common Loon echoing across a lake is one of the most iconic sounds in Canada—and we want it to be heard for generations to come.

We welcome all lake-goers to participate. Families, property owners, fishing and boating recreationists, and even entire communities can help monitor loons, and share the waters with them as they raise their families.

Help Conserve Loons across the Country

Dedicate at least three days per year, visiting your lake once in June to see if loon pairs are on territory, once in July to see if chicks hatch, and once in August to see if chicks survive long enough to fledge.

As a volunteer, you may also work as a steward within your lake community, advocating for better boating, fishing, or shoreline practices, which protects and supports not only loons but the many other aquatic species that share our waterways.

How to Participate:

Review the program information at NatureCounts, and sign up if it feels like a good fit for you.
Conduct surveys throughout the summer at your favourite loon lake.
Reach out to coordinators, Kathy Jones (English) or Maxime Čapkun-Huot (French), for help at any time.

NatureCounts

An Iconic Species in Canada

More than 90% of the world’s Common Loons breed in Canada. Many consider the Common Loon to be an important part of their lake experience and cannot picture Canadian wilderness without loons.

The number of chicks loons produce is declining and in many areas, adults are less common. We need to monitor the number of chicks loons produce so that we can determine the cause of the declines, which will tell us what needs to be done to reverse the species declines. With your help we can ensure loons have the space they need to thrive, so we continue to see this iconic symbol of Canada’s wilderness for decades to come.

A Common Loon swims with its chick. — ©Common LoonsPhoto: Mark Peck

Not ready to volunteer? You can still help protect loons by sharing Loon Alert signs in your community. These signs can be posted at boat ramps, mooring sites, and other public access points to raise awareness and encourage responsible boating where loons are present. Access and download the signs here.