This show is part of Maine Calling's ongoing coverage of topics that reflect the unique character of Maine. This episode was originally broadcast April 5, 2019, and was rebroadcast June 7, 2019.
One of the beloved symbols of Maine, the loon is categorized as a “species of greatest conservation need.” We’ll learn about why the loon is such an iconic Maine species, how the loon population is doing in Maine, and what conservation efforts are underway to protect this aquatic bird and its habitat.
Guests
Danielle E. D'Auria, wildlife biologist, bird group, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
Susan Gallo, executive director, Maine Lakes Society; longtime head of Maine Loon Count
James Paruk, associate professor, biology department, St. Joseph's College
Mark Pokras (by phone), wildlife veterinarian and associate professor emeritus, Wildlife Clinic & Center for Conservation Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University
Resources
- Down East: Where the Maine Loon Calls
- The Maine Loon Project
- Maine Audubon Annual Loon Count
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Loon Kit
- Maine’s population of iconic loons remains stable
- While Maine’s loon population is holding steady, boaters can pose a danger
- "Living In Loon Territory" brochure
- Lead Poisoning in Maine’s Common Loons: Documenting Sources and Prevalence
- Loons as Biomonitors