An New Study That Uses 38 Years of Canadian Lakes Loon Survey Data

The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (CLLS) would like to share an exciting new study that uses 38 years of data from over 1500 lakes to help explain why Common Loons are producing fewer chicks: Drivers of Decline in Common Loon (Gavia immer) Productivity in Ontario, Canada (Science of the Total Environment, 2020). Please feel free to view this document, as the TLA was a past participant in the survey

The study found that declines in the number of loon chicks in Ontario over the past four decades likely result from a complex interplay between damage from acid rain, mercury in fish, and climate change. Similar reasoning may also apply to declines in Common Loon productivity elsewhere across Canada (see our nation-wide study published in 2013).

Thank you to all our present and past participants who have made this possible! The CLLS is also excited to let you know that more research based on your hard-earned data is coming soon. Please watch for updates this fall and early next winter.

Please visit the new CLLS website and volunteer portal. Here they share important information regarding Common Loons, as well as the registration links to join the program.