The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation coordinates the annual loon survey that is conducted by volunteers throughout New York. The Annual Loon Census is held on the third Saturday of July each year. Data provides valuable population trends over time.
In 2018, more than 530 observers participated in the 18th Annual New York Loon Census. Of the 200 lakes surveyed, 96 percent are in the Adirondack Park. Upper Saranac Lake is one of the largest lakes that participates in the survey.
Survey wide, a total of 643 loons were observed. Upper Saranac Lake had the highest concentration of loons of all the lakes surveyed with 33 adults and three chicks. Data collected since 2011 indicates that the statewide loon population is slowly growing in size and expanding its range. The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Report further indicates that the loon population may be nearing their carrying capacity within the Adirondack Park.
Results from the 2018 annual Loon Census results are now available online at the link below.
Loons congregating on Upper Saranac Lake in the fall of 2018 in preparation for the flight to the Atlantic coast.