The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation has released the results of the 2025 Annual Loon Census—and once again, the Upper Saranac watershed played a significant role.
On July 19, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, volunteers surveyed 307 lakes, ponds, and rivers across New York State as part of the annual census. Within the Upper Saranac watershed, observers reported the following:
- Upper Saranac Lake: 42 adults, 6 chicks
- Fish Creek Pond: 4 adults
- Floodwood Pond: 2 adults, 1 chick
- Follensby Clear Pond: 8 adults, 3 immature
- Green Pond: 2 adults
- Hoel Pond: 5 adults
- Horseshoe Pond: 2 adults
- Lake Clear: 2 adults
- Little Clear Pond: 10 adults
- Little Green Pond: 3 adults
- Long Pond: 8 adults
- Middle Pond: 2 adults, 1 chick
- Rat Pond: 2 adults, 2 immature
- Rollins Pond: 3 adults, 1 chick
- Whey Pond: 5 adults
Statewide, the census recorded more than 1,000 loons, continuing a long-term upward trend in overall abundance. However, the report notes that increased volunteer participation and a focus on lakes known to have loons may influence these numbers. More concerning is the continued decline in the percentage of waterbodies with chicks—an indication that statewide reproductive success may be falling below levels needed to support a stable loon population.
Read the full report:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57dade1a59cc6819439278dd/t/6931e5bc010cd06066f234cb/1764877756966/FINAL_+2025+Census+Report.pdf
Upper Saranac Lake: A Certified Loon Friendly Lake
Upper Saranac Lake is proudly certified as a Loon Friendly Lake through the Adirondack Loon Friendly Lake Certification Program, an initiative that promotes community stewardship and the protection of loon habitat.
In partnership with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, the Upper Saranac Foundation supports loon conservation through:
- Protecting and monitoring nesting sites
- Participating in loon banding and research programs
- Maintaining the Fishing Line Recycling Program
- Providing community education through publications, social media, and our Watershed Stewards
This certification reflects our collective commitment to protecting loons and preserving the ecological health of the Upper Saranac watershed.
Ongoing Research and Monitoring
The Upper Saranac Foundation continues to collaborate with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation on important research tracking loon health and the long-term impacts of mercury contamination. As part of this effort, loons are safely captured, banded, and sampled on Upper Saranac Lake.
During nighttime fieldwork, USF Executive Director Guy Middleton assists researchers by navigating the lake and helping locate birds for examination. This work provides essential data that allows scientists to monitor individual loons and assess overall population health.
The Upper Saranac Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and all volunteers and partners who contributed to the 2025 Loon Census. Your efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in protecting the loons of the Adirondacks.
Together, we are helping ensure that loons continue to thrive in the Adirondacks for generations to come.
